12Pacalypse Now: Pac-12 Predictions

 

Oregon over Utah in the title game, on their way to an appearance in the BCS Title Game.

Lots of distractions for Oregon in the off-season, again, but it never seems to affect the team.   Difficult schedule for them, LSU, at Washington, at Stanford and at Arizona, the latter never an easy trip for them.  A rebuilt offensive line and departures from the defense seems like it should prevent a second straight undefeated regular season, but this is a well-coached and deeply-talented football team and the clear class of the conference.  Stanford had a magical season and Harbaugh didn't leave the cupboard bare, but it's important to remember that he was the ingredient that spurred Stanford to a special 2010.  They'll take a step back.  Washington, still a year away from being more than a .500 team.  Oregon State will miss Jacquizz, but will be back bowling again this year.  Cal strikes me as a program in disarray and lacking identity at the moment.  Not having a true home game this year doesn't help matters.  Washington State will continue to be more competitive, but it's still Washington State.

I have Utah starting the season 1-2 after trips to USC and BYU, but the rest of the schedule is very manageable.  They should be able to answer whether a mid-major, as if all mid-majors are the same, can compete in a BCS conference week in and week out in the affirmative.  This may be the last time USC sees 10 wins for a while.  Not quite understanding the Arizona State love.  A 6-6 team with two wins over 1-aa teams is now a division contender?  Burfict is the microcosm of this team;  it will either go very well or go very wrong.  Will they be able to keep motivated all season, unlike last year?  We'll see, but the end of season is not tough.  Arizona's opening stretch is reminiscent of Oregon State's last year.  Tough to see them recovering from that though they are capable of 8 wins.  Looks to be all over for Neuheisel at UCLA.  Very little improvement from last year's 4-win team.  Colorado is rebuilding and lacks depth this year.