I figured since we have an SEC prediction thread I figured why not forecast another tough conference? Here's my take:
NORTH
1.) Stanford- With Kevin Hogan behind 4 returning starters on the offensive line I think the Cardinal will get back in contention. The defense took a hit losing 6 starters but get back leading tackler Blake Martinez and veteran LB Kevin Anderson. This is probably the biggest area of concern in Palo Alto, but if the Stanford offense can get back to playing "Stanford Football" the defense will stay rested opposite of a balanced run game. Kevin Hogan holds the keys and the team will go as he does. They have a stable of solid RB's, outstanding TE's and a big target WR in Devon Cajuste (6'4''). The special teams are an area of concern as they appear to be starting a true freshman kicker and walk-on punter whom redshirted last season. The Cardinal have a favorable schedule with their only tough road contest coming early at USC. They get Notre Dame, Arizona, and UCLA at home. I predict that Stanford does enough to win the North despite losses to USC, UCLA and Notre Dame. Beating Oregon at home should be enough for David Shaw to get into the conference title game.
2.) Oregon- Typically I lean towards experienced QB's returning when projecting rankings. In this case I think Oregon should be a solid shape with FCS star Vernon Adams running the offense. The Ducks are still a very talented team on both sides of the ball. They return stud RB's Royce Freeman (1,500+ total yds, 19td's) and Thomas Tyner. All the Ducks WR's return and they get back Bralon Addison whom was a projected starter before tearing his ACL last season. They add Notre Dame grad transfer Matt Hegarty to anchor the offensive line alongside Cameron Hunt, Tyrell Crosby and Tyler Johnstone (acl last year). The defense returns 6 starters led by stud DE DeForrest Buckner. Special teams are solid, and the Ducks get USC, Utah, and Cal at home. I don't think the Ducks make the playoff, but think they are good enough to contend in the North division this season despite losing a Heisman winning QB and their top 2 tacklers. I predict Oregon loses games to Michigan State, USC, Stanford and Arizona State.
3.) Washington- Chris Peterson still has work to do and stars to replace in Danny Shelton, Shaq Thompson, and Marcus Peters. Despite the huge losses on defense I think Peterson keeps the Huskies competitive. Peterson has been a known over-achiever and I don't expect that to stop now. They break in a new QB behind 4 new starters on the offensive line. It's tough for me to put this team here, but as I mentioned I think the North division struggles this season. Washington opens the season on the road on the blue turf in Boise where I believe Peterson will have his guys ready. I predict they struggle to get to 6-6 and likely miss a bowl bid.
4.) Cal- Sonny Dykes is doing a good job and has a stud QB in Jared Goff. I think this team does well in the North despite a tough schedule. They return 9 starters on defense that was gouged often last season. I look for them to improve enough to compete in the division behind a productive offense that returns a sleuth of productive and experienced WR's and a 1,000 yd rusher. I have the Golden Bears losing 5 games but finishing 4rd in a down North division. The Bears have road games against Texas, Washington, Utah, UCLA, Oregon and Stanford, and they get USC at home. They have their work cut out for them and making a bowl a 6-6 seems to be a likely possibility.
5.) Oregon State- Gary Andersen steps into a tough situation in Corvallis as the Beavers try to crawl out of the basement of a weak division. They may start a true freshman at QB. The offensive line returns intact and Storm Woods will have to carry this young team. The defense will be a complete rebuild job and I have a hard time seeing the Beavers winning more than 5 games. They travel to Michigan, Arizona, Utah, Cal and Oregon.
6.) Washington State- this team went 3-9 last season, plays terrible defense, breaks in a new QB and returns almost no offensive production. The only bright spot on this team is returning all 5 offensive lineman. They travel to Rutgers ooc, and will have a hard time winning more than 4 games. The seat can't get too hot for Mike Leach because Wazzu isn't landing a bigger name and the standards aren't high.
SOUTH
1.) USC- Pretty simple, this team is talented and the depth is finally filling out. My biggest concern here is Steve Sarkisian and how he handles the spotlight. This squad is chocked full of stars and NFL talent. Cody Kessler was quietly one of the best QB's in college football last season (3,800 yds 39td's only 5 int's), Justin Davis has emerged as a burner at RB, and the entire offensive line returns. The only unit in question is someone filling the shoes of Nelson Agholor. JuJu Smith seems to be the leading candidate ahead of Darreus Rogers and all purpose player Adoree Jackson. The defense is stacked and deep. This team does lose its placekicker. They open conference play week 3 hosting Stanford which should be a great test. They travel to Arizona State, Notre Dame, Cal, and Oregon. I have the Trojans losing to Notre Dame in an upset on the road, but winning the Pac12 outright.
2.) Arizona- The Wildcats seems set up for sustained success behind Rich Rodriguez. QB Anu Solomon seems to have a great handle on the offense, fellow sophomore Nick Wilson had a huge season (1,400+ total yds, 17 td's), and WR Cayleb Jones appears to be a legit deep threat. My concern here is losing 3 starters on the offensive line at Center and both Tackles. The defense returns 6 starters that feature All-American LB Scooby Wright. Special teams are proven here as well. I've got Arizona losing just a few games being to UCLA and USC.
3.) Utah- This is a gritty well coached team that always seems to find a way to compete at a high level. I think Devontae Booker is an elite RB with an NFL future, they use 2 experienced QB's and return 4 offensive lineman. The defense loses sack artist Orchard, CB Rowe and veteran leader Blechen at safety. This squad has outstanding LB's and return 7 starters. The wildcard with the Utes is the special teams. They have the best kicking tandem in college football and I think with a stingy defense and Booker carrying the ball they will be tough to beat and I have a hard time putting them here. I have the Utes losing to Michigan in a nail biter, but beating Oregon on the road and beating UCLA. I think Arizona catches them late in the season. The Utes are a tough team and should be ranked in the top 25 all season.
4.) UCLA- I stand by my belief that Brett Hundley cost UCLA a legit shot at a title by taking bad advice and leaving early. The only thing that will hold back the Bruins this season will be breaking in Josh Rosen at QB. Paul Perkins returns as the feature back, the receivers are proven commodities, and the entire offensive line returns. The defense suffers only the loss of leading tackler Eric Kendricks but everyone else returns along with both kicking specialists. The sky is the limit for this squad. They play all of their toughest contests on the road and I have them losing games to USC, Utah and Arizona. I predict that UCLA is a top contender in 2016.
5.) Arizona State- Mike Bercovici played well with Taylor Kelly injured and should lead the Sun Devils to a respectable bowl game. They lose production from Jaelen Strong on offense but nearly everyone else returns. They do break in a pair of tackles which could be an area of concern. The defense returns 9 starters, and both kickers return. It's hard to put this team at #5 but I believe that the Pac12 South is going to be the best division at seasons end ahead of the SEC West and B1G East. I've got the Sun Devils dropping games to USC, UCLA, Utah, and Arizona. This could be the toughest 4 loss team in America and should show up hungry to prove it during bowl season.
6.) Colorado- Mike MacIntyre is slowly building this squad, but the how long will he get. There is no doubt that Dan Hawkins set this school back years and they have a mountain to climb to get to a competitive level again. I have the Buffs winning 5 games and there is a shot they can get to 6 wins because they play Wazzu and Oregon State out of the North. It would be incredible if CU could get to a bowl, I think they come close but are a year away. If you get a chance to watch them look out for LB Addison Gillam. The guy is a tackling machine and plays with a reckless style that is fun to watch.
I have USC winning the Pac12 outright and beating Stanford twice to seal the deal.
So what are your predictions for the Pac12?
