College football is back, well almost back, and that means it’s time to kick off the preseason hype train with my rankings and team previews.

Preseason Rankings

1.) USC 

• 10-3 last year (7-2 conference)
• Rose Bowl winner (52-49 over Penn State)
• Notable Wins: Colorado, Washington, Penn State
• Notable Returnees: Sam Darnold, Ronald Jones II, Seven defensive starters return
• Important Games: Sept 9th: Stanford, Sept 16th: Texas, Oct 14th: Utah, Oct 21: @ Notre Dame, Nov 11: @ Colorado

The Trojans return seven defensive starters on a unit that ranked 27th in total defense. Although they appear to be great defensively, the real reason they are chosen to win that defense is simple: Sam Darnold. Remember the name because he is an early favorite in the Heisman race due to his impact for the Trojans after he won the starting job (he has only lost once). The Trojans also return RB1, Ronald Jones II who rushed for over 1,000 yards and had 12 touchdowns last year. The offense is going to be crucial for the Trojans this year as Darnold will finally get a full year under his belt as a starter, and will put on a show every game. Since taking over in the fourth game last season, he  has put up incredible numbers, (3,000 yards, 31 TD’s, 9 INT) but the most shocking stat for me is that he has only been sacked six times in his career. With a great offensive line protecting him, and a decent defense, it will be enough for the Trojans to win the PAC-12 South.

 

 2.) Utah 

• 9-4 (5-4 conference)
• Foster Farms Bowl winner (26-24 over Indiana)
• Notable Wins: BYU, USC, IU
• Notable Returnees: Troy Williams, Zack Moss, Demari Simpkins
• Important Games: Oct 7th: Stanford, Oct 14th: @USC, Nov 18th: @ Washington, Nov 25th: Colorado

Reasoning

Utah is going to be a little bit of a question mark until the October 7th game against Stanford, and with such a new offensive line, it will be tough to judge how good they are or can be on offense until then. The defense will be solid in terms of Pac 12 defenses. They have a good front that can get to the QB fast, and secondary that is mediocre, but with the way this division is, it’ll do. While they are relatively young on both sides of the ball, I have confidence that they are good enough to beat the teams below, but still not close to USC, who they beat last year. Most of their big games come back to back weeks, which will test them, but if they can beat Stanford and Colorado, they should be fine elsewhere.

3.) Colorado

• 10-4 (8-1 conference)
• Lost in Valero Alamo Bowl (8-38)
• Notable Wins: Stanford, Washington State, Utah
• Lost most of team from last year
• Important Games: Sept 23rd: Washington, Oct 21st: @ Washington State, Nov 11th: USC, Nov 25th: @ Utah

Reasoning

Can Colorado replicate the success they had last year? Probably not, and to be honest, I can’t find much to be uplifting about this team other than their coach being a genius. They lost most of their starters last year, so they have many question marks. Do I see them beating out UCLA for the third spot? Maybe if they show me something to believe in them. Another good thing is the altitude they play in, and hosting Washington could lead to a major revenge win from last year’s championship. I don’t know what to expect, but I figure they will be better than the rest based off of their performance from 2016.

4.) Arizona State

• 5-7 (2-7 conference)
• No bowl game
• Notable Wins: Texas Tech, UCLA, California
• Notable Returnees: Manny Wilkins, Kalen Ballage, DJ Calhoun, Demario Richard
• Important Games: Sept 9th: San Diego State, Sept 16th: @ Texas Tech, Oct 14th: Washington, Nov 25th: Arizona

Reasoning

Many readers will think this is pure bias right here, (maybe it is, maybe it isn’t) but I have faith that this team will exceed expectations and get to a bowl game. Arizona State returns starting quarterback Manny Wilkens, who was the most electric player in the PAC-12 last season, (when healthy) alongside Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard, who are both on the Doak Walker Preseason watch list. These returners should rejuvenate an offense that was so disappointing last year. Bringing in Billy Napier will bring an Alabama mentality to the desert. Alongside Napier is the new defensive coordinator Phil Bennett. Bennett comes from Baylor, but if we’re being honest, it’s impossible to be as bad on defense as ASU was last season. If the Devils can win their non-conference games and pick up wins against Oregon, UCLA, Washington State, and Arizona, they will be fine. If nothing else goes right, the most important game is always against Arizona. I don’t believe the Devils will be able to compete with USC or Washington, but they are just as average as the rest of the South.

Participation Trophy

5.) UCLA

6.) Arizona

These are my opinions and while the media preseason poll says UCLA finishes in third, I don’t believe it unless Josh Rosen puts up some miracle numbers. All in all, this year is the make-or-break year for many coaches in the PAC-12, which will lead to some wild games and a fun season.

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