To begin, let's make sure we all understand how the Pac-12 will work. In the North, we have the Washingtons, Oregons, and NorCal squads. In the South, the Mountains, Arizonas, and SoCal teams. Each team will play the five other teams in its division, plus 4 of the teams in the other division. In the case of the Northern California schools, each year will see them miss one Mountain and one Arizona school. This year, the Golden Bears will play both Mountain schools, but the Colorado game will be a non-conference match.
Once the regular season ends, a game will be played between the winner of the North and South to determine who will be crowned the Pac-12 champion and in effect earn a trip to the Rose Bowl.
After the jump, an idea, from a California fan, of how it all shakes out.
To put it simply, here's where I think things will shake out, conference wise:
North
Oregon 9-0
Stanford 7-2
Washington 5-4
California 5-4
Oregon State 3-6
Washington State 1-8
South
USC 6-3
Arizona State 5-4
Arizona 5-4
Utah 4-5
UCLA 2-7
Colorado 1-8
I freely admit that I didn't read the schedules hard enough to see if those records realistically make sense. But they do indeed add up, and I'd be pretty happy if I get a few right.
As I see it, the North is much better than the South. Oregon's number one scoring offense from last year returns and should still be able to put up a ton of points. Chip Kelly will keep opposing defenses off balance another year and should run the table.
Stanford lost a few too many starters to have the same season they did last year. They'll still be a force with Heisman hopeful Andrew Luck at the helm, but the inexperience at head coach will cost them a few games.
Washington post-Jake Locker will have new faces in a lot of places. However, Coach Sarkesian is a winner, and the cast of characters will lead him to a winning record... if Keith Prince can be the quarterback Washington hopes he is.
California has a lot of question marks, but if the rumors coming out of camp about the excellence of Zach Maynard are true, then Cal may have a shot at a bowl appearance. Question marks at running back still exist, but this is a very talented team ready to try a new offensive system as coach Jeff Tedford gets back to play calling.
Oregon State lost a huge weapon in Jacquizz Rodgers, but I think the defense is where we'll see more of a hurt. Oregon State will be a talented team no doubt, but the resurgence of other programs will keep them down.
Washington State, well, is still in the midst of its great rebuilding program. Jeff Tuel will be better, but the whole team is still not on the same level as the rest of the Pac-12 North.
In the South, the competition may be much starker. USC is still the favorite, but they are still hurting from sanctions imposed upon them from the Reggie Bush scandal. Still, I don't see them relinquishing their reign over the southern schools.
Arizona State might be on the up and up. Returning quarterback Brock Osweiler and emotional linebacker Vontaze Burfect will lead this team against a weak Southern division, and should earn themselves a bowl berth.
The Arizona Wildcats will have another good season. There's no way around it. Nick Foles leads a dominant offense onto the field once again, and they should be a force to be reckoned with.
Block U comes to the table in a Big 6 conference for the first time. This may be my worst prediction, as they've been one of the most consistent teams in college football over the last 5 years. However, this is their first year in a conference where they have to prepare every week. I think they'll have a little bit of trouble making that adjustment, and their record will fall because of it.
Rick Neu-weasel begins what many think to be his last season at the helm for the Bruins. The pistol hasn't worked too well so far, and it probably won't work again. This team keeps getting talent, but few wins. They'll struggle again this fall.
The Colorado Buffaloes lost a coach and a host of talent from their squad, which was already pretty poor. They look to be in a rough position in their inaugural season in the Pac-12.
Agree or disagree? Let me know your thoughts.
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