Conference Previews: The Pac-10

2005 Standings

Pac-10	Conf	Overall
USC	8-0	12-1
Oregon	7-1	10-2
UCLA	6-2	10-2
California	4-4	8-4
Arizona State	4-4	7-5
Stanford	4-4	5-6
Oregon State	3-5	5-6
Arizona	2-6	3-8
Washington State	1-7	4-7
Washington	1-7	2-9

Gerry's Pick: The Pete Carroll critics mention the "Chow Effect" every season, and yet the Trojan offense has rolled since the departure of offensive coordinator/god Norm Chow. Well, I think this is the year we will see the Chow effect. Matt Leinart, the field marshall of Chow's offense, has departed for the Arizona Cardinals. Reggie Bush and LenDale White, the 1-2 combo that devastated opponents' defensive fronts and opened up the aerial attack, have also departed for the NFL. John David Booty/Mark Sanchez will be operating from a different playbook and offensive philosophy. The Trojan offense will still be strong, but this will not be the juggernaut of years past. Enter Jeff Tedford and his band of Golden Bears. The Trojan killers will end the reign of the Trojan Dynasty in the Pac-10. California

Gerry's Predicted Conference Standings

California

USC

Oregon

Arizona

Stanford

Arizona State

UCLA

Oregon State

Washington State

Washington

Chris' Pick: No Bush. No Leinart. No Problem. Coach Pete Carroll has plenty of unknown talent to mold into his next offensive superpower. While I don't agree with making John David Booty the starting quarterback over Mark Sanchez, Booty will certainly suffice as the playcaller with big targets like Dwayne Jarrett and halfback Chauncey Washington. California is the only Pac-10 foe that can challenge this power, but Tedford's boys would need a superhuman performance from running back Marshawn Lynch to pull off the upset. If only Notre Dame wasn't on their schedule, USC would be headed back to the title game. USC

Chris' Predicted Conference Standings

USC

California

Oregon

Stanford

Arizona State

Arizona

UCLA

Washington

Oregon State

Washington State