#1 Stanford #2 USC #3 Washington #4 UCLA #5 Oregon #6 CAL #7 Colorado #8 Utah #9 Arizona State #10 Oregon State #11 Arizona #12 Washington State
Top Freshman to Watch PAC 12 2012
Shaq Thompson S Washington Nelson Agholor WR USC Kyle Murphy OT Stanford D.J. Foster RB Arizona State Ellis McCarthy DT UCLA
PAC 12 Coaching Rankings #1 Chip Kelly Oregon #2 Lane Kiffin USC #3 Kyle Whittingham Utah #4 Mike Leach Washington State #5 Rich Rodriguez Arizona #6 David Shaw Stanford #7 Steve Sarkisian Washington #8 Jeff Tedford Cal #9 Mike Riley Oregon State #10 Jim Mora UCLA #11 Todd Graham Arizona State #12 Jon Embree Colorado
PAC 12 Football Awards 2012
Offensive Player of the Year Matt Barkley QB USC Defensive Player of the Year T.J. McDonald S USC Coach of the Year Lane Kiffin USC Offensive Freshman of the Year D.J. Foster RB Arizona State Defensive Freshman of the Year Ellis McCarthy DT UCLA
2012 PAC 12 North Predictions
#1 Oregon
Coach: Chip Kelly Returning Starters: 13; 4 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter Stadium: Autzen Stadium (54,000) #6 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: QB Marcus Mariota will power Chip Kelly's high powered offense. Oregon has great weapons in RB Kenjon Barner and WR De'Anthony Thomas two of the most exciting players in college football. The Duck's return three starters on the O-line. Look for TE Colt Lyerla to make an impact this season.
Defense: Oregon brings back seven returning starters. The defensive line has a very deep rotation which includes Hart, Jordan and freshman DL Arik Armstead. S John Boyett leads a secondary that allowed over 247 passing yards a game last season. The LB core has great potential and is led by Micheal Clay.
Special Teams: Jackson is one of the best punters in the nation with an average of 42.7 yards per punt in his career. The returning kickers combined for 9 misses last season. Overview: An easy start to the season should prepare QB Marcus Mariota for Pac 12 play. If Barner and Thomas stay healthy the offense will be good. The defense may be the best in years. Another, PAC-12 championship is not out of the question.
#2 Stanford
Coach: David Shaw Returning Starters: 13; 5 offense, 7 defense, kicker Stadium: Stanford Stadium (50,000) #9 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: QB Josh Nunes has one of the toughest jobs in the nation, replacing Andrew Luck. The running game will be the focal point of the offense. Stepfan Taylor ran for over 1,300 yards last season. RB Barry Sanders Jr. could make an impact immediately. Stanford is becoming linemen U and with the best O-line recruiting class and 3 returning starters they will have first round talent across the line. WR poses questions for the Cardinal and they will need to see someone step up to help QB Josh Nunes.
Defense: The defense has play-makers across the board. The front seven is as tough as it gets with NG Terrance Stephens and Ben Gardner on the line. One of the best LB units resides in Stanford. All four starters return the best of the bunch is OLB Chase Thomas who had 17.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. A.J. Tarpley is the teams returning leader in tackles with 57 in 2011. The secondary is replacing 3 players. Sophomore corner Wayne Lyons could be special for the Cardinal.
Special Teams: Jordan Williamson returns at kicker. Punter will be decided during camp.
Overview: The running game will be solid with Taylor back and a great line. The question lies at QB and WR and how well they produce? The defense will be just as good as last year's team with one of the best LB unit's in the nation. Stanford host USC early in the third game of the season.
#3 California
Coach: Jeff Tedford Returning Starters: 9; 6 offense, 3 defense Stadium: Memorial Stadium (63,000) #5 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: The key to Cal's offense success relies on Zach Maynards decision making. Maynard threw 12 interceptions to his 17 TD's. Maynards half-brother WR Kennan Allen returns after having a monster season with 98 receptions last season. The running game was much improved last season after RB Isi Sofele ran for over 1,300 yards. The line returns 3 starters, but the loss of tackle Mitchell Schwartz could be hard to replace. Defense: Cal returns three starters from last year's team who ranked 25th in total defense. Three players were drafted in the NFL draft including PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year Mychal Kendricks. A lot of young talent resides in the front seven. Look for sophomore DE Mustafa Jalil to make a big impact. Look for young LB's Chris McCain, Nick Forbes, and David Wilkerson to emerge this season. Both returning corners Marc Anthony and Steve Williams are poised for big seasons. The Bears must replace both safeties.
Special Teams: Vince D'Amato will start at kicker. Freshman Cole Leininger will handle the punting duties.
Overview: Zach Maynard's decision making and how the young players handle starting roles will determine how high this Cal team can go. This is a sleeper team in the PAC-12 North. Cal will play in the rebuilt Memorial Stadium this season. #4 Washington
Coach: Steve Sarkisian Returning Starters: 13; 6 offense, 7 defense Stadium: Century Link Stadium (temporary home) (67,000) #4 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: QB Keith Price was impressive last season with his accuracy and his ability to make plays. His go to guys will be WR Kasen Williams and TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The Huskies will be looking to replace RB Chris Polk with two RB's this season, Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey. The line could pose problems if Washington can't find answers at tackle and find more depth.
