FOOTBALL FRIDAY, WEEK IX

Happy Football Friday, Week IX style. Pretty hard to believe that we have only four games left on the slate. Where has the time gone?

Check the link in the post below for the most in-depth breakdown of this weekend’s tilt that you will find anywhere–and that of course includes the papers. Great work, Hawk!

In terms of Brinkhater’s takes, well, just scroll down to the bottom of the blog. Obviously, this weekend comes down to Alex Brink’s ability to start off strong enough to create some lanes for the running game–cuz they are gonna stack the box to start. Of course, beyond establishing the pass to set up the run, Alex and the crew has to deliver again in the redzone once we get down there.

But, as I’ve said in previous posts, Alex will do just that. Why?

As I noted, this is the time of the year where confidence and moxy means EVERYTHING as we painfully witnessed in the reverse last year. And this group has it collectively as well as with its individual leader, Brink. A couple of key points to remember:

1) WSU is 7-3 over UCLA since 1994 and has won the last two trips to the RB. Simply put, there is a feeling that we “own” these guys that can not be underestimated. And that feeling is only bolstered by the fact that one of the “3” included last year’s choke job where we kicked their butts for 3 1/2 quarters when we were 4-7.

2) Alex Brink has played well against these guys and ALREADY has won in the Rose Bowl. So, we aren’t gonna see the ‘Yips’ that we saw in Reser where he was trying to shake off the deamons of years past. He ALREADY knows he can win down there. And, he’ll do it again.

3) UCLA’s offense is NOT as good as Oregon. Simply put, we shut those boys down with a 3-4 and with Tark and company until the game was already over. We’ll effectively limit UCLA’s O as well.

The only scenario that we lose this game is if we get smashed by a bunch of injuries to the defense or if Brink gets hurt. I don’ t think either is gonna happen.

Cougs are gonna win this weekend and win big (but BEWARE of a resting Arizona and a let down next week!):

WSU 35 UCLA 24 (two UCLA scores happen in the 4th).
UCLA 23-21 (hawk)

Elsewhere (Hawks’ picks below)
ASU 31 UW 17–UW comes back to life after inspired first game without Stanny. ASU becomes scary again.
UW 27, ASU 23

USC 38 OSU 6 (Bernard’s injury makes Moore A LOT less)
USC 30, OSU 16

Oregon 116 PSU 81 (who cares!)
Oregon 45, PSU 13

Enjoy the game!!!