If the ACC has cemented itself as one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, the Pac-12 is one of the most intriguing.
Oddsmakers are pegging USC and Washington as the favorites, but there are plenty of teams capable of pushing the top-two teams.
If any conference has the ability to have an unknown win it, this is the one. The Trojans finished the year in style and the Huskies made it to the national semifinal, so it’s natural to put them at the top.
But there are still some glaring holes, with the Huskies losing key pieces off their defense and the Trojans having to replace part of their offensive line.
Who will win?
If we’re looking at just a straight-up winner, it’s hard to argue against the Trojans. USC has Sam Darnold and they have elite talent.
However, that team is still really young, with a lot of underclassmen on the two-deep. So, my best bet wouldn’t necessarily go with the Trojans, because there is a distinct chance they don’t come out on top and they provide very little value.
Instead, I’m staying in the same city, but going with a team many are dismissing — UCLA. The Bruins return Josh Rosen, who took a step back last year with injuries. The former five-star quarterback will be good once again, and has an offensive line with more experience.
The defense loses some pieces, but there’s enough talent to keep up with the rest of the Pac-12 in that department. Everyone’s forgetting how good Rosen can be, so it’s easy to believe the Bruins can come in under the radar at +1200 to win the conference title.
Be careful when sleeping on UCLA.
Dark Horse
So this isn’t necessarily too much of a dark horse since I already picked UCLA to win, but Washington State shouldn’t be overlooked.
Mike Leach is a good coach and he’s showing once again in Pullman. The offense will be dynamic, with Luke Falk returning and the majority of the offensive line and running game coming back from a year ago.
The defense should have freaky speed across all levels, which should match up well against prolific passing teams. This defense isn’t the ones we’ve seen in previous years under Leach. They can actually make some stops.
Washington State is going off at +1200, so it gives you another opportunity at getting some value in the Pac-12.
Pac-12 Title Odds
USC +110
Washington +275
Stanford +900
UCLA +1200
Oregon +1200
Washington State +1200
Utah +1600
Colorado +2000
Arizona State +5000
Arizona +8000
California +8000
Oregon State +8000
