VIEW FROM THE MIDWEST: SEPTEMBER 1, 2007

Pac-10 Makes Early Case As Nation’s Top Conference

By John Scheibe / watcher@collegeblitz.com

It wasn’t the blowout that everyone expected, still USC managed to dispose of Idaho Saturday night at the Coliseum. Playing a humpty the first game of the season can be disastrous, just ask Michigan, but the 46-point favored Trojans scripted a 28-point win against the Vandals, who at least got a nice trip to Southern California, although it probably was a lot cooler up in Moscow.

Quarterback John David Booty threw three touchdown passes, offensive coordinator Steve Sarkasian got most of the running backs some work and Pete Carroll emptied the bench in the fourth quarter.

USC should retain its No. 1 ranking and now has a week off to prepare for its date with Nebraska, a week from Saturday in Lincoln. This will be a the “real” season opener and will give a clearer indication if this is the best squad of the Carroll era.

Earlier in the day, UCLA got to business right away with its first Pacific 10 Conference win at Stanford, a 45-17 trouncing of the Cardinal, although the game was close at the half. Mild-mannered Karl Dorrell tore into his team in the locker room and the motivated Bruins picked up the pace in the third quarter.

Quarterback Ben Olson seems to be following the instructions of Jay Norvell, the new offensive coordinator. In the past, Olson at times decided to do his own play calling and the results got him a quick seat on the bench. The left-hander completed 16 of 29 passes for 286 yards and a career-high five touchdowns.

Stanford’s new coach, Jim Harbaugh, has his work cut out for him. The Bruins, who were not expected to be a strong offensive team, rolled up 642 yards on a plodding Cardinal defense. Stanford has been the doormat of the Pac 10 since Tyrone Willingham left Palo Alto for Notre Dame 5 years ago. Harbaugh, the former Michigan great, had much success at U. of San Diego, coaching the Toreros into a bowl game last season. For a now, a 6-6 season and a win over Cal looks like a stretch for the Farm Folks.

Meanwhile, the league opened the season nicely with California, Washington, Arizona State, Oregon State and Oregon all securing victories. Desean Jackson ran back a big punt for a touchdown and the Golden Bears avenged last season’s opening loss to Tennessee, 45-31. And the Huskies, on the road at Syracuse, beatt the Orangemen in the Carrier Dome. Syracuse is now competing with Oregon for the worst Day-Glo uniforms in the country. Willingham’s Purple Gang looked much improved, both on the field and in the color-scheme department.

Dennis Erickson’s debut as head coach of Arizona State was a laugher as the Sun Devils held San Jose St. to a field goal. Erickson is directing his third Pac-10 team. Maybe three will be the charm for a Rose Bowl appearance for the grizzled coach, who has made stops at Washington State and Oregon State. But the smart money is staying away from the Sun Devils.

The Coast Watcher, John Scheibe, is the author of the new book "On the Road With Jim Murray: Baseball and the Summer of '79," which is available at Barnes and Noble stores and online at amazon.com and bn.com. Visit the book’s official website for more information.