Pac-10 Updates

[Conan]

Longshore-Riley battle for starting QB position still up in the air

Here's a rare update on Cal's camp from a closed scrimmage Tuesday.

And one more.

Still waiting on a depth chart... this week?

 

[Conan]

This little blurb about USC's receivers raised my eyebrows. Morton is USC receiver's coach.

"Meanwhile, Morton is still looking for a go-to receiver, something that plagued the Trojans last year. None of the expected candidates - Patrick Turner, Vidal Hazelton, Damian Williams, David Ausberry and Ronald Johnson - has emerged."

So aside from settling on a new QB, what's all this about finding a consistent WR? Last year this was an issue with USC's offense. VA opened up at 21 and is down to around 19 now. Just thought I'd mention that.

 

[outhousetim]

I actually like the analysis.

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Posted by Jon Wilner on August 19th, 2008 at 11:08 am

As with my Western Athletic Conference projections, this is all about getting on the record — about calling my shot now, before the first kickoff. If I’m wrong, I look silly (no problem there: it happens plenty over the seven months of the football/basketball season). And if I’m right, then I’ve got some credibility behind future comments. Both possibilities are better than the alternative: Not getting on the record before the season, then second guessing/taking pot-shots afterwards. That’s the worst.

The truth is, the Pac-10 seems more wide open than it has in years, partly because USC looks a bit vulnerable (relative to previous Trojan teams) and partly because there’s no clear-cut No. 2 or No. 3, in my mind. I could see any of four teams finishing second, including USC. This also seems like a year for a four-way tie for fourth, or something funky like that.

1. USC: The injury to Mark Sanchez doesn’t strike me as a major development, for two reasons: 1) the Trojans are well-stocked everywhere else, and 2) we don’t know how good he is. But it comes down to this: You have to keep picking the Trojans to win the Pac-10 until they don’t.
2. Oregon: I like the defense, I like the skill-position talent and the offensive line … I like everything about the Ducks except the quarterback, but Mike Bellotti and staff won’t put the QBs in high-risk situations. Could the go-go Ducks actually win games 17-13?
3. Arizona State: Everything indicates the Devils will have another good season and possibly challenge USC for the title/win the title. That’s similar to the outlook for ASU basketball, but something doesn’t feel right (on either front) — like the forecast is just a bit too sunny.
4. Cal: The chemistry should be better than last season, the defense should be better than last season, the quarterback play should be better than last season (the second half of last season, anyhow). And the schedule is favorable, with ASU, UCLA and Oregon visiting Berkeley. The Bears are much better off with low/mild expectations, and that’s what they have in ‘08.
5. Oregon State: A default selection. Thought about UCLA but the schedule and Ben Olson’s health … Thought about Arizona, but I’d like to see proof the Cats can win before I pick them to win … The Beavers could have QB issues, but Mike Riley and Mark Banker deserve the benefit of the doubt based on recent performance.
6. Arizona: Veteran quarterback with a slew of receivers to run the spread offense, but there are questions/holes throughout the defense. (I can’t believe Mike Stoops is back for another year. If he doesn’t win this season, look for the rudderless Cats to sign him to a five-year extension.)
7. UCLA: As mentioned briefly above … Tough schedule, rebuilt defense, injured quarterback, new coach, new playbook — that’s a lot to overcome, especially with modest talent. But the Bruins do have two of the best coordinators in the business.
8. Stanford: Improving on the four wins of ‘07 will be difficult unless one of the quarterbacks emerges as a consistent playmaker. The defense will keep the Cardinal in mny games, but not all of them.
9. Washington: The guess here is that, because of another brutal schedule, the Huskies start slowly, then fade under the intense speculation about Tyrone Willingham’s future … and crumble when it becomes obvious that Willingham’s done. (Then again, he has dodged doom before: Stanford in ‘99, after the Texas blowout.)
10. Washington State: New coach, new quarterback, questionable recruiting during the Doba years — a steady decline from the Price years — make this a fairly easy call. (Which means it’ll turn out to be wrong.)
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[asudevil88]

Ruh Roh

Not good news and another potential black eye. Bad timing as well one week form the opener. This is NO, I repeat NO reflection on DE so let's not start that. He was a holdover from the Dirk era.

NCAA gives ASU football assistant 3-year penalty

Dan Zeiger, Tribune

Arizona State defensive line coach Grady Stretz received a three-year penalty on Wednesday from the NCAA for his involvement in rules violations occuring in 2004, when he was an assistant at New Mexico.

