It's time to focus the binoculars on the Pacific 10 schedule which gets up to speed this weekend with three important games: Oregon State at USC, Washington State at California and Stanford at Arizona State. UCLA and Washington also play, however, both meet nonconference opponents, San Diego State and Idaho, respectively.

With nearly a month gone in the 2002 season, the conference, as it was last season, is very balanced, with five schools (Oregon, Washington, Washington State, USC and Oregon State) ranked in the AP's Top 25 poll. But it remains to be seen whether any of these teams will be as good as Oregon was last year. The Watcher felt that the Ducks, who clobbered Colorado in the Fiesta Bowl, should have played Miami for the national title instead of Nebraska.

Thus far, USC and Washington appear to be a little better than the rest but California, which pulled off a surprising upset of Michigan State two weeks ago and lost a close game to Air Force last Saturday, is off to a good start under a new coaching staff.

So, here is a look at this weekend's top games in the West.

OREGON STATE (4-0) at USC (2-1). The unbeaten Beavers come into the Coliseum where they've lost 18 straight times to the Trojans, dating back to 1960. ABC's venerable Keith Jackson noted after USC's dominating victory over Colorado in Boulder two weeks ago that this USC team was the best he'd seen in years. He specifically praised the defense which stopped the Buffalo running game cold. USC slipped a little last week against tricky Kansas State. The defense had trouble with the Wildcats' option offense and USC's offensive line didn't protect quarterback Carson Palmer like it had been and USC's usually-reliable receivers dropped eight passes. Last season, USC beat Oregon State in overtime, 16-13, but Beaver tailback Steven Jackson isn't too concerned about the losing streak. "I don't really believe it has anything to do with this team and the way we're playing. But hopefully we'll put a stop to it this Saturday." The Watcher agrees. Oregon State, 24-17.

WASHINGTON STATE (3-1) at CALIFORNIA (3-1). California fans were giddy after the Bears' upset of Michigan State but Air Force brought the euphoria back to reality last week with a 23-21 victory. After all, Cal was 1-10 last season, so let's not get too excited. The Bears have leadership under new coach Jeff Tedford, who was Oregon's offensive coordinator last season, and senior quarterback Kyle Boller. This time last year they were 0-4, so obviously things are improving. Also, Washington State was nearly everyone's preseason favorite to go to the Rose Bowl, but the speedy Cougars did a pratfall against Ohio State in their opener at Columbus. And quarterback Jason Gesser, who is nursing a rib injury, is questionable to play, although coach Mike Price said he will be available. This game will tell a lot about both teams. Go with the Golden Bears at home, 31-26.

STANFORD (1-1) at ARIZONA STATE (3-1). The Sun Devils are another up-and-coming Pac-10 team with coach Dirk Koetter focusing on a quick start, which ASU has accomplished so far in its nonconference matchups. In their last game, the Sun Devils came back from a 22-0 deficit against San Diego State to pull out a 39-28 victory. Now comes the Cardinal at Tempe. Koetter has promoted Andrew Walter to starting quarterback for this game. In the team's last two wins, Walter came off the bench to replace starter Chad Christensen and his play has led the Sun Devils to a three-game win streak. With Tyrone Willingham gone to Notre Dame and with only two games played, it's too early to tell about Stanford. The Watcher likes ASU, 35-28.

UCLA (2-1) at SAN DIEGO STATE (0-4). The Bruins should shake off the lumps Colorado put on them last week and have an easy time against the Aztecs. Coach Bob Toledo said UCLA needs to block better and hopes to get his running backs some open space to run. UCLA easily covers a 14-point spread.

OTHER GAMES: Air Force (3-0) at Utah (2-2). Idaho (1-3) at Washington (2-1).

GOING COASTAL: Nevada Reno quarterback Zack Threadkill the WAC offensive player of the week for the second time this season, throwing for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns last Saturday against Rice....Tailback Roger Robinson of Utah State, the team's leading rusher, has left the team, according to coach Mick Dennehy, who declined to give a reason for Robinson's departure...The No. 9-ranked Oregon Ducks (Associated Press) are off this week, but open Pac-10 play on Oct. 5 at Arizona. Ducks' receiver Keenan Howry has caught a pass in 39 straight games. The conference record is 42 held by Dennis Northcutt of Arizona (1996-99). USC's Kareem Kelly is right behind Howry with 38 catches.