2010 PAC-10 Preview

Hey there guys

It is now just 20 days from the beginning of the 2010 NCAA College Football Season! With every passing day I get more and more excited about the upcoming season. Sept. 2!

The Pac-10 has been a conference that has been dominated by one team over the last decade, the USC Trojans. The Trojans have finished with less than 7 conference wins only three times in the last 10 seasons ('00 & '01), and won 7 straight Pac-10 Titles from '02-'08, with Oregon winning the conference this past season. The conference will definitely be going through some changes after the season as they add Colorado from the Big XII and Utah from the Mountain West. Both are pretty solid moves in my opinion as the Pac-10 tries to expand their conference, and their national attention. The Buffaloes five the conference the Denver Market which will definitely increase the amount of viewers that pay attention to Pac-10 games and Utah is a team that has been in the National spotlight since becoming the first BCS Bowl buster back in '04 when the beat Pittsburgh. This off season USC was hit with some pretty big sanctions, that include a loss of 30 scholarships, no bowl games for the next two seasons, and any Jr and Sr can transfer and not have to sit out that year (why former #1 QB out of high school Mitch Mustain is still on the roster I have no idea). THEY CAN STILL WIN THE PAC-10, as to whether or not they will, I guess you will just have to keep reading.

After the sanctions on USC though many people don't seem to have much respect for the Pac-10 as only Oregon at #11 and Oregon St at #22. Arizona, Stanford, California, and even Washington and Arizona St received votes. I can see why they wouldn't get too much love after last season, as USC had a way below average season (9-4), although they still won their bowl game, as the conference went 2-5 in bowl games, with UCLA's 9pt comeback win over Temple the only other win. Some of the losses were pretty embarrassing too. California was out-gained by 79yds in a loss to Mountain West Utah 27-37. Oregon State got blown out by BYU 20-44. Oregon's high powered offense was shut down in their Rose Bowl loss to Ohio St, 17-26. And Arizona was embarrassed by Nebraska in a 0-33 loss. Stanford was able to keep it close with Oklahoma, losing 27-31. This season the focus is off USC (ON the field) and on who is going to step up while USC is out of the post season over the next two seasons. As previously mentioned Oregon won the conference last year, but after starting QB, and potential Heisman trophy candidate, Jeremiah Masoli to suspension (later kicked off the team) they are not as big of a shoe-in anymore. This should be fun to watch this season.

As always guys I love to know what you think so just let me know.

PAC-10
(cp-coaches poll/ap-associated press poll)

1. USC Trojans
'09 Final Record: 9-4 (5-4)

Offense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Passing Off - 187.4 yards per game
• #3 Rushing Off - 166.6 yards per game
• #9 First Downs - 17.3 first downs

Returning: 5 starters

• Passing: QB Matt Barkley (211-352 59.9% 2735yds 15td 14int)
• Rushing: RB Allen Bradford (115att 668yds 5.8avg 8td), FB Stanley Havili (21att 138yds 6.6avg)
• Receiving: WR Ronald Johnson (34att 378yds 11.1avg 3td), FB Stanley Havili (22rec 298yds 13.5avg 2td)

The '09 season was one of, if not, the worst offensive seasons during former Head Coach Pete Carroll's time here. They returned 9 starters last season but a true freshman at QB, who played through an injury the second half of the season, was the main cause for an inconsistent offense this past season. This year though Barkley should be healthy and with a year of experience under his belt, may be one of the best QB's in the conference. This is definitely something I will be paying attention to as, aside from all of the controversy that Lane Kiffen has caused in his short time in the college game, Kiffen was able to take Jonathan Crompton, who was getting booed by UT fans at one point in his career, and turned him into a pretty good QB (5th Rd Draft Choice) in just one season. If he has the same affect on Barkley then he will be the most improved QB in the country. And he wasn't THAT bad last season. It is hard to pick out who is going to be the big name receiver because there are so many talented receivers on this team but I believe that Sr Ronald Johnson should emerge as he is the most experienced of the talented group. In his one season at Tennessee Kiffen played a lot of his recruits so don't be surprised if true frosh Kyle Prater (top five wr out of High School) doesn't get a solid amount of playing time. Speaking of true freshman USC has been known for using their TE quite a bunch during Pete Carroll's time here, and Kiffen was an OC here under Carroll. That being said I expect true frosh TE Xavier Grimble (top five TE recruit out of High School) to make a pretty big impact this season for the Trojans. The offensive line is the same as every position, no matter how inexperienced they are they are still one of the most talented units in the country. It will be tough replacing LT Charles Brown but I can't imagine they will be in too bad of shape. The passing game will definitely improve this season, how much depends on how much Barkley improves. USC is famous of course for their Running Backs, and how they don't rebuild they just replace. Well I believe that will be true again this season, as RB Allen Bradford should be the next in line to be the Trojans 1,000 yd back. FB Stanley Havili is the most versatile FB in the country and one of my favorite players. He can block, he is a great runner, and has fantastic hands. This offense should improve by leaps and bounds this season, barring anymore transfers.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #1 Scoring Def - 22.2 points per game
• #9 Opp First Downs - 21.1 first downs per game
• #9 Opp 3rd Downs - 42.6% conversion
• #3 Takeaways - 17

Returning: 5 starters

• Tackles: LB Malcolm Smith (72tkl 6tfl 1int), LB Chris Galippo (70tkl 8tfl 1.5sk 2int)
• Sacks: DE Nick Perry (24tkl 9tfl 8sk) DT Jurrell Casey (59tkl 9tfl 4.5sk)
• Interceptions: LB Chris Galippo, LB Malcolm Smith

This has been one of the best defenses year in and year out recently, but this past season was their worst (allowed 340ypg) since '05 (allowed 361ypg). This year though they get one of the best defensive coordinators of all time in Monte Kiffen (lane's father), inventor of the Tampa 2 defense. This year they return 2 starters up front, but they lose DE Everson Griffen (8sk '09). They do return 1st Tm All-Conf DT Jurrell Casey and 1st Tm Frosh All-American Nick Perry. It is hard to project an impact player, because as always they are just so talented that inexperience does not hurt them like it does other schools. As with some other freshman I expect very highly touted true frosh George Uko (6'4 300lb) to get some playing time this season and with the other talent on the team he has a chance to make a pretty big impact. I expect them to have a drop off in sacks this season with the loss of Griffen but they should improve upon last seasons 3.7 yards per carry allowed. This defense is inexperienced, but not at LB. They return all 3 starters including Honorable Mention All P-10 MLB Chris Galippo. OLB's Malcolm Smith and Michael Morgan (50tkl 13tfl 4sk) are both All-American candidates, as they are now experienced and talented and this looks like one of the best LB corps in the conference. In the secondary they are really inexperienced, returning 0 starters. Of course they are talented but only two players returning the secondary have ever started a game, and both have them have only started 1 game. If anyone is going to make an impact I expect Shareece Wright to be that guy but also keep an eye on FS Patrick Hall (very highly touted frosh). With a decreased pass rush there will be more pressure on the secondary and they are going to be key this season for the defense.

