Pac-12 Previews and Predictions - ClutchFrame47's Blog

ClutchFrame47's Blog

Pac-12 Previews and Predictions

Posted on November 20, 2012 at 12:43 PM.

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This is a story I wrote for an Online Dynasty and I figured I would share it.

PAC-12 Preview and Predictions

North Division *=Bowl Eligible

1) Oregon Ducks------------------Ranked #4 in the nation, Oregon is the clear standout in the Pac-12 North . I predict an 11-1* record behind the excellent running game of senior Kenjon Barner, and sophomore sensation De'Anthony Thomas. The only thing that could stand between them and a national title is #2 ranked USC. Their defense also has some room for improvement with a promising but inexperienced cornerback core that may be their downfall. Look for their run defense to be stellar though, with five returning seniors, four being starters and multiple All-Americans, such as Dion Jordan, my Pac-12 North Defensive Player of the Year. The Ducks appear to be stocked with talent, so look for them to stay on top of the FBS for many years.

2) Washington Huskies --------------The Huskies are my sleeper team in the Pac-12 this year. Behind the arm of Junior Keith Price, who many believe will be fighting for the Heisman if not this year, but certainly next year. But in the challenging Pac-12, anything could happen, especially with their inexperienced offensive line. On the defensive side, expect an inexperienced defense to defend well against the run but expect a weak pass defense to cost them a few key wins. Look for a 9-3* record in 2012, if the defense can hold, as the offense will show no mercy. For future years though, look for the Huskies to be in the preseason top 25.

3) Stanford Cardinals--------------Replacing Andrew Luck will be one of the greatest challenges in college football, and with a sophomore quarterback, Brett Nottingham and a young offensive line it doesn't get any easier. Maybe redshirt junior Josh Nunes will perform better under the pressure with another year of experience. Stanford doesn't lack on the defensive side, with Shayne Skov and Terrence Stephens anchoring a powerful run stopping team. But only look for a 7-5* record this season, but with a young offense this Cardinal offense could lead the NCAA in a year or two.

4) Washington State Cougars----------------------- Washington State is a HUGE hit or miss this year. With overwhelming passing firepower led by my North Division Offensive Player of the Year, Jeff Tuel, Washington State could have a monster year. Marquess Wilson, the sure hands of the receiving core, is sure to have a big year. But this tough Cougars offense is going to need some luck avoiding injuries and penalties if they want to have the year they want. On the defensive side, Washington State has no gaping holes, but only small fixable ones. But without good coaching, a predicted 7-5* finish could easily plummet and be a blown season, and with Jeff Tuel leaving after this year, this may be the Cougars only chance at a bowl game.

5) Oregon State Beavers ---------------The Beavers will need to rely on three star offensive players, two of them sophomore to lead this otherwise weak young team to win. Sean Mannion, sophomore quarterback out of Yucaipa, California will need to step behind up a poor offensive line and rely on instincts and talent to stay alive in the pocket. He will also need to rely on star senior wide receiver, Markus Wheaton to come up with the big plays. The third star is young sophomore running back Malcolm Agnew, the speedster from Overland, Missouri. Oregon state is yet another Pac-12 team on the brink, but in a tough north division expect a 6-6* record. Their young talent, as with most of the Pac-12, looks bright on offense, but on the defensive side they look a little weak

6) California Golden Bears ------------Offensively, the Golden Bears have the talent and experience of some of the best teams in the nation, but defensively, they have few youth, talent, or depth to stand their ground in this newly formed powerhouse conference. Senior QB Zach Maynard has the talent and intelligence to turn this team around, but he has help from junior WR phenomenon Keenan Allen to make the key plays. On the defensive side, Cal has the experience but are just flat out broke on the talent. Khairi Fortt is the only light in this dark tunnel, the 6"2' middle linebacker out of Connecticut. Look for a dim 5-7 record from the Bears

Pac-12 North Review

The Pac-12 North is full of young talent, but only Oregon appears to be in contention for the 2012 Pac-12 Championship. Given time, Stanford and Washington can develop into National Championship contenders, whereas for Washington State and California, they only have a year or two as their experienced offenses challenge some of the best in the nation, but their defense will be their downfall.

