PAC-12 Preview and Predictions
By Michael Schneid
PAC-12 PROJECTED STANDINGS
AWARDS:
Offensive Player of the Year: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Defensive MVP: Star Loutelei, DT, Utah
Coach of the Year: Lane Kiffin, USC
Freshmen of the Year: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
Analysis: Mike Stoops offense was too predictable at times last year. The unpredictably and pace of the new offense will be a big improvement. QB Matt Scott has experience and will need to adapt and learn the new system quickly. The Wildcats fired Mike Stoops in the middle of last year's disappointing season after __ years for Stoops. Arizona went out and got quite possibly the best coach available in Rich Rodriguez. Rich Rod was a bit of a disaster at Michigan but he was never a "Michigan man." Arizona does not have much tradition and is more of a basketball school and being out west, Rodriguez can fly under the radar a little more. His offense should translate well and should excite fans too.
ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
Prediction: 5-7 overall, 3-6 Pac-12, 4th place South Division
Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense
Players to Watch: LB Brandon Magee, RB Cameron Marshall, DE Junior Onyeali
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Missouri (9/15)
Burning Question: How can Arizona State replace Brock Osweiler?
Analysis: Sophomores Taylor Kelly and Mike Bercovici and redshirt freshman Michael Eubank will battle to replace QB Brock Osweiler this spring. The Sun Devils replaced Dennis Erickson with Todd Graham after a complicated search (ASU wanted June Jones). Defense is Graham’s forte and he has some big weapons returning. The loss of Vontaze Burfict may benefit the defense as they plan to use a blitz-heavy scheme. Only four starters return on each side of the ball. As mentioned earlier, Graham has work to do on both sides, especially for replacing the quarterback. This could be a rough first year in Tempe.
CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
Prediction: 7-5 overall, 5-4 Pac-12, 4th place North Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Zach Maynard, WR Keenan Allen, LB David Wilkerson
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Ohio State (9/15)
Burning Question: Could this be Jeff Tedford's swan song?
Analysis: Tedford is known for his work with quarterbacks. Zach Maynard threw for 2,990 yards, 17 TD, 12 INT in 2011. Entering his senior season, Maynard has the luxary of projected NFL first round pick, WR Keenan Allen. Allen caught 6 of Maynards’s 17 TDs and 1,343 yards. They also got 1,322, 10 TDs from RB Isi Sofele. The offense returns their three biggest playmakers, guys Tedford will need after consecutive losing PAC-12 records. Coming off two mediocre seasons, Cal opens a freshly renovated stadium September 1st with hopes of competing in the PAC-12 North.
COLORADO BUFFALOES
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 1-8 Pac-12, 6th place South Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: LT David Bakhtiari, DE Will Pericak, CB Greg Henderson
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Fresno State (9/15)
Burning Question: How can Colorado improve in their second year in the Pac-12?
Analysis: Colorado entered the Pac-12 in a year where they were rebuilding. This is year two of their rebuilding plan. Second year coach Jon Embree will look for improvement and development with his young players. The Buffaloes have depth at quarterback with Texas transfer Connor Wood the projected starter and sophomore Nick Hirschman and former Kansas QB Jordan Webb behind him. They will have new starters at every offensive skill position (QB, RB, WR), all four of whom are sophomores or freshmen.
OREGON DUCKS
Prediction: 10-2 overall, 7-2 Pac-12, 1st place North Division
Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Kenjon Barner, RB/WR DeAnthony Thomas, DE Dion Jordan
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Arkansas State (9/1)
Burning Question: Can the Ducks overcome the losses of QB Darron Thomas and RB Lamichael James?
Analysis: The Ducks finally got over the BCS hump last year, winning the Rose Bowl. Chip Kelly is now 1-2 in BCS games. Entering 2012 they replace their QB (Darron Thomas) and RB (Lamichael James). Most teams would have difficulty replacing their stars but Oregon has super athlete DeAnthony Thomas to fill James’ production and a QB competition to replace Thomas, between sophomore Bryan Bennett and freshman Marcus Mariota. In 2011, the Ducks were 5th in total rushing and 3rd in total points. LaMichael James ran for 1805 yards and 18 TDs but Barner had 939, 11 TDs as his backup. DeAnthony Thomas ran for 595 yards, 7 TD while also leading the team in receiving with 605 yards, 9 TDs. Thomas can do everything and Kelly will do his best to get him onto the field as often as possible.