Conclusion

The out of conference schedule the Trojans includes games @ Hawaii, Virginia, @ Minnesota, and Notre Dame. While this OOC includes 3 BCS teams I fully expect for the Trojans to go 4-0, and while each game may challenge the Trojans a little bit I just can't see them losing those games. In the conference the Trojans play @ Washington St, Washington, @ Stanford, California, Oregon, Arizona St, @ Arizona, @ Oregon St, and @ UCLA. Despite having 5 conference road games I see them having the most trouble @ Stanford and @ Oregon St. They get all of their tough games at home and I expect their home game vs. Oregon to be their "bowl game" this season. Everyone is automatically putting the Trojans down after the sanctions but this is still the most talented team in the conference, and I expect them to take all of the negative talk as a kind of motivation, and I look for them to go 3-2 to 4-1 on the road and to lock down the conference games at home. While they may not be able to represent the conference in the Rose Bowl this team will still finish #1 in the Pac-10.

1. #11(cp) Oregon Ducks
'09 Final Record: 10-3 (8-1)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #1 Scoring Off - 41.7 points per game
• #8 Passing Off - 209.3 yards per game
• #1 Rushing Off - 265.8 yards per game
• #1 First Downs - 23.7 first downs per game
• #3 Turnovers - 13

Returning: 9 starters

• Passing: QB Nate Costa (20-33 60.6% 197yds 1td 1int)
• Rushing: RB LaMichael James (230att 1546yds 6.7avg 14td), RB Kenjon Barner (61att 366yds 6.0avg 3td)
• Receiving: WR Jeff Maehl (53rec 696yds 13.1avg 6td), WR D.J. Davis (23rec 233yds 10.1avg 2td)

The Oregon offense has been one of the most dangerous offensive units in the country over the last 5 seasons, averaging over 400 yards per game, and 30+ points per game in all but one of those years (29.5ppg '06). This season they received a big blow in the offseason when QB Jeremiah Masoli (177-305 58% 2147yds 15td 6int; 121att 668yds 5.5avg 13td '09) was suspended for the '10 season, and then eventually kicked off the team. The numbers he put up were pretty good but he also engineered many crucial drives throughout last season including the game tying drive vs. Arizona that forced overtime, which the Ducks eventually won in 2OT. But even without Masoli this should still be one of the better offenses in the country as they do return the Pac-10 Player of the Year in sophomore RB LaMichael James. James burst onto the scene after LaGarrette Blount was suspended for punching a Boise St player following their loss. James himself got into some trouble this offseason and will miss the opener of the '10 season. Even then I wouldn't be too worried if I were Ducks fans as very highly touted true freshman RB Lache Seastrunk (top five RB recruit out of HS) will get his first action against pushover New Mexico. Oh yeah and not to mention the Ducks return all 5 starters along the O-Line, including 1st tm All-Conf LT Bo Thran and frosh AA LG Carson York. Even with the loss of the mobile Masoli I still expect the rushing numbers to improve with an experienced O-Line and two exciting backs. The passing game will be a little more questionable this season though. Senior Nate Costa returns and brings with him the only meaningful playing time at QB, and for those who don't remember he has twice been set to be the starter for the Ducks but two torn ACL's have really hurt him, costing him playing time in '07, and he was named the starter heading into '08 before going down to injury. He will battle with highly touted sophomore Darron Thomas. I doubt that either of these QB's will match Masoli's production or leadership, but with 5 returning offensive lineman, I do expect for them to have less pressure thrown their way. Another big hit to the passing game was the graduation of All-Conf TE Ed Dickson (42rec 551yds 13.1avg 6td '09) but they do return '09 leading receiver Jeff Maehl (Honorable Mention Pac-10 LY), and the other 2 starters in the receiving corps. The Ducks have been a more run-oriented offense under Kelly so I'll call for the numbers to resemble that of '09 (180ypg 58%). Despite the loss of Masoli this offense, which has been more run oriented under Kelly, should have another fine year and finish towards the top of the Pac-10.

Defense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #2 Scoring Def - 22.7 points per game
• #1 Passing Def - 197.4 yards per game
• #1 Rushing Def - 118.6 yards per game
• #1 Opp First Downs - 16.9 first downs per game

Returning: 8 starters

• Tackles: FS John Boyett (90tkl 2tfl 5pbu 3int), LB Spencer Paysinger (81tkl 8tfl 1.5sk)
• Sacks: DE Kenny Rowe (43tkl 15tfl 11.5sk), SS Eddie Pleasant (54tkl 8tfl 4.5sk)
• Interceptions: CB Talmedge Jackson (50tkl 6pbu 4int), FS John Boyett

Many people would be surprised to learn that Oregon defense was as good as it was last season. Over the last 2 years under Belloti the Ducks gave up 382 yards per game and 390 yards per game. In Kellys first season, returning only 5 starters, they move up to 336 yards per game. This year Kelly returns 8 starters, including DE Kenny Rowe (HM P-10), who looks to be on the verge of a breakout season after 11.5sks last year. They also return HM P-10 DT Brandon Bair (45tkl 8.5tfl 2sk). This is a fairly small D-Line with their projected 2 deep weighing in at a measly 253.3lb average. Though they are small I expect about an average rush defense and an improved pass rush. At LB they return 2 starters in 2nd tm All-Conf MLB Casey Matthews (81tkl 4.5tfl 3sk 5pbu 1int) and HM P-10 OLB Spencer Paysinger. I am also looking for OLB Bryson Littlejohn (9tkl) to make a bigger impact this season. This is one of the better LB corps in the conference. In the secondary the Ducks return all 4 starters from a year ago including freshman All-American FS John Boyett. I really like the corners Talmadge Jackson and Cliff Harris (19tkl 8pbu 1int) who both saw a lot of throws their way playing opposite of All-Conf CB Walter Thurmond (5th Rd Draft Choice). With a more experienced secondary and an even better pass rush I expect this defense to improve even more this season.

Conclusion

The out of conference schedule for the Ducks looks like this: New Mexico, at Tennessee, Portland St. They should go 3-0, catching a very young Tennessee team, that is missing leadership on defense, and has very little experience on offense plus a brand new coach. At worst they go 2-1. In conference they get @ Arizona St, Stanford, @ Washington St, UCLA, @ USC, Washington, @ California, Arizona, @ Oregon St. The Ducks have to deal with 5 conference road games including @ Arizona St, @ USC, @ California, and @ Oregon St. The Arizona St game is very interesting as the Sun Devils have a very solid defense and it may come down to how the new QB plays. Their road game at USC will be the Trojans bowl game, they are 0-2 in their last two trips to Cal (who loves being an underdog), and you know that Oregon St is going to want payback for last years loss, especially if the Conference title is on the line again. I think Oregon still has an outside shot at a national title and even if they do tie with USC they will still represent the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl.

