By
DAN GREENSPAN
In three weeks, Pac-10 coaches, players and media will assemble in a non-descript hotel ballroom by LAX to usher in the 2008 season.
It’s a decidedly low key affair unlike the multi-day lobster and golf extravaganzas put forth by the other BCS conferences – and you wonder why the Pac-10 has a low national profile – more a chance to get a bunch of interviews at once and a hernia from lifting media guides.
And while the day’s conversation will again be dominated by the prospects of another Trojan bulldozer, here are a few questions worth asking:
Arizona – Care for a chill pill, Mike?
The Wildcats might have made their first bowl game under embattled coach Mike Stoops last season were it not for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty late in the first half against New Mexico. The Lobos responded with a touchdown pass, then held on for a 29-27 win.
With stricter rules controlling sideline demeanor coming this season, Stoops better find a way to keep his temper under control. Another slipup could turn his hot seat into a pink slip.
Arizona State – Has the talent level improved enough to hang with the Bulldogs and Trojans?
Sure, Dennis Erickson won 10 games in his first season but the Sun Devils were completely outclassed in losses to Oregon (with a healthy Dennis Dixon), USC and Texas.
ASU surrendered 35, 44 and 52 points to those elite clubs, while quarterback Rudy Carpenter was sacked 19 times.
With Georgia making its first trip west in decades on Sept. 20, it offers the first test to see if Erickson’s well regarded recruiting class can inject some much-needed athleticism into the lineup.
Cal – Coffee and a cruller, gents?
Ah, the joys of accommodating television. The Bears’ kickoff at Maryland is effectively a 9 a.m. West Coast start time, allowing a plum post-College Gameday slot on the ESPN schedule.
Facing a similar early morning start in the Armed Forces Bowl, Cal found itself in a quick 21-0 hole. Can the Bears avoid another early deficit against a desperate Terrapins team?
Oregon – What new jersey innovations do you have for us?
I’m hearing it has something to do with flight and invisibility.
Oh sorry, I confused Phil Knight and Tony Stark for a moment.
Oregon State – Is another superb defensive effort ahead?
Overshadowed by USC’s bevy of All-Americans and first round draft picks, the Beavers put together the nation’s toughest run defense last season.
With question marks at quarterback, a rebuilt front seven might be asked to again carry the day in Corvallis.
Stanford – What can you possibly do for an encore?
You beat USC as a 41-point underdog and Cal to reclaim the Axe. What’s next?
UCLA – Can you trade bracket tips for an offensive lineman?
Slick Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow might be two of the brightest offensive minds in the game, but with a rebuilt offensive line short on depth and experience, the Bruins will struggle to score.
It could get bad. Notre Dame bad.
USC – Is it too much to ask to blast the worst teams in the Pac-10?
The Trojans always seem to find a way to rise to the occasion in their biggest games, but improbable losses to UCLA and Stanford kept them out of the national championship game.
Expect USC to hold serve in the friendly confines of the Coliseum, but struggle at Arizona.
Washington – Can you win a non-conference game?
Ty Willingham likely needs a bowl bid to continue on past 2008 as Huskies coach. Unfortunately, he is staring down two possible BCS teams in BYU and Oklahoma and “they have to be improved, right?” Notre Dame.
If improved accuracy from Jake Locker and a semblance of defense can snatch a win, Willingham might have a chance at six wins.
Oh who are we kidding?
Chris Petersen, Chip Kelly or Steve Sarkisian in 2009?
Washington State – Will the season be better than the offseason?
Arrests and the APR have decimated the Cougars’ already talent-poor roster.
Despite the presence of standout wideouts Brandon Gibson and Michael Bumpus, year one of the Paul Wulff regime will be unpleasant.
What questions do you have for Pac-10 players and coaches? Email Dan at dangreenspan@gmail.com.
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