Predicting Stanford's Second Half

Before taking a more in-depth look ahead to Washington State, here is one Stanford fan's totally meaningless predictions for how the second half of the season will shake out.

WASHINGTON STATE
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: High
Comment: The Cougars have looked better in recent weeks, putting up a fight for a half against Oregon and staying within striking distance of Arizona for much of the game. Still, the Cardinal should have a field day against the nation's worst defense on Homecoming.

at WASHINGTON
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: Low
Comment: This was supposed to be a showdown between Heisman hopefuls, but only Andrew Luck remains in serious contention. While Jake Locker's campaign was derailed with a 4-for-20 performance against Nebraska in September, he threw five touchdowns in Saturday's 35-34 win over Oregon State and looked very impressive in Washington's 32-31 win over USC two weeks earlier. I like Luck's chances to assert himself as the better NFL prospect and for Stanford to win in Seattle for a third straight time, but I think it will be a close one.

ARIZONA
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: Medium
Comment: The confidence level for this one could shoot to high depending on the status of Arizona starting quarterback Nick Foles, who dislocated his kneecap against Washington State and is expected to miss at least 2-3 weeks. Foles torched the Cardinal last season in Tucson, passing for 415 yards and three touchdowns. Whether or not Foles plays, the Wildcats' defense will provide Luck his toughest test to date.

at ARIZONA STATE
Prediction: Loss
Confidence Level: Low
Comment: As of now, this is the game that concerns me more than any other in the second half of the season. To understand why, consider the Sun Devils' three losses. The first came by one point at Wisconsin, which just upset then-No. 1 Ohio State, and the difference was a blocked extra point in the fourth quarter. The second was by 11 points to Oregon. No shame in that. The third came two weeks ago, a 31-28 setback at Oregon State. Quarterback Steven Threet leads one of the best passing offenses in the country, while the ASU defense has been solid. My feelings about this game could change after Arizona State's visit to Cal on Saturday. Today, I think Tempe spells trouble.

at CALIFORNIA
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: Medium
Comment: Big Game generally inspires about as much confidence in this Stanford fan as a Jeff Tedford-led trip to the Coliseum does Cal supporters, but the Bears looked awful against USC and that loss to Nevada is looking worse after the Wolf Pack lost at Hawaii. Of course, none of that matters come November 20. Expect the confidence level to slide closer to zero as the game approaches, but the prediction to remain the same.

OREGON STATE
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: High
Comment: Any team with Jacquizz Rodgers has a chance, but quarterback Ryan Katz and the Beavers miss Rodgers' brother, James, who was lost for the season with a knee injury. This game comes during a difficult stretch for Oregon State--one week after a visit from USC and one week before the Ducks travel to Corvallis for the Civil War. I expect Stanford to cap an undefeated season at home with a comfortable win.

Projected Final Record: 10-2

Am I crazy for thinking the Cardinal could falter in the desert, or too generous for only predicting one loss in the second half? Let me know in the comments.