3. Stanford Cardinal
'09 Final Record:8-5 (6-3)

Offense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #2 Scoring Off - 36.7 points per game
• #2 Rushing Off - 231.8 yards per game
• #2 First Downs - 22.4 first downs per game
• #2 3rd Downs - 46.9% Conversion
• #2 Turnovers - 8

Returning: 8 starters

• Passing: QB Andrew Luck (162-288 56.2% 2575yds 13td 4int)
• Rushing: QB Andrew Luck (61att 354yds 5.8avg 2td), RB Stepfan Taylor (56att 303yds 5.4avg 2td)
• Receiving: WR Ryan Whalen (57rec 926yds 16.2avg 4td), WR Chris Owusu (37rec 682yds 18.4avg 5td)

In Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's first season with the Cardinal back in '07 he turned this teams offense around in a hurry, as in the previous year the offense averaged 10.6 points per game and 232 yards per game, and then 19.6ppg and 332ypg in Harbaugh's first season. They have been steadily improving ever since (26.3ppg/352ypg '08; 35.5ppg/428ypg '09). Last season they had the benefit of having Heisman candidate RB Toby Gerhart (343att 1871yds 5.5avg 28td), and a got a fantastic year out of very highly touted rFr QB Andrew Luck. This season though Gerhart is off to the NFL, but they do return a bevy of talent. For starters they return Luck. And despite him only being a sophomore many consider him a 1st rd projection in the '11 NFL Draft. I am a big believer in sophomore slumps. As a freshman the coaches are usually still calling all of the play calling, and the opposing defenses now only have a week to get prepared for you. In the second season as a starter a QB is usually given more leeway with the Offense, which they don't have much game experience doing, and opponents have entire offseasons to prepare for them, keep in mind that Oklahoma had a month to prepare and held him to 8-19 117yds. Luck even had a heisman candidate at running back to help take the pressure off of him. It will be very interesting to see how does this season. However he also has as many factors going in his favor. For starters the Cardinal return 4 along O-line which gave up only 7 sacks last season (1 every 45 attempts), including 2nd tm All-conf C Chase Beecher, Frosh AA RG David DeCastro, and HM P-10 LT Jonathan Martin. With an experienced and talented O-Line Luck should be able to have plenty of time to find his two favorite targets, 1st tm All-Conf (as a returner) Chris Owusu (18.4 yards per catch!), and 2nd Tm All-Conf WR Ryan Whalen. Harbaugh likes to use two TE's and he throws to them a good bit as well (38 rec), so I look for increased productions from Notre Dame Transfer (and former top five TE recruit out of HS) Konrad Reuland (6rec 142yds 23.7avg!). Despite the factors going against Luck I still expect another fine season out of him as he has just too many weapons to work with. I even expect the running game to be good again. I think they will use a running back-by-committee approach with Stepfan Taylor, Tyler Gaffney (22att 87yds 4.0avg 1td) and highly touted true frosh Anthony Wilkerson. With an experienced O-Line, and with defenses focusing on Luck I expect another fine rushing season from the Cardinal, though no one will put up numbers close to Gerharts.

Defense (3-4)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #8 Scoring Def - 26.1 points per game
• #9 Passing Def - 252.6 yards per game
• #8 Opp First Downs - 20.8 first downs per game
• #10 Opp 3rd Downs - 44.1% conversion
• #9 Takeaways - 12

Returning: 7 starters

• Tackles: SS Delano Howell (78tkl 2tfl 2int), MLB Shayne Skov (62tkl 3tfl)
• Sacks: DE Thomas Keiser (moved to OLB spring; 47tkl 15tfl 9sk), OLB Chase Thomas (36tfkl 7tfl 4sk)
• Interceptions: SS Delano Howell, CB Richard Sherman (62tkl 8pbu 2int)

While the offense has been flying high under Harbaugh so have other offenses, especially the ones that play Stanford. In his three years at Stanford his defense has given up 435 yards per game in '07, 380 yards per game in '08, and 403 yards per game in '09. He hasn't returned less then 7 starters in any season, which isn't very encouraging. This season though they brough in a new DC in Vic Fangio (LB coach at Baltimore Ravens), who is switching the defense over to a 3-4. Of the 3 up front only 1 will be a returning starter, in HM P-10 DT Sinoe Fua (24tkl 3tfl 1.5sk). Outside of him however there is very little experience, especially on the ends. I expect a small drop in the run defense this season. At LB they return 3 starters, as 1st tm All-Conf DE Thomas Kaiser moved to OLB in the spring. I am pretty interested in the ILB's though as sophomore Shayne Skov was a frosh AA last season, and the other ILB Owen Marecic is a rare two way player (also starting FB). I expect them to bring heavy pressure from the outside as Kaiser, combined with returning starting OLB Chase Thomas, were the two team leaders in sacks a season ago. This is a very underrated LB unit. The secondary should be one of the most improved in the country as they return 3 starters including 3rd tm All-Conf SS Delano Howell. I really like, former WR, Richard Sherman, who in his first season at DB responded well, leading the team in Passes Broken Up, and tying for the team lead in interceptions. With a season under his belt I expect him to be All-Conf when it is all said and done with. I also look for true frosh Devon Carrington to get a solid amount of playing time this season. I expect this team to improve leaps and bounds in pass defense this season, and quite possibly for the first time in Harbaughs time here, give up less than 375 yards per game.

Conclusion

The out of conference schedule goes something like this: Sacramento St, Wake Forest, @ Notre Dame. I really like this schedule as it includes two BCS teams, and are just a plausible upset in South Bend away from going 3-0. In the conference they go @ UCLA, @ Oregon, USC, Washington St, @ Washington, Arizona, @ Arizona St, @ California, and then finally a home game with Oregon St. I realize that my top 3 teams all have the lovable 5 conference road games, but I expect Stanford to go 3-2 on the road and 2-2 to 4-0 at home. As to whether or not they finish this high and live up to my expectations will come down to how they play on the road, and whether or not they take care of USC and Oregon St at home. This wasn't just Toby Gerhart's team last season, and I expect for the rest of the stars to rise and for Stanford to make their first back to back bowl games since '95 & '96.

