With Pac-10 Media Day upon us, this week's Thursday Thought gives the WeAreSC staff a chance to reveal their predicted Pac-10 standings for the 2010 season.
Garry Paskwietz
1) USC - Lots of talent coming back for the Trojans and a program that is looking for something to prove this year
2) Oregon - Even without Masoli there is still plenty to like about the defending conference champs
3) Washington - Never count out the team with the best senior quarterback
4) Stanford - Luck has all the makings of a big time player
5-8) Cal, Oregon State, Arizona, UCLA - These teams could end up in any order but they are a notch below the top 4 teams in the conference
9) ASU - With all due respect, it says something about your team when you bring your kicker to media day
10) WSU - Still a ton of work to be done on the Palouse
Greg Katz
1) USC – If the Trojans can sustain momentum by staying undefeated, the position coaching is superior, and there is still an abundance of elite talent, although the depth is certainly not the equal in some positions.
2) Oregon – The defending Pac-10 champs, who have had an array of legal problems, must come to the Coliseum to play the Trojans, and we don’t think that QB Masoli can be that easily replaced in that style of spread offense.
3) Stanford – Yes, a big part of the Cardinal offense is gone with the departure of Toby Gerhart, but head coach Jim Harbaugh is dynamite and now has created a program, and quarterback Andrew Luck is the best in the Pac-10.
4) Oregon State – The only reason that OSU is ranked this low is the fact that they have a new QB in sophomore Ryan Katz, but with a boatload of returners and a standout coach in Mike Riley, this is as far down as the Beavers could possibly go.
5) Washington – Any team with stellar QB Jake Locker is a threat, but the fact the Purple and Gold showed enough life and heart for five victories in 2009 gives them the green light along with Stanford, Oregon State and Arizona at home.
6) Arizona – Coming off a fine 8-5 season and trip to the Holiday Bowl, the hope is that QB Nick Foles and the offense should be good (9 returning starters), and you know that Stoops will have a tough defense, even though only four starters return.
7) Cal – It’s hard to believe that Jeff Tedford’s Bears have fallen this far down in our opinion, but if any team can move up quickly, it will be the boys from Berkeley who hope controversial quarterback Kevin Riley has improved and quick tailback Shane Vereen can be an offensive linchpin.
8) UCLA – Although they recruited well last winter and have a solid defense, Slick Rick, whose offense has been nothing but offensive, better be further up the standings’ ladder than where we have them or the former Westwood QB will be in some serious excrement.
9) Arizona State – It’s kind of mindboggling that you could utter the thought that Dennis Erickson is on the cactus hot seat, but another poor performance and word will be out that the game has passed him by and he is too old to recruit.
10) Washington State – The only thing more certain than the sun will set in the West is that the Cougars will yet again be in the basement of the Pac-10, which does nothing but create an uncertain future for Cougar alum head coach Paul Wulff.
Erik McKinney
1) USC - Depth will be tested by finishing conference slate with three road games, but it's never a good idea to bet against the team with the most talent.
2) Oregon - LaMichael James is a pretty good place to start and this is a team that believes they can win.
3) Oregon State - The Rodgers brothers make nice neighbors for any first-year quarterback.
4) Washington - The defense has question marks, but offensively, they should be strong.
5) Stanford - The Cardinal fall here because of the defense and losing Toby Gerhart, but teams 2-5 really could have gone in any order.
6) Arizona - Would not bet against them finishing higher than sixth, but there are fewer sure-things here than with top-five teams.
7) California - A great finish to the schedule, but not a whole lot to get excited about offensively after Shane Vereen.
8) UCLA - The pistol is shooting blanks.
9) Arizona State - Could be a rough year unless Vontaze Burfict and that defense find a way to score a couple touchdowns per game.
10) Washington State - Coug fans circling their calendars for that Montana State game.
Brian Edwards
1) USC - Us against the world attitude propels them to the championship.
2) Oregon - Rushing attack will make up for loss of Masoli.
3) Arizona - Nick Foles has a big year.
4) Stanford - Efficient Andrew Luck and discipline will lead this team.
5) UCLA - Offensive line will determine how far they go this year.
6) Oregon St. - Jacquizz is still a viable threat.
7) Washington - Will not have as good a year as everyone thinks.
8) California - Tedford's job may be in jeopardy after this season.
9) Arizona St. - Burfict will be the star of the team.
10) Washington St. - Tough season in Pullman.
