There isn’t a conference more unsettled than the Pac-12. Last season, five teams ended the season at 6-3 or better in the conference. This season, oddsmakers are focused on five teams that can compete for a conference title, with reigning champion Stanford holding a slight edge as the favorite at +300.
Other competitors include UCLA at +350, Washington at +400, and USC and Oregon at +550.
The Huskies are the strangers to the group, but they should be ready to take the next step this season with several starters returning from last year.
There will be no better conference to watch on a week-to-week basis if you’re hoping for competitive games. The biggest problem, though, is that will likely keep the conference out of the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year.
While the Cardinal are the favorite, they aren’t a team capable of competing with the best in the nation. The same goes for every other team, except for possibly UCLA, which boasts the best quarterback in the conference and has the talent to compete with any team in the nation. However, the Bruins have been in this spot before, and failed to live up to expectations.
Best Sleeper
Arizona +2000
Two years removed from a Pac-12 title appearance, the Wildcats have virtually no expectations. The defense will have a new staff and Anu Solomon is coming off a serious sophomore slump.
But there’s something about Rich Rodriguez and his ability to bounce back. The offense should feature a better offensive line and Solomon can’t be as bad as he was last season. If the offense can return to form, the Wildcats should be a more competitive team on a weekly basis.
The defense has never been great, so I’m not as worried about it as others. But it might get a jolt from a new coaching staff, opening up the possibilities for a better season.
What has me most excited about the Wildcats’ potential is the schedule is favorable. Arizona’s toughest games are at home against Stanford, USC and Washington. Teams can lose a few games and still be in line for a conference title berth.
Arizona will be better this year and if it can protect its home turf, it could be a surprise trip to the conference championship game.
Most Overrated
Oregon +550
We seem to still be living in the Chip Kelly era. That’s why the Ducks are toward the top for favorites in the Pac-12.
The Ducks are once again breaking in a new quarterback, the offensive line is rebuilding and the defense doesn’t do much for me on paper. If the team didn’t have “Oregon Ducks” in its name, we wouldn’t be talking about this team as a Pac-12 title favorite.
I discussed this before last season, but at some point, the Ducks will fall from grace. Kelly is a different kind of head coach. Mark Helfrich is not. Now that he’s in his fourth season, the team’s recruits are all his and Kelly’s influence is almost completely faded. That’s not a good sign.
The Ducks will host Washington and Stanford, but must travel to USC and Utah. The gap has closed in the Pac-12, and that home-field advantage that was the country’s best at one time is no longer. The Ducks aren’t the same Ducks, so don’t bet on Oregon hoisting any trophies this season.
Pac-12 odds
Stanford +300
UCLA +350
Washington +400
USC +550
Oregon +550
Utah +1200
Washington State +1400
Arizona +2000
Arizona State +2000
California +2200
Colorado +5000
Oregon State +5000
