The rich keep getting richer- that's the theme for the Pac-10's 2008 outlook.
Two teams have had major coaching changes, and injuries to some teams' key players will play an important role in determining the pecking order of these ten teams. An interesting story-line is that only one team returns fifteen or more starters this year. The Stanford Cardinal.
1. USC Trojans.
The Trojans will not be rebuilding this year, nor any other year, unless the NCAA decides to hand out some sanctions. They just keep reloading, and already have a killer recruiting class for 2009. The Trojans have some key losses on both sides of the ball, but their baptism by fire with their season-opener at Virginia should get them fairly used to what the expectations are.
Offense.
The O-line is the biggest concern of the team due to the losses of both tackles, two guards and their center. Left tackle is the biggest concern- it's QB Mark Sanchez' blind side- but the five projected starting linemen have all had starting experience. Since Sanchez is an extremely mobile quarterback, the O-line could have less pressure defending the pass rush until they jell as a unit.
The quarterback picture is crystal clear, and the Trojans have the perfect storm brewing. All three- Mark Sanchez, Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp- could start today on any FBS team. The running back situation is also a little less muddled, now that three tailbacks are not returning. The stable is talented and deep, with Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson and CJ Gable getting most of the touches.
The wide receiver corps, usually a reliable unit for the Trojans, underachieved last season. Too many dropped catches and incorrect route-running. This year's Spring practice saw a different unit taking hard hits and hanging on to the ball. Patrick Turner, Vidal Hazleton, David Ausberry and Damian Johnson will all split duty, while TE Chris McCoy has big shoes to replace- Mackey Award winner Fred Davis.
Defense.
This unit will be ranked in the top five in the country for good reason, despite the losses of LB Keith Rivers, DT Sedrick Ellis and DE Lawrence Jackson. The projected starters are all top notch, including sophomore Everson Griffen. The linebacking unit has been ranked #1 or #2 preseason, and the Nagurski Award could go to Rey Maualuga this year if he out-shines the other big contender- James Laurinaitis- in their game against the Buckeyes on September 13th.
The secondary suffered one big loss in CB Terrell Thomas, but the senior duos of Josh Pinkard and Cary Harris will fill the loss nicely with their experience. Safeties Taylor Mays (6-4, 225) and Kevin Ellison both had extensive playing time last year, and this secondary unit could be one of the best in the nation. Mays looks and hits like a linebacker. Remember his name.
Outlook.
The Trojans should win the conference championship due to a more favorable schedule- they host Oregon, Arizona State, Washington and Cal- three of the four other contenders in the Pac-10. The Trojans' BCS title game's hopes come down to two dates: September 13th hosting the Buckeyes, and November 29th hosting a much-improved Fighting Irish. Win them both and beat the Sun Devils and Ducks, and it's off to the BCS title game.
2. Arizona State Sun Devils
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