Pac-10 Preview: Beavers, Bears, Ducks, and Trojans Race For Roses

I originally had a picture of Washington State quarterback Marshall Lobbestael fumbling the ball away; it would represent the six times opponents hung at least fifty on the Cougars defense.

Alas, it is a new season, and workhorse running back Dwight Tardy is pictured symbolizing just that, and it will be better than 2008 because well…it can’t be any worse.

The Cougars did manage to win two games in 2009, beating Portland State, and rival Washington.

They return twelve starters, seven on an offense that includes proven quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers.

The Cougs really only lost two main contributors, receiver Brandon Gibson, and their defensive leader, middle linebacker Greg Trent.

The Cougars do not have many newcomers, but California transfer James Montgomery should help the running back situation.

The Cougars defense, which was pathetic, does have six new replacements; but the five players who departed will not be missed as much as the loss of five players would be in other programs.

Reason for concern: Honestly, the Cougars need a ton of help at every position besides running back.

Bottom line: The Cougars do have SMU and Hawaii on their schedule, so they won’t go winless. The Pac-10 will be rough for them, very rough.

The Cougs at best will win one or two Pac-10 games and continue their long rebuilding process.

Well the Huskies did fair better than the Cougars, yet went winless. This was mainly due to Jake Locker’s season ending thumb injury.

Locker is the Huskies' heart and soul and no player means more to his team than Locker does to his Huskies.

During the offseason, the Washington athletic administration hired the USC offensive and defensive coordinators, an intriguing move, yet one that could backfire (see Norm Chow and Lane Kiffin).

Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach and should instantly help Locker’s passing. Nick Holt, will assume the defensive duties just as he did at USC.

Locker returns for his junior season, along with his top receivers and 13 other starters from 2008.

D’Andre Goodwin had a breakout 2008 campaign (almost 700 yards receiving), and his numbers were even better in the games in which Locker played in.

The Husky running backs all return, but none of them could break 400 yards rushing.

In 2008, the Huskies defense was the Pac-10’s worst. With seven returning starters, the defense can only get better.

Mason Foster, the Huskies’ top tackler in 2008, should lead the resurgent defense.

Reason for concern: Well, the Huskies running back situation is far from the stability teams like Stanford, Oregon State, Oregon, California, Arizona, or USC; but they have good depth.

The much bigger concern is the defense.

Yes they do have many returners, and a new coach, but since their defense was such a liability last season, they need to prove they can hold teams under thirty before we can worry about any other problems.

Bottom line: Locker and the offense should keep them in most games, but the defense will lose them most of those games.

Starting out against LSU sure doesn’t help things, but Idaho the following week should end the losing streak.

The Huskies play all of their winnable games on the road (UCLA, Stanford, and Arizona State), which might hurt their chances of winning a few more games.

Because of their scheduling I see this team only winning three or four games at the most.

Dennis Erickson really has his hands full. After a great first season, Erickson’s team has gone downhill.

Erickson did land a great recruiting class, which includes Vontaze Burfict, the 11th best prospect in the nation. The 245 pound linebacker should wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

The Sun Devil offense was a disaster in 2008, and '09 doesn’t look much better as only four starters return.

Plus, the Sun Devils have to break in a new quarterback, an issue they haven’t had to address since 2005.

Demtri Nance and Shaun DeWitty team up to create a nice one-two punch in the backfield. Nance and DeWitty are both not the most talented of backs, but both are strong runners and should wear opposing defenses down.

Senior possession receiver Chris McGaha leads an inexperienced core of wideouts. McGaha had a terrific sophomore season, but had less impact as a junior.

The defense returns six starters, but that includes Mike Nixon and Dexter Davis. Davis led the team in sacks while Nixon had a team high 90 tackles.

Throw in Burfict, and defensive tackle Corey Adams, the nation’s 34th best prospect, and the Sun Devils should have a very solid defense in 2009.

Reason for concern: Senior quarterback Danny Sullivan has been waiting in the wings to replace Rudy Carpenter for a while.

Sullivan does know the system, but lacks game experience. Sullivan has the keys to the Sun Devil offense and he will need to produce, or it will be a long season in the desert.

