2008 CFN Pac 10 Preview
Unit Rankings
Team Previews &
Predictions
Arizona
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Arizona State
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California
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Oregon |
Oregon State
Stanford
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UCLA
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USC
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Washington
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Washington State
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2008 CFN Pac 10 Preview
-
CFN All-Pac 10 Team &
Top 30 Players
- Pac 10 Team-by-Team
Capsules
- Pac 10 Unit
Rankings
- Pac 10 Schedules &
Predictions
1.
USC
Mark or
Mitch? The battle between Mark Sanchez and Mitch Mustain
to replace John David Booty at quarterback isn’t exactly over,
even though Sanchez got the nod in April. Although he’s the
logical heir apparent and the most experienced hurler, Mustain
has done nothing but impress the staff since transferring from
Arkansas. Whoever gets the ball will have gobs of speed and
explosiveness surrounding him. After getting a taste of action
as a freshman, RB Joe McKnight is on the tarmac and preparing
for national lift-off. The receivers are a year older, with the
size, athleticism, and addition of former Hog Damian Williams to
dominate opposing secondaries. The line loses four starters,
putting the onus on sophomores Kristofer O’Dowd, Butch Lewis,
and Zack Heberer to perform like vets.
2. Oregon
3. California
4. Arizona State
5. Arizona
6. UCLA
7. Oregon State
8. Washington State
9. Washington
10. Stanford
1.
USC
After
playing to mixed reviews last fall, Mark Sanchez acted throughout the
offseason as if he has something to prove. It’s been enough for him to
hold off the contenders, but that doesn’t mean Mitch Mustain is going
away. While the two will continue making each other better, it’s up to
Pete Carroll to keep the peace in a backfield with at least two
all-league-caliber quarterbacks.
2.
Arizona State
3. California
4. Washington
5. Arizona
6. Oregon
7. UCLA
8. Oregon State
9. Washington State
10. Stanford
1.
USC
As is
the case with many USC positions, Pete Carroll will be forced to do a
juggling act to be sure that all of his gifted runners are well fed
throughout the season. It’s going to be a challenge. While
Joe McKnight is the star-in-waiting, Stafon Johnson might actually
finish the year with the most carries.
2. Oregon
3. UCLA
4. Arizona State
5. Oregon State
6. California
7. Washington State
8. Arizona
9. Washington
10. Stanford
1.
Oregon State
With Sammie Stroughter and James Rodgers
back, the receivers should be the strength of the Beaver
offense. They’ll form a dynamite duo, which will be even more
effective if Darrell Catchings and Chris Johnson can capitalize on
the single
coverage they'll see and make occasional plays as the No. 3 receiver.
2. Arizona
3. USC
4. Arizona State
5. Washington State
6. UCLA
7. Oregon
8. California
9. Washington
10. Stanford
1.
Oregon
The pieces are in place for Oregon to
again have one of the Pac-10’s most formidable offensive lines.
C Max Unger and OT Fenuki Tupou are legitimate anchors at their respective
positions and assistant Steve Greatwood is doing a nice job of
building depth and coaching up some of the younger Ducks.
2. California
3. USC
4. Oregon State
5. UCLA
6. Washington
7. Arizona
8. Washington State
9. Arizona State
10. Stanford
1.
USC
When
linebackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing decided to
forego the NFL Draft for one more year, it ensured that the
Trojans would have one of the nastiest back sevens in the
country. Not only are the two seniors All-America-caliber, but
the secondary is sensational. Safeties Kevin Ellison and Taylor
Mays are among six players with starting experience. Even
without current pros Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson, the
defensive line will be just fine. On the outside, speedy Everson
Griffen is good enough to make folks forget about Jackson. On
the inside, senior Fili Moala is about to shed his anonymity
while making a strong push for All-American honors and a spot in
the first round of next year’s NFL Draft.
2. Oregon
3. California
4. UCLA
5. Oregon State
6. Arizona State
7. Washington
8. Stanford
9. Washington State
10. Arizona
1.
USC
Sedrick Ellis and
Lawrence Jackson were two of the first
28 picks in April’s draft, yet the Trojans are going to be okay
at the defensive line. Reason No. 32 why USC is a perennial
contender for a national championship. Fili Moala and Everson Griffen are the
new headliners of a front wall that’ll rely on a deeper group of
players this fall.
2. Oregon
3. UCLA
4. California
5. Oregon State
6. Arizona State
7. Stanford
8. Washington
9. Washington State
10. Arizona
1.
USC
Rey Maualuga and
Brian Cushing are a pair of
NFL-ready linebackers still hanging around the Pac 10. Their
presence will help ease the transition of Luthur Brown or
Kaluka Maiava into
the lineup, while giving the program a couple of intimidating
defensive players who opposing coaches will have to account for
every Saturday.
2. California
3. UCLA
4. Stanford
5. Washington
6. Washington State
7. Oregon
8. Arizona State
9. Oregon State
10. Arizona
1.
Oregon
With a least three of this year’s
defensive backs (Patrick Chung, Jairus Byrd and
Walter Thurmond) eventually headed to the NFL, Oregon will feature
one its best secondaries in school history. Although they still
need to tighten up a bit in coverage against deep balls, these Ducks will make a
ton of big plays and a ton of quarterbacks regret throwing in
their direction.
2. USC
3. Oregon State
4. Arizona State
5. UCLA
6. Washington
7. California
8. Arizona
9. Stanford
10. Washington State
1. UCLA
While there’s uncertainty everywhere else on the roster, the
Bruins can take solace in the special teams, their most stable
unit. Sophomore PK Kai
Forbath was brilliant in his first season replacing
All-American Justin Medlock, connecting on 25-of-30 field goal
attempts, including 5-of-5 outside 50 yards.
Back for a third year as the punter is Aaron Perez, a
strong-legged senior who has gotten better with each passing
season.
2.
Arizona
3. Arizona State
4. USC
5. Oregon State
6. Oregon
7. California
8. Washington
9. Washington State
10. Stanford