Pac-12 Preview: Oregon looks to retake the crown from Stanford
Lofty expectations abound for the Pac-12, as the conference enters the 2014 season at perhaps its strongest point ever. Exactly half of the Pac-12's teams were named to the AP preseason Top 25 poll, the most in conference history. Oregon comes in as the highest ranked of the six, but it's Stanford that reigns as the two-time defending conference champion.
The Favorites
Oregon
Last year's record: 11-2
AP preseason poll rank: 3
What you need to know: Marcus Mariota's decision to hold off on the NFL for at least one year gives the Ducks the conference's premier player, as well as the best chance at taking the Pac-12 championship. While the Ducks may have lost a few players to the NFL (and a couple more to injury), Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner return to Oregon's high-powered offense, which should have the Ducks right in the thick of things to earn a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
What you probably didn't know: After four years playing for Oregon's basketball team, Johnathan Loyd will trade in his high tops for cleats and join the football team this season. Loyd, a former point guard, took advantage of an NCAA rule that grants an extra year of eligibility to a student-athlete in a different sport, and will line up at wide receiver for the Ducks.
Potential upset: The Beavers nearly pulled out a victory in last year's meeting, losing by just a single point a week after Oregon was crushed by Arizona. That game was at home, but this year the Ducks will have to travel to Oregon State for the final game of the regular season, which, if Oregon is in the running for a berth in the playoff, will come with a ton of added pressure.
UCLA
Last year's record: 10-3
AP preseason poll: 7
What you need to know: The Bruins were a bit of a surprise last year, earning their first double-digit win total since 2005. They won't be catching anyone off guard this year, but with Brett Hundley returning under center and two-way stud Myles Jack potentially sprinkling in some time at running back in addition to his regular linebacker duties, they'll be a tough opponent for anyone.
What you probably didn't know: The Texas Longhorns were very interested in hiring away head coach Jim Mora before Mora pulled out of consideration. According to him, he never planned to go anywhere. "I never was going to leave UCLA. [Athletic director] Dan Guerrero went out on a limb when he hired me. Let's not kid anybody," Mora said. "I wasn't the most popular hire in the history of college sports, I can promise you that."
Potential upset: The Bruins face a stiff test in the third week of the season when they take on Texas at AT&T Stadium. Charlie Strong will be looking to make a big impression early in his tenure as the Longhorns' new head coach, and he'll have his team ready to catch the nation's attention with a possible upset on a huge stage.
Stanford
Last year's record: 11-3
AP preseason poll: 11
What you need to know: They may be the two-time defending conference champions, but the Cardinal enter the 2014 season as the third-ranked team in the Pac-12. Stanford lost six players from last year's squad to the NFL, but still owns a talented roster that includes returning quarterback Kevin Hogan and Mr. All-Purpose, Ty Montgomery.
What you probably didn't know: The Cardinal just can't help being nerdy. Stanford sent out fast facts to potential recruits just prior to its appearance in the 100th Rose Bowl, and the list was stuffed with enough numbers to make a math major's eyes light up.
Potential upset: Stanford has games against six opponents ranked in the preseason Top 25, which could leave them vulnerable to letdowns against lesser-ranked opponents. The Cardinal face Washington State following road games against Washington and Notre Dame, which could leave them bringing less than their best against the Cougars.
USC
Last year's record: 10-4
AP preseason poll: 15
What you need to know: The Steve Sarkisian era begins as the Trojans look to put the memory of Lane Kiffin as far in the rear-view mirror as possible. Cody Kessler struggled to start the year last season after winning the quarterback battle with now-departed Max Wittek, but looked the part as the season wore on and should be primed for a strong campaign with the knowledge that this is his team.
What you probably didn't know: Max Tuerk will be playing his third different position in as many seasons for USC. Tuerk became the first true freshman to start at tackle for the Trojans, then last year was moved to guard. This season the junior has been pushed further toward the interior of the offensive line and will serve as the starting center.
Potential upset: Arizona gave the Trojans a tough time last season in Los Angeles and will get to host this year's matchup. USC will also be making that trip after a tough game against Arizona State, while the Wildcats come in with a little extra rest having played on Thursday the week before.
Arizona State
Last year's record: 10-4
AP preseason poll: 19
What you need to know: The Sun Devils were a surprise host of the Pac-12 Championship Game last year, ultimately falling to Stanford 38-14. Only two starters return on the defensive side of the ball, so Arizona State will rely on its offense, where quarterback Taylor Kelly and wideout Jaelen Strong will look to build on the chemistry they found in 2013.
What you probably didn't know: Arizona State banned tortillas from Sun Devil Stadium this season. The reason? Fans have made a tradition of throwing them onto the field during games.
Potential upset: The Sun Devils beat UCLA on the road last season and will get to entertain the Bruins in Tempe this year. It will also mark their first tough test after three relatively easy opponents to start the season, meaning Arizona State should be well prepared to pull the upset for the second straight season.
Washington
Last year's record: 9-4
AP preseason poll: 25
What you need to know: Like USC, the Huskies have a new head coach in town with Chris Petersen taking over after turning Boise State into a powerhouse. The quarterback situation is still up in the air and Bishop Sankey is with the Tennessee Titans. That means Petersen will be relying on Shaq Thompson, Marcus Peters and the five other returnees on defense to lead the way.
What you probably didn't know: Washington may be ranked in the Top 25, but when your conference is loaded with top-end teams, it can be kind of hard to leave your mark. So how did the Huskies go about generating some hype? By releasing a teaser video featuring a couple of the world's most charismatic villains: Batman's Bane and lifelong foe of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Shredder.
Potential upset: The Huskies only managed a one-point victory over Utah in 2013 and that was with two extra days to prepare. This year, Washington faces the Utes immediately following four games against teams ranked in the preseason Top 25, and follow up that meeting with a game against Notre Dame. Utah may be able to take advantage of a Washington team that's just flat out worn down.
The Surprises
Oregon State
Last year's record: 7-6
The Beavers lost their final five conference games last season, but other than a blowout against Washington they had a chance to win each game. While Oregon State's 2014 schedule is again bottom-heavy, the Beavers have a chance to get off to a hot start and build on that momentum when their opponents become more difficult.
Washington State
Last year's record: 6-7
The Cougars haven't finished a season with a winning record since 2003, but head coach Mike Leach has them trending in the right direction. After winning just three games in his first season, Washington State doubled that total to six last year. Leach will again lean heavily on quarterback Connor Halliday, who will make life difficult for opposing defenses and could lead the Cougars to some high-scoring victories.
The Disappointments
California
Last year's record: 1-11
The good news is there's not much room to regress compared to last year. The bad news is the Golden Bears aren't likely to be much better than they were in 2013 and will struggle to remain competitive in a loaded conference.
Colorado
Last year's record: 4-8
It's not necessarily that Colorado is a bad football team, the Buffaloes just happen to be in an incredibly tough conference. They went 3-0 against non-conference opponents last year, but just 1-8 in the Pac-12, and it's likely to be more of the same this season.
The Leftovers
Arizona
Last year's record: 8-5
Rich Rodriguez has a tough job in trying to find a replacement at running back for Ka'Deem Carey, and it doesn't help that he's unsure of his quarterback as well. That kind of uncertainty makes it extremely difficult to compete with the elite teams at the top of the conference.
Utah
Last year's record: 5-7
Between their season opener against Idaho State and the regular-season finale against Colorado, the Utes have 10 straight games against teams that played in a bowl game last season. That's a recipe for an incredibly challenging schedule and one long year.