2013 PAC-12 Football Odds and Predictions – Preseason PAC-12 College Football Rankings: Last year, the Pac-12 was full of surprises. USC opened the year as the conference favorite and a favorite to play for the national title, but the Trojans’ seasons quickly unraveled. The Oregon Ducks figured to be the beneficiaries, but the Stanford Cardinal had other ideas. They stifled Oregon’s high-powered offense and stunned the Ducks with a late touchdown pass. Stanford then beat UCLA in the regular season finale and again in the conference title game to earn a trip to the Fiesta Bowl. Heading into the 2013 college football season, the defending Pac-12 champion Cardinal are again among the favorites. However, there are plenty of worthy challengers, and a couple of teams could even make a run at a national title. With that in mind, here is a closer look at how the Pac-12 stacks up heading into the 2013 season.
The Favorites
As I mentioned in the introduction, the Stanford Cardinal rode their power running game and championship-caliber defense to the top of the Pac-12 in 2012. Well, linebacker Shayne Skov and the rest of the main parts for a front seven that led the country in sacks are back in 2013. Meanwhile, the offensive line is every bit as physical and talented as its defensive counterpart, and quarterback Kevin Hogan went 5-0 against ranked opponents after taking over as starter last year. The balance on both sides of the ball could deliver another Pac-12 crown and maybe more.
While Chip Kelly bolted for the NFL, he left the Oregon Ducks stockpiled with playmakers that are more than capable of keeping the team’s high-powered offense intact. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is a legitimate Heisman candidate, and all-purpose back De’Anthony Thomas might be the most explosive player in the country. Throw in a speedy supporting cast and one of the better secondaries on the defensive side of the ball, and the Ducks shouldn’t miss a beat with their new coach. A road showdown against Stanford will likely decide the North Division and a lot more.
The Dark Horses
With the two best teams in the conference residing in the North Division, the UCLA Bruins have a chance to control things in the South. Quarterback Brett Hundley is a rising star, and his dual-threat ability makes the Bruins’ offense dangerous. Meanwhile, the pass rushing ability outside linebacker Anthony Barr will go a long way to masking UCLA’s issues in the secondary. Just like last year, the Bruins should be able to get into the Pac-12 title game with a shot at stealing the conference crown and automatic BCS bid.
After failing to live up to the hype in 2012, the USC Trojans have more manageable expectations in 2013. They also have the best wide receiver in the country in Marqise Lee to go along with a defense stocked with NFL talent. On the flip side, USC will be looking for a new quarterback after enjoying the luxury of having Matt Barkley under center for the better part of four years. If they do get consistent QB play, the Trojans have enough talent at other positions to win the South Division and have a puncher’s chance in the conference title game.
The Sleeper
While the Washington Huskies are probably a more talented team, the Arizona State Sun Devils have a better chance of pulling off a surprise Pac-12 title run by virtue of playing in the weaker South Division. Plus, it’s not like the Sun Devils aren’t talented. Defensive tackle Will Sutton is probably the best player at his position in the country, and quarterback Taylor Kelly is solid under center. Granted, there are plenty of other holes on this team, but there is no sure thing in the South Division. If the Sun Devils can just reach the conference title game, they only need to pull off one upset to win the Pac-12.
2013 NCAA Conference Odds – Pac 12
Odds to win the Pac 12 – 2013 College Football
1101 Arizona +500
1102 Arizona State +1500
1103 California +3000
1104 Colorado +5000
1105 Oregon +150
1106 Oregon State +1200
1107 Southern Cal +250
1108 Stanford +500
1109 UCLA +800
1110 Utah +3000
1111 Washington +1200
1112 Washington State +5000
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