3. #22(cp) Oregon State Beavers
'09 Final Record: 8-5 (6-3)

Offense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #3 Scoring Off - 34.9 points per game
• #1 Passing Off - 287.0 yards per game
• #2 First Downs - 22.4 first downs per game
• #1 3rd Downs - 48.4% conversion
• #1 Turnovers - 7

Returning: 8 starters

• Passing: QB Ryan Katz (14-27 51.9% 232yds 1td)
• Rushing: RB Jacquizz Rodgers (273att 1440yds 5.3avg 21td), WR James Rodgers (58att 303yds 5.2avg 1td)
• Receiving: WR James Rodgers (91rec 1034yds 11.4avg 9td), RB Jacquizz Rodgers (78rec 522yds 6.7avg 1td)

This offense has been steadily improved since the '06 season and have improved by leaps and bounds since they arrival of Jacquizz Rodgers. Ironically the running numbers have decreased since his arrival. Two of the smallest players in college football (both 5'7 188lbs) are the two playmakers in Corvallis, as both were 1st tm All-Conf last season. This year I expect Jacquizz to make an even bigger impact as the Beavers return 4 starters on the O-Line including Frosh AA LT Michael Philip and HM P-10 C Alex Linnenkohl. With an experienced O-Line and an inexperienced QB I expect for the Beavers to rely on a heavy dose of "Quizz" this season. Speaking of that inexperienced QB, sophomore Ryan Katz is expected to be handed the keys to the offense this season, and he played in 4 games last season backing up #7 rd Draft Pick Sean Canfield. Katz does have plenty of options to work with though. As previously mentioned he does return 4 starters up front, and of course he returns the Rodgers brothers. This offense really just comes down to those two and if they have another big season then so will this offense. If not, well.....

Defense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #3 Opp 3rd Downs - 33.0% conversion
• #10 Takeaways - 10

Returning: 7 starters

• Tackles: FS Lance Mitchell (72tkl 7pbu 3int), SS Cameron Collins (70tkl 1.5tfl 4pbu)
• Sacks: DT Stephen Paea (43tkl 8.5tfl 3sk), DE Gabe Miller (23tkl 5tfl 3sk)
• Interceptions: FS Lance Mitchell, CB James Dockery (38tkl 2.5tfl 8pbu 2int)

Since '07 this defense has gotten slightly worse over the past two seasons, though in each of those years they only returned 3 starters, this season they return 7, being the most experienced unit since '07. Up front they return 3 starters including 2nd Tm All-Conf DT Stephen Paea, but the name I am going to be paying the most attention to is former TE Gabe Miller, who ended up with 5tfl and 3sks in just 5 starts. With a full season at DE under his belt I look for Miller to have a fantastic season this year. I expect for this defensive line to improve both their run defense and QB pressure this season. Despite returning only 1 starter I am actually pretty intrigued by this LB corps. They will most certainly have the ability to be a special unit as they return OLB Dwight Roberson (55tkl 7.5tfl 2sk) and it looks as if Keith Pankey is recovering pretty well form his torn achilles that he suffered in February, and if he can make it back then this team will have two returning starters, and both Pankey and Roberson were HM P-10 last season. Two names to also watch out for are highly touted true frosh Shaydon Akuna and Michael Doctor. I expect both of these guys to get plenty of reps this season and one may even take over the MLB spot this season before it's over. If Pankey is good to go then I expect this to be a pretty good LB Corps. Like Stanford's DB's I am a pretty big fan of the OSU secondary, despite there not being an All-Conf performer among them. CB James Dockery and FS Lance Mitchell should be apart of that this season and I would also watch out for Brandon Hardin, I think he could have a fantastic season as well. Overall I think that this experienced group will improve for the first time since their fantastic defense in '07 (307 yards per game) and have a pretty good year.

Conclusion

The OOC is a very intriguing one for the Beavers as they play TCU in Arlington, TX, host Louisville, and play at Boise St. All are winnable but the Beavers are known for their troubling starts as they have gone 10-10 in September over the last 5 seasons. It will be an overwhelming success if they come out of Sept 2-1. In conference though they get Arizona St, @ Arizona, @ Washington, California, @ UCLA, Washington St, USC, @ Stanford, and Oregon. To me this season comes down to 4 games for the Beavers. @ Arizona, USC, @ Stanford, and Oregon. Like the OOC they are all winnable, but are going to be extremely tough for the Beavers. Overall I expect them to have a good season but to fall just short, most likely going 1-3 to 2-2 in those key games I mentioned.

5. Arizona Wildcats
'09 Final Record: 8-5 (6-3)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conferene Play)

• #2 Passing Off - 264.3 yards per game
• #3 3rd Downs - 44.6% conversion

Returning: 7 starters

• Passing: QB Nick Foles (260-410 63.4% 2486yds 19td 9int), QB Matt Scott (41-72 56.9% 441yds 1td 3int)
• Rushing: RB Keola Antolin (114att 637yds 5.6avg 4td), RB Nic Grigsby (79att 567yds 7.2avg 5td)
• Receiving: WR Juron Criner (45rec 582yds 12.9avg 9td), WR David Roberts (43rec 410yds 9.5avg 1td)

Over the past 3 seasons Arizona has produced some of its best offenses of its modern history, averaging over 380 yards of offense per game the last 3 seasons (386ypg '07; 402ypg '08; 385ypg '09). This season the Wildcats return 7 starters, most important of all is QB Nick Foles (HM P-10 '09). In his first year as a starter I though Foles had a fantastic season completing 63.4% of his passes and going +10 in TD-Int ratio, while throwing for nearly 2,500 yds. If he can have a season like that this year, the Wildcats will be in business. When I first looked at this unit and I saw the loss of Terrell Turner to graduation and Delashaun Dean to suspension (transfered), and thought that would be a problem, but Foles spread the ball around to everyone, with 5 different receivers catching 30 or more passes last season. I do expect highly touted juco WR Dexter Ransom to have an impact this season, along with Criner and Roberts. Along the O-Line the Wildcats return 3 starters including 1st tm All-Conf C Colin Baxter and 2nd tm All-Conf LT Adam Grant, who was awarded a 6th year of eligibility. I also like RG Vaughn Dotsy, who missed 4 last year with injury, I expect him to have a fantastic season as well and give this line a potential 3rd all conf member. With 3 of the top 5 receivers back plus newcomer Ransom, 3 on the offensive line back, I think Foles should have another fine season, and is one of the better QB's in the conference. The Wildcatas have not been a very good rushing team over the past decade, including '06 and '07 when they averaged 84ypg and 77ypg respectively. The past two seasons though they have been much better averaging 158ypg in '08 and 159ypg in '09. This season though I look for a big increase in production as they return Nic Grigsby (2,424 career yards) and Keola Antolin, who spent most of the season as a backup, starting only 5, and still outrushed Grigsby. With both of them back, plus a solid O-Line I expect the numbers to be the best they have had since the Trung Candidate days of the late 90's.

