BALANCE ARRIVES IN PAC-12
Southern California anything but shoo-in in ascendant league
The league previously referred to dismissively as “Southern California plus nine” is now Southern California plus Washington plus Stanford plus Utah plus Washington State plus Colorado plus Oregon ...
You get the idea. The Pac-12 used to be a one-horse town: USC was the clear top dog for the better part of the decade, both inside its conference and nationally, and, while the Trojans carried the flag with composure and ease, the conference as a whole suffered for its predictability.
That’s no longer the case. Outside of California — which is going to gift so many wins this season it should apply for nonprofit status — and perhaps Arizona, the Pac-12 is loaded with obvious bowl teams, programs clearly on the rise and a number of legitimate College Football Playoff contenders.
Washington will compete for national titles on an annual basis as long as Chris Petersen stalks the sideline. Stanford’s consistency is nearly unmatched. Oregon is rejuvenated by Willie Taggart’s arrival. Washington State is ranked in the preseason Associated Press poll for the first time since 2002.
Colorado has regained its momentum. Utah has set its baseline at eight wins. UCLA is talented enough — if seemingly mismanaged — to at least double last season’s win total.
There is parity here; it’s no longer USC, a wide gap, and then everyone else. But here’s an important point: USC is back. What does that mean for the Pac-12?
On paper, at least, the league hasn’t had this level of depth and parity since adding Colorado and Utah to its ranks. That the Trojans are in the thick of the Playoff chase only adds to the conference’s overall quality.
BEST UNITS
Quarterback: USC. Not since Tim Tebow has a young quarterback taken college football by storm quite like Sam Darnold.
Running back: USC. Oregon’s backfield is strong, but the Trojans’ group of Ronald Jones and several very impressive freshmen is tough to beat. Wide receivers and tight
ends: Colorado. The Pac-12 is sorely lacking in star power at re-
ceiver, so the Buffaloes and their top target, Shay Fields, get the nod.
Offensive line: Washington. The Huskies’ tone-setting offensive front will be even better in 2017.
Defensive line: Utah. Once again, Utah touts the best starting four in the Pac-12.
Linebacker: Stanford. If you’re looking for one reason this Stanford defense is going to be nasty, check out one of the deepest linebacker groups in the country.
Secondary: Stanford. Looking for another reason to fear this defense? The Cardinal’s secondary is loaded and experienced.
Special teams: Oregon. The Ducks probably will have a true freshman handling punts and will need all-Pac-12 Conference kicker Aidan Schneider to handle kickoffs as well as field goals, but the package of Schneider kicking and Charles Nelson returning is the
league’s best.
RANKING THE STARTING QUARTERBACKS
1. Sam Darnold, USC. Every positive thing you’ve heard about Darnold — his vision, athleticism, drive, potential — is true.
2. Jake Browning, Washing
ton. Only Darnold could knock Browning out of the top spot — he threw for 3,430 yards and 43 touchdowns last season, in case all you remember is that one game against Alabama.
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA. He’s perhaps the most talented quarterback prospect to come through the Elite 11 workouts, but injuries and a rotating cast of offensive coordinators have slowed Rosen’s development as he heads into his junior year. 4. Luke Falk, Washington
State. The most productive passer in Washington State program history is a division title away from being a realistic Heisman
Trophy contender.
5. Justin Herbert, Oregon. He’ll be even better in 2017 than during a very nice freshman campaign — one largely ignored amid Oregon’s swoon — but Herbert’s best days might come a year down the road. 6. Steven Montez, Colorado.
Getting his feet wet against some major competition and in some crucial games will pay enormous dividends as Montez transitions into the full-time starting role. 7. Keller Chryst, Stanford.
While his rebuilt right knee gives slight cause for concern, a healthy Chryst will put together significantly stronger numbers in 2017. 8. Brandon Dawkins, Arizo
na. His ability to make plays with his legs gives Arizona’s attack another dimension and gives defensive coordinators another headache to consider.
9. Tyler Huntley, Utah. In a surprise decision, coach Kyle Whittingham elected to go with
Huntley, a sophomore, over incumbent starter Troy Williams. 10. Manny Wilkins, Arizona
State. There are no questions about Wilkins’ ability to handle this offense, but he’ll need to produce to fend off Alabama transfer Blake Barnett. 11. Jake Luton, Oregon
State. That Gary Andersen named Luton the starter very early into fall camp speaks to the faith OSU has in its junior college transfer. 12. Ross Bowers, California.
He’s not the only option — Justin Wilcox could also use South Carolina transfer Brandon McIlwain, for example, if he becomes eligible — Bowers seems the safest bet to start the opener.
GAMES OF THE YEAR
Texas A&M at UCLA, Sept. 3. A clear show-me-something game for Jim Mora and the Bruins.
Stanford at USC, Sept. 9.
While other title contenders are sleepwalking against cupcakes, the Trojans and the Cardinal meet with enormous down-theline implications. Utah at Brigham Young, Sept. 9. This is such a nice, cuddly rivalry.
Nebraska at Oregon,
Sept. 9. Getting this one at home is huge for Taggart and the Ducks, but beware Tanner Lee and the Cornhuskers’ new looks on offense and defense. Texas at USC, Sept. 16. Ah, the memories. Freshmen on the Trojans roster were in grade school the last time these two blue bloods met. USC at Notre Dame, Oct. 21.
If both teams perform as expected — and don’t sleep on a torrid start for the Irish — this will be another special game in a special series. UCLA at Washington,
Oct. 28. Even if the Bruins lag in the South Division, this one is interesting for its quarterback matchup: Rosen vs. Browning.
Oregon at Washington, Nov. 4. Washington has designs on a long, long, long winning streak of its own in this bitter rivalry.
Washington at Stanford,
Nov. 10. A short week to prepare for a road trip to Stanford isn’t great for UW.
UCLA at USC, Nov. 18. Let’s see if UCLA has made up ground on its rival.
Washington State at Washington, Nov. 25. The Apple Cup was great when these two programs were laughingstocks — and it’s even better now.
Notre Dame at Stanford,
Nov. 25. If the Irish return to the title picture, this could end up being another feather in the Cardinal’s cap in the push for a major bowl.