From his e-mail newsletter:
• Two of the top running games in the conference are at the heart of the Utah-UCLA showdown for control of the South. To the grinders go the spoils.
• Do the Utes have enough offense to avoid another November meltdown? Looks that way.
• The margin for error is thin and the sense of urgency high for Washington State after the loss in Berkeley.
• Stanford must win two of its final three to keep the postseason streak alive. Here’s a breakdown of all three matchups.
• Arizona State expects quarterback Jayden Daniels back this week after he missed USC due to injury. But the Sun Devils need more from Eno Benjamin and the running game in order to end their losing streak.
• Meanwhile, Arizona’s starting quarterback in Eugene depends on practice performance. Yep, Khalil Tate is in a full-blown competition in the final month of his senior season.
• USC running backs Vavae Malepeai and Stephen Carr returned to practice Tuesday and are seemingly on track to play this weekend. Kenan Christon will have some needed company.
• It appears Oregon State receiver Trevon Bradford will be back next season.
• The truth comes out, 19 years later: Dick Tomey wasn’t forced out by Arizona following the 2000 season, after all. He resigned on his own, according to the Daily Star’s Greg Hansen – and Wildcats football hasn’t been the same since.