1. USC (8-0 in the Pac 10, 12-0 overall)
Offense: Some elite programs can reload, and this year will be the test to see if USC really can replace superior talent with even more superior talent. There are more stars and depth at quarterback and running back than the coaching staff could ever play, but the receivers and line need to find replacements for some major league players. With Winston Justice having off-the-field problems, the offensive line is in need of experience. Fortunately, there are tremendous prospects ready to step in. With the receivers a question mark, expect the fantastic backs and tight ends to see plenty of passes.
Defense: The Trojan run defense will be a brick wall again with Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson on the line and Matt Grootegoed and Lofa Tatupu at linebacker. The starting safeties, Jason Leach and Darnell Bing, might be the best in America, but there's little depth behind them. The new starting corners need to be tight; they'll be helped by a superior pass rush.
Click for Pac 10 Top 5s
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. USC at Oregon State, Nov. 6
2. Arizona State at USC, Oct. 16
3. California at USC, Oct. 9
4. Oregon at Oregon State, Nov. 20
5. Arizona State at Oregon, Oct. 2
Team that will surprise
Arizona State
Team that will disappoint
Washington
Coach that must produce
Buddy Teevens, Stanford
Best head coach
Pete Carroll, USC
The potentially huge Pac 10 upset might be ... Arizona over California, Oct. 23
The potentially worst Pac 10 game might be ... USC at Stanford, Sept. 25
Best player no one pays attention to ... Oregon State S Mitch Meeuwesen
T2. Arizona State (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: The offense was decent last year, but wasn't explosive like it should have been and had major problems against teams it should have lit up like a Christmas tree. Expect a ton of overall improvement as QB Andrew Walter operates behind a deep, veteran line. There are four good running backs to work with while Derek Hagan to lead a fast receiving corps.
Defense: The 4-2-5 of last year has been scrapped in favor of a more traditional 4-3. Really, it's still a 4-2-5 with the third linebacker a safety in a linebacker position. However, that safety, or Devil, should make huge plays with Matt Fawley appearing to be ready to star. The front seven will turn out to be fine against the run, but the concern is in the secondary where the experience has to turn into production.
T2. California (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: There's little to complain about with tremendous star power at the skill positions and a line that should come around and be decent. The receiving corps is loaded thanks to the healthy return of WR Geoff McArthur and Jonathan Makonnen, and the passing numbers will be through the roof thanks to QB Aaron Rodgers. If need be, the running game can take over with three excellent backs.
Defense: There's no excuse for the Cal defense not to be impressive with nine starters and the entire defensive back seven returning. Donnie McCleskey leads an excellent group of safeties, while the linebackers will be solid, if not spectacular. DT Lorenzo Alexander will be the star of a line that has potential, but needs some newcomers to provide a pass rush..
T2. Oregon (5-3, 7-4)
Offense: The attack should be explosive if a second receiver can emerge to take the heat off star Demetrius Williams. The offensive line will be one of the Pac 10's best loaded with experience and talent allowing Kellen Clemens to have ten days to throw. It won't just be about the air show with Terrence Whitehead and a deep running back corps returning.
Defense: There seems to be a trend over the last two years of the Oregon run defense being a brick wall while the pass defense gives up yards in bunches. There's too much of a pass rush generated by the front seven for there to be such a problem in the secondary, and things don't look like they'll change much this season. The linebackers are also a concern, but they'll have the benefit of a great front line to work behind.
T2. Oregon State (5-3, 7-4)
Offense: There are several ifs on the Oregon State offense. If JUCO transfer Chris Miller is as good as advertised, the line will be outstanding. If the incoming freshmen and JUCO transfers can step in and contribute right away and some other prospects have some career years, the receiving corps could be good. If a three-headed running back corps can replace Steven Jackson, there might not be too much of a drop-off in the overall production of the running game. And the biggest if of all, if QB Derek Anderson can finally cut down on his mistakes and play like the talent he is, the offense should be explosive.
