The Annual and Obligatory Pac-10 Prediction Post

I pretty much do this post every year for two reasons. (1) I don’t know what else to write when I first come back from 8 months off. (2) I like to look back and see how dumb (or occasionally brilliant) I was. For example, I have correctly picked the Ducks’ finish two years in a row. Of course, I also picked Cal to finish 3rd. Anyway, let’s get this over with, huh?

1. Oregon. Reading last year’s prediction post, I feel kind of smart. I’d like to be right again, but that will pretty much entirely depend on who’s running the offense and how well they’re doing it. Every aspect of this team is a sure thing (kickers aside) except for the most important position, quarterback. That’s a strange dynamic that’s hard to predict. I like to think back to Tennessee in 1998. They had a great team returning but had lost Peyton Manning. The Volunteers went on to win a national title with first year starter and senior Tee Martin at quarterback. So there’s the blue print Nate Costa.

2. Oregon State. I’m going all Oregon this year. I rarely – if ever – predict the Beavers correctly so take that for what it’s worth. I’m looking forward to their 1-4 start followed by a hot streak that ends with a Civil War loss to deny them a Rose Bowl. It’s more predictable than 2 + 2 and it’s a pattern I can live with.

3. Arizona. Not comfortable with this at all and it’s awkward leaving USC so far down the list. But for once, I think I actually like what Mike Stoops has going. Mind you, not a fan of the guy…just sayin’ it could be a good year.

4. USC. Ok, ok, let’s throw the Trojans in here, huh? You didn’t think I’d completely bury them, did you? I don’t know why everyone is so certain the Trojans will bounce back and dominate again. On what basis? A new coach that gets worse with every promotion he gets? Fewer scholarship players? Incredible turmoil throughout the entire program? What about that screams championship season? Frankly, I want to put them about 6th, but I’m not that dumb.

5. Washington. Is Off The Pond saying they’re back? No. But middle of the pack suits them well this year. They still have a running back taking the snaps and the talent level still isn’t on par with the elite teams in the conference. I cringe to say it, but I do think this could be a good year for the Huskies with a few breaks. As much as I dislike Jake Locker, I’ll bet he has a good year.

6. Stanford. Teams 2-6 I feel are going to get real jumbled up. So having Stanford here isn’t necessarily saying they’ll have a bad year, but just that it’s too competitive at the top and without Toby Gerhart, I need to see some proof.

7. Cal. Oh, Tedford, remember when Oregon fans wanted you as their coach? Remember when Cal was a top 10 team going blow for blow with USC? Yeah, that’s not happening anymore.

8. UCLA. The Bruins just feel so nondescript these days. This is a school that should have amazing, name-brand athletes, but little seems to ever pan out from their recruiting classes. I think they’ll be better, but there’s just not much room for them to move up in the conference this year.

9. Arizona State. Another team that seems devoid of any significant names on the roster. They just don’t scare you at all. They should, but there’s eight better teams in this conference.

10. Washington State. Mom always said if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Well, actually, I do have something nice to say. Thank you Cougs for guaranteeing I’ll always get at least 10% of my picks right.