Defense (4-3)

Key'09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #2 Rushing Def - 118.8 yards per game
• #3 Opp First Downs - 17.8 first downs per game
• #2 Opp 3rd Downs - 31.4% conversion

Returning: 4 starters

• Tackles: CB Trevin Wade (71tkl 9pbu 5int), DE Ricky Elmore (44tkl 11.5tfl 10.5sk)
• Sacks: DE Ricky Elmore, DE D'Aundre Reed (17tkl 2.5sk)
• Interceptions: CB Trevin Wade, SS Robert Golden (41tkl 2int)

Current Head Coach Mike Stoops is a former Defensive Coordinator and within the last several years he has put together some solid defenses at Arizona. This season they return only 4 starters but may have their most talented defense since Stoops has been the HC. Along the line they return 2 starters in 2nd Tm All-Conf DE Ricky Elmore and DE Brooks Reed (23tkl 5tfl 2sk; HM P-10 '08). In the middle though they bring in highly touted juco DT Jonathan Hollins (RS '09) and Ohio St transfer, highly touted sophomore Willie Mobley. If B. Reed can come back healthy and return to his '08 form then this could be one of the best D-Lines in the conference. At LB they don't return a single starter, but like the interior on the D-Line they fill those positions with highly touted players including a couple of juco's in MLB Derek Earls and OLB Paul Vassallo, plus highly touted rFr Trevor Erno. Under Stoops the LB corps has always been solid so if these guys live up to their potential, they may not drop as many think. In the secondary they return two starters, but they do lose two all-conf performers. What they do return is 1st tm All-Conf CB Trevin Wade and SS Robert Golden, who I believe is on the verge of a breakout season. Like the LB's and the interior D-Line the new starters in the secondary are highly touted including CB Marcus Benjamin (7tkl 1pbu) and very highly touted sophomore FS Adam Hall (9tkl; former top ten DB recruit out of HS). I also expect for highly touted true frosh Marquis Flowers to make an impact this fall. I expect them to improve upon last years solid numbers (opp 202ypg 56.8%).

Conclusion

The Wildcats have an intriguing out of conference schedule as they go @ Toledo, The Citadel, and finally against Iowa. The road game at Toledo is on a Friday night, and for those who don't remember, last year Colorado invaded the Glass Bowl on a Friday night and lost to Toledo, starting a downward spiral for the Buffaloes. That game is not as easy as it appears. They should get by The Citadel without any problems, and then they got Iowa at home. The Iowa game should be the real test as to whether or not this Arizona team is for real. Iowa should come in 2-0 and ranked in the top ten. I think that Arizona will come out of this 2-1 but wouldn't be too shocked to see them 1-2 or 3-0. In conference the Wildcats play California, Oregon St, @ Washington St, Washington, @ UCLA, @ Stanford, USC, @ Oregon, and Arizona St. Whether or not the Wildcats make a run at their first Rose Bowl depends on if they can take care of business at home, as they take on California, Oregon St, USC, Washington, and Arizona St at home, and if they can take out UCLA and Washington St on the road would have a legitimate shot at making the Rose Bowl. I see them slipping up in a couple of places but still finishing in the top 5 of the conferenece.

5. California Golden Bears
'09 Final Record: 8-5 (5-4)

Offense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conferene Play)

• #8 3rd Downs - 32.8 conversion

Returning: 8 starters

• Passing: QB Kevin Riley (209-382 54.7% 2850yds 18td 8int), QB Beau Sweeney (5-9 55.6% 45yds)
• Rushing: RB Shane Vereen (183att 952yds 5.2avg 12td), RB Covaughn DeBoskie-Johnson (31att 211yds 6.8avg 1td)
• Receiving: WR Marvin Jones (43rec 651yds 15.1avg 6td), TE Anthony Miller (26rec 357yds 13.7avg)

Jahvid Best has been the face of this offense over the past two seasons and there was even talks of him as a Heisman candidate early last season. This season the offense returns 8 starters including QB Kevin Riley who saw playing time as a freshman and sophomore splitting time with Nate Longshore and last year was the first year it was his job. That should be the case again this season and I expect him to improve upon last seasons numbers as he returns HM P-10 TE Anthony Miller, and last years leading receiver WR Marvin Jones. I look for Alex Lagemann (12rec 150yds 12.5) to have a breakout season and make this one of the better receiving corps in the conference. He also returns 4 offensive lineman including 2 3rd tm All-Conf members in C Chris Guarnero and RT Mitchell Schwartz, along with frosh AA LT Matt Summers-Gavin. If Riley were to struggle look for highly touted sophomore Beau Sweeney to take over. As previously mentioned I really expect the passing numbers to continue to increase this season. As far as the running game is concerned they do lose Best this season, but they return leading rusher Shane Vereen and highly touted sophomore Covaughn DeBoskie-Johnson who was impressive in his limited action. With 4 returning lineman and two very talented backs I expect the the run game to also improve.

Defense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Scoring Def - 28.1 points per game
• #10 Passing Def - 277.8 yards per game

Returning: 6 Starters

• Tackles: MLB Mike Mohamed (112tkl 8tfl 2sk 3pbu 3int), MLB Mycahl Kendricks (71tkl 6tfl 1sk 3pbu 1int)
• Sacks: DE Cameron Jordan (48tkl 9.5tfl 6sk), two tied at 2
• Interceptions: MLB Mike Mohamed, CB Josh Hill (34tkl 3pbu 2int)

The Golden Bears have had a solid rush defense over the last couple of seasons, and in '08 they had a pretty good defense overall (19.9ppg/315ypg) but in '09 the pass defense got ridiculously worse going from 193ypg 51.6% in '08 to 267ypg 63.7% in '09. This year they return 6 starters, 2 of which are on the defensive line (Cal primarily plays a 3-4). Of the 2 starters returning one is two time HM P-10 DE Cameron Jordan and the other is Derrick Hill (18tkl 4.5tfl 2sk). I expect Hill to have a much better senior season. I am also expecting new starter Trevor Guyton (13tkl 4tfl 1sk) to have a much bigger season as well, and despite the fact they lost a 1st tm P-10 player I believe the will be a skosh better on run defense this season. At LB they reutrn both the middle men from their 3-4 and the big name is 1st tm All-Conf ILB Mike Mohamed. The #2 tackler from a year ago, Mychal Kendricks, was actually a primary backup and despite the fact that most still list DJ Holt (37tkl 3.5tfl) as the starter I expect Kendricks to take over the other ILB spot by years end. As far as the guys on the outside there isn't much experience but there is plenty of talent. I'm a personal fan of senior Jared Price (6tkl 3.5tfl). Either way this LB group overall is fairly experienced and plenty talented, I expect better production this season. In the secondary they do lose a draft choice in Sydquan Thompson, but they bring back HM P-10 SS Sean Cattouse (37tkl 2tfl 3pbu 1int) and CB Josh Hill. There are two freshman to watch for this season as I think they will make a big impact as to whether or not this secondary improves upon their dreadful numbers from a year ago, and those are highly touted rFr CB Steve Williams and very highly touted true frosh S Keenan Allen. I expect both to be starting by mid-season if not sooner. Either way this secondary can't really get worse..right?

