2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 11

-Pacific 12 Conference-

Predicted Finish

North

1.Oregon
-Oregon is the #3 ranked team in the country but still are not everyone's choice to win the conference. That can be attributed to the Ducks losing a lot of talent in the defensive front 7 and a few pieces on offense like WR Jeff Maehl as well as the hype surrounding Andrew Luck and Stanford. I am not doubting Oregon's ability to repeat however. The team brings back stars in QB Darron Thomas and Heisman candidate RB LaMichael James as well as 3 offensive lineman and receiving threats like Josh Huff, Lavasier Tuinei and David Paulson. Backup RB Kenjon Barner will make plays as will Freshman DeAnthony Thomas. On defense, the Secondary, led by Cliff Harris and John Boyett, will be the strength as the defensive line re-tools. The linebackers might be the biggest surprise to people this season as they are talented and deep at the position. Not only can this team beat LSU the opening weekend, but they are capable of winning the Pac-12 on the way to a 2nd straight trip to the National Championship game.
2.Washington
-I went back and forth with this one but I am going to slide Washington above Stanford. The Huskies finished the year strong last year and now return 8 starters on offense as well as 8 on defense. The offense will replace QB Jake Locker with Keith Price, who I think will do an adequate job, and he will be protected by 4 offensive lineman who started last season. They have a good running back in Chris Polk, he rushed for 1,400 yards last season, and a great receiving duo with Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar. If coach Nick Holt can improve the defense further and QB Keith Price can keep the mistakes to a minimum, the Huskies will surprise a few people. We will see how good this team actually is early as they host Hawaii then travel to play @Nebraska in September.
3.Stanford
-This Stanford team comes into the 2011 season with a lot of buzz. The Cardinal are coming off a 12-1 season led by Heisman Candidate QB Andrew Luck and many expect this team to be a top-10 team all season. With Luck, they also return RB Stephan Taylor and top receiving threats with receiver Chris Owusu and tight end Toby Fleener. The defense brings back 6 starters and expects to have a strong secondary with both safeties returning. Having said that, I am not buying into the Stanford hype. The offensive line loses 3 starters and head coach Jim Harbaugh is now coaching in the NFL. I'm not sure if new coach David Shaw can bring the same intensity, and coaching for that matter, to keep this team overachieving like Harbaugh did. We will see how Stanford can hold up when it visits Arizona in September. The schedule is nice in that it gives the team home-field advantage to play Washington and Oregon.
4.Oregon State
-The Beavers look to bounce back after a disappointing 2010 season and having 9 offensive starters back helps. QB Ryan Katz is back and should be improved with the help of 4 O-lineman and top two receivers back. The problem may come on the defensive side though, as they must rebuild the front 7. This team will never have an easy week in conference and has a tough game @ Wisconsin in week 2.
5.California
-I just can't find too much to be excited about with this Cal Bears team. They lose running back Shane Vereen, need to find a quarterback and are playing their home games somewhere other than home as renovations take place on campus. The schedule isn't too friendly either as they have to go on the road to play Oregon, Washington, Arizona State and Stanford.
6.Washington St.
-I have the Cougars last in the North division but am eager to see how they look this year. Coach Paul Wulff has this team improving and they can no longer be penciled in as an easy win for opposing teams. Quarterback Jeff Tuel is progressing nicely and needs his O-Line to drastically improve so he can throw to his very underrated receivers. The defense also needs to get better this year as it brings back 8 starters.

South

1.Arizona St
-The question will be whether or not the Sun Devils can live up to the hype and their potential this year. The team brings back 10 starters on offense and 8 more starters on defense. The entire O-Line is back and they will have the task of blocking for RB Cameron Marshall and QB Brock Osweiller. Marshall had over 1,000 total yards last year and Osweiller passed for over 600 yards and 5 Touchdowns once he was the go-to QB the last two games of the season. The defense should be good as it is once again led by star linebacker Vontaze Burfict. ASU avoids games with both Stanford and Washington and gets USC at home. The non-conference slate will give a good look at this team as they play Missouri at home and @Illinois in September.
2.USC
-Entering the final year in which they are barred from postseason play, the Trojans will again play for pride and bragging rights. Junior QB Matt Barkley is the undisputed leader on this team and is one of the few big name players. If this team can find a good rotation at O-Line and someone to carry the ball, then Barkley and WR Robert Woods can take care of the passing game. Somewhat shockingly, the USC defense is full of what are pretty much no-name guys but that's not an excuse for them to be as awful as they have been these past two years. Coaches Ed Orgeron and Monte Kiffin will do their best and if they can make this defense look better, USC will approach the 10-win mark this season.They travel to ASU and Oregon but get Utah, Stanford and Washington at home.
3.Utah
-The Utes come into their first season in a BCS conference itching to prove they belong. They return 7 offensive starters, including QB Jordan Wynn and 3 O-linemen, but lose their entire secondary and all but 1 D-lineman. This won't be the best Utah team they've had the last few years but they are blessed with an easier schedule than other PAC-12 teams. Both Stanford and Oregon are not on the schedule and they play Washington and ASU at home.
4.UCLA
-We've all been waiting for UCLA to improve under coach Rick Neheuisel and this might be the year he makes larger strides or is shown the door. UCLA brings back the backfield and receivers from last year along with 3 D-lineman, 2 linebackers and both starting corners. The offensive line will have to replace 4 starters and will hope to figure things out early as the Bruins face Houston and Texas in the seasons' first month. This team can squeak out a bowl appearance and maybe play spoiler in the conference.
5.Arizona
-This won't be the same Arizona team we've seen the last two seasons and it wont be going in the right direction. Only 10 starters come back and the entire offensive line has to be replaced. There are some nice parts with QB Nick Foles, RB Keola Antolin and WR Juron Criner but it simply won't be enough for this team to be successful.
6.Colorado
-Colorado's first season in the PAC-12 looks like it will be a tough one. There are some promising spots with 1,000 yard rusher Rodney Stewart running behind 4 O-linemen from last year but there just isn't enough talent on the rest of the team to make this transition into a new conference a smooth one. The Buffs will have to play all the big boys with homes games against USC and Oregon and road trips to Stanford, Washington and Arizona State.

