Last year, we took turns in May predicting the standings for the BCS conferences. Of course, this is silly. There's a lot to be determined with injuries, suspensions and (ahem, I'm looking at you, USC) bowl bans and probations.
How did we do last year? Well, uh, let's not dwell on the past. We did get the Big East, SEC and Big Ten right and half the Big 12. So here's the first installment in this year's predictions, the PAC-10. Make sure to check back later this week for the SEC predictions from the 'Eer.
The PAC-10 took it on the chin last year with a horrible bowl season showing, capped by Oregon’s loss in the Rose Bowl. But really, 2009 was a tremendously competitive season for a deep conference. Things should be similar in 2010. Picking this was really a crapshoot because there are five teams that could win the PAC-10.
1. Oregon 11-1, 8-1
I know, I know, QB Jeremiah Masoli is out and a litany of legal issues have followed the Ducks around during the offseason, but the schedule is favorable and there’s plenty of talent in Eugene. Watch out for the Ducks to run the ball with LeMichael James and defensively be just good enough.
2. California 10-2, 7-2
Favorable scheduling should help the Bears in 2010 along with a veteran quarterback in Kevin Riley. Jahvid Best is gone, but coach Jeff Tedford always finds a running back. The defense has holes, but should be solid.
2. Oregon State 9-3, 7-2
The Rogers brothers are back for their 18th year on campus and even with a new quarterback, the Beavers will score points. And I’m probably giving OSU the benefit of the doubt since they had the guts to play TCU in Texas for their season opener. And yes, I think they beat Boise State.
2. Stanford 9-3, 7-2
Without Toby Gerhart, the Cardinal will rely heavily on quarterback Andrew Luck. That’s good news, because Luck might be the best quarterback in the country. Bad news is they’ve got to find some stops somewhere.
5. USC 10-3, 6-3
I know. New (yet old) staff. Loss of confidence from last year. Lane Kiffin is kind of weird. All of that, but the biggest issue remains the defense which completely collapsed. Maybe Monte Kiffin can fix that. He better. But I think a potential bowl ban from the NCAA could have a negative effect on this group.
6. Arizona 6-6, 5-4
I want to believe ‘Zona has turned the corner, but looking at the schedule I just don’t see it. It didn’t help that every time I watched the Cats play, QB Nic Foles was terrible . That opening upset loss at Toledo is going to sting.
7. Washington 6-6, 4-5
Improving, but this conference is just too tough for the Huskies to make a major jump forward this year, even with Jake Locker returning. They’ll be a tough out though. Give Sarkisian two more years.
8. Arizona State 3-9, 2-7
The Dennis Erickson experiment is about to come to its sad, sad end.
9. UCLA 3-9, 1-8
This was difficult. I realize they’ll probably be better than this, but that sad-sack win over Temple in some pathetic bowl game inspired no confidence. It was difficult for me to see many wins on this schedule. Too many tough road games, plus interesting matchups with Houston and K-State.
10. Washington State 1-11, 0-9
Starting to wonder how much longer they’ll field a football team.
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