Pac-10 Crystal Ball: Week 5

WHEN BELLOTTI (temporarily) kicked himself upstairs, a sharp drop in duplicitous double-talk seemed inevitable. Bellotti was king in that regard, and no successor was apparent. Well, thank God for Chip Kelly and his secret plan. And three cheers for the University of Oregon, who pulled Kelly's press conference video announcing the season-long suspension of LeGarrette Blount off their website.

WSU @ Oregon
In halftime ceremonies during a blowout win over the Cougs, Chip Kelly will unveil his new secret plan -- in place since Week 1 -- to fight inflation and unemployment. Oregon president Richard Lariviere will again call LeGarrette Blount's behavior "reprehensible" as he offers the UO running back the key to the city. The Pac-10's new commissioner, Larry Scott, will "commend the University of Oregon" for going back on their decision. Even Bellotti will weigh in, saying he was misquoted in saying Blount no longer deserves to "represent the university on the field anymore." These are the Ducks we all remember and love.
Pick: Ducks and Dignity

UCLA @ Stanford
The Bruins are undefeated but they cannot fight the power of Harbaugh and his Taj Mahal of Toilets. Neuheisel will have to apply his rouge in the visitor's Honeybucket and that's just no way to prepare to win a football game.
Pick: Stanford

Washington @ Notre Dame
Notre Dame is overrated. So is Washington. But it should be an entertaining game if only to watch the two egomaniacs, Charlie Weis and Steve Sarkisian, smile and compliment at each other while trying to steal each other's signs.
Pick: Notre Dame

USC @ Cal
Cal looked positively incompetent last week. The Trojans have not hit their stride yet but even when they do, it figures to be a bit shorter than in recent years past. But Cal is back in the commune and the comfort level alone will be enough to re-inspire and give them the upset.
Pick: Cal

Oregon State @ ASU
The Beavs much maligned d-line gets exactly what they need, a banged up ASU o-line. Dennis will be looking for the barkeep by halftime and putting out feelers for his next job by the end of the game.
Pick: Oregon State