Duckboy33
Well-Known Member
Maybe on Utah. It's hard to say. Their pattern suggests a drop off this year, but maybe they don't have one this time. I don't know how big of a step down UCLA will have. It likely comes down to DTR for them. When he's good, he's really good...but when he isn't...he can be a disaster. If he can play well consistently, they will be trouble.
Arizona may be better, but it's still going to take a minute for them. Maybe they end up fighting with ASU for 4th or 5th in the PAC? I think ASU is going to struggle, too much turmoil. Their recruiting class fell apart and it may not be 100% that Herm is still their coach when the season starts. Gonna be tough for them to overcome all of that.
Agree regarding the defense for USC. It should be improved. But we've heard that before and it never seems to be. They had some talent, got some more through the portal and Grinch seems to be pretty well respected...but Oklahoma wasn't known for their defense either. The offense should be fine. Getting Caleb Williams should significantly shorten the learning curve since he already knows the offense and USC got one of his receivers from OU as well. I'm pretty excited to see what Riley can do with Dye and Raleek Brown. I hate to put too much pressure on a true freshman...but some folks are saying Brown might be the next Reggie Bush (hopefully with a legal house lol).
I don't think the defense has to be great for USC to win the PAC, or at least the South, but it has to be better than what we've seen the past few seasons.
Yeah, if Oregon struggles in getting everyone adjusted, Wazzu or maybe Oregon St. could step up...but even then, Oregon should be able to just "out talent" them. Like I said, if Oregon could have picked a year to have a bunch of turnover and still at least win the North, it would be difficult to pick a better one. lol
Don't forget about the RB USC picked up from Stanford. I think he'll be the starting back for USC this year. Dye is a great third down back because of his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield but I doubt he's the most talented RB on the roster.
As for UCLA, I don't expect a big dropoff but I don't think they'll really contend for the PAC 12 South. However, if a new DC can come in and improve that defense significantly, I could be wrong.