Big game at different venue

PULLMAN – This was supposed to be “Showdown Saturday” in the Pac-10. When the schedule was released, it was obvious the conference’s really, really big game was set for the Bay Area this week.

Well, there’s still a big game in the area.

It just isn’t California hosting USC.

It’s across the bay in Stanford, where the 3-1 Cardinal, atop the Pac-10 standings at 2-0, host the undefeated UCLA Bruins, making their conference debut.

“The only one I’m concerned about is the one in Palo Alto,” UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said on a conference call Tuesday when asked if his game or the USC vs. Cal game is the biggest game in the area this week.

Neuheisel has his concerns. The Cardinal are playing as well as anyone in the conference.

The biggest concern every opponent has with Stanford is Toby Gerhart, the 6-foot-1, 237-pound running back who leads the Pac-10, averaging 129 yards a game.

“You better put on your big-boy pads,” Neuheisel said about facing the Cardinal running game. “They come at you. They make no bones about it. They’re coming at you and they’re going to say they can win in the trenches.

“We’ve been fairly stout in the early portion of the season … but this is going to be the biggest test so far.”

“Well yes, I believe so,” Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh said when asked if Gerhart should be in the Heisman race. “He means so much to our team. He’s the shining star on our team and I think that’s kind of what a most valuable player is.”

But Gerhart was special last season and the Cardinal finished 5-7. Part of the problem was they were missing a game-breaker.

They have one now. Chris Owusu has already tied the conference record with three kickoff returns for touchdowns – his first came against Washington State – and is averaging 59.2 yards on his six kickoff returns.

“He’s an unbelievable threat,” Neuheisel said. “It’s a huge field position concern. … It’s an incredible weapon they have in Chris.”

Harbaugh has his own concerns, especially about a UCLA defense that gives up just more than 250 yards a game.

“You can go right through it,” Harbaugh said. “This is the best defensive line we’ve played, there’s no question about it. This is the best three linebackers we’ve played against. And this is the best secondary we’ve played against.

“So, without a doubt, this is the best defense we’ve played against.”

Saturday’s winner may establish itself as the Pac-10’s best team.

In Stanford’s case, it will already have three conference wins.

UCLA, which will play with much-maligned reserve quarterback Kevin Craft at the controls, will have picked up a big road win.

It’s a big game, even without Southern Cal involved.