Conclusion

The out of conference schedule is, like Arizona's, intriguing. They get UC Davis, Colorado, and @ Nevada. They should come out of this 3-0, but if they take the Wolfpack too lightly then they very easily could go 2-1. In conference they go @ Arizona, UCLA, @ USC, Arizona St, @ Oregon St, @ Washington St, Oregon, Stanford, and Washington. If they can survive the tough early conference schedule, say go 3-3, then they have a legit shot at finishing sweeping the home stand at the end and finishing a lot higher then what I predict.

7. Washington Huskies
'09 Final Record: 5-7 (4-5)

Offense (Multiple)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #5 Scoring Off - 24.2 points per game
• #6 Total Off - 355.2 yards per game

Returning: 9 Starters

• Passing: QB Jake Locker (230-394 58.4% 2800yds 21td 11int)
• Rushing: RB Chris Polk (226att 1113yds 4.9avg 5td), QB Jake Locker (112att 388yds 3.5avg 7td)
• Receiving: WR Jermaine Kearse (50rec 866yds 17.3avg 8td), WR Devin Aguilar (42rec 593yds 14.1avg 5td)

In Head Coach Steve Sarkisian's first season with Washington the offense improved in a major way going from 13.3 points per game 263yds per game in '08 to 26.1 points per game and 376 yards per game in '09. That could also be attributed to a healthy Jake Locker, who returns for his senior season, turning down an early chance at the NFL. Locker is a mobile QB (see above rush yds) and has a cannon for an arm. I expect him to have an unbelievable season this year. He returns four starters on the offensive line including two HM P-10 members in LG Ryan Tolar and LT Senio Kelemete. He also returns 4 of his 5 favorite targets including 2nd Tm All-Conf WR Jermaine Kearse, HM P-10 WR Devin Aguilar and true sophomore James Johnson (39rec 422yds 10.8avg 3td). They did lose returning starter at TE Kavario Middleton, but I actually expect Chris Izbicki to have a fine season there as his replacement. This should be Washington's best season throwing the ball in a number of years. The Huskies rushed for a pitiful 2.8 yards per carry in former Head Coach Tyrone Willingham's final season in Seattle, and in Sarkisians first they rushed for 4.3ypc. That was due to the emergence of rFr Chris Polk. Normally I would expect the numbers to go down a slight bit with the focus more on passing htis season but with 4 back on the O-Line and a year under Polk's belt I think the numbers will be on par with '09.

Defense (Multiple Set/4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #8 Rushing Def - 162.9 yards per game
• #1 Takeaways - 19

Returning: 8 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Mason Foster (85tkl 7.5tfl 2sk 6pbu 3int), SS Nate Williams (62tkl 5tfl)
• Sacks: DT Alameda Ta'amu (19tkl 4.5tfl 2.5sk), OLB Mason Foster
• Interceptions: OLB Mason Foster, CB Desmond Trufant (47tkl 2tfl 6pbu 2int)

The Huskies have a fantastic Defensive Coordinator in former Idaho HC Nick Holt. Like the offense they improved big time from '08 to '09 (38.6ppg/452ypg '08; 26.7ppg 390ypg '09). This year they return 2 starters along the defensive line, but they do lose 3rd Rd draft choice Daniel Te'o-Nasheim (37tkl 14tfl 11sk). the two that they do return are in the middle, DT Alameda Ta'amu and DT Cameron Elisara (14tkl 2tfl 1sk), and I expect them to lead the way in the improvement of the run defense this season, but without Te'o-Nasheim I expect the sacks to decrease. At LB they return 2 starters including HM P-10 OLB Mason Foster, but will be without 3rd Draft Choice Donald Butler (94tkl 15.5tfl 1sk 2pbu 2int). OLB Alvin Logan (6st WR '08, inj '09) is very athletic and it will be interesting to see how he does this season, and I am also going to keep an eye on highly touted true frosh Victor Burnett. Butler was considered by many to be one of the best LBs in the country last season so without him I expect this group to be a bit down this season. In the secondary they return all 4 starters from last season including HM P-10 CB Desmond Trufant. They may have the most underrate set of corners in the league and I am a pretty big fan of Corner Quinton Richardson (26tkl 2pbu) and Nickel Adam Long (35tkl 2tfl 7pbu). One name to watch for this season is highly touted DB Sean Parker, as he should get a solid amount of playing time this season. Despite the overall defenses improvement this secondary gave up 30 more yards in '09 than they did in '08. With all 4 starters back and some infusion of talent I expect them to improve by leaps and bounds this season.

Conclusion

The Huskies have a very interesting set of out of conference games as they go @ BYU, Syracuse, and Nebraska. BYU is breaking in a new QB so if the Huskies come in prepared they might be able to steal one from the fighting mormons, Syracuse is improved but I don't know that they are ready for a road trip to Seattle just yet, and Washington gets to find out first hand whether Nebraska deserves all of the hype coming their way. I expect 1-2, as 2-1 or 3-0 would be a major success. In conference they go @ USC, Arizona St, Oregon St, @ Arizona, Stanford, @ Oregon, UCLA, @ California, and @ Washington St. They have a tough as nails road schedule, but I project them to go 5-7 and if they are going to make their first post season since '02 they are going to need defend home turf and find a way to beat someone on the road (not named Washington St).

7. UCLA Bruins
'09 Final Record: 7-6 (3-6)

Offense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #8 Scoring Off - 20.1 points per game
• #3 Passing Off - 241.4 yards per game
• #9 Rushing Off - 110.6 yards per game
• #8 First Downs - 18.4 first downs per game
• #8 Turnovers - 17

Returning: 8 Starters

• Passing: QB Kevin Prince (173-308 56.2% 2050yds 8td 8int), QB Richard Breahaut (11-17 64.7% 124yds 1int)
• Rushing: RB Jonathan Frnaklin (126att 566yds 4.5avg 5td), RB Derrick Coleman (54att 244yds 4.5avg 1td)
• Receiving: WR Nelson Rosario (42rec 723yds 17.2avg 2td), WR Taylor Embree (45rec 608yds 13.5avg 2td)

In controversial HC Rick Neuheisel's first season in '08 the Bruins returned only 2 starters and had their worst offensive season since '03 when they only scored 17.7 points per game and 283 yards per game. The next year the Bruins returned 8 starters and improved scoring 22.0 points per game and 337 yards per game. This season they again return 8 starters and I expect continued improvement, especially from sophomore QB Kevin Prince who, when healthy, showed some great stuff including his 3 game stretch where he torched Oregon St, Washington, and Washington St (74-110 67.2% 1018yds 5td 2int). This year he gets 4 returning starters on the O-Line and new starter Micah Kia at LT has started 15 over the last 4 seasons (Inj RS '09), and LG Jeff Baca has All-Conf potential. Prince also gets back his two favorite targets in WRs Nelson Rosario and Taylor Embree and I believe that both of them have All-Conf potential as well if Prince improves like I expect him too. Another thing in Prince's favor is the continued improvement of the run game, as they return last season's top 2 rushers in Johnathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman (800yds 6td combined). If they can have a solid season sharing the backfield again then there will be less pressure on Prince and the offense as a whole could have numbers that resemble that of '05 (39.1ppg 431ypg).

