There's a game thread for the USC-tOSU battle in September, and talk that's specific to that game belongs over there. This thread is for other talk about teams in the conference.
Can Mike Stoops finally get Arizona to make a run at the conference title?
Conference title? No - bowl game for the first time in 10 years - probably because they have such a cupcake schedule and senior qb. Stoops has done a horrible job there so I hope he stays another 5 years.
Can Arizona State protect Rudy Carpenter and survive a tougher schedule?
ASU is changing from a 7 step drop to more 3 step drops to get the ball out of Rudy's hand earlier and hopefully avoid so many sacks. ASU will run more 4 & 5 man receiver packages to help in this process. Should end up #2 in Pac-10. Can't wait for that Georgia game!
Can Cal bounce back despite losing Forsett and most of their receivers?
Cal should be solid even though they did lose some guys. Definitely not going to compete for Pac 10 title.
Will Oregon look like the bowl team that pounded USF, or the team that collapsed at the end of the regular season after losing Dennis Dixon?
Oregon will be a step under that Dixon team that was steam rolling people. Picked up a good RB to replace Stewart and their defense should be really good. QB is their question.
Will Oregon State get run over after losing the entire front seven from last year's stout defense?
They won't get run over, but they should be competitive. Nothing exciting to talk about here.
Will Stanford come anywhere close to having a moment as large as last year's win at USC?
I think Stanford will start surprising people and be quite a bit more competitive than last year. Harbaugh is starting to land some good recruits and they will be really competitive in about 2 years.
Will Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow be able to keep their QBs upright and challenge their cross-town rival?
No, but they had a great recruiting class last year and will probably get annother pretty good class this year. They are also about 2 years out from being really competitive again.
Will Mark Sanchez or Mitch Mustain be able to lead USC back to the top of the college football landscape?
Good question, but the tOSU game will be a good indicator as to how their young guys will perform. They have a hellacious schedule this year so even if they don't win a championship, they will be there next year.
Will Jake Locker's experience be enough to make up for U-Dub's defensive problems?
No - UW needs some serious work and also play a crazy schedule this year. Locker is their team and you need more than that to win games - especially with the tough schedule they have.
Will new coach Paul Wulff be able to make Wazzu a player in the conference race anytime soon?
No - they aren't getting really good recruiting classes and don't see them getting competitive any time soon. All of the recruits in the northwest seem to be going to Oregon and UW snags a few here and there. WSU is the UofA of the north west. There's my .02
cfn
05-04-2008, 06:23 AM
Linear Mode
