The Pacific Ten conference is often a preseason crap shoot. Who will win? Typically there are always 3 or 4 teams who are considered serious conteners. At least that was the mantra of the 90s and early into the 21st century. That all changed 2003 when USC won it's first conference title since 1995, and they haven't relinquished it yet. This season, the Trojans will attempt to win their 5th straight conference title. And they just may have the talent, coaching and experience to do just that.
With NFL prospects peppering the lineups on both sides of the ball, things are definately on track in LA. But there are concerns, with the loss of Reggie Bush, Lendale White and Matt Leinhart, the Trojans struggled to put teams away throughout the season and ultimately dropped 2 conference road games. That's definately not too shabby after losing 2 Heisman winners and a load of NFL talent. This season the Trojan O backfield will be deep, loaded and experienced as they return QB Jon David Booty and a trio of complimentary RBs. The big ? is how bad , if at all, the loss of Dwayne Jarret and Steve Smith (both to the NFL) will be.
It's definately the Trojans title to take.
So that brings up the race for second.
The most likely canidate on paper is UCLA or CAL. It seems to me the Ducks are still out of synch at the QB position and has a defense that gives up far too many big plays, at home the Ducks are nearly unstoppable, but on the road they are merely average. CAL also loses a ton of talent, including AA DB Damien Huyghes and all conference LB Desmond Bishop. Offensively CAL loses perhaps it's best running back in 20 years in Marshawn Lynch. The do have offensive talent in the wings, Defense will be the key for CAL. They will be tested early, as they host Tennessee in the season opener.
Next up is Arizona State, who , like Oregon and UCLA has been quite erratic recently. The Devils have had the most interesting offseason as they hired the controversial and very successful Dennis Erickson. Erickson inherits and experienced QB, Oline and a horse in the backfield by the name of Ryan Torrain. Torrain rushed for 1279yds and 7 TDs last season in 10 starts and is the prototypical back for a Dennis Erickson pro style spread offense. Like CAL and Oregon, ASU's defense has been a dissappointment recently, particularly in big games and the 4th quarter.
Stay tuned for more preseason analysis as opening week nears.