Defense: The defense was fantastic last season only allowing 84.4 rushing yards per game and gave up a not-that-bad-for-the-Pac-10 204 passing yards every time out (good for second in the league.) Don't expect a drop-off as the secondary, at least the starters, will be the best in the Pac 10 while the front seven will be relatively unheralded, but strong, if the tackles come through.
T6. Washington (4-4, 5-6)
Offense: The offense has some good pieces to work with, but there's not a whole bunch of established star power or experience. WR Charles Frederick has to shine as the marquee player of what's going to be a good receiving corps, while the running backs are good, but will be underutilized. Losing QB Cody Pickett is tough, but there are three good options to pick up the slack led by junior Casey Paus. The offensive line needed several defensive linemen to come over to provide help.
Defense: The defense wasn't horrible last year, but it wasn't consistent. Don't expect much of a change with a very young front seven needing time to jell and looking for depth to develop. However, the movement of safety Evan Benjamin to linebacker should be a great change. The secondary will be strong led by CB Derrick Johnson and FS Jimmy Newell.
T6 Washington State (4-4, 7-4)
Offense: The offense will need several things to happen to average 30 points per game again. First, everyone has to be healthy. Too many key skill players were banged up with various ailments missing time this spring. Second, the quarterback situation has to be settled. Josh Swogger has the most experience and the biggest upside, but redshirt freshman Alex Brink is close on his heels. Finally, the running game has to come together with Chris Bruhn and Allen Thompson not only needing to heal up, but also be productive.
Defense: Washington State will always be tough on D with the most fearsome blitzing schemes this side of Baton Rouge thanks to coordinator Robb Akey, but it might take a while to get things going with nine new starters entering the mix. Things should be fine if the young line develops quickly with enough veterans ready to step in at safety and linebacker to keep the defense strong. Plenty of mistakes will be made, but there will be tons of takeaways as well.
8. UCLA (3-5, 6-5)
Offense: The talent is there, the experience is more than there, and now the points have to come. All five starters return to an offensive line coming off a horrific season, and they'll need to play better or the talents of a good group of running backs will be wasted. Drew Olson is the man at quarterback, and he has to prove he can lead the team on a consistent basis. WR Craig Bragg is one of the best in the country, but he can't do it alone.
Defense: Don't expect much of a drop-off in overall production from last year's excellent 18th ranked defense thanks to a tremendous, but unheralded back seven. The loss of Dave Ball and Rodney Leisle from the line is a killer, meaning several unproven players will have to fill the production gap..
9. Arizona (1-7, 3-8)
Offense: The offense went from bad to worse only scoring 181 points while failing to get two or more touchdowns in eight games. The pieces are there for an immediate turnaround if the quarterback play improves. Big Kris Heavner has the line on the job after being thrown to the wolves as a true freshman, and now he has more experienced weapons around him with a good receiving corps, a strong offensive line, and Mike Bell at running back. Bell is on the verge of being one of the Pac 10's best backs.
Defense: The once great Arizona defense went into the tank allowing 35.8 points and 460 yards per game as it couldn't figure out what it wanted to do. It started out in a 3-4 and slowly morphed into something completely different by the end of the year. Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops put an end to that in a hurry as the Wildcats will play a 4-3 that will be more of a zone D. There are plenty of good athletes and excellent prospects, so don't be shocked if there's a major turnaround now that they're being coached.
10. Stanford (0-8, 2-9)
Offense: Stanford was brutally painful at times last year averaging 16.9 points per game only hitting the 30 point mark twice. The issue was the young line as it didn't give the quarterbacks time to throw and did next to nothing in the running game. Things should be a bit better on the line and the skill players have to take advantage. QB Trent Edwards needs to be more accurate, RBs Kenneth Tolon and J.R. Lemon have to play up to their talent level, and another receiver has to emerge on the other side of Mark Bradford.
Defense: The entire back seven returns along with two starters on the line to a defense that wasn't all that bad against the run and miserable against the pass. The problem? There wasn't a consistent pass rush and the corners didn't do too much locking down allowing close to 300 passing yards per game. Things should be better with all the returning starters as the hope will be for this to be a more cohesive D.
