Predict the Pac-10

Only a week left and we can start watching college football again. I am so excited that I have decided to get the conversation started by asking the members of the ASD their Pac-10 predictions (If I have time I will post my predictions for the rest of the BCS conferences as well).

The media poll on the Pac-10 breaks it down like so:

1. USC
2. Cal
3. Oregon
4. OSU
5. ASU
6. Stanford
7. UCLA
8. Arizona
9. Wash
10. Wazzu

I really have trouble believing that the Cats will finish 8th. I understand that we lost all our Senior offensive firepower and that the QB situation is concerning but we have just as good a chance as any of the teams from 4-7.

Here is how I see it breaking down:

1. USC 11-1 (8-1) (non-conference: San Jose State, @ Ohio State, @ Notre Dame)

It's nearly impossible to pick against the Trojans. They never take a step back they just stay consistent. The only thing that gives you pause is that they are starting a Freshmen QB for the first time in school history. I don't think this is going to be a big problem. There early schedule is not difficult except the trip to the Horseshoe. They typically struggle with the Beavers, Bears and Wildcats and they get 2 of the 3 at home. They play Cal in Berkeley but the Bears will be coming off a huge win against the Ducks and they won't be able to win those games back to back. They will receive their token loss when they travel to Eugene on Halloween. Trojans playing for the Roses again.

2. Cal 10-2 (7-2) (non-conference: Maryland, Eastern Washington, @ Minnesota)

The Bears will be good but they will need to fend off the Ducks and Cardinal for second place. I like Stanford so much that I am picking them in the upset of "the game." I think that one of the biggest locks of the season is when Cal hosts Wazzu. I would seriously consider Cal a contender for the championship if they didn't have to play Oregon and SC back to back.

3. Oregon 9-3 (7-2) (non-conference: @ Boise State, Purdue, Utah)

Oregon's coaching staff has not done their team any favors. They have a truly brutal schedule. If they had an easier non-conference I would probably pick them to win the Pac-10 but I think they will be so battered and bruised in the early part of the season that it will take them some time to regain their footing. I do believe that they are a lock to beat Wazzu at home on October 3rd as they will be seeking revenge after losing to Cal.

4. Stanford 9-3 (6-3) (non-conference: @ Wake Forest, San Jose State, Notre Dame)

I was really impressed with the strides that the Cardinal made last year. They return an excellent running game and they have some key games at home. I think they will drop some games here and there in conference play but they will be solid overall including a big win over Oregon who will be on celebration hangover after beating USC.

5. UCLA 7-5 (5-4) (non-conference: San Diego State, @ Tennessee, Kansas State)

I think UCLA will begin to show signs of improvement this season. I also think they will be destroyed by Tennessee on the road. They will be competing with UofA for the 5th spot in the Pac-10 and I think that our recent dominance may be in jeopardy.

6. Arizona 7-5 (5-4) (non-conference: Central Michigan, Northern Arizona, @ Iowa)

I would be thrilled to have this record at the end of the year. I am really worried about the loss of our offensive unit. I think we will probably lose to Iowa but rebound with a big win against Oregon State. Going to Cal and SC will not be fun. But I think we will give Oregon all kinds of trouble in the desert and we should be the Devils up in Tucson (because they are evil).

7. Oregon State 5-7 (3-6) (non-conference: Portland State, @ UNLV, Cincinnati)

Oregon St. has a lot of weapons but they lost way too many starters to play as well as they did last season. I realize that picking them 7th in the conference when they have two of the most explosive players in the conference is kinda crazy, so don't feel like you need to tell me.

8. Arizona State 4-8 (2-7) (non-conference: Idaho State, Louisiana-Monroe, @ Georgia)

What can I say? I hate them and I look forward to watching them get destroyed by Georgia.

9. Washington 3-9 (2-7) (non-conference: LSU, Idaho, @ Notre Dame)

ASU's loss to Georgia will be ugly, but not as ugly as Washington's loss to LSU. Children avert your eyes.

10. Washington State 2-10 (1-8) (non-conference: Hawaii, SMU, @ Notre Dame)

Can you remember the last time the Cougars had a good team? I couldn't either...so I looked it up, it was 2003.