-Player of the Year-
RB LaMichael James, Oregon

-Best Conference Games-
USC @ Arizona St, Sept 24th
Washington @ Stanford, Oct 22nd
Oregon @ Stanford, Nov 12th
USC @ Oregon, Nov 19th

Big Week for the Pac-10

In what is being called,"measuring stick Saturday", the Pac-10 will look to bolster the conference reputation. Other than Oregon taking on Portland St, each matchup offers an interesting test for the Pac-10. 

nr/#24California (2-0) @ Nevada (2-0)   ESPN (friday)

California has to travel to Nevada on Friday night and take on a Wolfpack team that can rush the ball with the best. Cal is a good team but this won't be as an easy game. Having said that, Cal's talent outweighs that of Nevada and should leave with a victory.

na/#18USC (2-0) @ Minnesota (1-1)   ESPN

USC goes on the road and should have no problem with Minnesota. USC hasn't hit on all cylinders but they are far better than a Golden Golpher team that lost to FCS opponent South Dakota St last weekend. A win should be a sure thing for SC but anything less than a blowout will leave us with even more questions about the Trojans team.

Washington St (1-1) @ SMU (1-1)

This won't be highlighted as a marquee matchup but i think it has the potential to be a good game. The Cougars will be heavy underdogs on the road but coming in with some momentum may help them grind out a win. This would be a nice win for the conference as it would say even the worst of the conference can win.

Arizona St (2-0) @ #11Wisconsin (2-0)  ABC

The Sun Devils are 2-0 but have yet to face an FBS opponent and will be expected to lose this game. A win may be out of reach but a good showing is key. Avoiding a blowout on national TV and showing they can hang with the Badgers even as a lower tier Pac-10 team will certainly help the how the conference is viewed.

#8Nebraska(2-0) @ Washington (2-0)   ABC

This game should be a good one. Nebraska is the better team but Jake Locker and Washington should be able to compete with the Cornhuskers at home. If the Huskies can keep it close, the crowd and confidence may be enough for them to pull the upset. This would go a long way to help not only the Pac-10 but the Jake Locker heisman talk.

Louisville (1-1) @ #25/nrOregon State (0-1)

This should be a win for the Beavers, especially at home. Oregon State more talent and experience than Louisville and a double-digit win should be expected. Considered a contender in the conference, a loss by the Beavers would be unacceptable.

#9/10Iowa (2-0) @ #24/18Arizona (2-0)   ESPN

Neither of these teams have faced a considerable challenge this season but this matchup should change that. Iowa will probably be slightly favored but Arizona will have a chance. QB Nick Foles and the Wildcats will have home-field advantage and the stadium should be rocking. Arizona is allowing 4 points per game and Foles has an 83% completion percentage but it wont be so easy against the Hawkeyes. The wildcats will have to be able to run the ball and be physical. I think Arizona has the tools to pull this one out in what would be a huge win for the conference.

#23Houston (2-0) @ Ucla (0-2)

The big question surrounding this game is whether or not Houston QB Case Keenum will play. If he plays, i don't see Ucla having any chance at outscoring the Cougars. If he isn't able to play, it may be easier but not easy for the Bruins to pull out a win. I believe Keenum won't suit up and Ucla will be able to slow Houston down and get win a close one. 

Wake Forest (2-0) @ #19Stanford (2-0)

Stanford looked good last week on the road against Ucla while Wake Forest escaped in a shootout against Duke at home. I don't see this game being a problem for Andrew Luck and Stanford and a double digit win will be expected.

*Rankings

    AP Poll/Coaches Poll

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 9

-Pacific 10 Conference-

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