The Huskies are the sexy pick to be the biggest surprise of the year, but they need all the planets in the universe to align at the right time. Once a fearsome opponent in the Pac-10, they have had a bad stretch since 2005- a total of six conference wins. Like Stoops, Willingham's hot seat may reach a scorching level if the Huskies don't go bowling this year. Their schedule is not that favorable, but then again, it has been one of the toughest in the nation for the second year in a row.

Offense.

It all starts with Pac-10 Freshman of the Year Jake Locker. Last year he was hurt, but this year he's back and could cause havoc in the Pac-10, much like Dennis Dixon did before he was hurt. He has a cannon of an arm and can run past the best of defenses (102 yards against Ohio State). In short, if Locker has a break-out year, the Huskies could be bowling.

The running back unit will have to replace Louis Rankin, but they do have some potential weapons in Brandon Johnson and JR Hasty. The wide receiver unit has loads of talent, but short on experience. Like USC, the Huskies suffered a lot of dropped passes last year. They have a freshman Chris Polk, who originally committed to USC, and some other highly touted players including returner TE Robert Lewis. After losing six receivers, this unit has to jell fast.

The O-line returns three starters, and should have no problem giving Locker some room to maneuver. They only lose RT Chad Macklin, but senior Juan Garcia suffered a foot injury and may miss all of 2008.

Defense.

The Huskies rolled over last year by giving up an average of 446 ypg- a school record. And it really doesn't look too much better this year. They have a new DC, former NFL'er Ed Donatell,  but don't expect him to work any miracles this year. The D is just too inexperienced in the trenches.

The line is a major problem, and losing five of six starters doesn't give much hope for 2008. Key losses include three DTs and two DEs. With so much inexperience at the line and some depth at linebacker, expect the Huskies to convert to a 3-4 just like the California Golden Bears are expected to do.

The linebacker unit looks more promising, returning five with starting experience and two actual starters. While they lose OLB Dan Howell, the have EJ Savannah and Donald Butler coming back. Expect this group to be the leading tacklers on the team.

The secondary returns only two starters, but they are good ones- Mesphin Forrester started all games last year, and FS Jason Wells. They lost CB Roy Lewis, but with seven players returning with starting experience, they should be OK.

Outlook.

Let's put it this way- it will be a roller coaster ride for Huskies fans. Longing for the glory of the 2001 Rose Bowl-winning team, the Huskies have to step it up this year. The offense can do it, the D will not.

Their schedule is again brutal- last year they were ranked #1 in SOS. They open their season at Oregon. Then host BYU and Oklahoma. They could surprise the Cougs if Locker can run wild, but the Sooners will also run wild on the Huskies. The remaining games include road games at Arizona, USC, Washington State and Cal, with Notre Dame sandwiched between USC and Oregon State.

8. Oregon State Beavers

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