The Pac 12 Falls victim to the west coast bias, many people don’t know how good the conference is and this year should be one of their best season overall.
3 Things
1. They’re Back!
After a two year ban from post season play the USC Trojans are once again eligible and ranked #1 in the polls. The Trojans was the team of the decade in the 2000s and this team looks like those teams. The have the best QB in the Country in Matt Barkley and he will be throwing to the best receiver duo in the country in Marquise Lee and Robert Woods. You add Penn State transfer Silas Redd to the equation and you have arguably the most dominating offense in the country. They say they’re not that deep on defense but the starters are very good. This team is as good as advertised.
2. Same Old Ducks.
One thing is for certain, Oregon will score a lot of points. Even though the replace their QB and running back, this offense won’t miss a beat. Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas will tag team the offensive explosive plays as both players are threats to score with every touch. The thing that might get Oregon over the hump is that this years defense might be the best Chip Kelly has had. Dion Jordan and Michael Clay are names to look out for.
3. Huskies #3?
Steve Sarkisian is slowly building a solid program. Is this the year the Huskies fully break out?. Junior QB Keith Price might be the best QB that no one knows about. He looks to improve on his 3,000 yard 33 TD season of last year and if he does that could mean a big season for UW.
Surprise Team
Utah Utes
In their 2nd year in the Pac 12 the Utes look to make a big splash. DT Star Lotulelei just might be the person to help make this splash.
The Rest
Mike Leach in Washington St. and Rich Rodriguez in Arizona both hope their radical offensive styles can work out west. Stanford has to replace a legend while Cal and UCLA look to take the next step towards the top. Arizona St should be solid and Oregon St. and Colorado might struggle at the bottom.
Best Non Conference Game
Washington vs LSU
In the 2nd week of the season a win against the Tigers could set the Huskies up as the real deal while putting fear in the heart of the Ducks and Trojans.
Best Conference Game
USC vs Oregon
These are the two best teams in the conference and this could be the first of two meetings.
Champion
Oregon Ducks
Their offense will be hard to stop and their defense will stop.
Best Coach–Chip Kelly(Oregon)
Best QB–Matt Barkley(USC)
Best Skill Player– WR Robert Woods(USC)
Best Defender-DT Star Lotulelei(Utah)
Impact Freshman–WR Gabriel Marks(Washington St.)
