UCLA (4-5) vs. Washington (3-6)
Vs.
8:00 ET ESPN, Thur. Nov. 18, Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
UCLA: The Bruins picked up a huge win in their last game against Oregon State. A loss would have been their fourth straight. Sophomore quarterback Richard Brehaut has played moderately at best since taking over the starting position, but will need to step up Thursday in a harsh environment if the Bruins expect to win. PLAYER TO WATCH: Jonathan Franklin, So. RB
Washington: The Huskies got great news this week when quarterback Jake Locker was cleared to play. Locker had been sitting out with cracked ribs sustained in the Stanford loss. Its senior night at Husky Stadium and the last time many will get to see Locker play. I would expect a big game from the future first rounder. PLAYER TO WATCH: Jermaine Kearse, Jr. WR
The Pick: Husky Stadium is a hostile place to play. Only when the Huskies themselves show up to play, though. On senior night, I wouldn’t expect anything but a hard fought game from Washington. I think the Huskies are a better team than their record states. Their three game losing streak came against Arizona, Stanford and Oregon. They also have the better chance of reaching a bowl down the stretch. Washington 34 – UCLA 26
(Friday)
Fresno State (6-3) vs. #4 Boise State (9-0)
Vs.
9:30 PM ET, ESPN 2, Fri. Nov. 19, Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID
Fresno State: The Bulldogs gave No. 18 Nevada quite the scare last week. The Fresno offense is dominating as of late, thanks much in part to sophomore tailback Robbie Rouse. Rouse has four straight games of 115 plus yards and has rushed for back-to-back 200 yard games. The defense is flat, however, giving up an average of 28 points a game. PLAYER TO WATCH: Chris Carter, Sr. DE
Boise State: Apart from their out of character trick plays, teams know what to expect from the Broncos. And teams are still trying to figure out how to stop Boise. Kellen Moore has been exceptional again this season, while running back Doug Martin has averaged at least seven yards a carry in six games. It’s reasonable to think Moore and Martin will watch from the sidelines late yet again. PLAYER TO WATCH: Jeremy Avery, Sr. RB
The Pick: Picking the Broncos to win every week can get boring. But picking against them, especially in a WAC game, is downright stupid. The Bulldogs are a good team this year, as they have been in the last few years. Expecting them to hang with the Broncos, on the Blue turf none-the-less, isn’t smart. The key for Boise will be stopping Rouse. With one of the best defensive lines in the country, it shouldn’t be all that hard. Boise State 48 – Fresno State 24
Last Week: 7-4 – Overall: 91-41 – Upset Pick: 6-4
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