First up, the Pac-10:
Three Best Teams:
USC – Not much to be said here – seven straight years with at least a share of the Pac-10 championship and not enough evidence to suggest the streak ends this year. But with new regimes at Washington (operating under former USC OC Steve Sarkisian) and Rick Neuheisel firing up the troops across town at UCLA, the Trojans may have adequate competition in coming seasons.
Oregon – The Ducks have made a living out of very good but not great seasons as of late. Oregon won nine games in 2007 and 10 in 2008, yet hasn’t made a Rose Bowl appearance since 1994. Phil Knight’s money and devotion continually keeps this program at the top of the league; behind Chip Kelly’s high-powered option spread attack will this finally be the year the Ducks break through and smell the roses once again?
Cal – Much like Oregon, Cal continually hangs around the top tier of the Pac-10 standings but has also been unable to reach the BCS in recent years. After splitting time with Nate Longshore most of last season, junior QB Kevin Riley takes over behind center and is armed with yet another explosive Jeff Tedford directed offense. If Cal can get production out of their defense they are poised for a good year; outside of games against USC and Oregon the Golden Bears should be favored against everyone on their schedule.
Three Must-See Games:
Every game USC plays against top competition qualifies as must-see, but I couldn’t bring myself to include them in every game; note that the Trojans are on the road for both of these contests – and don’t forget their trip to South Bend in mid-October.
USC at Ohio State (September 12): The Buckeyes – especially Tyrell Pryor – will be hard-set on revenge after last year’s 35-3 embarrassment in the Coliseum.
USC at Oregon (October 31): The most-hyped Pac-10 game of the year; Halloween at Autzen – nothing more to be said.
Oregon State at Cal (November 7): Outside of Oregon and Cal, the Beavers have the most potential to upset the Pac-10 order and this game will be a necessary step in that direction.
Five Play-makers You Should Know:
Matt Barkley (USC, quarterback): Recently appointed USC’s starter – the first true frosh to start on opening day for the Trojan’s in decades – there will be plenty of pressure on Barkley this season. But don’t bet against Pete Carroll, he obviously sees plenty of potential in the youngster who beat out upperclassmen Aaron Corp and former Arkansas Razorback Mitch Mustain for the honor.
Jeremiah Masoli (Oregon, quarterback): The junior quarterback who came out of nowhere at the start of last season led the Ducks on a closing tear at the end of 2008, passing for 830 yards and six touchdowns, while rushing for 248 yards and seven scores over a three-game stretch that included demolitions of rival Oregon State and Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl.
Taylor Mays (USC, safety): The returning hard-hitting All-American could probably be starting in the NFL this season but instead chose to return to USC; Penn State receiver Jordan Norwood, among a multitude of other wide receivers, wishes he hadn’t.
Jahvid Best (Cal, tailback): One of the most explosive RBs in college football, the junior is riding the coattails of 1,580 yard, 15 TD campaign in 2008; Cal will need him to produce at another high level in 2009 to have a shot at the conference title.
Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State, tailback): Despite his 5-7 stature, Rodgers gives opposing defenses fits (just ask USC). He amassed 1,253 yards on the ground last season, along with 11 touchdowns. How will he respond this season now that he’ll be a target for opposing defenses?