Defense: Last year's defense allowed 35 points per game last year. New defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox will look to improve on that. The line will be young and John Shirley is the best of the bunch. Shirley recorded 8.5 sacks in his freshman season. The secondary will be improved with three returning starters and Freshman Shaquille Thompson will add depth. LB was a major concern last season and is still a concern going into 2012. Converted safety Nate Fellner could pay dividends at OLB.
Special Teams: True Freshman Korey Durkee will take over the punting duties. Travis Coons will replace three-year starter Erik Folk.
Overview: The offense will be in good hands with Heisman sleeper Keith Price. The big question is how will the defense play after a terrible 2011 season that include giving up over 50 points three times.
#5 Washington State
Coach: Mike Leach Returning Starters: 15; 7 offense, 7 defense, kicker Stadium: Martin Stadium (32,248) #12 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: QB Jeff Tuel looks to be the starter for the Cougars after an injury plagued 2011 season. WR Marquess Wilson and FR Dominque Williams will benefit from Mike Leach's pass heavy offense. RB could see a variety of faces, but the best of the bunch will be Rickey Galvin, who will see time in the slot this season, as well. Marcus Mason will be in the backfield while Galvin is at WR. The line looks for a big season with three returning starters and LG Wade Jacobson.
Defense: The defense will need to show a big improvement for this team to get over the hump. The secondary is the strength of the team and provides both experience and depth. Look for Damante Horton to build off a breakthrough 2011 season where he had four interceptions. LB is a major concern after the dismissal of two LB's. LB Travis long will play a hybrid role this season. His ability to make plays will be huge for the Cougars. The line returns two starters and will look for freshman Xavier Cooper and Robert Barber to make an impact.
Special Teams: Kicker Andrew Furney had a record breaking 2011 season and will look for an even better 2012. Micheal Bowlin will handle kickoff and punting duties.
Overview: The defensive front seven is a major concern. The offense will be explosive. Marquess Wilson will be well known nationwide by the end of the season. Look for many shootouts for Washington St. this season.
#6 Oregon State
Coach: Mike Riley Returning Starters: 16; 7 offense, 8 defense, kicker Stadium: Reser Stadium (45,674) #10 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: QB Sean Mannion had some growing pains in year one. He will need to improve on his decison making after throwing 18 interceptions a year ago. The offensive line will need to improve on protecting Mannion. Two newcomers Stan Hasiak and Issac Seumalo may help, as well as, Micheal Philipp returning from an injury. The running game was non-existent last season as the beavers ran for 86 yards a game. In the backfield you will see Malcom Agnew, Terron Ward, and Storm Woods. WR Markus Wheaton is a play-maker and look for WR Obum Gwacham to make a big impact this season.
Defense: The pass defense is tough and will be led by corners Jordan Poyer and Rashaad Reynolds. The line-backing core will get a boost with Feti Unga being at 100 percent this season. The defensive line will need to put pressure on the QB, something they had a hard time doing last season. Oregon St. will need sophomore DE's Scott Crichton and Dylan Wynn to make a huge impact.
Special Teams: Kicker Trevor romaine returns and will look for a bounce back season after going 15 of 22 in 2011. Tim McMullen will take over the punting duties.
Overview: The defensive front seven and running game leave this team out of a bowl. The passing game will take another step forward under QB Sean Mannion. Mike Riley will be on the hot seat all season will he be fired if they miss a bowl game again?
2012 PAC 12 South Predictions
#1 USC
Coach: Lane Kiffin Returning Starters: 19; 9 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter Stadium: L.A. Coliseum (93,607) #1 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: Nine offensive starters return as well as Penn State transfer Silas Redd. QB Matt Barkley is a Heisman favorite after throwing for a Pac-12 record 39 TD's a year ago. Barkley has his top two targets back in WR Robert Wodds and Marqise Lee. RB Curtis McNeal and Silas Redd will add another dimension to the USC offense. Four of five starters return on the line. To give you an idea of how great this offense is Barkley and Woods will be top 5 picks in the NFL.
Defense: The Achilles heel for the Trojans is the defensive line. Only one starter returns to the defensive line from last year's team. The secondary should be elite with All-American safety T.J. McDonald and corner Nickell Robey. Three sophomores play at LB. All three players had great freshman years Dawson and Pullard each had 81 tackles a year ago.
Special Teams: Sophomore kicker Andre Heidari had a great freshman season only missing 2 FG's. Senior punter Kyle Negrete returns for his senior year.
Overview: This team is made for a run at the national title. The passing attack will be the best in the nation with Barkley-Lee-Woods. The defense will be improved from last season and the back seven is elite.