OREGON STATE BEAVERS
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 3-6 Pac-12, 6th place North Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: LB Feti Unga, DB Anthony Watkins, QB Sean Mannion
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Wisconsin (9/8)
Burning Question: Can QB Sean Mannion improve enough to help lead the Beavers?
Analysis: Mannion threw for 3,332 yards, 16 TDs while completing 64.5 percent of his passes as a freshman. Seven starters return on offense, including three on their offensive line. Mike Riley needs to lead his team to at least a bowl game in order to save his job, after finishing with a losing record the last two seasons, including a 3-9 record in 2011.
STANFORD CARDINAL
Prediction: 8-4 overall, 6-3 Pac-12, 2nd place North Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Stepfan Taylor, LB AJ Tarpley, OT Cameron Fleming
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Notre Dame (10/13)
Burning Question: How will Stanford replace Andrew Luck?
PAC-12 PROJECTED STANDINGS
|
NORTH |
SOUTH |
||||
| TEAM | CONF |
OVERALL |
TEAM |
CONF |
OVERALL |
| Oregon | 7-2 |
10-2 |
USC |
8-1 |
11-1 |
| Stanford | 6-3 |
8-4 |
Arizona | 6-3 |
9-3 |
| Washington | 5-4 |
7-5 |
Utah | 4-5 |
7-5 |
| California | 5-4 |
7-5 |
Arizona St |
3-6 |
5-7 |
|
Washington St |
4-5 |
6-6 |
UCLA |
2-7 |
4-8 |
|
Oregon State |
3-6 |
4-8 |
Colorado | 1-8 |
4-8 |
New Coaches:
Mike Leach, Washington State
After
going 84-43 in 10 seasons at Texas Tech, Mike Leach is now in Pullman.
He was fired after an alleged incident with WR Adam James, son of former
ESPN announcer Craig James. The Cougars needed a big change and needed
to spark some interest into the program. Leach’s un-conventional
coaching style and spread offense will spark interest. He inherits some
good pieces on offense and should hopefully build up Wazzou like he did
Texas Tech.
Rich Rodriguez, Arizona
Rich
Rod was, in fact, not a Michigan man, despite his many plees that he
was. Rodriguez was a big failure in Ann Arbor. But he success at West
Virginia should not be ignored, where he was 60-26 in 7 seasons, leading
the Mountaineers to two BCS bowl games. He brings his spread offense to
the desert, where Arizona had become accustomed to a predictable Mike
Stoops offense. Run, run, pass. Repetition and predictability helped
contribute to the end for Stoops. Rich Rod brings Jeff Casteel, whom he
worked with in West Virginia, to run Arizona’s defense.
Todd Graham, Arizona State
Graham’s
reputation is well-known at this point. Arizona State is his fourth
head coaching job since 2006 (Rice for one year, Tulsa for four,
Pittsburgh for one). Graham replaces Dennis Erickson, who was fired
after going 31-31 in five seasons. Graham does bring a 49-29 career
record with him as well as a disciplinary, strict attitude. His
defensive coaching has been his reputation. The Sun Devils struggled on
both sides of the ball the last few years so Graham has a lot of work to
do.
Jim Mora Jr, UCLA
UCLA abandoned Rick Neuheisel and his pistol offense after four years in LA. They bring in Jim Mora Jr, who has two NFL coaching stints with the Falcons and Seahawks, but none in college. In 1984, Mora was a grad assistant at his alma mater, Washington. That is the extent of his college coaching experience. In 1985 he got right into it with the Chargers and was an assistant for many years with a few teams, paying his dues, until he took over the Falcons in 2004. It will be interesting to see what Mora Jr. can bring to UCLA, but it certainly cannot be much worse than the Neuheisel era.