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #2 Passing Def - 199.7 yards per game
• #9 Rushing Def - 167.8 yards per game
• #1 Takeaways - 19

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Akeem Ayers (75tkl 14.5tfl 6sk 3pbu 4int), SS Tony Dye (73tkl 2pbu)
• Sacks: OLB Akeem Ayers, DE Datone Jones (30tkl 11tfl 4sk 3pbu)
• Interceptions: FS Rahim Moore (49tkl 3tfl 7pbu 10int), OLB Akeem Ayers

Defensively the Bruins have slightly improved every season since Neuheisel has taken over as they dropped from 343ypg in '07 to 337 in '08 and 334 ypg in '09. This year they return 5 starters but they do bring back some solid players. Up front they only return 1 starter in DE Datone Jones, who I feel is one of the more underrated players in the Pac-10, but they do lose the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in DT Brian Price (48tkl 23.5tfl 7sk '09). Despite being very inexperienced they do have a bunch of talent to work with including very highly touted true frosh DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa (top five DE recruit out of HS), and highly touted rFr DE Keenan Graham, so despite whoever replaces the rush end is going to be pretty good, in the interior line they have former TE Nate Chandler (former top ten TE recruit out of HS) slated to be one DT and I believe that highly touted sophomore Donovan Carter is going to take over the other spot. Even with the loss of DT Price and the overall inexperience I don't think this unit will be THAT much worse than '09. At LB they also return only 1 starter, losing two All-Conf performers from last season. The one they do bring back is 3rd Tm All-Conf Akeem Ayers and he is one of the best LB in the conference. Watch out for MLB Steve Sloan (9tkl) as I believe he is going to have a breakout season next to Ayers. This is a very talented, albeit inexeprienced group of LBs so I don't think they will be too worse this season. In the secondary they return 3 starters including 1st Tm All-American FS Rahim Moore (10int #1 NCAA '09). They may have the best set of S's in the conference as next to Moore is SS Tony Dye and I expect him to have a breakout season this year. CB Sheldon Price (48tkl 2pbu) was solid as a true frosh and I think he and highly touted sophomore Aaron Hester (4tkl) are going to form a solid CB Duo making this one of, if not, the best secondaries in the conference.

Conclusion

This is an interesting out of conference schedule as they go @ Kansas St, Houston, and @ Texas. I'll go ahead and say that I do not expect a win vs. Texas. At Kansas St and home vs. Houston though is another story and if they can go 2-1 in their OOC they could give themselves a shot making a second consecutive bowl. To do so though they would have to outperform my expectations in the conference as they face Stanford, Washington St, @ California, @ Oregon, Arizona, Oregon St, @ Washington, @ Arizona St, and USC. With the exception of Washington St at home I think everyone of these games is going to be a test for this team. They have the talent to get it done but it is all going to ride on how well that talent gels together. I am going to call for UCLA to miss the post season this year.

9. Arizona State Sun Devils
'09 Final Record: 4-8 (2-7)

Offense (Multiple Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Scoring Off - 19.1 points per game
• #8 Rushing Off - 115.2 yards per game
• #9 3rd Downs - 29.1% conversion
• #10 Turnovers - 25

Returning: 4 Starters

• Passing: QB Samson Szakacsy (32-50 64.0% 362yds 4td 1int), QB Brock Osweiler (24-55 43.6% 249yds 2td 2int)
• Rushing: RB Cameron Marshall (64att 280yds 4.4avg 2td), QB Brock Osweiler (16att 7yds 0.4avg)
• Receiving: WR Kerry Taylor (23rec 276yds 12.0avg) WR Gerell Robinson (26rec 261yds 10.0avg)

The Sun Devils have struggled that last couple of years on offense averaging 22.8ppg 309ypg in '08 and 22.3ppg 334ypg in '09. This they have new OC Noel Mazzone and they hope to show some signs of improvement despite being inexperienced. There is currently a 3 way race for the QB position between Szakacsy, Michigan transfer Steven Threet (1105yds 9td 7int '08), and the surprisingly athletic Osweiler (6'8 245). Osweiler currently has the lead thus far into practice. If Osweiler is going to improve off of the poor numbers (212ypg 53.8%) from a year ago he really needs to work on his accuracy. If he can improve that then he could be a pleasant surprise for the Sun Devils this fall. He is going to need some help though, and what the Sun Devils lack in experience they make up for in talent. They only return 2 starters on the O-Line but both OT's are juco's in highly touted RT Aderious Simmons and very highly touted LT Brice Schwab. Highly touted sophomore OG Zach Schlink looks to be slated to start at one of the Guard spots depending on whether or not returning starter Jon Hargis is able to play this season, and I think that Schlink has all-Conf potential. If these guys turn live up to expectations this could turn into one of the better lines in the conference. At WR the Sun Devils lose their top two receivers from '09 (6th rd Draft Choice and 2nd Tm All-Conf). But despite the losses I think they are actually more talented then a year ago and I expect both Taylor and Robinson to have pretty good years and they add very highly touted juco WR George Bell, hihgly touted juco WR Mike Willie, and Oregon transfer Aaron Pflugrad (247yds 2yr). This is one of the more talented WR units in the conference and I expect them to have much better numbers this season despite the losses. If the O-Line is serviceable and the WR's live up to potential then I expect much better numbers in the passing game no matter who wins the QB job. Rushing however is a bit of a question mark as they lose their leading rusher Dmitri Nance (188att 795yds 4.2avg 6td '09). They might have improved numbers if the passing game works out and someone from this unproven unit steps up.