#2 UCLA
Coach: Jim Mora Returning Starters: 15; 6 offense, 8 defense, punter Stadium: Rose Bowl (92,542) #2 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: Redshirt freshman Brett Hundley wins the QB battle. Going with Hundley is proof that UCLA is turning a new leaf. RB Johnathan Franklin is destined to get 1,000 yards in his senior season. RB Malcolm Jones came out of high school highly touted, but has yet to live up to expectations. This could be Jones breakthrough year. The passing attack will centered around TE Joseoh Fauria. The line needs to work on pass protection for this offense to work. LT Xavier Su'a-Filo could be the answer on the blind side.
Defense: The defensive line needs to produce this season. Two starters return and Freshman DT Ellis McCarthy has arrived. Eric Kendricks and Patrick Larimore will form a great LB core. The secondary returns senior corners Aaron Hester and Sheldon Price. Look for safety Tevin McDonald to have a breakthrough year.
Special Teams: Jeff Locke is one of the top punters in the nation. Freshman Kaimi Fairbairn will get the nod at kicker.
Overview: Jim Mora has talent on both sides of the ball. Neuheisel could never get the talent to produce consistently. UCLA has Utah and USC at home this season.
#3 Utah
Coach: Kyle Whittingham Returning Starters: 15; 5 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter Stadium: Rice-Eccles Stadium (45,017) #11 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: QB Jordan Wynn returns from an injury that forced him to miss the final nine games of the 2011 season. John White is the work force for the Utes after carrying the ball over 316 times. Senior WR's DeVonte Christopher and Luke Matthews will be the go to guys for Wynn. Dres Anderson is the future at WR. Replacing both tackles could be a problem for Utah.
Defense: DT Star Lotulelei is an All-American and is joined on the line by the Kruger brothers. Utah might have one of the top safety duos in the country with Brian Blechen and Eric Rowe. Replacing the two top tacklers on the team could be tough. The LB position is very young. Look for LB V.J. Fehoko and Jared Norris to emerge this season.
Special Teams: kicker Coleman Petersen had a solid 2011 season. Sean Sellwood returns at punter.
Overview: The Utes should have a great defense in 2011. The offense should be strong as long as the offensive line comes together. The overall depth on the team has increased and the Utes should have a solid season.
#4 Arizona
Coach: Rich Rodriguez Returning Starters: 12; 6 offense, 4 defense, kicker, punter Stadium: Arizona Stadium (51,811) #8 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: Rich Rod brings his high powered offense to Arizona and has senior QB Matt Scott running the show. Depth behind Scott is thin, an injury could doom the wildcats season. Spohomore RB Ka'Deem Carey could have a big year. The WR position is a major weakness and will need to find play-makers from a group that is unproven.
Defense: Jeff Casteel brings in his 3-3-5 scheme. The linebacking core will feature the nation's leading tackler Akron transfer Brain Wagner who averaged 13.4 tackles a game. Jake Fischer returns from an injury that kept him out of the 2011 season. The lone returning starter on the line is DT Sione Tuihalamaka. The secondary returns three starters, but there isn't much behind them.
Special Teams: John Bonano made 8 of 12 kicks a year ago. Punter Kyle Dugandzic returns. Overview: Year one will take some adjusting to with new schemes and coaches. A bowl game may be out of reach for the Wildcats. Arizona comes into town for the last game of the year.
#5 Arizona State
Coach: Todd Graham Returning Starters: 10; 4 offense, 4 defense, punter, kicker Stadium: Sun Devil Stadium (71,706) #3 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: Sophomore QB Taylor Kelly will operate Todd Graham's no huddle offense. RB Cameron Marshall should be featured a lot in the offense since the WR position lacks proven players. The starting five on the line should be fine, but the depth behind them is thin.
Defense: LB Brandon Magee should emerge as the star for the Sun Devils this fall. The LB's around him have zero experience. Will Sutton and Junior Onyeali will play the DE for what should be a pretty good line. The secondary has depth and will be led by corner Osahom Irabor.
Special Teams: KickerAlex Garoutte had a rough 2011 season missing seven kicks. Punter Josh Hubner returns.
Overview: Arizona State will have a rough year. One bright spot is the running game led by Cameron Marshall. It looks like a bowl game will be out of reach for Arizona State.
#6 Colorado
Coach: Jon Embree Returning Starters: 12; 4 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter Stadium: Flosum Field (53,613) #7 largest stadium in the PAC 12
Offense: QB Jordan Webb will get the nod to start the season at QB. Webb is a transfer from Kansas. The Buffs will need to have plenty of players emerge from a young group. The only sure thing is the line where four returning starters are back.
Defense: The defensive line is a major trouble spot for Colorado. They will use plenty of freshman and sophomores to find something that works. Three LB's return on defense being the strength of the team. The secondary is led by safety Ray Polk.
Special Teams: Punter Darragh O'Neill won the kicking job last summer and can kick with either foot. Kicker Will Oliver had a good year kicking making 11 of 16 FG's. Four of those misses were blocks.
Overview: Colorado looks for another 3-4 win season. With such a young team hopefully the team shows more promise.