Coach on the Hot Seat entering 2012
Jeff Tedford, Cal
UCLA abandoned Rick Neuheisel and his pistol offense after four years in LA. They bring in Jim Mora Jr, who has two NFL coaching stints with the Falcons and Seahawks, but none in college. In 1984, Mora was a grad assistant at his alma mater, Washington. That is the extent of his college coaching experience. In 1985 he got right into it with the Chargers and was an assistant for many years with a few teams, paying his dues, until he took over the Falcons in 2004. It will be interesting to see what Mora Jr. can bring to UCLA, but it certainly cannot be much worse than the Neuheisel era.
Coach on the Hot Seat entering 2012
Jeff Tedford, Cal
Tedford
has been at Cal since 2002 and has a history of coaching QBs into the
NFL and has a 79-48 all-time record. Cal has a losing record in the
conference the last two seasons and went 5-7 in 2010, 7-6 in 2011.
Another .500, mediocre season might lead to some important decisions in
Berkeley
Mike Riley, Oregon State
Riley has been in Corvalis since 2003, long-tenured like Tedford. After much success, the Beavers have finished under .500 the last two seasons (5-7, 3-9). Another sub .500 season could spell the end for Riley.
Notable Transfers:
Mike Riley, Oregon State
Riley has been in Corvalis since 2003, long-tenured like Tedford. After much success, the Beavers have finished under .500 the last two seasons (5-7, 3-9). Another sub .500 season could spell the end for Riley.
Notable Transfers:
QB Connor Wood (Texas to Colorado)
Wood
is projected as the starter for Colorado, a sophomore who transferred
from Texas. He was the fourth QB behind Case McCoy, David Ash, and
Garrett Gilbert, and now has a chance to start for a few years in
Boulder.
AWARDS:
Offensive Player of the Year: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Defensive MVP: Star Loutelei, DT, Utah
Coach of the Year: Lane Kiffin, USC
Freshmen of the Year: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
TEAM PREVIEWS
ARIZONA WILDCATS
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 6-3 Pac-12, 2nd place South Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Ka'Deem Carey, CB Shaquille Richardson, S Adam Hall
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Oklahoma State (9/8)
Burning Question: How will Rich Rod fare in the desert?
ARIZONA WILDCATS
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 6-3 Pac-12, 2nd place South Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Ka'Deem Carey, CB Shaquille Richardson, S Adam Hall
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Oklahoma State (9/8)
Burning Question: How will Rich Rod fare in the desert?
Analysis: Mike Stoops offense was too predictable at times last year. The unpredictably and pace of the new offense will be a big improvement. QB Matt Scott has experience and will need to adapt and learn the new system quickly. The Wildcats fired Mike Stoops in the middle of last year's disappointing season after __ years for Stoops. Arizona went out and got quite possibly the best coach available in Rich Rodriguez. Rich Rod was a bit of a disaster at Michigan but he was never a "Michigan man." Arizona does not have much tradition and is more of a basketball school and being out west, Rodriguez can fly under the radar a little more. His offense should translate well and should excite fans too.
ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
Prediction: 5-7 overall, 3-6 Pac-12, 4th place South Division
Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 4 Defense
Players to Watch: LB Brandon Magee, RB Cameron Marshall, DE Junior Onyeali
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Missouri (9/15)
Burning Question: How can Arizona State replace Brock Osweiler?
Analysis: Sophomores Taylor Kelly and Mike Bercovici and redshirt freshman Michael Eubank will battle to replace QB Brock Osweiler this spring. The Sun Devils replaced Dennis Erickson with Todd Graham after a complicated search (ASU wanted June Jones). Defense is Graham’s forte and he has some big weapons returning. The loss of Vontaze Burfict may benefit the defense as they plan to use a blitz-heavy scheme. Only four starters return on each side of the ball. As mentioned earlier, Graham has work to do on both sides, especially for replacing the quarterback. This could be a rough first year in Tempe.
CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
Prediction: 7-5 overall, 5-4 Pac-12, 4th place North Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Zach Maynard, WR Keenan Allen, LB David Wilkerson
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Ohio State (9/15)
Burning Question: Could this be Jeff Tedford's swan song?
