Vince Grippi’s Pac-10 picks

It’s not too often a blocked extra point is returned for two points by the defense. It’s not too often that three-point swing ultimately decides a game. And it’s not too often a freak play ruins my week. Usually, the ordinary plays do that just fine. Expect a return to a normal pattern this week. As always, the listed line is for your entertainment purposes only. All games Saturday. Oregon at California (Oregon by 19.5): The Bears are two different teams, one when they pack their suitcases, one when they don’t. The Ducks have sort of been the same way. It’s just that both of Oregon’s teams are better than Cal, even in Berkeley. Oregon, 45-10. Stanford at Arizona State (Stanford by 5): The Sun Devils have been majoring in close losses this season. Time for one more class. Stanford, 27-24. USC at Arizona (Arizona by 4.5): The Wildcats have been hit by the injury bug. They are coming off a tough, kill-their-hopes defeat. And still they should handle the Trojans. Arizona, 35-33. Washington State at Oregon State (Oregon State by 23.5): For three consecutive weeks the Cougars are playing a team coming off a tough defeat, supplying their opponent with extra motivation. Seems a little unfair, doesn’t it? OSU, 35-17. Last week: 3-2 overall, 3-2 vs. spread; Season: 47-13 overall, 30-22 vs. spread.