Predicted Finish
1.Oregon
With Jeremiah Masoli, the Ducks would have been a preseason top 5 team and a national title contender. Without Masoli, the expectations and hype are as lofty. However, this team returns 19 starters from a team that won the conference by two games last year. The entire offensive line returns with valuable experience, the receiving corps returns in tact led by Jeff Maehl and the backfiels included Heisman hopeful LaMichael James and versatile speedster Kenjon Barner.The defense returns 9 starters and,while losing a few players, there is plenty of depth.It should be noted that the Ducks linebacker corp may end up being the deepest and most talented in the conference.Defensive line may be of concern early but should be okay. The big question for this team is quarterback. Redshirt Sophomore Darron Thomas earned the job and if he is able to keep this offense rolling, watch out. Probably the most important part to Thomas having success is his ability to carry out good ball fakes and to have the defense worry about his running ability.A brutal backloaded schedule doesn't help any.
2.Oregon St.
Oregon St seems to be in the mix late in the year in this conference every season. They've put themselves in a position to go to the Rose Bowl with a win in the Civil War the last two seasons and this year may be no different. The Beavers return 17 starters and most importantly the Rodgers brothers. The duo of WR James Rodgers and back JaQuizz Rodgers will certainly have this team contending for a Rose Bowl berth. Question will be quarterback production and whomever starts in that spot for the Beavers will be tested early with games against TCU and Boise St.
3.USC
About the only attention the Trojans are getting nowadays is about off field issues but this team shouldn't be overlooked. It is still USC and the major talent is gonna be there. Several spots have to be filled but at USC, spots are filled with future all americans. QB Matt Barkley will be better, the stable of running backs will be solid, and the offensive line will be good. The defense must replace 6 starters but all linebackers return and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and defensive line coach and vocal leader Ed Orgeron will have a huge impact on the defense. The hurdle for this team will be performing to its highest potential week in and week out without the incentive of post-season play.
4.Washington
Jake Locker, Jake Locker, Jake Locker. The senior quarterback for the huskies has been receiving a lot of hype and now it'll be time for him to come through. He is being touted as the possible #1 pick in the next NFL draft and a heisman hopeful but it will depend on the improvement and success of the team around him. Coach Sarkisian had this team looking much improved last year and he should be able to continue that ascent this season.Helping Locker will be RB Chris Polk, receivers Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar, and four returning offensive lineman.If the offense performs well then the key will be the defense. Coordinator Nick Holt will have some pieces to work with like LB Mason Foster and CB Desmond Trufant but must be much better than last year. I believe this team will be a contender in the conference and we will get to see them tested early in an opening week road game against BYU.
5.Stanford
Andrew Luck is another quarterback receiving massive amounts of hype this preseason and he will have to prove himself without All American RB Toby Gerhart. Returning though, are 15 starters which includes four offensive lineman, receivers Chris Owusu and Ryan Whalen, and a good mix of players on defense. While im not ready to believe the hype on this Stanford team, a team picked to win the conference by ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit, i do think they will have a good year and be able to beat anyone in the league.
6.Arizona
Offense should be no problem for Arizona as QB Nick Foles, being protected by four returning lineman, will put up big numbers throwin when he isn't handing the ball off to talented RB Nic Grigsby and Keola Antonin. Defense will be a problem for the Wildcats if it isn't able successfully fill the several holes on defense and that might just be the downfall to this team.
7.Cal
Not much has been said about the Golden Bears and that might have them in position to surprise a few people. QB Kevin Riley may (and this is a big may) be able to give California a consistent passing game and running back Shane Vereen will have his chance to show the conference he is a back to watch out for. Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergrast should be able to help this defense, especially the secondary, and if it improves this team can have a good year.
8.Arizona St
Michigan transer Steven Threet has won the starting quarterback job but he won't be enough to turn this offense around. There is few pieces to work with and this will be a struggle throughout the season. The defense however, does have some potential to be solid. Only five starters return from a very good defense last year but those five pieces, including LB Vontaze Burfict, will be a good core to work around.
9.Ucla
Rick Neuheisel will again have to make this lackluster offense work and he will install the pistol offense to make it work. This side of the ball will be decent at best and the defense wont be great either. LB Akeem Ayers and safety Rahim Moore will be stars but i'm not expecting too much out the this Bruins team.
10.Washington St.
This team is going to be bad but Coach Paul Wulff will just be hoping to have him team improve and head in the right direction. This team will struggle to win a conference game and best case scenario they are able to grind out 3 or 4 total games.
-Player of the Year-
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
This was a tough one as James had to beat out Jaquizz Rodgers and Jake Locker. If Kenjon Barner doesn't take too many carries away, James should rush for over 14oo yards and be the best player on the conference's best team.
-Must See Games-
USC @ Stanford, Oct 9th
Oregon @ USC, Oct 30th
Washington @ Oregon, Nov 6th
USC @ Oregon St, Nov 20th
Oregon @ Oregon St, Dec 4th
No comments:
Post a Comment