Analysis: Tedford is known for his work with quarterbacks. Zach Maynard threw for 2,990 yards, 17 TD, 12 INT in 2011. Entering his senior season, Maynard has the luxary of projected NFL first round pick, WR Keenan Allen. Allen caught 6 of Maynards’s 17 TDs and 1,343 yards. They also got 1,322, 10 TDs from RB Isi Sofele. The offense returns their three biggest playmakers, guys Tedford will need after consecutive losing PAC-12 records. Coming off two mediocre seasons, Cal opens a freshly renovated stadium September 1st with hopes of competing in the PAC-12 North.
COLORADO BUFFALOES
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 1-8 Pac-12, 6th place South Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: LT David Bakhtiari, DE Will Pericak, CB Greg Henderson
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Fresno State (9/15)
Burning Question: How can Colorado improve in their second year in the Pac-12?
Analysis: Colorado entered the Pac-12 in a year where they were rebuilding. This is year two of their rebuilding plan. Second year coach Jon Embree will look for improvement and development with his young players. The Buffaloes have depth at quarterback with Texas transfer Connor Wood the projected starter and sophomore Nick Hirschman and former Kansas QB Jordan Webb behind him. They will have new starters at every offensive skill position (QB, RB, WR), all four of whom are sophomores or freshmen.
OREGON DUCKS
Prediction: 10-2 overall, 7-2 Pac-12, 1st place North Division
Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Kenjon Barner, RB/WR DeAnthony Thomas, DE Dion Jordan
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Arkansas State (9/1)
Burning Question: Can the Ducks overcome the losses of QB Darron Thomas and RB Lamichael James?
Analysis: The Ducks finally got over the BCS hump last year, winning the Rose Bowl. Chip Kelly is now 1-2 in BCS games. Entering 2012 they replace their QB (Darron Thomas) and RB (Lamichael James). Most teams would have difficulty replacing their stars but Oregon has super athlete DeAnthony Thomas to fill James’ production and a QB competition to replace Thomas, between sophomore Bryan Bennett and freshman Marcus Mariota. In 2011, the Ducks were 5th in total rushing and 3rd in total points. LaMichael James ran for 1805 yards and 18 TDs but Barner had 939, 11 TDs as his backup. DeAnthony Thomas ran for 595 yards, 7 TD while also leading the team in receiving with 605 yards, 9 TDs. Thomas can do everything and Kelly will do his best to get him onto the field as often as possible.
OREGON STATE BEAVERS
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 3-6 Pac-12, 6th place North Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: LB Feti Unga, DB Anthony Watkins, QB Sean Mannion
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Wisconsin (9/8)
Burning Question: Can QB Sean Mannion improve enough to help lead the Beavers?
Analysis: Mannion threw for 3,332 yards, 16 TDs while completing 64.5 percent of his passes as a freshman. Seven starters return on offense, including three on their offensive line. Mike Riley needs to lead his team to at least a bowl game in order to save his job, after finishing with a losing record the last two seasons, including a 3-9 record in 2011.
STANFORD CARDINAL
Prediction: 8-4 overall, 6-3 Pac-12, 2nd place North Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Stepfan Taylor, LB AJ Tarpley, OT Cameron Fleming
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Notre Dame (10/13)
Burning Question: How will Stanford replace Andrew Luck?
Analysis: Did
you know that Stanford’s run offense was better than their passing
offense? An amazing thought when you consider their QB was Andrew Luck.
With Luck gone though, there will be an even more heavy
emphasis on the running game, specifically RB Stepfan Taylor. Taylor
ran for 1,330 yards and 10 TDs. Junior Brett Nottingham is the projected
starter to replace Luck. He will have two new starting WRs to go with
Taylor – Ty Montgomery and Drew Terrell, who caught a combined 32 passes
in 2011. The defense returns seven starters and despite many offensive
weapons, has been the staple of the Cardinal success the last few
seasons.
UCLA BRUINS
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 2-7 Pac-12, 5th place South Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Jonathan Franklin, DE Datone Jones, LB Patrick Larimore
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Nebraska (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Jim Mora lead the Bruins to a bowl game despite no previous college head coaching experience?
