Pac-10 preview: Another conquest for USC?
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Will USC be able to reload and contend a fourth straight year for the national championship? Not only did the Trojans lose two Heisman Trophy winners but also nine other players were picked in the NFL draft. We are going to have to wait about three months to answer the question, but we do know that they still are favored to win the Pacific-10.
Unlike last year, the Trojans are not the unanimous favorite. Three other teams received media votes as possible Pac-10 winners in the league's preseason poll. California again looks to be the team most likely to challenge the Trojans for the league title, but Oregon and Arizona State also are getting considered. Any of the four teams could fight for a Bowl Championship Series berth.
 | 1. USC Trojans Team page | Schedule | Roster | Sporting News preview Ranked fifth in Terry's Preseason Sweet 16 As long as USC continues to recruit the best players in the country, which it did again in 2006, it will contend for the national title. However, because the Trojans are breaking in a new quarterback – John David Booty, who beat out Mark Sanchez – I can’t make them my preseason favorite. However, if you remember when Matt Leinart took over for Carson Palmer, you know there doesn't have to be a letdown. Defensively, the Trojans must improve over last year’s group that ranked an uncharacteristic 48th in the country. The defense features the strongest group of linebackers that they have had since head coach Pete Carroll arrived. USC will be playing the three strongest teams in the Pac-10 at home, where it has a 27-game winning streak. |
 | 2. California Golden Bears Team page | Schedule | Roster | Sporting News preview Ranked 11th in Terry's Preseason Sweet 16 Finding the right quarterback may be the biggest issue this preseason. All kinds of firepower returns on offense, including running back Marshawn Lynch. Look for head coach Jeff Tedford to start off the season with sophomore QB Nate Longshore. The defensive front seven led by tackle Brandon McBane will be as good as anybody in the country, but the recent loss of senior cornerback Tim Mixon was a huge blow to the secondary. The Nov. 18 date at USC could be for the Pac-10 title. |
 | 3. Oregon Ducks Team page | Schedule | Roster | Sporting News preview Oregon surprised the Pac-10 last season with the spread offense and finished the regular season 10-1 before losing the Holdiay Bowl to Oklahoma. The Ducks will have a chance to avenge that loss on Sept. 16 when the Sooners visit Autzen Stadium. The schedule is why I have a problem with Oregon’s chances of repeating last year's success. The Ducks play Arizona State, California, USC and Oregon State on the road. |
 | 4. Arizona State Sun Devils Team page | Schedule | Roster The Sun Devils decided to replace Sam Keller at quarterback with Rudy Carpenter, who filled in after Keller's injury last season. As long as Carpenter and ASU continue to put up the same kind of offensive numbers that they did as the country's No. 2 unit last year, they will have a chance to beat everybody on their schedule. But as long as the defense ranks 114th (of 117), the Sun Devils also will have a chance to lose to almost everybody on their schedule. |
 | 5. UCLA Bruins Team page | Schedule | Roster It’s hard to believe a team can be as good as UCLA was last year and as bad as the Bruins were on defense – especially against the run. The defense only can be better this year. Unfortunately, all the big guns are gone on offense, including Drew Olson, Maurice Drew and Marcedes Lewis. This definitely looks like a rebuilding year, although a winning record still is likely. |
 | 6. Arizona Wildcats Team page | Schedule | Roster Last year Arizona lost five games by a touchdown or less. Although the Wildcats still are a year away from turning around the program under head coach Mike Stoops, they definitely will be a better team. They finally have found a quarterback in sophomore Willie Tuitama who can win games in the Pac-10. |
 | 7. Oregon State Beavers Team page | Schedule | Roster You can’t turn over the ball or give up the big play if you are going to win games, and that’s exactly why the Beavers went 5-6 last season. Senior quarterback Matt Moore must cut down on last year’s 19 interceptions, and the secondary, which returns intact, must show marked improvement. |
 | 8. Washington State Cougars Team page | Schedule | Roster The Cougars are yet another Pac-10 team that was great on offense and terrible on defense last season. With the return of one of the best receiving units in college football, led by Jason Hill, and quarterback Alex Brink, Washington State again should be able to put up a ton of points. Unfortunately, a winning season will depend on whether the defense can stop the opponents from putting up a ton of points, too. |
 | 9. Stanford Cardinal Team page | Schedule | Roster If not for an early-season loss to UC Davis, the Cardinal would have gone bowling last year. With 10 starters back on offense, including senior quarterback Trent Edwards, the offense should do much better under second-year head coach Walt Harris. However, the Cardinal will have to achieve some balance by establishing some sort of running game. |
 | 10. Washington Huskies Team page | Schedule | Roster It still amazes me how quickly and how far this proud program has fallen over the last four or five seasons. Second-year head coach Tyrone Willingham must begin to win the recruiting battles before he starts winning the battles on the field. Eight starters back on defense and the return of fleet-footed quarterback Isaiah Stanback will allow the Huskies to be more competitive this year. |
