2009 Pac-10 Conference Football Predictions
Here’s the quick rundown on how I see the Pac-10 Conference shaking out this season. If you would like to read my full report on each team, be sure to check out my college football betting articles archive. And also, be sure to take advantage of our special $500 match bonus at BetUS!
1st Place: USC Trojans – The Trojans lose QB Mark Sanchez, eight starters off a record-breaking defense, their offensive and defensive coordinators, and face a daunting schedule with games at Ohio State, Oregon, and Cal. But, the offense returns its line in tact and plenty of playmakers at the skill positions to take the pressure off their new starting QB. Carroll has showed his ability to reload time after time during his tenure and I expect the Trojans to wrap up an eighth straight Pac-10 title. USC is listed at -350 to win the Pac-10.
2nd Place: Cal Golden Bears – An October 3rd date at home against USC could decide if the Bears will make their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1959. Jahvid Best is one of the best running backs in the country and a defense which ranked 23rd nationally in points allowed returns eight starters. If the Bears aren’t able to get the job done, fingers can likely be pointed at a passing game which ranked just 83rd nationally in 2008. Cal is listed at +400 to win the Pac-10.
3rd Place: Oregon Ducks – Oregon rode one of the highest powered offensive attacks in the nation to a 10-win season in 2008. The Ducks put up over 40 points per game and racked up nearly 500 yards of total offense per game last season. The offense should be tough to stop again with QB Jeremiah Masoli leading the attack. A defense which allowed 28.2 points per game last season (78th nationally) likely keeps Oregon from a Pac-10 title, however. Oregon is listed at +400 to win the Pac-10.
4th Place: Oregon State Beavers – Oregon State is coming off one of its best seasons in recent memory, winning nine games and handing league-champ USC its only defeat of the season. The offense should remain tough with Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Jacquizz Rodgers toting the rock, but a defense which loses its entire secondary figures to keep the Beavers from title contention. Oregon State is listed at +900 to win the Pac-10.
5th Place: Arizona State Sun Devils – A 5-7 2008 campaign was tough on Sun Devil fans after watching their team go 10-3 in 2007. No need to worry as improvement should be on the way. Dennis Erickson boasts a speedy, athletic defense that should have ASU bowl bound. Arizona State is listed at +2000 to win the Pac-10.
6th Place: UCLA Bruins – A 4-8 2008 season was a tough pill to swallow for UCLA faithful, but I’m confident in head coach Rick Neiheisel’s ability to put a winner on the field. After all, he’s 70-38 in his nine seasons as a head man. UCLA is listed at +1000 to win the Pac-10.
7th Place: Stanford Cardinal – It’s been steady improvement for Stanford since Jim Harbaugh took the sidelines. In his first season, he pulled off a shocking upset over USC. His second season got the Cardinal to the brink of bowl eligibility. Perhaps season no. 3 will get Stanford its first bowl bid since 2001. Stanford is listed at +3300 to win the Pac-10.
8th Place: Arizona Wildcats – A noticeable drop off is expected after an 8-5 season with the loss of four-year starting quarterback Willie Tuitama. Arizona is listed at +3000 to win the Pac-10.
9th Place: Washington Huskies – The return of versatile QB Jake Locker from a broken thumb injury will help the Huskies end their winless streak and avoid the Pac-10 basement in Steve Sarkisian’s first year. Washington is listed at +7500 to win the Pac-10.
10th Place: Washington State Cougars – The Cougars lost their 11 games in 2008 by an average of 40.6 points per. In fact, their defense ranked 118th nationally (out of 119 in 2008) by allowing an average of 43.9 points per game. The Cougars figure to take their lumps again in 2009. Washington State is listed at +10000 to win the Pac-10.
Beat the NCAA football odds this season with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks.
Get the best NCAA football picks in the industry right here at Locksmith Sports!
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- 2009 Big Ten Conference Football Predictions
- 2009 Big 12 Conference Football Predictions
- 2009 Mountain West Conference Football Predictions
- 2009 Sun Belt Conference Football Predictions
- 2009 Big East Conference Football Predictions
 |  |  |  |  |  |
Comments
2 Responses to “2009 Pac-10 Conference Football Predictions”
Got something to say?
Hi Jimmy,
Think your picks #5 through #10 are right on, but the order of #1 through #4 may be a bit off.
Agree USC will again be in the top 4, but unlike previous years, I believe we’ll see Oregon and Oregon State knocking off the Trojans. While SC has lots of talent, 2009 brings a young team to the Trojan starting line-up. Their lack of experience will show in their on the road grueling schedule.
I believe it is entirely possible that we’ll see the Ducks and Beavers at 11-0 at 12-noon on Thursday, Dec. 3rd (the day of the 114th Civil War). If so, the loser will go face the Big 10 Champion in the Rose Bowl, and the winner will likely appear in the second Rose Bowl a week later for the BCS Championship.
If I’m proven right, you can say you heard it here first.
Larry, I appreciate your 2 cents. I agree that the Trojans conference title streak is in danger this season. I’m bigger on Oregon than I am Oregon State as the Beavers lost 8 starters on defense and face a tough schedule with road games at USC, Cal, and Oregon. Oregon could win the Pac. It gets Cal, USC, and Oregon State at home. I think its opener at Boise State could be a challenge with as good as the Broncos are on their blue turf, though, and Boise was able to beat the Ducks in Eugene last season. That game could stand in the way of an undefeated season. But, USC still puts the most talent on the field in the league. You are right when you say that they lack experience and must navigate a tough schedule, but Carroll has been able to reload time and time again. I’ll take them to the well again in 2009, but wouldn’t be surprised if Oregon or came out on top. Thanks again for your feedback.