It's fair to say that the Pac-10 has traditionally been ruled by USC -- the Trojans have logged 38 total conference titles over the years. And this decade, the Trojans have won seven straight conference championships.

This year the teams that have the best shot at ending the seven-year streak are California, Oregon, Arizona and Oregon State. Among those squads, Cal seems to be the closest to upending the Trojans in 2009. Either way the league should get at least six teams into bowl games at the end of this year, with both Arizona State and Stanford also possibly being eligible by the end of the season.

1. USC

USC is the immovable object at the top of the Pac-10. Both the offense (A OVR) and defense (A+ OVR) will be excellent. USC is breaking in a new quarterback, with Aaron Corp (88 OVR) leading the pack so far. The defense is spearheaded by all world FS Taylor Mays (99 OVR). Look for another great season from the Trojans, but plenty of roadblocks await them on their quest to repeat for an eighth straight year.

2. California

Cal will get USC at home, but the team is still a step below USC in terms of talent (A- OVR). However, impact running back Jahvid Best (96 OVR) will be tough to stop. On the other side of the ball, the defense is anchored by CB Syd'Quan Thompson (93 ovr). If the Golden Bears beat the Trojans when they come to Memorial Stadium, they could be a dark-horse pick to get to the BCS title game.

3. Oregon

Chip Kelley's arrival has kicked off a new era in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks return a few key players from last year's team, including QB Jeremiah Masoli (90 OVR), LeGarrette Blount (93 OVR) and TE Ed Dickson (94 OVR). Oregon will be highly rated, and the team also has plenty of fresh raw talent (B+ OVR). With both of the top teams in the Pac-10 coming in to Eugene, the Ducks will have a chance to record an upset or two.

4. Arizona

Mike Stoops has been attempting to turn the Wildcats around for a few years now, and he may have finally turned the corner last year. This year might be Arizona's chance to compete in the league. Last year, Stoops' Wildcats defense (B OVR) was among the best in the league. The secondary is bolstered by Robert Golden (90 OVR) and Devin Ross (89 OVR). The offense (B OVR) will need to find a quarterback to distribute the ball to a pair of talented halfbacks in Nic Grigsby (89 OVR) and Keola Antolin (88 OVR). Rob Gronkowski (95 OVR) is the team's most touted player.

5. Oregon State

The surprise team from the league last year probably doesn't have enough tricks (or games at home against USC) to pull off the same stunt two years in a row. Oregon State has some decent talent returning (B+ OVR), but the schedule is not very favorable this time around. Regardless, look out for sophomore sensation Jacquizz Rodgers (93 OVR). James Rodgers (92 OVR) will be a big-play threat from the wideout spot.

6. UCLA

The Bruins are on the way back up with Rick Neuheisel at the helm. But both the offense (B- OVR) and defense (C+ OVR) will be below the other contenders in the Pac-10 this year. What the bruins do have, though, is an All-American type of cornerback in Alterraun Verner (94 OVR). The Bruins will also have to find a suitable replacement at QB this year if they want to have any chance of competing for the Pac-10 title. It may not be UCLA's time just yet, but better days are coming.

7. Arizona State

After losing a ton of talent across the board, the Sun Devils will have a tough time competing this year (B OVR). The offense (B- OVR) must replace the QB and its leading receiver. The defense (B+ OVR) will be solid with Dexter Davis (93 OVR) leading the pack. A bowl is probably out of reach, but the defense will keep things interesting.

8. Stanford

Stanford is one of the few Pac-10 teams without a player rated at 90 overall or above, and that clearly hurts the team's overall team rating (C OVR). But the team will have a few key pieces in place for a potential run at a bowl, with tons of returning players being the key reason why the team has any shot. The offensive line will be the key, with Chase Beeler (89 OVR) and Chris Marinelli (88 OVR) anchoring things up front. Tony Gerhart (84 OVR) is an underrated RB.

9. Washington

What do you do when you turn in the worst season in school history? You fire your head coach and hope a new one can use the remaining talent (C+ OVR) to improve things. In year one of Steve Sarkisian's tenure, he will have Jake Locker (93 OVR), perhaps one of the best quarterbacks in the league. There is a dearth of talent elsewhere, but the offensive line will be much improved. There won't be another winless season in Seattle, but don't look for things to turn around in one year.

10. Washington State

The Cougars could be the least talented team in the league, and they were one of the worst teams I saw play last year. Both the offense (C+ OVR) and defense (C- OVR) need a lot of work. Kenny Alfred is perhaps the team's best player (88 OVR), but he's also the center. The skill positions need work and there is a considerable lack of talent on defense. It will be another painful season in Pullman.

What do you think? Will USC continue to dominate the Little 9 or will someone like Cal step up and take the conference throne this year?