The road to the Pacific-10
Conference title runs through Southern California.
Despite losing talented wide receiver Mike Williams, the Trojans are once again loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and appear ready for another national title run. USC’s toughest competitors appear to be California and Oregon. The Ducks and Trojans do not meet this season, however,
which could be a blessing
for Oregon.
1. USC
The co-defending national champions have so much talent it’s scary. Junior quarterback Matt Leinart was a Heisman Trophy candidate last season, throwing for 3,556 yards and 38 touchdowns, and sophomore receiver Reggie Bush is one of the most versatile players in the country. The defensive line is led by senior defensive end Shaun Cody and could be the strength of the team. USC’s Oct. 9 showdown with California will be their toughest test of the season.
2. California
Head coach Jeff Tedford has resurrected the California football program, and the Golden Bears have a chance to string together three consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1952. Junior quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who emerged as one of the Pac-10’s best passers last year, leads the team’s high-octane offense. All-American wide receiver Geoff McArthur is one of the nation’s most underrated players and senior tailback J.J. Arrington is solid. The Golden Bears were the only team to defeat USC last season and will need to repeat the feat for a shot at the conference title.
3. Oregon
The Ducks are the best team outside of the Golden State. Kellen Clemens takes over full-time quarterback duties and has a load of talented weapons at his disposal. Junior running back Terrence Whitehead heads a talented group of running backs and junior Demetrius Williams is expected to take over the go-to-receiver role. If the defense can cut down on the amount of big plays allowed, then the Ducks will be in good shape.
4. Oregon State
The Beavers are for real and will be a conference contender if they can recover from a heartbreaking loss to Louisiana State in their first game of the year. Senior quarterback Derek Anderson enters his third season at the helm and needs to conquer the consistency problems that have plagued him during his career. The defense is one of the best in the Pac-10 and is led by
senior end Bill Swancutt.
5. Arizona State
The Sun Devils will feature a pass-oriented attack with quarterback Andrew Walter. The senior leads an offense that returns six starters, including three on the offensive line. The defense returns seven starters and needs to improve on last year’s 404.8 yards per game allowed.
6. Washington State
The Cougars return only six starters and will have a sophomore, Josh Swogger, running the offense. While losing that many players seems like certain death, three of the starters return on the offensive line, which is always a good place to start. Senior Will Derting is one of the Pac-10’s best at linebacker.
7. Washington
With quarterback Cody Pickett and receiver Reggie Williams gone, the Huskies will go back to a more run-oriented attack on offense. Junior Casey Paus takes over at quarterback and sophomore running back Kenny James has the talent to carry the load.
8. UCLA
Second-year head coach Karl
Dorrell is on the hot seat after the Bruins closed last season on a five-game losing streak. The defense is very young, but the offense returns
eight starters, including junior quarterback Drew Olson.
9. Stanford
If the Cardinal is to improve on
its 2-6 conference mark from last season, it will be up to its nine returning starters on defense. Offensively, Stanford has a line dominated by freshmen and sophomores and a sophomore quarterback, Trent Edwards.
10. Arizona
The Wildcats haven’t had a winning season in five years and that won’t change this year. Improving on last year’s 1-7 record will rely on sophomore quarterback Kris Heavner cutting down on his mistakes.
USC picked to repeat Pac-10, national title from last year
Daily Emerald
September 19, 2004
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