Offense: Some elite programs can reload, and this year will be the test to see if USC really can replace superior talent with even more superior talent. There are more stars and depth at quarterback and running back than the coaching staff could ever play, but the receivers and line need to find replacements for some major league players. With Winston Justice having off-the-field problems, the offensive line is in need of experience. Fortunately, there are tremendous prospects ready to step in. With the receivers a question mark, expect the fantastic backs and tight ends to see plenty of passes.
Defense: The Trojan run defense will be a brick wall again with Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson on the line and Matt Grootegoed and Lofa Tatupu at linebacker. The starting safeties, Jason Leach and Darnell Bing, might be the best in America, but there's little depth behind them. The new starting corners need to be tight; they'll be helped by a superior pass rush.
Click for Pac 10 Top 5s
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. USC at Oregon State, Nov. 6
2. Arizona State at USC, Oct. 16
3. California at USC, Oct. 9
4. Oregon at Oregon State, Nov. 20
5. Arizona State at Oregon, Oct. 2
Team that will surprise
Arizona State
Team that will disappoint
Washington
Coach that must produce
Buddy Teevens, Stanford
Best head coach
Pete Carroll, USC
The potentially huge Pac 10 upset might be ... Arizona over California, Oct. 23
The potentially worst Pac 10 game might be ... USC at Stanford, Sept. 25
Best player no one pays attention to ... Oregon State S Mitch Meeuwesen
T2. Arizona State (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: The offense was decent last year, but wasn't explosive like it should have been and had major problems against teams it should have lit up like a Christmas tree. Expect a ton of overall improvement as QB Andrew Walter operates behind a deep, veteran line. There are four good running backs to work with while Derek Hagan to lead a fast receiving corps.
Defense: The 4-2-5 of last year has been scrapped in favor of a more traditional 4-3. Really, it's still a 4-2-5 with the third linebacker a safety in a linebacker position. However, that safety, or Devil, should make huge plays with Matt Fawley appearing to be ready to star. The front seven will turn out to be fine against the run, but the concern is in the secondary where the experience has to turn into production.
T2. California (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: There's little to complain about with tremendous star power at the skill positions and a line that should come around and be decent. The receiving corps is loaded thanks to the healthy return of WR Geoff McArthur and Jonathan Makonnen, and the passing numbers will be through the roof thanks to QB Aaron Rodgers. If need be, the running game can take over with three excellent backs.
Defense: There's no excuse for the Cal defense not to be impressive with nine starters and the entire defensive back seven returning. Donnie McCleskey leads an excellent group of safeties, while the linebackers will be solid, if not spectacular. DT Lorenzo Alexander will be the star of a line that has potential, but needs some newcomers to provide a pass rush..
T2. Oregon (5-3, 7-4)
Offense: The attack should be explosive if a second receiver can emerge to take the heat off star Demetrius Williams. The offensive line will be one of the Pac 10's best loaded with experience and talent allowing Kellen Clemens to have ten days to throw. It won't just be about the air show with Terrence Whitehead and a deep running back corps returning.
Defense: There seems to be a trend over the last two years of the Oregon run defense being a brick wall while the pass defense gives up yards in bunches. There's too much of a pass rush generated by the front seven for there to be such a problem in the secondary, and things don't look like they'll change much this season. The linebackers are also a concern, but they'll have the benefit of a great front line to work behind.
T2. Oregon State (5-3, 7-4)
Offense: There are several ifs on the Oregon State offense. If JUCO transfer Chris Miller is as good as advertised, the line will be outstanding. If the incoming freshmen and JUCO transfers can step in and contribute right away and some other prospects have some career years, the receiving corps could be good. If a three-headed running back corps can replace Steven Jackson, there might not be too much of a drop-off in the overall production of the running game. And the biggest if of all, if QB Derek Anderson can finally cut down on his mistakes and play like the talent he is, the offense should be explosive.