Bottom line: The defense will carry this team. They will have to be on their game each week. If the offense can click, the line blocks, Sullivan plays like a senior, and the backs can each build on their 2008 performances, this team could go bowling.

That’s a lot of 'if's though. The Sun Devils host California, Oregon State, and USC. All are potential upsets, especially the Beavers, who haven’t won in Tempe in forty years.

The Sun Devils could be the team to get fifth place, but could also lose to Washington and get ninth. I see them getting four or five wins thanks to an easy non conference schedule.

Usually when you have the Pac-10’s worst rushing attack and a quarterback who throws 20 picks, you don’t do so hot.

Rick Neuheisel learned that the hard way, but his Bruins should be much better in 2009.

For starters, Kevin Craft will not be under center. Kevin Prince will be one of the many freshmen (redshirted or true) Neuheisel goes to in 2009.

In fact, the Bruins return eight starters on offense, but as few as two of those players might start in 2009.

Terrence Austin, who only caught 53 balls for 460 yards in 2008, is the Bruins top offensive threat. Austin is also a game-breaking returner.

Taylor Embree had a terrific freshman season, catching 40 balls for 531 yards. He and Austin should make up for most of the aerial attack.

It should also be worth noting the Bruins are auditioning five running backs to succeed Kahlil Bell.

Christian Ramirez is the favorite; he was academically ineligible last season, but is now ready to play.

The Bruins return five players from a defense that was mediocre at best.

The good news is that the best defenders do return: lockdown corner Alterraun Verner, leading tackler Reggie Carter, and sack leader Korey Bosworth.

The Bruins also look to start underclassmen, (especially freshman) on defense, as well. Yes, I know, similar to Arizona State.

Reason for concern: Kevin Prince, well he probably won’t throw 20 interceptions, but how good will he be?

He is only a freshman, and with a young offensive line protecting him...well, you get the picture.

The other issue is the youth; the Bruins will lack a lot of experience, something virtually every team that is better than them has.

Bottom line: The “baby” Bruins are probably a year or two off from being a major player in the Pac-10.

Nonetheless, they host Oregon and California among others. They will get tested early with a date with Tennessee in Knoxville.

I think if this team can mature fast, we will see six wins and a possible bowl appearance.

The non-conference games against Tennessee and Kansas State will be the make or break games that determine the Bruins' success in 2009.

If you think about it, Jim Harbaugh and his notorious “fighting Harbaughs” have ruined potential national title and Rose Bowl appearances in the last two seasons.

Two years ago his team knocked off USC, and last season his team upset Oregon State on opening weekend—a game the Beavers would love to have back.

Toby Gerhart, whose breakout performance in 2008 was overshadowed by the likes of Rodgers, Blount, and Best, rushed for 1,136 yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns.

Gerhart is the Cardinal’s top offensive weapon. He weights in at almost 240 pounds, and runs as hard as any back in the nation.

Stanford returns their top pass catchers in Ryan Whalen and Doug Baldwin. Each had nice 2008 campaigns and look to build in 2009.

Redshirt freshman amal Rashad-Patterson was one of the top receivers in the 2008 class, and looks to also make an impact in 2009.

Highly touted freshman Andrew Luck has passed Tavita Pritchard on the quarterback depth chart. Luck redshirted last season, and has a nice set of weapons at his disposal.

In 2008, the Cardinal were quite weak on defense, giving up 380 yards a game.

They return seven starters, and the returning players will mix with talented underclassmen to hopefully tighten up the defense.

Senior free safety Bo McNally is one of the Pac-10’s best. McNally is undersized, (only 210 pounds), but makes up for it with speed, instincts and smarts.

Reason for concern: The biggest concern for Stanford is if their defense does not dramatically improve.

If Luck does not play well, Tavita Pritchard, a proven signal-caller, will take over.

For Stanford fans, the worry should be: “Has this team gotten sufficiently better to make a bowl?”

Bottom line: The answer is no, there are still five teams that are better than the Cardinal.

The talented recruiting classes of Jim Harbaugh will have to wait another year.

The Cardinal’s bowl chances however, ride on their games against Wake Forest and Notre Dame.

The reason why Arizona ends up as fifth is because this team has already been bowling. They have proven players who know how to win, and they are hungry to repeat the success of 2008.

