For the second time in three weeks, a major story coming out of the Pac-10 is one team choosing to run up the score on it opponent.  Last night, leading 21-7 with 44 seconds remaining USC threw a 48 yard touchdown pass to rub it in.  USC fans will argue that they have all sorts of valid reasons for doing this, starting with the fact that UCLA stupidly called a time-out, and ending with the fact that Rick Neuheisal is a jerk.  But at the end of the day this move was just classless and led to an on-field confrontation between the teams. 

Of course USC was itself subject to some similarly classless behavior 2 weeks ago against the 'Furd.  I am all for spirited competition and aggresive play, but the Pac-10 coaches need to remember they are not just fighting amongst themselves; they are leading teams of young men who have played their hearts out and representing Universities. 

At times Cal fans (myself among them) have bemoaned Coach Tedford seeming unwillingness to destroy teams in the second half of lopsided games.  I think these recent events remind us how much better it is to have a classy coach like Tedford who respects his opponents.  

So my brief message to our Pac-10 brethren: Respect yourselves and your opponents, and show some class!  After all we are not the SEC.

At various points this season analysts have been tried to anoint the Pac-10 champ, first it was USC, then Cal, then Oregon, then some mix of Oregon, Stanford, Arizona and Oregon State.  But a possibilty I have not seen elsewhere is about as fun as any I can imagine (except for Cal going undefeated of course).

Oregon loses to Arizona and Oregon State -- Finishes 6-3

Stanford loses to Cal -- Finishes 6-3

Cal beats Stanford and Washington -- Finishes 6-3

Oregon St. beats Oregon, loses to Washington State -- Finishes 6-3

Arizona beats Oregon and Arizona St, loses to USC -- Finishes 6-3

USC beats UCLA and Arizona -- Finishes 6-3

The 6 way tie would be pretty amazing.  Save for one, none of the outcomes above would even be considered major upsets.  Unfortunately the one game Washington St. over Oregon St. is necessary to any massive tie scenario.  Still I can dream.