Defense: The defense was fantastic last season only allowing 84.4 rushing yards per game and gave up a not-that-bad-for-the-Pac-10 204 passing yards every time out (good for second in the league.) Don't expect a drop-off as the secondary, at least the starters, will be the best in the Pac 10 while the front seven will be relatively unheralded, but strong, if the tackles come through.
T6. Washington (4-4, 5-6)
Offense: The offense has some good pieces to work with, but there's not a whole bunch of established star power or experience. WR Charles Frederick has to shine as the marquee player of what's going to be a good receiving corps, while the running backs are good, but will be underutilized. Losing QB Cody Pickett is tough, but there are three good options to pick up the slack led by junior Casey Paus. The offensive line needed several defensive linemen to come over to provide help.
Defense: The defense wasn't horrible last year, but it wasn't consistent. Don't expect much of a change with a very young front seven needing time to jell and looking for depth to develop. However, the movement of safety Evan Benjamin to linebacker should be a great change. The secondary will be strong led by CB Derrick Johnson and FS Jimmy Newell.
T6 Washington State (4-4, 7-4)
Offense: The offense will need several things to happen to average 30 points per game again. First, everyone has to be healthy. Too many key skill players were banged up with various ailments missing time this spring. Second, the quarterback situation has to be settled. Josh Swogger has the most experience and the biggest upside, but redshirt freshman Alex Brink is close on his heels. Finally, the running game has to come together with Chris Bruhn and Allen Thompson not only needing to heal up, but also be productive.
Defense: Washington State will always be tough on D with the most fearsome blitzing schemes this side of Baton Rouge thanks to coordinator Robb Akey, but it might take a while to get things going with nine new starters entering the mix. Things should be fine if the young line develops quickly with enough veterans ready to step in at safety and linebacker to keep the defense strong. Plenty of mistakes will be made, but there will be tons of takeaways as well.
8. UCLA (3-5, 6-5)
Offense: The talent is there, the experience is more than there, and now the points have to come. All five starters return to an offensive line coming off a horrific season, and they'll need to play better or the talents of a good group of running backs will be wasted. Drew Olson is the man at quarterback, and he has to prove he can lead the team on a consistent basis. WR Craig Bragg is one of the best in the country, but he can't do it alone.
Defense: Don't expect much of a drop-off in overall production from last year's excellent 18th ranked defense thanks to a tremendous, but unheralded back seven. The loss of Dave Ball and Rodney Leisle from the line is a killer, meaning several unproven players will have to fill the production gap..
9. Arizona (1-7, 3-8)
Offense: The offense went from bad to worse only scoring 181 points while failing to get two or more touchdowns in eight games. The pieces are there for an immediate turnaround if the quarterback play improves. Big Kris Heavner has the line on the job after being thrown to the wolves as a true freshman, and now he has more experienced weapons around him with a good receiving corps, a strong offensive line, and Mike Bell at running back. Bell is on the verge of being one of the Pac 10's best backs.
Defense: The once great Arizona defense went into the tank allowing 35.8 points and 460 yards per game as it couldn't figure out what it wanted to do. It started out in a 3-4 and slowly morphed into something completely different by the end of the year. Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops put an end to that in a hurry as the Wildcats will play a 4-3 that will be more of a zone D. There are plenty of good athletes and excellent prospects, so don't be shocked if there's a major turnaround now that they're being coached.
10. Stanford (0-8, 2-9)
Offense: Stanford was brutally painful at times last year averaging 16.9 points per game only hitting the 30 point mark twice. The issue was the young line as it didn't give the quarterbacks time to throw and did next to nothing in the running game. Things should be a bit better on the line and the skill players have to take advantage. QB Trent Edwards needs to be more accurate, RBs Kenneth Tolon and J.R. Lemon have to play up to their talent level, and another receiver has to emerge on the other side of Mark Bradford.
Defense: The entire back seven returns along with two starters on the line to a defense that wasn't all that bad against the run and miserable against the pass. The problem? There wasn't a consistent pass rush and the corners didn't do too much locking down allowing close to 300 passing yards per game. Things should be better with all the returning starters as the hope will be for this to be a more cohesive D.