The Wildcats lost their top blocker in Eben Britton. The 'Cats also lost the schools best passing combination in quarterback Willie Tuitama and receiver Mike Thomas.

Minus Thomas, and Wildcats return their top three pass catchers, which includes Rob Gronkowski, one of the nation’s best tight ends.

Arizona is lucky to return its two-headed rushing monster. Nic Grigsby and Keola Antolin, both speed backs, will anchor a strong backfield.

The most unproven position will be quarterback. Matt Scott and Nick Foles will battle for the starting job. Scott is a dual-threat while Foles is a pocket passer.

Both are very talented and will have every opportunity to find success with the surrounding talent.

Head coach Mike Stoops’ staple is defense. In 2008, his Wildcats ranked third in the Pac-10 in defense.

The defense should also find success in 2009 as seven starters return, including lockdown corner Devin Ross.

Reason for concern: The Wildcats lose top tacklers Ronnie Palmer and Nate Ness. But they should be replaced.

The biggest issue is the quarterback play. Yes both are talented, but the experience Tuitama had will not be apparent when Foles or Scott take the field against Iowa in a hostile environment on Sept. 19.

Another concern could be how the Wildcats will replace Eben Britton, who brought first round talent to the running game.

Bottom line: The Wildcats will have to be road warriors if they want to find success in 2009.

They make stops at Iowa, Oregon State, California, and USC. The road games will make it tough for the Cats’ to pull off wins over the big teams.

This team will most likely win anywhere from seven to nine games, possibly less if the quarterback play falls off.

I like them to win eight, with a possibility of beating Oregon at home in late November.

The Ducks have obtained the luxury of two Heisman candidates in Jeremiah Masoli and LeGarrette Blount. Besides Masoli and Blount, the 2009 Oregon offense will be full of fresh faces.

Chip Kelley, Oregon’s offensive coordinator of 2008, now takes over as head coach, succeeding Mike Bellotti, who took the Ducks to new heights in his long 14 year tenure.

Only two o-line member’s return, and the receiving corps is fairly raw.

The Ducks lost their top two targets Terence Scott and Jaison Williams to graduation.

The Oregon defense was on the field a lot in 2008. This is due to two reasons: the Ducks offense scored so quickly, and the Ducks defense couldn’t stop any body, either.

The Ducks' defense returns only five starters, but it includes lockdown corner Walter Thurmond, and leading tacklers T.J. Ward and Spencer Paysinger.

The Ducks big loss was in the secondary, where they lost two defensive backs, both going fairly high in the NFL draft. The other loss was workhouse defensive end Nick Reed.

Reason for concern: In the Ducks’ spread attack, the quarterback always seems to get injured, so Masoli going down would be quite a problem.

The receivers will be fine, as well as the whole offense.

The big issue is the defense. An almost entirely new front line, as well as new members in the secondary will hamper the defense’s production.

Bottom line: The inexperienced Ducks will have trouble at the start of the season, especially when they travel to Boise State and the smurf turf.

Besides Boise State, all of the Ducks tough games will be at Autzen Stadium, which will definitely help them when they go against the likes of Cal, OSU, and USC.

The Ducks' non-conference schedule is difficult and a few losses during September wouldn’t be a huge shock.

I see the Ducks getting past only one of the big three (Cal, OSU, and USC), and a road loss should be expected. Look for this team to go 8-4 or 9-3.

No team has more returning players than the Bears. The Bears return the nation’s top running back Jahvid Best, their top receivers, quarterback Kevin Riley, the entire defensive line, and the entire secondary.

Woo! No wonder this is a preseason top 10 team.

Jahvid Best rushed for almost 1,600 yards in 2008. Backup Shane Vereen rushed for 715 yards, making Cal one of the nation’s elite rushing teams.

Junior quarterback Kevin Riley had mediocre numbers last season, (1,360 yards and 14 touchdowns) but was splitting time with Nate Longshore.

Longshore is departed and Riley is now the man.

The receivers were not great in 2008, but Nyan Boateng and Verran Tucker look to have solid senior campaigns.

The lone question about Cal’s defense is the linebackers. Cal plays a 3-4 and three of the linebackers will be new.

The Golden Bear secondary should be the Pac-10’s best, led by Syd’Quan Thompson, one of the best corners in the conference.