The New Mexico program was placed on three years' probation after the Division I infractions committee determined that Stretz and another former assistant arranged for a player and three recruits to improperly obtain credits through correspondence courses at Fresno Pacific University.

"They never got the course material and, nonetheless, got credit," said Josephine Potuto, chair of the infractions committee and law professor at the University of Nebraska. "They were trying to get them enrolled."

In a statement, ASU football coach Dennis Erickson said: "Grady Stretz is one of the finest persons I have ever been around in my professional life. I stand by Grady and will do whatever I can to assist him with this situation as he works toward vindication."

Jim Zeszutek, the Pittsburgh-based attorney for Stretz, said that he was "frustrated and disappointed" by the ruling.

"There are issues that exonerate coach Stretz that are not even reflected in the report," Zeszutek said. "It seemed as if the committee didn't even address them."

Through Aug. 19, 2009, Stretz is prohibited from on- or off-campus recruiting activities, including via telephone. A year-long second phase of the penalty limits him to half of the maximum-allowed recruiting activities.

ASU's athletic compliance office must monitor Stretz's activities and submit a report to the NCAA every six months.

Stretz is a 1991 graduate of Tempe McClintock High School who played at UCLA. He is in his third season at ASU after working at New Mexico from 1998-2005.

 

[Conan]

Not good news and another potential black eye. Bad timing as well one week form the opener. This is NO, I repeat NO reflection on DE so let's not start that.

Seriously asu,

I wouldn't have thunk it in a million years. DE may be a little bit of an off-beat guy in ways but he's very straight in others. He'll push the rules to the limit like using the "chop block" to the full extent legally and helmets etc. but he's not apt to do anything to make anyone at the NCAA come after him, nor his people.

By the way, does he still run around his offices and practice field early in the mornings barefoot?

 

[Conan]

I actually like the analysis.

<table class="tborder" id="post5671174" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="alt1" id="td_post_5671174" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(253, 222, 130);">1. USC: The injury to Mark Sanchez doesn’t strike me as a major development, for two reasons: 1) the Trojans are well-stocked everywhere else,

I believe that if Sanchez had been QB last year or at least if he had been put in to replace Booty when he hurt a finger on his throwing hand in the Stanford game, the Trojans would have played for the NC. They were well stocked last year too, but the QB is the most important position on the team.

and 2) we don’t know how good he is. But it comes down to this: You have to keep picking the Trojans to win the Pac-10 until they don’t.

(see above comment)

2. Oregon: I like the defense, I like the skill-position talent and the offensive line … I like everything about the Ducks except the quarterback,

He will meet Nate Costa soon enough

but Mike Bellotti and staff won’t put the QBs in high-risk situations. Could the go-go Ducks actually win games 17-13?

Has he ever heard of Chip Kelly?


3. Arizona State: Everything indicates the Devils will have another good season and possibly challenge USC for the title/win the title. That’s similar to the outlook for ASU basketball, but something doesn’t feel right (on either front) — like the forecast is just a bit too sunny.

Well what about the Sun Devils losing 5 key producers from last year's team to the NFL? That's worth at least a drizzle's worth of clouds (not to mention a much harder schedule than last year.)

4. Cal: The chemistry should be better than last season, the defense should be better than last season, the quarterback play should be better than last season (the second half of last season, anyhow). And the schedule is favorable, with ASU, UCLA and Oregon visiting Berkeley. The Bears are much better off with low/mild expectations, and that’s what they have in ‘08.

Very insightful but what about mentioning all the new skill position players who haven't played a single game? I doubt that he can get into a closed Cal practice session.

5. Oregon State: A default selection. Thought about UCLA but the schedule and Ben Olson’s health … Thought about Arizona, but I’d like to see proof the Cats can win before I pick them to win … The Beavers could have QB issues, but Mike Riley and Mark Banker deserve the benefit of the doubt based on recent performance.

He might try reading up on the Beavers in the Blogs. He sounds like he has no clue about what's happening a few places. At least he's honest.

6. Arizona: Veteran quarterback with a slew of receivers to run the spread offense, but there are questions/holes throughout the defense. (I can’t believe Mike Stoops is back for another year. If he doesn’t win this season, look for the rudderless Cats to sign him to a five-year extension.)

Probably going to be jockeying with Cal and Oregon St. for position. UCLA right behind all that.

