The Matador dislikes when the Pac 10 is called the Pac 9 plus USC. The Pac 10 is a special conference in that they actually play everyone in their conference (unlike most of the other major conferences–I know what you are thinking Big East). However, the only true contender in the Pac-10 is the perennial powerhouse, USC. Here are the other teams that have an outside shot of winning the Pac 10.
Cal would be my favorite if they had a QB. Riley had the opportunity to shine but failed. The back-up is — well, just a back-up. Their running game with Best is going to be out of control. It’s scary to think how good Cal would really be if they had any receivers who could catch the ball consistently. Another Cal strong point is they are returning 15 starters. If — and this is a big IF — they could upset USC, the Bears will be Rose Bowl bound. Again, the fate of this team rests on Riley, his leadership, and his unproven passing accuracy.
Unfortunately, the only other team with a shot at the Pac 10 crown is Oregon. Their strength is in their offense in Masoli (QB) and Blount (RB). They have a new coach in Chip Kelly, but fortunately they have a pretty manageable road schedule. Oregon’s test will be September 3rd at Boise State. Winning that game will give them the confidence they need to take down their conference rivals at Autzen Stadium the following weeks. If successful, the Ducks are going to be eying the Roses.
As for the bottom half of the conference, history will prove Washington State will be one of the worst teams not only in Pac 10 history but in college football history. They have holes to fill in every possible position, including assistant equipment manager. The Huskies shouldn’t be laughing either, because they are only one step ahead of the Cougars.
Oregon State has the potential but the team is lacking in experience. The Rodgers brothers will be exciting to watch on offense but with such a weak defense, I don’t see them keeping games close. With the exception of USC, Cal, and Oregon, you are going to see barely over .500 clubs with Oregon State, Arizona, Stanford, Arizona State and UCLA, and barely .250 clubs, if that, with Washington and Washington State.
USC is actually in a rebuilding year in that there is no experienced QB and there are some questions at defense. However, USC is so talented that even on their worst day, they still come out ahead in the Pac 10. Look at the respect of this program, Aaron Corp hasn’t taken a snap, and he is on some Heisman watch lists. Corp and company will have their hands full at the Horseshoe against Ohio State and their 100,000+ fans. With a big win, this game will create a path right to the National Championship game. USC’s biggest hurdle is themselves. Every year, they blow a game which keeps them out of then NCG. With USC’s schedule, the team has to go undefeated if they want to make it to the big game. Aside from OSU, the game to watch for is against Oregon at Autzen Stadium.
PAC 10 Champs: USC