Reason for concern: The defense should be terrific. The Golden Bears will have a great season if Riley can grasp the reigns, and if he and the receivers can establish a productive passing attack.

Bottom line: The Bears have the best shot to beat USC. They also host Oregon State. Look for the Bears to win 10 games, or possibly 11. Don’t be surprised to see a three team tie for first.

Freshman Jacquizz Rodgers assumed instant-celebrity status after his 186 yard performance against the top-ranked USC Trojans and...Well okay! Enough, we know the rest!

After a shoulder injury put him out for the final two games, "Quizz" is 100% and looks to have an even bigger sophomore season.

Quizz's brother, James Rodgers, is the Beavers top receiving threat. James should be around the ball a ton this season—whether catching, running, or returning.

He looks to have an All Pac-10 caliber season.

The rest of the receivers are unproven, but they have many options.

Junior Casey Kjos should fit the Shane Morales "glue guy" role, and Darrell Catchings will do his best Sammie Stroughter impression.

(Stroughter led the Pac-10 in receiving in 2008, and also had the same body type as Catchings.)

Geno Munoz, Damola Adeniji, Kevan Walker, and Jordan Bishop are also in the mix for playing time at receiver, and they all have nice size.

Bishop is especially intriguing, checking in at 6'3", and possessing terrific speed.

The offensive line returns four players with starting experience.

They will protect either Lyle Moevao, or Sean Canfield. Both quarterbacks are proven winners and leaders.

The defense returns less, but has Stephen Paea, arguably the conference's strongest player (he squats 720 lbs).

The linebackers all have speed, and will rotate at least four players with game experience.

The Beavers have an unproven secondary, but do have terrific depth and if this unit can learn quickly, teams will have trouble scoring on this them.

The Beavers boast a rotation of four corners; three of them are over 6'0" (which is very big for a corner).

Reason for concern: Aside from the secondary, the receivers are talented, but lack experience. The defensive ends are also raw, and will need to adapt and learn quickly.

Bottom line: The biggest hurdle the Beavs will face is the schedule. It starts out favorably, and don’t be surprised if this ream rolls into the Coliseum 6-0.

But after that they have to travel to USC, California, and Oregon. Making stops at three top 15 teams, including USC, and winning all three is a feat even Florida might not be able to accomplish.

Yes I do love the Pac-10, but I bleed orange and black. It was tough to not give the Beavers first, but their schedule hurts and USC is the most talented team in the conference.

Look for the Beavers to win at least nine games, and they may find themselves in a tie for first place when the season ends.

The Trojans return almost all of their offense besides quarterback Mark Sanchez.

They have one of the nation’s best receiving corps, as well as a whole stable of running backs.

The one issue is at quarterback. Aaron Corp is the guy, even if he is currently out a few weeks with an injury.

The defense is completely new. The one area of returners is at safety, where Josh Pinkard and big Taylor Mays anchor the back line of defense.

Mays is one of the nation’s most intimidating players. He is the team’s fastest player, and checks in at 6’ 3”, 230 pounds.

The rest of the defense does have some experience, but replacing the Brian Cushings and Rey Maualugas of 2008 is no small task.

Let’s face it though, the defense will be a collection of top recruits and should fair just fine.

Reasons for concern: The Trojans have two main concerns. The first is quarterback play. Aaron Corp, Matt Barkley, or Mitch Mustain; whoever wins the job will have amazing surrounding talent.

Surrounding talent certainly helps, but doesn’t win unless the quarterback can play well.

The other issue is the relatively inexperienced defense, which will go up against much more experienced offenses (Oregon, Cal, Oregon State, etc…)

Bottom line: The Men of Troy play a tough schedule that involves traveling east twice.

Trojan quarterbacks have been known to struggle in Pac-10 debuts. This leads us into our stat of the day:

Stat of the day: Matt Leinart lost his first Pac-10 road game, John David Booty lost his third Pac-10 road game, and Mark Sanchez lost his first two Pac-10 road games.

After a date at Washington, the Trojans play at California {second Pac-10 road game), and at Oregon four weeks later (third Pac-10 road game).

Notice the trend? The Trojans should collect nine or ten victories, but expect at least two losses.