7. UCLA: As mentioned briefly above … Tough schedule, rebuilt defense, injured quarterback, new coach, new playbook — that’s a lot to overcome, especially with modest talent. But the Bruins do have two of the best coordinators in the business.

Captain obvious speaks.

8. Stanford: Improving on the four wins of ‘07 will be difficult unless one of the quarterbacks emerges as a consistent playmaker. The defense will keep the Cardinal in mny games, but not all of them.
9. Washington: The guess here is that, because of another brutal schedule, the Huskies start slowly, then fade under the intense speculation about Tyrone Willingham’s future … and crumble when it becomes obvious that Willingham’s done. (Then again, he has dodged doom before: Stanford in ‘99, after the Texas blowout.)

I think UW will finish ahead of Stanford (somehow)

10. Washington State: New coach, new quarterback, questionable recruiting during the Doba years — a steady decline from the Price years — make this a fairly easy call. (Which means it’ll turn out to be wrong.)

WSU might also finish higher than Stanford. Depends on how their depth holds up or not. Their offense is definitely better. But I see the Coogs wadding up into a ball at the bottom of the conference along with UW and Stanford. The middle (4th - 6th place) will be a wad of teams with similar W/L records with ASU a notch above and UCLA a notch below them.
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[Conan]

ONE WEEK TO GO!

Nothing critical to update as of now but it looks like a lot of injuries to key players have resolved all over the conference.

I am guardedly impressed with Zona's young defense. I think with some playing time, this unit will mature over the year and become pretty solid. Stoops seems to have done the right thing and beefed up his DL with some young added speed. Inside they are strong. Maybe they can stuff the run and lengthen the field. There's every reason to think they will start 6-0. But I am 99% sure they will do like ASU last year and fold up vs better competition. Due to their deceptive schedule and how their W/L record will look, they might be a good fade after W6.

Beavers secondary has looked very tentative the last couple days. A few blown coverages in practice and allowing a few deep routes to play out. Maybe just a glitch on the screen but with Afalava out for the Stanford game, it looks like the Cardinal will be able to strike deep and score a gimme or two through the air. This is very unexpected, but sometimes lightning strikes where you least expect it. The Beaver corners still look very strong. Maybe the safeties went to sleep and will wake up in time to play W1 without Afalava in the game.

I saw the possibility of the Beavers fielding a very strong offense a few months ago when press was writing about McCants and OSU's receivers. I figured their offense could end up being the strong point of the team which would have been a big shift from the way this team lined up in '07. Now with Moevao's improvement, the Rogers brothers playing so well and guys like Shane Morales busting their way into the WR rotation, I am convinced I was right. This team will score some points. I also like OSU's DC Mark Banker the same way people like OC Norm Chow at UCLA. Whatever can happen right for the Beavers defensively probably will.

The Duck defense is also unusually strong and practicing like it. I think people grossly underestimate Nate Costa, but word from camp (if you believe it) is that Justin Roper has closed the gap in practice and will be contesting for the starting job. I'm not sold on that idea but it's good to see that the Ducks won't be caught short again if their starting QB goes down. There's no telling how good this team will be if Costa/Johnson/Blount end up firing on all 8. With a solid defense behind them, it's a whole different story and it puts Oregon in a whole different class, right on par with the most skilled teams in CFB... any of them. USC better not slip up. I think the Ducks will be breathing down their necks. USC/Oregon at the coliseum might decide the Pac-10 crown.

I will be scouring the blogs for word from Cal and Stanford the next few days. I'm already invested in Cal and I want a better feel for the Stanford/OSU opener one week from today. I can't help but think Stanford is still deeply engrossed as a work in progress for Harbaugh. I know there has to be some places where Stanford has improved, but they had so far to go and they start a new QB (probably Pritchard) and a slew of new WR's. I think they may try to run on the Beavers. Word is that their OL has improved a lot and that may be their best shot. But then there's the matter of the Beaver 2ndary and Afalava being out. I still don't know for sure if there are issues or not at OSU but and I'm not sure that Stanford can capitalize on them even if it's true.

There's still plenty left to be settled. And it looks like Juan Garcia may be ready to play for UW in W1. Now Perry at OSU is back to questionable even though he was practicing just fine a few days ago. Too much still up in the air about who will play and who won't.

 

[Conan]

Ducks new uniforms must have inspired Bellotti to sport a new look of his own.
Note the shades and hat. I think he's gone incognito.


