NCAA FOOTBALL Rumble Out West: Arizona St. @ Oregon

The spread is 7.5, but there’s a lot more on the line than just the game, Pac-10 bragging rights, and heisman votes: the loser will most likely forgo any chance to play in the National Title game. On Saturday, #4 Arizona State travels up north to Autzen Stadium to face the #5 Oregon Ducks. The Ducks already have 1 loss while the Sun Devils are still perfect. Both teams have studs at quarterback, Rudy Carpenter for the Devils and Dennis Dixon for the Ducks. The problem for the Devils is that Carpenter has a sprained thumb and hasn’t thrown the ball this week in practice. I’m sure Carpenter’s not going to sit this game out, but he’s gonna have to be as close to 100% as possible to beat a sizzling Oregon squad that’s coming off a huge win courtesy of the Trojans. My pick, Ducks to win, but not to cover. 7.5 is way too large for 2 solid teams. One *, if Carpenter doesn’t play, then Ducks to cover and win in a big way. Remember, Autzen stadium is quite possibly the loudest place to play in the country (no offense to the Swamp in Florida), so the 12th man will definitely play a role. Damn you Ducks for beating my Trojans and knocking them into mortality and mediocrity…