2009 College Football Preview: Pac-10

With college football season just weeks away, KSJ will look at the players, coaches, conferences, teams, and issues in college football. Here's the previous installments.

Can anyone take down USC for the Pac-10 title?

Right now that answer appears to be no. But the Pac-10 is improving. Both Cal and Oregon has the most amount of talent out of Los Angeles. Oregon St. will take a step back this season because of loses on their defense but their offense is still dangerous. UCLA is improving with Rick Neuheisel as the head coach. Stanford brought in one of the top recruiting classes in the nation and are improving. But will anyone of these teams take down USC?

That answer still appears to be no. While USC will break in a new quarterback, either Aaron Corp or Matt Barkley, they still return the majority of their offensive starters. USC returns six running backs who could be starters on any other football team. Both Joe McKnight and C.J. Gable could run for over 1,200 yards. Damian Williams also returns as the leading receiver. His veteran presence can ease either Corp or Barkley into the starting quarterback spot. While USC lost the majority of their historic defense, they are one of the only schools in the nation that can replace that talent quickly. While USC might not compete for the national title, they will once again win the Pac-10.

Can Cal Break Over the Hump?: Cal has been trying to answer this question for five years now. They haven't been able to get over the hump since Aaron Rodgers was the quarterback. And even then, they didn't reach the Rose Bowl. But could this be the year? Cal returns the majority of their defense which was in the Top 30 last year. They return every member of their secondary including All Pac-10 player Syd'Quan Thompson. It's the offense that has to find it's groove.

Cal has a legitimate Heisman candidate in Jahvid Best, but they have to find more consistent play out of their quarterback position. Kevin Riley split starts last season with Nate Longshore. Well Longshore is gone and the starting spot is all Riley. He is headed into his junior year and has not played at a consistent level in his Cal career. If Riley can be more consistent, look for Cal to have a bigger impact in the Pac-10. Also Cal must find a receiver who can help Riley. Since losing DeSean Jackson two years ago, Cal is still searching for a capable replacement. If all the pieces come together for Cal, then they can at least compete for the Pac-10 title.

How Low Can They Go?: Both Washington schools last season stunk up the place beyond comparison. Washington went win less and Washington St. only one two games and one of them was against Washington. The injuries at Washington St. became so bad, that they had public workouts for their quarterback spot. But unlike Washington St., Washington at least returns some talent.

Steve Sarkisian was chosen as the next coach at Washington and he was able to bring in a top notch coaching staff to go along with a solid recruiting class. Jake Locker returns to Washington after being injured last season. Locker is possibly the best quarterback in the Pac-10 so they at least have a place to start. Washington St. on the other hand is a complete mess.

Not only does Washington St. stink, they also don't have such a bright future, the program is a complete mess. Numerous players have been arrested and even their coach, Paul Wulff, is facing NCAA violations from his previous job. Washington St. could be the worse program in the BCS conferences.

Team That'll Surprise, Stanford- Jim Harbaugh has done an excellent job down on the farm. Harbaugh was able to bring in a top 25 recruiting class and he has finally created some buzz for Stanford. While Stanford will most likely not contend this year for the Pac-10 title, a bowl game and a finish in the top half of the conference isn't out of hand.

Team That'll Disappoint, Oregon St.: While they do return the Rodgers brothers, they might not return their starting quarterback. An shoulder injury might keep quarterback Lyle Moevao out of action to start the year. Also Oregon St. lost the majority of their defense in the off season. While the Rodgers brothers can keep the Beavers in games, that might not be enough to help compete for the conference title.

Pac-10 Game of the Year, USC at Cal: This game comes in the second month of the season and could determine the winner of the conference. Cal has not beaten USC since 2003, and are still looking to get past the Trojans. This game could get interesting because the weather could become a factor. If the playing conditions are wet and cold, this could take USC out of their comfort zone and give the advantage to Cal. But this is definitely a more important game for Cal for psychological reasons.

Coach on the Hot Seat, Paul Wulff, Washington St.: While there really isn't a coach on the hot seat in the Pac-10 because they are either new or established, Wulff's seat could progressively warm as the season goes on. Wulff is facing NCAA violations from his previous job and has seen several Washington St. players arrested. If Wulff can't get the program under control or show steady improvement, he could be out of a job in two years.

Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh, Stanford

Offensive Player of the Year: Jahvid Best, Cal

Defensive Player of the Year: Syd'Quan Thompson, Cal

Freshman of the Year: Vontaze Burfict, Arizona St.

Heisman Contenders: Jahvid Best

Conference Champion: USC