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</td></tr><tr><td align="right">A.J. Jacobson</td></tr><tr><td height="3">

</td></tr><tr><td align="center">Coach Bellotti is trying out a goatee as the season opener nears.</td></tr></tbody></table><!-- End MB200x267 Image-->"

 

[Delta00]

Conan: About the OSU/Stanford game; I definately agree with your assesment that Stanford will try to run, and that's why I am really leaning towards them.

Stanford has a pretty strong OL going agains a new front 7 for Oregon State which really bodes well for Stanford. Add to that, the majority of people don't understand that Stanford has a great back in Toby Gerhart becuase he has been injured the whole time. This kid is special and could run for 200 yards on Oregon St. IMO. I also think Stanford's DL will be able to do some nice stuff to OSU's OL and not make things easy.

 

[vanman1013]

I don't see Stanford doing anything on OSU.

While OSU lost their front 7, the guys who are replacing them got time last year. Stanford will not put up more then 100-110 yards rushing.

While I agree OSU may have trouble in the secondary, if they are healthy there are no problems. Stanford has certainly improved, but not enough to stay with OSU

OSU big

 

[Conan]

Costa out ???


Posted by John Hunt, The Oregonian August 21, 2008 15:17PM

Categories: Football
Thomas Boyd / The OregonianNate Costa sustained a non-contact injury to his surgically repaired left knee.
With practice closed for the rest of the week, rumors are flying about the left knee of Oregon quarterback Nate Costa. Here's what we know: Costa hurt the knee during Wednesday's practice, walked off the field and is now listed as "out'' on today's medical report.
Here's what we don't know (again, the media are not allowed into practice): When he will return.
BUT coach Mike Bellotti said he would not rule out Costa returning to practice Friday (a scrimmage is scheduled, which would normally include one series for the first-string units) or Saturday.
That's a FWIW.
Costa is undergoing tests today, and we will not learn the full extent of the injury until Monday. We'll try to find out more...

 

[Conan]

Riley to start in Bears' season opener

By Ted Miller
ESPN.com Updated: August 21, 2008, 11:16 PM

A late surge in preseason practices earned California sophomore Kevin Riley the starting nod over senior Nate Longshore in the competition to be the Bears starting quarterback in the Aug. 30 season opener against Michigan State.
Cal coach Jeff Tedford made the announcement after Thursday's practice, and he added that Longshore would play against the Spartans. Longshore missed most of spring practices, but his knowledge of the offense and consistency made him the early front-runner. Yet Riley caught fire of late, and his mobility in the pocket gives him a dimension that Longshore doesn't have. "We feel like both of them have had great camps, but Kevin's going to take the first snaps," Tedford said after practice in a statement. "We'll see how it goes from there. Nate will play in the game; I don't know exactly when, but Kevin will start." Riley saw action in four games last year, throwing for 563 yards and five touchdowns. In the Armed Forces Bowl, he played the final three quarters and helped the Bears erase a 21-0 deficit en route to a 42-36 victory. He connected on 16-of-19 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns to earn game MVP honors. He admitted he struggled early in camp. "My first day with the ones was probably my worst practice at camp," Riley said. "After that, I just calmed down and stopped thinking so much and just played football. It's continued through camp and every day I feel like I'm getting better and better." Longshore has thrown for 62 touchdowns in his career but he's also battled injuries and inconsistency. He threw 13 interceptions last season, a number of which came at inopportune moments late in close games. That made Riley the favorite among fans, many of whom blamed Longshore for last season's slide that included losses in six of the Bears' final seven regular-season games. Riley also had his own dubious moments, most notably when -- filling in for an injured Longshore -- he made an ill-advised scramble in the waning moments against Oregon State and allowed the clock to run out, which cost the Bears an opportunity to tie the game with a field goal. At the time of the 31-28 defeat to the Beavers, Cal was ranked No. 2 and poised to ascend to the nation's No. 1 spot. "We feel like Kevin has the ability to make plays; we feel great about Nate's experience and knowledge and his play-making ability as well," Tedford said. "We want to see with the roles reversed, how that works. We're looking for the best chance to be successful. It's so close, it's going to continual evaluation."

 

[SoonerBS]

That is interesting, Conan. I have this game pegged as an UNDER play. Starting a new QB makes it even more attractive . . . .

 

[UoweDucks]

USC SCRIM.

[SIZE=+1] Players sitting out the final scrimmage of fall camp included Michael Morgan, Chris Galippo, Fili Moala, Matt Meyer, Brian Baucham, Shareece Wright, David Ausberry, Luther Brown and Trey Henderson.

