SC - Wow!

USC got their head's handed to them by the Beavers once again.

USC, I think, is a great team. Unfortunately for the Trojans, Oregon State always has something special for them in Corvallis. This is the second time in a row where the Beavers have won there against SC.

Which is weird for Cal fans, because since Tedford has been here, it is almost the opposite. We only win in Corvallis, and lose at home against the Beavers.

Oregon State once again proves that Mike Riley is one of the best football coaches in the College game. I think he does more with less than almost anyone. Granted - he will take almost anyone. But they end up with a good team year in and year out. Inevitably, it is a slow start, and ends up at 8-4 or 9-3 each year. That is because he develops mediocre talent and they improve throughout the year. Lots of JC transfers, lots of other transfers (just landed a new QB from Virginia, who was kicked off the team for drinking related issues).

To be honest, if Oregon State get's past Utah next week, it will be something. They all of a sudden will have the inside track to the Pac 10 title. They get all of the toughest opponents remaining at home (Cal, Oregon and ASU). They will have to travel to Washington and Arizona, both of which can be tough for the Beavers. And it will improve the Pac 10 overall conference position. i think it really is critical for Cal and Oregon State to win this weekend for Pac 10 strength of schedule and computer rankings. Utah is a top 15 team, or else they will be by next week. Oregon State knocking off two top 15 teams will definitely vault them into the top 25. If Oregon, Cal and Arizona State can keep up (as well as SC) I could see 4 or 5 top 25 teams from the Pac 10 by the end of the year.

This is actually great for Cal. It takes SC out of the running for the NCG (most likely). If SC loses once more, which I could see, this is a great opportunity for the Bears to finally end the Trojan streak as Pac 10 dominators. I think Cal is in the best position as second in the Pac 10, and now, the leader has made a critical mistake. Let's see if the Bears can capitalize on it.

And as we do, let's all remember that Oregon State started the Cal nosedive last year on the famous Kevin Riley brain cramp. Imagine if we both go into the Oregon State game with Pac 10 leadership riding on it, and Riley has to go into Corvallis to get revenge on the Beavers for last year. That could be a crazy game.

But first, Colorado State.

GO BEARS!!