Analysis: Freshman Nick Hundley has been named the Bruins starting QB, ending the never-ending cycle of Richard Brehault and Kevin PRince, who were both two of the marginal QBs for previous coach Rick Neuheisel. Hundley helps kick off a new, clean slate. As mentioned above, Mora Jr. has no college football coaching experience. His defensive expertise will be needed, UCLA’s defense gave up 31.4 points per game a year ago. Seven starters return on defense, including five of their front seven. That experience will give the Bruins an opportunities to be aggressive and blitz against some of the potent spread offenses in the PAC-12.
USC TROJANS
Prediction: 11-1 overall, 8-1 Pac-12, 1st place South Division
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Matt Barkley, WR Robert Woods, WR Marquise Lee
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Notre Dame (11/24)
Burning Question: Are the Trojans the team to beat? Not just in the PAC-12, but in the country?
Analysis: USC might be the best team in the country. Above, we list three players to watch and the list excludes their recent addition, RB Silas Redd. Redd ran for 1241 yards and 7 TD in a bad Penn State offense. In 2011, USC had the #15 passing offense whereas Penn State was ranked 96th. QB Matt Barkley is the early favorite for the Heisman trophy, he completed 69% of his passes and 39 TD, only 7 INT. WRs Woods and Lee return after both receiving over 1100 yards and 11+ TDs each. The offense is loaded. The defense also has a chance to improve under coordinator Monte Kiffin. After a 10-2 season with a young team, 15 starters (17 including special teams) returning in 2012 with a chance to play in a bowl for the first time in three years, and it will likely be a special bowl.
UTAH UTES
Prediction: 7-5 overall, 4-5 Pac-12, 3rd place South Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: DT Star Lotuleiei, CB Ryan Lacy, QB Jordan Wynn
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. BYU (9/15)
Burning Question: Can Utah make an impact in year two in of their Pac-12 era?
Analysis: Utah, one of the most respected and stories non-BCS programs, joined the PAC-12 in 2011. They did so during a rebuilding year, and they went 8-5. In 2012, Utah has a lot of fire power. Starting on defense, they have one of the best defensive players in the country, DT Star Lotulei. He is surrounded by Dave and Joe Kruger on the defensive line and Ryan Lacy in the secondary. Utah’s offense will see the return of Jordan Wynn at QB, who missed nine games due to injury in 2011. His top two weapons return – RB John White IV and WR DeVonte Christopher. Utah ended 2011 with a win over Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl and should be able to improve on their 7-5 regular season mark and as well as an above-.500 record in conference.
WASHINGTON HUSKIES
Prediction: 7-5 overall, 5-4 Pac-12, 3rd place North Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Keith Price, CB Desmond Trufant, S Sean Parker
Best Non-Conference Game: @ LSU (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Washington take the next step?
Analysis: Steve Sarkisian, a former USC offensive assistant, inherited a mess of a program. The last two seasons, Washington has finished with two bowl appearances (1-1) and 7-6 records respectively. Now, the next step is to be consistent. The Huskies need to continue to improve and build their momentum. The key for them is QB Keith Price. The 2011 season ended with an incredible loss (if there is such a thing) to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl, losing 67-56. Price threw for over 3000 yards, 33 TD and 11 INT. If he can protect the ball a little better and find some more running room, Price can be even better. They must replace RB Chris Polk. Junior Jesse Callier will have that task. Callier ran for 260 yards and 1 TD in 2011.
WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 4-5 Pac-12, 5th place North Division
Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 8 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Marquess WIlson, DL Travis Long, QB Jeff Tuel
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. BYU (9/1)
Burning Question: Can Mike Leach lead the Cougars to their first bowl game since 2003?
Analysis: Washington State went 9-40 under Paul Wulff in the last four years. The goal in Pullman is simple –a bowl game. Fans will settle for six wins and a mediocre bowl, their first since 2003. The Cougars will have some fire power to do so. QB Jeff Tuel returns after missing time to injury and WR Marquess Wilson is one of the better unknown players in the country. New coach Mike Leach has a history with engineering explosive offenses. We think he has enough weapons to lead the Cougars to six wins.
UCLA BRUINS
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 2-7 Pac-12, 5th place South Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Jonathan Franklin, DE Datone Jones, LB Patrick Larimore
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Nebraska (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Jim Mora lead the Bruins to a bowl game despite no previous college head coaching experience?
