Oregon Magazine

Cover

Pigskin Pete
Pigskin Goes Undefeated...
Game of Year Now Appears

By Fred Delkin

(OrMag: due to a computer crash, this supposedly predictive column has gone up after Saturday. I debated if I should post it, then thought it might be interesting to Fred's fans who already know the outcomes of the games, so will be able to compare what he guessed to what happened right here and right now. If this is a ridiculous thing to do, it isn't Fred's fault. LL)

Our crystal ball showed nothing but clear images this past week, as Pigskin recorded a 6-0 forecast record as Oregon, Oregon State, California, Southern California, Arizona, Stanford and Cal Davis were all victorious. Now comes crunch time in the Pac10, as Oregon, undefeated in league play, hosts perennial titlist USC. This is the national game-of-the-week, with ABC's Gameday show being broadcast from Eugene. The Duck squad that dismantled Washington in Husky Stadium gives evidence of being able to defeat the Trojans, an earlier loser to Washington. Webfoot coach Chip Kelly is ably accompanied by his veteran defensive cohort, Nick Alliotti and they have easily overcome injuries and suspensions to illustrate the depth that Oregon boasts.

Yes, SC whipped Ohio State and Notre Dame in away games earlier this season, but we submit that neither foe is the equal of the current Oregon lineup. Trojan frosh QB sensation Matt Barkley should be awed by the noise caldron that a ramped-up Autzen stadium crowd creates. The Kelly-crafted Oregon spread offense is purring on all cylinders, sparked by the rushing of whirling dervish LaMichael James and the running & passing combo threat of QB Jeremiah Masoli. OREGON by 7. (It was an Oregon win, but by many more points. In fact the victory was by more points than any team had ever beaten this USC coach. LL)

Interstate 5 threatens to become a parking lot Saturday, with Oregon State also playing at home vs. UCLA. The Beavers gave a notable account of themselves in a narrow loss to USC in the L.A. Coliseum. The Halloween-clad Bevos have far more talent on both sides of the ball than lil' Ricky Neweasel's Bruins, apparently threatening to join poor Washington State at the tail-end of Pac10 standings. OREGON STATE by 14. (Didn't watch this one, but somebody told me the Beavers came out on top. LL)

The rag-tag WSU Cougars have scheduled a game with Notre Dame that will be played in San Antonio. The '09 Irish are no powerhouse, but have more than enough talent to humiliate the Palouse denizens. NOTRE DAME by 28 (or worse). (Dont know. LL)

California has won two straight in league play, over UCLA & Washington State, after being dumped by Oregon and USC. This week the Bears visit Arizona State and we believe that the Sun Devils' mentor Dennis Erickson haws molded a defense that will overcome Cal. ASU by 7. (No idea. LL)

Stanford, Arizona and Washington all get the weekend off.

Portland State's collapse is likely to be continued in a match with Eastern Washington to be played at Seattle's
Quest Field. This was originally promoted by the PSU athletic department as an Amtrak travel opportunity for
Viking fans. However, the plethora of vacant seats at the last two PSU home games are a sign of the disaffection amidst PSU fans who expected coach Jerry Glanville's third year to be a winner. Not so, and Viking boosters' thoughts have already turned to the upcoming basketball season. We fully expect Glanville to be relieved of his once-promising contract by a young coach who recognizes the opportunity to recruit a winner for the state's largest university and key sports fan base. PGE Park deserves more than being a home for major league soccer.