Defense (Multiple Set/4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conferenece Play)

• #3 Scoring Def - 24.0 points per game
• #3 Passing Def - 206.4 yards per game
• #3 Rushing Def - 120.0 yards per game
• #2 Opp First Downs - 17.2 first downs per game
• #1 Opp 3rd Downs - 29.8% conversion

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: MLB Vontaze Burfict (69tkl 7tfl 2sk 5pbu), DT Lawrence Guy (37tkl 7tfl 4.5sk)
• Sacks: DT Lawrence Guy, DT Saia Falahola (26tkl 7.5tfl 4sk)
• Interceptions: three tied at 1

This was one of the best defenses in the Pac-10 last year. In fact since '05 the Sun Devils have fielded some of the better defenses in the conference but this past season's D (21.1ppg 298ypg) may have been the best. This season they only return 5 starters, 3 of which are on the Defensive Line. Of the 3 returning starters they return DT Lawrence Guy, who I expect to have a monster season this year, and DT Saia Falahola, forming one of the best interior D-Lines in the conference. They do lose 1st tm All-Conf DE Dexter Davis (23tkl 6tfl 3.5sk '09) but they return DE James Brooks (17tkl 7tfl 3.5sk) and I expect for highly touted true frosh Nduka Onyeali to make an impact at the other DE spot. This is one of the better D-Lines in the conference and I expect for them to continue to improve upon their rush Defense and have to increase their sacks. At LB they only return 1 starter, losing two all-conf performers. They do return the P-10 frosh Player of the Year in MLB Vontaze Burflict and I expect him to have an even better season this year now that he has a year under his belt. They don't have much experience around him though, though I do expect OLB Brandon Magee (34tkl 7tfl 2sk 1int) to have a solid season. Despite having a defensive player of the year candidate I expect this unit to be down a skosh this season. In the secondary they return just one starter, if you can call him that in Omar Bolden (Medical RS '09). This is an inexperienced group and while I think that Bolden could have a fine season if he remains healthy I do expect them to be down a bit this season. Despite the overall inexperience of this defense it should still be one of the best in the conference again this year.

Conclusion

The out of conference schedule goes like this for the Sun Devils: Portland St, Northern Arizona, and @ Wisconsin. Simply put they should open up 2-1. In Conference they have get Oregon, @ Oregon St, @ Washington, @ California, Washington St, @ USC, Stanford, UCLA, and @ Arizona. This is a tough schedule and the only two games that I fully expect them to win are home games vs Washington St and UCLA, but the Bruins will be no pushover. If the Sun Devils find some offense they could surprise this year.

10. Washington State Cougars
'09 Final Record: 1-11 (0-9)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #10 Scoring Off - 8.9 points per game
• #10 Passing Off - 171.7 yards per game
• #10 Rushing Off - 59.2 yards per game
• #10 First Downs - 12.0 first downs per game
• #10 3rd Downs - 24.8% conversion
• #9 Turnovers - 19

Returning: 8 Starters

• Passing: QB Jeff Tuel (71-121 58.7% 789yds 6td 5int), QB Marshall Lobbestael (67-144 46.5% 655yds 3td 8int)
• Rushing: RB James Montgomery (37att 167yds 4.5avg 1td), RB Logwone Mitz (53att 160yds 3.0avg)
• Receiving: WR Jared Karstetter (38rec 540yds 14.2avg 6td), WR Gino Simone (36rec 330yds 9.2avg 1td)

If you couldn't already tell from the statistics shown above this was by far the worst offense in the Pac-10 last season and one of the worst in the country. They do return 8 starters this season and there is only room for improvement. QB Jeff Tuel may have had the most impressive season of any QB in the country last season. He was surrounded by some poor talent, an O-Line that gave up 53 sacks (1 every 7 pass attempts!) last season, and he still managed to complete 58.7% of his passes and had a positive TD-Int ratio (6-5). He even threw for 385yds 67.4% 2td @ California this past season. He does return 4 starters along the offensive line and the new starter at LT is highly touted juco Wade Robertson. They can't possibly get worse...right? If Robertson is as good as billed then they should be improved. He also returns his top three receivers including HM P-10 WR Jared Karstetter. They only threw to a TE 9 times this past season but I expect true frosh TE Aaron Dunn to get worked into the offense this season. At RB they return James Montgomery (Cal Transfer), who has had injury after injury, and if he can stay healthy he may finally live up to the expectations he had out of High School (former highly touted RB recruit). If plays at a level anywhere near last year then this will be the best Wazzou offense in HC Paul Wulff's 3 years.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #10 Scoring Def - 39.7 points per game
• #8 Passing Def - 228.6 yards per game
• #10 Rushing Def - 262.8 yards per game
• #10 Opp First Downs - 24.9 first downs per game
• #8 Opp 3rd Downs - 42.5% conversion

Returning: 7 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Alex Hoffman-Ellis (84tkl 4.5tfl 1sk 1int), SS Chima Nwachukwu (57tkl 1.5tfl 1int)
• Sacks: three tied at 2
• Interceptions: OLB Myron Beck (41tkl 2tfl 1sk 2int), three tied at 1

Their defense, though slightly better, is a mirror image of their offense. And by that I mean bad. But again like the offense they do return a majority of their starters and improvement is expected. They return all 4 starters on the Defensive Line, and even a starter from '08 in DE Kevin Kooyman ( 9st 47tkl '08; inj RS '09). Of those starters though there is hope in the two highly touted juco DTs Bernard Wolfgramm (10tkl 1tfl) and Brandon Rankin, and then there is HM P-10 DE Travis Long (47tkl 6.5tfl 2sk). With the great amount of experience, talent in between, and year of experience for DE Long I expect this D-Line to improve for the first time since the '06 season. At LB they actually have a semi decent set of guys, returning only 1 starter in OLB Alex Hoffman-Ellis, who has All-Conf potential. OLB Myron Beck is another who should have a fine season this year, after playing solid as a backup LY. MLB Louis Bland (42tkl 4tfl 1sk 1int) in his spare time this past season. A name to watch for though is highly touted true frosh C.J. Mizell, and he may start seeing playing time immediately. I expect them to be slightly improved this season. In the secondary they return two starters from an awful pass defense (276ypg 66.8%). They should be improved if they find someone to step up.

Conclusion

Nothing against Wazzou but any out of conference games are going to be tough, although this years games are a little intriguing as they go @ Oklahoma St, Montana St, and @ SMU. Oklahoma St is going to be very down this year as they lose a bunch on offense and defense and depending on just how much the Cougars have improved they might be able to make a game out of that one, they should win Montana St, and SMU is an improving C-USA team meaning that it is going to be a tough, yet winnable game. It would be huge if the Cougars come out 2-1 or better. In conference they face USC, @ UCLA, Oregon,
Arizona, @ Stanford, @ Arizona St, California, @ Oregon St, and Washington. All of these gaems are tough. If they win 1 game in the conference they will surprise people. It is going to be another down year, despite the improvement.

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If you haven't already don't forget to check out my other 2010 NCAA Previews

Big East

Non-BCS Conferences

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Thank you for reading,

Batteman