Pac-10 Preview

By Jimmy Sirody
Don Best senior writer

No team has lorded over college football like USC - the Trojans have won two national titles and played for a third. However, the Pac-10 hasn't earned two BCS berths - the gold standard payday among major conferences - since 2002.

Coach Pete Carroll's Trojans are once again the pre-season conference favorites. Is there any other team that can compete for a BCS bid? Here's a brief look at how the Pac-10 shapes up following spring drills.

ARIZONA

Arizona coach Mike Stoops is on the hot seat as he tries to lead the Wildcats to their first bowl berth since 1998. Arizona has 10 starters back on an ever-improving offense, including quarterback Willie Tuitama. However, the Wildcats only return three starters on a defense that surrendered 372 yards per game. Tuitama should improve on his 2007 numbers behind a big offensive line and with four experienced receivers who combined for over 2,500 yards.

ARIZONA ST

Arizona State may be more talented in 2008 and emerge with fewer wins thanks to a very competitive schedule that includes a home game with Georgia and two straight road games at California and USC. The Sun Devils need to keep quarterback Rudy Carpenter healthy. He led in passing efficiency as a redshirt-freshman but has been injury prone the last two years. That hasn't stopped him from throwing for over 3,200 yards in 2007 and for 7,998 in his career. ASU will be tough up front defensively with every starter but one returning to a unit that allowed just 116 yards per game rushing. Keep an eye on freshman running back Ryan Bass.

CALIFORNIA

California loses a 1,500 yard rusher and four top receivers, but Coach Jeff Tedford will have 12 starters back from last season's disappointing 7-6 squad. The Golden Bears should improve on that mark with a much more favorable schedule. Sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley will get a chance to prove his 269 yards and three touchdowns passes in the post-season were no fluke when he takes over as the starter. He will be operating behind a top flight offensive line that yielded just 2.5 percent sacks and opened holes for 166 yards per game rushing.

OREGON

Oregon loses quarterback Dennis Dixon and the position is up for grabs. That won't stop the Ducks from being a contender for the conference crown despite having to play four of the top six teams on the road. The Ducks welcome back three starters on one of the Pac-10's top offensive lines. In addition, Coach Mike Bellotti has one of the top secondary's in the land, spearheaded by the cornerback combo of Walter Thurmond III and Jairus Boyd. The defense allowed just 103 yards per game rushing last year and the front line is much more experienced.

OREGON ST

Oregon State should be in rebuilding mode with just 10 returning starters, second fewest in the conference. The Beavers cupboard isn't entirely bare. Cornerback Brandon Hughes was second team all-conference last year and strong safety Al Afalava is the hardest hitter on the team. Senior quarterback Sean Canfield has a strong arm and is a drop back passer while Lyle Moevao offers Coach Mike Riley a more mobile option. Oregon State is banking on true freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers. The Beavers are hurting on the defensive side, having to replace their entire front line.

STANFORD

Stanford is probably a year away from a winning season despite the return of 16 starters. Quarterback Tarita Prichard tops the depth chart but he will be challenged by Michigan transfer Jason Forcier. Sophomore running back Toby Gerhart could be the Cardinal' best since Tommy Vardelll was tearing things up in 1991. Stanford closes out the season with a road game at Oregon, a home test against revenge-minded USC and a road test at California.

UCLA

Rick Neuheisel could be in for a tough time when he returns to his alma mater. New offensive coordinator Norm Chow had two experienced quarterbacks to work with until Patrick Cowan, the designated starter, and Ben Olson went down the day before the spring scrimmage with injuries. Cowan is out for the year and Olson won't be ready for the opener, leaving things in the hands of JC transfer Kevin Craft. The Bruins returns just nine starters, the fewest in the conference.

USC

Despite welcoming back just 13 starters, USC's season won't be a success without another national title. The Trojans certainly have the horses, including the best secondary in the land. The Trojans 238 yards per game passing was their worst since Pete Carroll's first season in 2001. Mark Sanchez will try to remedy that situation when he takes over at quarterback for John David Booty. USC has one of the most talented running backs corps in t he country, but four new starters are needed on the offensive line, including replacements for NFL-first and second-round draft picks. The Trojans have the advantage of playing their toughest conference foes at the Coliseum.

WASHINGTON

Washington is coming off a season where it yielded a school record 446.4 yards per game and 31.6 points per game. Coach Ty Willingham welcomes back 13 starters, but the Huskies face one of the nation's toughest schedules with BYU, Oklahoma and Notre Dame on the non-conference menu. Quarterback Jake Locker is a dangerous runner and throws a lot of deep balls, but he needs to improve his completion percentage. Washington lacks experience at both wide receiver and in the middle of its defense. It will be tough for the Huskies to replace running back Louis Rankin.

WASHINGTON ST

Rookie coach Paul Wulff gets a chance to match wits with the big boys after eight seasons at Eastern Washington. Wulff is hoping that inexperienced senior quarterback Gary Rogers is capable of running his no-huddle spread attack. The Cougars return 14 starters, but their receiving corps will be down a few notches.

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