Pac-12 South

1) USC Trojans-----------------Look out college football, USC is back. With some big transfers and big names, USC has a chance to stay on top for years to come. QB Matt Barkley, Heisman frontrunner and my Pac-12 South Division Player of the Year, will be behind a big offensive line led by junior RT Kevin Graf. He will also have the hands and deep threat of junior WR Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. The best defensive pass unit in the country, the Trojans cornerbacks such as Nickell Robey and Isiah Wiley are expected shut down even the best receivers in the FBS. Their rush defense has much to be desired, and in a Pac-12 filled with running teams such as Oregon and UCLA, they may have some problems keeping their defense in check. Offensively, look for Penn State transfer RB Silas Redd to have a big year as well, numbers that lead the FBS as well as big numbers from senior Curtis McNeal. Expect an 11-1* record from this all around powerful team, and with many returning starters for 2013, look for a national championship contender for years to come.

2) Utah Utes -----------------This year, Utah is stacked with talent, experience, and depth. On offense, junior star QB Jordan Wynn has the potential to break out and put up big numbers. The two main running backs, John White IV and Kelvin York, have shown equal skill in practice and look to be sharing time this year. On defense, they lack no size with a defensive line that averages a height of 6"5' and 281 pounds. DT Star Lotulelei leads the defensive charge, at 6"4' and a massive 325 pounds, look for him to tear apart offensive lines all over the Pac-12. Their cornerback core also shows promise, with experience and speed they're looking to shut down any passing attack their opponents throw at them. Look for a 10-2* record and a breakout season for many of their young talent.

3) Arizona Wildcats--------------The wildcats are my sleeper team in the South Division. Although their defense has much to be desired, what they lack in defense, they make up for that in offensive talent. Halfback Ka'Deem Carey may need to carry this team on his back, and he has the talent to do so. Giving him the ball will be speedy senior QB Matt Scott who may also have a big year passing and rushing, and has the potential to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 800. Defensively, they are weak on all fronts and the only ray of light is junior strong safety Marquis Flowers who, at 6"3' and 221 pounds, should be feared by wide receivers across the nation. Despite a weak defense, look for an 8-4* record with a high-powered offense that should outscore most of their opponents.

4) UCLA Bruins --------------------The Bruins have a balanced roster, offensively and defensively, that could be in contention in the Pac-12. The quarterback position looks to be secured by senior Kevin Price, but one slip up and freshman star Brett Hundley could get the job. At halfback, 5 year senior Johnathan Franklin is going to be a big threat for opposing defenses behind a weak offensive line. On defense, they have little talent other than ROLB Jordan Zumwalt and SS Andrew Abbott. But even with a strong offense, the defensive negatives are too great and will cost the Bruins many games in this offense-based Pac-12. Expect a 5-7 record from the gold and blue clad Bruins.

5) Arizona State Sun Devils------------------The Sun Devils have some promise this year with two senior highlight reels, HB Cameron Marshall and WR Jamal Miles. Also a big play threat is speedy junior WR Kyle Middlebrooks who posted a 4.38 40 time. Their main concern is whether or not freshman QB Michael Eubank can step up and perform this year. Defense will certainly not be an issue this year, as they have talent all across the board. This strong defensive unit is led by senior MLB Brandon Magee and junior FS A. Darby. While ASU looks good in flat out numbers, don't expect much more than a 5-7 record.

6) Colorado Buffaloes-------------------Colorado has little chance in their new conference. Moving from another conference is never easy, but it's going to be a lot harder with the challenges they face. Junior QB Joe Webb doesn't seem to be able to give any answers and the offensive line doesn't look good enough to protect him. Sophomore halfbacks Tony Jones and DD Goodson most likely won't break out this year and WR Paul Richardson is the only wideout that displays quality hands and speed. The defense, on the other hand, shows talent and experience all around. Led by linebackers Jon Major and Doug Rippy, teams will have some trouble running against this talented run defense. Their two safeties, senior Ray Polk and junior Parker Orms will be bruising wideouts and baiting quarterbacks. Even though the defense is up to par, don't expect the Buffaloes to win many games with an offense like the one installed. Look for a 4-8 record and years of building before Colorado can once again compete for a conference championship.

Pac-12 North Review-------------Only USC shows the talent and experience to win the Pac-12 North and compete for the Pac-12 Championship. But Utah may surprise a few people and compete for a major bowl. Look for Arizona and UCLA to make a bowl game, and Arizona State may also appear in a bowl.

Pac-12 Review--------------The Pac-12 seems like the conference to beat this year. USC and Oregon seem like the obvious two teams to show up in the Pac-12 Championship, and I think that Oregon will come away victorious. 7 of the 12 teams are good enough to make a bowl game, and with the talent that the Pac-12 contains, I believe that they will. Looking into the future, the talent just seems to get better and better, so expect the Pac-12 to be the conference to beat in future years. I chose to do the Pac-12 because we have the most people in it and good luck to everyone in SmashMouth.