Now that the Buffalo Bills season is here, we will quickly find ourselves turning towards college football. We will want to watch all the prospects that we will be drafting so we have lots of draft picks, and they are likely to be early (very early). Let’s start with the Pac 12.
Pac 12 North
- Washington: Like last year, the winner of the north is likely the winner of the Washington and Stanford game. I think Jake Browning is the difference here. I also trust Chris Petersen. He is a proven winner. Washington must replace a very strong secondary, but I really like the returning pieces on the D line.
- Stanford: David Shaw is among the best coaches in college football, and does more with less on a year-to-year basis. I’m unsure how much to trust Keller Chryst at QB, and though people are high on Bryce Love, I don’t see how you lose McCaffery and not take a step back.
- Oregon: I like the hire of Willie Taggert as coach. Royce Freeman will make sure Oregon continues to run all over its opponents. The D needs a complete talent overhaul, and that doesn’t happen overnight.
- Washington State: Pullman is never going to be a place that draws high-end talent, so the Pirate is to be congratulated for winning as much as he does over his career here. Luke Falk will put up huge numbers, but I’m just not convinced throwing 50 plus times a game is a recipe for success.
- Oregon State: Junior College All-American Jake Luton takes over as QB, and a bowl eligible season would be seen as a big improvement. The D will need to get better for that to happen.
- California: New coach Justin Wilcox has his work cut out for him. They have a lousy roster, and a lousy schedule. I see a 3 win season coming.
Pac 12 South
- USC- Buffalo (and NY, and Cleveland) fans will likely be watching more late-night USC games to see Sam Darnold in action. The likely #1 draft pick leads a loaded offense. The biggest issue USC will face is 12 straight games with no off week. Will that catch up with them by year’s end?
- UCLA- I am still a big believer in Josh Rosen. When healthy, he has all the NFL tools, and will likely be a top 10 NFL pick. This is a make it or break it year for Jim Mora. This team has talent. We will learn a lot in week 1 as they open against Texas A&M.
- Utah- All Kyle Wittingham does in exceed expectations every year. Utah is always a physical team, and their DL, led by Lowell Lotulelei will be good. The year likely depends on what they get from sophomore Tyler Huntley at QB.
- Colorado- I know they won the South last year, but I think it was a fluke. They lost several good seniors to the draft, and I just don’t think they have the guys who can compete with the truly good teams.
- Arizona State- They do have a nice RB in Kalen Ballage, but this year is likely the end of the Todd Graham experience.
- Arizona- I’m sure Rich Rod will be broadcasting games for FS1 next season, because he has peaked here, and is now bottoming out.
Pac 12 Champion
A title game between Washington and USC would be fantastic. USC has the potential to be special, but Washington has proven it. Assuming Washington can win the North over Stanford, I give the nod to Washington mainly because of Chris Petersen.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
