ITBs Pac Ten Predictions for 2007

Technically last season the Cal Bears shared the Pac-10 title with USC, but it was USC that got all of the publicity and the spot in the BCS title game. This year it looks as if the Pac-10 will once again be a stepping stone for USC to play (and win) another BCS National Title. It will not be as easy as many might think, but USC definitely has to be the favorite in this conference. USC returns their Heisman Candidate QB John David Booty, as well as most of their defense. Their biggest competition will come from the Cal Bears and the UCLA Bruins. The Bruins beat the Trojans last year, throwing them out of any chance to play in the BCS Title game. The Bruins bring back most of their starters on defense which held the Trojans to under 10 points in their matchup. On the other hand the Cal Bears have most of their offensive firepower returning. At quarterback we have Nate Longshore, and he has one of the most exciting receivers in the country in DeSean Jackson to catch the ball. When Jackson isn’t catching passes, he will be returning kicks, another added dimension to his Heisman profile. At RB Justin Forsett will take over for the departed Marshawn Lynch. The Bears will score points, but can they out score every team with a less than stellar defensive unit. The rest of the conference has potential. Oregon has a chance to be good but QB Dennis Dixon must be consistent and RB Jonathan Stewart has to stay healthy. I think Arizona has the potential to be a sleeper team which could upset one of the big boys with all of the defensive talent on the Wildcats’ team.

1. USC 9-0 (12-0) 2. UCLA 7-2 (9-3) 3. California 7-2 (9-3) 4. Oregon 6-3 (8-4) 5. Arizona State 4-5 (6-6) 6. Arizona 4-5 (6-6) 7. Oregon State 4-5 (6-6) 8. Washington State 2-7 (4-8) 9. Washington 2-7 (3-9) 10. Stanford 0-9 (1-11)