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.
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