In 2012, eight teams from the Pac 12 emerged with winning records. West coast NCAA college football fans can now look forward to better competition in general besides just that seen at USC and Oregon recently. Three quarters of the schools will be returning at least 15 starters and the same number (8) will have their starting QB back too. Perhaps the days of the “Wild West” have returned. Let’s first do a quick process of elimination as to which teams are definitely not the best. Golden Bears fans will experience a rough road as California, winner of just 3 games last year have less talent in 2013. That could make it one long journey for new coach Sonny Dykes. Mike Macintyre is another new coach in the Pac 12 attempting to improve a herd of Colorado Buffaloes who had a single win to their credit last season while ranking second to last in defense and dead last in offense. Washington State Cougar fans were disappointed in Coach Mike Leach last season after he arrived with high expectations following his departure from Texas Tech under questionable circumstances. His career mark leading the Red Raiders was 84-43; His first year in Pullman resulted in a 3-9 record (1-8 in the Pac 12). Utah has no business even being in this conference! Next… Now let’s proceed with teams that look like they will wind up in the middle of the “Pac”. The other team in Washington, the Huskies, has a chance to make some noise with underrated senior QB, Keith Price (jersey number 17) throwing to 6’6”, 276 lb. highly rated TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (#88). Arizona State could surprise some people including Sun Devil fans, but a brutal schedule is in the offing that includes matchups with both Notre Dame and Wisconsin. Even with a tough slate of games this team is good enough to be bowl eligible in 2013. UCLA will always have a chance to win with QB, number 17 Brent Hundley in the game. This baby faced sophomore threw for 3745 yards and 29 touchdowns as a freshman last year. The Bruins secondary is weak and their road schedule will not be easy to navigate. Running back Ka’Deem Carey (#25) will “carey” the Arizona Wildcats as far as they are able to go in 2013. This will more than likely be a low level postseason bowl. We have now come to the cream of the crop in the Pac-12 this season. These 4 teams, in order from 4th to 1st should comprise the upper third of the conference. USC – Even with Coach Lane Kiffen calling the plays he won’t be able to stop USC from being good in 2013. They have so much talent any true Trojans fan could lead them to victory. Eight wins should be attainable. Stanford – The Cardinals have the best defense in the conference. If QB Kevin Hogan (jersey # 8) lives up to expectations this should be a 10 win season. Oregon State – Beavers fans were even surprised when their team won 9 games last year. Their defense might be shy of Stanford’s overall quality, but at times is a turnover machine. Eleven wins is not an impossibility which could make for an interesting competition with another team that calls the Beaver State home. Oregon – Look for the Ducks and their fans to happily be flying into Pasadena on New Year’s Day. An easy schedule and continued good play by Hawaiian QB Marcus Mariota (#8) and RB De’Anthony Thomas (#6) should make up for the departure of Coach Chip Kelly to the NFL.
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AuthorI love college sports, especially football. You may not always agree with me, but you will see I'm passionate. Archives
September 2017
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