2008 Pac-10 Football Predictions

Jimmy Boyd provides the quick rundown on the best in the west with his 2008 Pac-10 college football predictions. For a more in depth look at each team, just click on the team links below.

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1st – USC Trojans

Head coach Pete Carroll has this reload rather than rebuild thing down to a science. A new starting QB will not hold down a team which still has the most talent and the best defense in the league.

2nd – Arizona State Sun Devils

Head coach Dennis Erickson still has what it takes to coach competitive football, and with lots of talent at the skill positions, he'll be going to a nice bowl again. The offense succeeded despite a shaky O-line in 2007 and that will be the case again.

3rd – Oregon Ducks

No Dennis Dixon or Jonathan Stewart, but a strong defense and a solid offensive line will keep the Ducks in the upper echelon of the league. It's too bad that Dixon went down last season as Oregon has a chance to keep the Trojans out of first for a season.

4th – California Bears

The Bears are not as strong at the skill spots as we saw last season, but I expect them to do more with less to erase the sour taste of a disappointing campaign. The linebackers and the O-line are among the best in the Pac.

5th - UCLA Bruins

The Future seems bright for Rick Neuheisel and company, but it won't be happy trails all the time in year one. With perhaps the best coaching staff in the conference with offensive coordinator Norm Chow and defensive mastermind DeWayne Walker, a lack of star power will be supplemented.

6th - Oregon State Beavers

A disappointing step back after a nine-win season will occur as the defense must be completely rebuilt. The offense will have to keep the Beavers in games this time around.

7th – Arizona Wildcats

QB Willie Tuitama and WR Mike Thomas lead the most explosive passing attack in the league, but if Arizona can't out score its opponents, it won't win. Mike Stoops may need a bowl game to save his job.

8th – Washington Huskies

The Huskies will go as far as star QB Jake Locker takes them. No QB in the conference is as athletic with as much big play ability. He was only good enough for four wins in 2007. A shaky defense will continue to hold this team down and could cost Tyron Willingham his job.

9th – Stanford Cardinal

You have to love what Jim Harbaugh was able to accomplish in year one, dragging the Cardinal out of the Pac-10 basement, pulling off a shocking upset at USC, and beating rival Cal. That was a lot of improvement so not as much will be seen in 2008. Still, Stanford should stay out of the gutter.

10th – Washington State Cougars

Washington State alum and new head coach Paul Wulff inherits a mess from Bill Doba who was sent packing after four bowl-less seasons. The rebuilding project starts now and it might not be pretty for a while.

Find out more info in our Who Will Win the Pac 10 Football Conference article.

July 12th, 2008