As of today, this is how I see it.
1. Washington. One of the few teams that has enough talent to win the NC this season. They return a very good offensive line, which should give QB Browning plenty of time to find receivers. Sr, RB Gaskin will become UDub's all time leading rusher this season. Their defense returns 9 starters, and may have the best secondary in the nation. Their schedule is certainly doable, with only an opening game in Atlanta against Auburn, a game at Utah, and a game at Oregon blocking the way to a perfect regular season. This team is a lot better than people think. The biggest question mark is this. Can HC Petersen win a big game?
2. Oregon. Close between Oregon and Stanford, but I give the Ducks the edge because of their schedule. Their offense is never at a loss for points and the same should be true this season. QB Hebert and a solid offensive line will lead the way. The defense will need improvement from their sophmore starters to make a run at Washington. They have an easy schedule, hosting both Washington and Stanford, and not playing USC.
3. Stanford. Another team that should be able to score plenty of points, with 8 starters including QB Colstello and Heisman runner-up Love returning. The problem will be twofold. First, the defense returns only 4 starters. Next, they get USC, and Notre Dame on the schedule and play both Oregon and Washington on the road.
4. Cal. With 10 starters returning n offense, and 7 on defense, much improvement is expected from this team. Improvement will be needed with crossover games at USC and Arizona. They do host the big 3 in the North. (Washington, Oregon and Stanford)
5. Washington State. The cougars lose 8 offensive starters, including everyone in the backfield. The defense returns 7 starters, but is weak up front. A soft non-con schedule will not offset crossover games at USC, and home against Utah and Arizona.
6. Oregon State. The Beavers return 7 starters, but two are WR's and the other 5 are on the line. On defense, only 4 starters return, now that OLB Ugwoegbu has left the team. New HC Smith opens at Ohio State. Things do not get much better after that. 3 wins would be a major accomplishment.
1. Washington. One of the few teams that has enough talent to win the NC this season. They return a very good offensive line, which should give QB Browning plenty of time to find receivers. Sr, RB Gaskin will become UDub's all time leading rusher this season. Their defense returns 9 starters, and may have the best secondary in the nation. Their schedule is certainly doable, with only an opening game in Atlanta against Auburn, a game at Utah, and a game at Oregon blocking the way to a perfect regular season. This team is a lot better than people think. The biggest question mark is this. Can HC Petersen win a big game?
2. Oregon. Close between Oregon and Stanford, but I give the Ducks the edge because of their schedule. Their offense is never at a loss for points and the same should be true this season. QB Hebert and a solid offensive line will lead the way. The defense will need improvement from their sophmore starters to make a run at Washington. They have an easy schedule, hosting both Washington and Stanford, and not playing USC.
3. Stanford. Another team that should be able to score plenty of points, with 8 starters including QB Colstello and Heisman runner-up Love returning. The problem will be twofold. First, the defense returns only 4 starters. Next, they get USC, and Notre Dame on the schedule and play both Oregon and Washington on the road.
4. Cal. With 10 starters returning n offense, and 7 on defense, much improvement is expected from this team. Improvement will be needed with crossover games at USC and Arizona. They do host the big 3 in the North. (Washington, Oregon and Stanford)
5. Washington State. The cougars lose 8 offensive starters, including everyone in the backfield. The defense returns 7 starters, but is weak up front. A soft non-con schedule will not offset crossover games at USC, and home against Utah and Arizona.
6. Oregon State. The Beavers return 7 starters, but two are WR's and the other 5 are on the line. On defense, only 4 starters return, now that OLB Ugwoegbu has left the team. New HC Smith opens at Ohio State. Things do not get much better after that. 3 wins would be a major accomplishment.