Analysis: Freshman Nick Hundley has been named the Bruins starting QB, ending the never-ending cycle of Richard Brehault and Kevin PRince, who were both two of the marginal QBs for previous coach Rick Neuheisel. Hundley helps kick off a new, clean slate. As mentioned above, Mora Jr. has no college football coaching experience. His defensive expertise will be needed, UCLA’s defense gave up 31.4 points per game a year ago. Seven starters return on defense, including five of their front seven. That experience will give the Bruins an opportunities to be aggressive and blitz against some of the potent spread offenses in the PAC-12.
USC TROJANS
Prediction: 11-1 overall, 8-1 Pac-12, 1st place South Division
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Matt Barkley, WR Robert Woods, WR Marquise Lee
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Notre Dame (11/24)
Burning Question: Are the Trojans the team to beat? Not just in the PAC-12, but in the country?
Analysis: USC might be the best team in the country. Above, we list three players to watch and the list excludes their recent addition, RB Silas Redd. Redd ran for 1241 yards and 7 TD in a bad Penn State offense. In 2011, USC had the #15 passing offense whereas Penn State was ranked 96th. QB Matt Barkley is the early favorite for the Heisman trophy, he completed 69% of his passes and 39 TD, only 7 INT. WRs Woods and Lee return after both receiving over 1100 yards and 11+ TDs each. The offense is loaded. The defense also has a chance to improve under coordinator Monte Kiffin. After a 10-2 season with a young team, 15 starters (17 including special teams) returning in 2012 with a chance to play in a bowl for the first time in three years, and it will likely be a special bowl.
UTAH UTES
Prediction: 7-5 overall, 4-5 Pac-12, 3rd place South Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: DT Star Lotuleiei, CB Ryan Lacy, QB Jordan Wynn
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. BYU (9/15)
Burning Question: Can Utah make an impact in year two in of their Pac-12 era?
Analysis: Utah, one of the most respected and stories non-BCS programs, joined the PAC-12 in 2011. They did so during a rebuilding year, and they went 8-5. In 2012, Utah has a lot of fire power. Starting on defense, they have one of the best defensive players in the country, DT Star Lotulei. He is surrounded by Dave and Joe Kruger on the defensive line and Ryan Lacy in the secondary. Utah’s offense will see the return of Jordan Wynn at QB, who missed nine games due to injury in 2011. His top two weapons return – RB John White IV and WR DeVonte Christopher. Utah ended 2011 with a win over Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl and should be able to improve on their 7-5 regular season mark and as well as an above-.500 record in conference.
WASHINGTON HUSKIES
Prediction: 7-5 overall, 5-4 Pac-12, 3rd place North Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Keith Price, CB Desmond Trufant, S Sean Parker
Best Non-Conference Game: @ LSU (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Washington take the next step?
Analysis: Steve Sarkisian, a former USC offensive assistant, inherited a mess of a program. The last two seasons, Washington has finished with two bowl appearances (1-1) and 7-6 records respectively. Now, the next step is to be consistent. The Huskies need to continue to improve and build their momentum. The key for them is QB Keith Price. The 2011 season ended with an incredible loss (if there is such a thing) to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl, losing 67-56. Price threw for over 3000 yards, 33 TD and 11 INT. If he can protect the ball a little better and find some more running room, Price can be even better. They must replace RB Chris Polk. Junior Jesse Callier will have that task. Callier ran for 260 yards and 1 TD in 2011.
WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 4-5 Pac-12, 5th place North Division
Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 8 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Marquess WIlson, DL Travis Long, QB Jeff Tuel
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. BYU (9/1)
Burning Question: Can Mike Leach lead the Cougars to their first bowl game since 2003?
Analysis: Washington State went 9-40 under Paul Wulff in the last four years. The goal in Pullman is simple –a bowl game. Fans will settle for six wins and a mediocre bowl, their first since 2003. The Cougars will have some fire power to do so. QB Jeff Tuel returns after missing time to injury and WR Marquess Wilson is one of the better unknown players in the country. New coach Mike Leach has a history with engineering explosive offenses. We think he has enough weapons to lead the Cougars to six wins.
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