Pac 10 Football Preview

2008 ended with USC once again claiming its 7th consecutive Conference Championship, as well as Oregon State Coach Mike Riley and freshman running back Quizz Rodgers winning both Conference Coach/Player of the Year awards. With the conference coming off a 5-0 bowl season, the PAC 10 looks to be one of the premier conferences, in my opinion. Here is a brief overview of each team, and where I anticipate them finishing the 2009 season.

1. USC – The loss of Mark Sanchez hurts the offense as Coach Pete Carroll expected him to return for his senior season, but a number of 5 star recruits will compete for his vacated spot. The defense graduated numerous stars, but the return of All American Safety Taylor Mays should enable the defense to pick up where it left off last year. USC plays at Ohio St. early in the year which would be challenging. I feel USC will without doubt win the PAC once again, and should challenge for a spot in the National Championship if they approach every game with the same intensity as they do “big” games.

2. California – Every year people say this could be the year Cal knocks off USC…well its not going to happen, but second place isn’t bad as the Bears look to build on a 9 win season. Running back Jahvid Best is the best player in the Conference, and could be a dark horse for the Heisman. The defense lost a lot in the front seven, but Cal has accumulated the talent to reload, not rebuild. “Strawberry Canyon” is undergoing a much needed face lift, which could give the Bears even a great home field advantage.

3. Oregon – Jeremiah Masoli came on strong at the end of last year, and teamed with LaGarrette Blount (temporarily suspended) the offense is capable of putting up 50 points any given Saturday. The defense lost some key play makers, and the uncertainty of Mike Bellotti’s future could mess with team chemistry. With all the big games in rowdy Autzen Stadium this year, Oregon should once again finish with a 10 win season regardless of who is at the helm.

4. Oregon State – Player of the Year Quizz Rodgers returns along with brother James, forming the most explosive duo in the PAC without question. Lyle Moevao is a senior and the conference title is often decided by Quarterback experience, which he has. The defense lost the entire secondary, and All Conference performers on the D-Line. Coach Mike Riley's team should get off to a better start this year, and that could mean big things because OSU always plays there best come seasons end.

5. Stanford – With the return of Tavita Pritchard and Toby Gerhardt the Cardinal should surprise a few teams this year, and contend for a bowl for the first time since 2002. Coach Jim Harbaugh landed the 2nd rated recruiting class this year in the PAC this year, and there is reason for optimism on “The Farm” this year. He had them headed for bowl contention last year, until the wheels fell off in the later part of the season.

6. ASU – Ranked Pre-season top 10 last year, and then a 5-7 finish isn’t exactly what Coach Dennis Erickson had in mind. 4 year starter Rudy Carpenter is gone, as are many from the offensive side of the ball, but a change of scenery may be a good thing down in Tempe as they have underachieved for the better part of a decade. Much of the defense returns, and playmakers are a plenty down in the desert.

7. Arizona – Coach Mike Stoops directed Arizona to their first bowl since 1998, and it’s a good thing because the heat was on after 5 underwhelming seasons at the helm. This years team losses quarterback Willie Tuitama, but returns an array of skill position players, headlined by All American tight end Brad Gronskowski. Coach Stoops may need this team to be playing post Christmas in order to keep his job in Tucson.

8. UCLA – Any type of offense this year would be an improvement over what Bruin fans witnessed last year. I believe Coach Rich Nuehisel will have this team contending for the conference in a few years, but as of now the talent or chemistry isn’t there for them to be a factor in the postseason. With spots 5 through 7 crowded in the conference, maybe they will spoil another teams postseason dreams, because their own are non existent.

9. Washington – After a miserable season finishing 0-12 and being the only winless team in college football change was needed, that change come in the form of giving the ax to Ty Willingham and bringing in “The Shark” Steve Sarkisian from USC. The Shark was able to convince numerous USC assistants to travel North with him to Seattle and instill energy back into a depleted fan base. The Shark does inherit Tim Tebow 2.0 in Jake Locker, but he doesn’t have much help in the Emerald City. Husky Stadium will come alive in the near future, just not this September as they host LSU, and USC.

10. Washington State – Never has there been a more over matched team in the history the PAC 10 as the Cougs were last year. Giving up 60 plus points 5 times, and being out of games immediately following kickoff made for a dreary winter up in the already chilly Palouse. A late season miracle win over Washington eased some of the pain, but the roster is completely void of anything resembling football talent, as second year Coach Paul Wulff has a long road to hoe in order to get the Cougs back to respectability.