Corp Running the Ones

Quarterback Aaron Corp was given his opportunity to lead the first-team Trojan offense Thursday, remarkably efficiently as he made his last pitch toward the starting quarterback job.

Corp completed 80% of his passes on the day for 85 yards, seemingly more comfortable in his role with the first unit.

“I felt I did some good things,” said Corp. “I felt much better, just a lot more confident.”

The Orange Lutheran graduate, normally reserved with his actions, and responses, had this to say about possibly lining up under center for the opener against Virginia.

“Oh definitely,” he said. “I think I’d be ready to go, I’d have to be.”

The only problem, however, has been a lack of space generated between both Corp and Mustain, who have both had their days leading the offense. According to head coach Pete Carroll, Thursday’s scrimmage within the confines of the Coliseum did nothing to create a noticeable lead with either quarterback.

“I didn’t get a perception one way or the other,” said Carroll. “I didn’t see enough on them to tell you one way or another.”

A lack of fluidity became apparent as the day wore on, something Corp attributes to the battle going on behind Sanchez.

“It’s kind of tough,” he said of gaining a rhythm on the field. “Mitch (Mustain) and I are rotating series. We started slow, but picked it up in the second half.”

A concrete answer on the quarterback picture following Thursday seems uncertain, something Corp would agree with.

“I really don’t know,” said Corp. “I’m not going to say anything until the coaches let me know after film.”

Safe to say the strongest performance of the day at quarterback was turned in by an unlikely candidate, Mr. Versatility, Garrett Green. Green showed off an impressive arm to go along with solid pocket awareness as he marched his cardinal team down the field.

“Garrett (Green) looked real good today,” said Corp. “He made plays with his arm and his feet, and that was against the first team defense.

“I know how hard that can be.”

The decision as to who will line up behind center Kris O’Dowd come Virginia ultimately rests on the availability of Mark Sanchez, who is seemingly days away from recovery.

“It looks like Mark (Sanchez) is going to make it back,” said Carroll. “He should be able to enter the mix by Monday.

“If he does all the work to show us he’s ready, then he’ll position himself to play.”

For now, however, the Trojan coaching staff will evaluate film following Thursday’s scrimmage, before making any decisions at the quarterback spot.

Scrimmage Notes

- The crowd I the Coliseum Thursday saw upwards of 8,000 fans show up to catch the Trojans one final time before season officially kicks-off.

- Thursday’s events gave the incoming freshmen class a first-hand look at just how much effort actually goes into game preparation, something Carroll said was invaluable.

“This was an eye-opening experience for the young guys,” said Carroll. “It showed them just how serious we are about preparation.

- Carroll singled out a few of the younger players Thursday, and the names should come as no surprise to those following their progress.

“D.J. Shoemate did some good things with the ball,” said Carroll. “Brice Butler also had a nice touchdown catch, and Jordan Cameron and Blake Ayles made some plays too.”

- Also on display for the first time Thursday was the brand new HD video board along the Peristyle end of the Coliseum, a definite step up from the video capabilities of year’s past.

- The Cardinal team, led by Garrett Green, was able to move the ball efficiently against the first-team defense, although parts of that unit were unavailable Thursday.

“The Cardinal team played really well today,” said Carroll. “They played hard and made plays.

“Rey (Maualuga) and Brian (Cushing) didn’t play a whole lot either.”

- Also missing from the defense were expected starting cornerbacks Shareece Wright and Cary Harris, along with starting defensive tackle and pre-season All Pac-10 selection Fili Moala.

“They will all be back,” said Carroll of the newest additions to the injury list.

“We’ve never been this healthy going into a season.”

- Legendary Dick Butkus made it out to the Coliseum Thursday to take in the event, surprising to say the least if any one were to remember his allegiance to Illinois during last year’s Rose Bowl.

- Linebacker Jordan Campbell just always seems to be in the right place to make a play. Campbell, who is considered undersized at his position, hit tight end Anthony McCoy, while simultaneously managing to strip the football. Campbell has had a great camp thus far, and should be a major factor in special teams and reserve duty this year.

- Another position currently hosting open competition between fully qualified candidates is at nose tackle, between sophomore Christian Tupou and Averell Spicer.

“Both Averell (Spicer) and Christian (Tupou) are the guys,” said Carroll. “I’m excited there, those are two guys who can play.”

- Freshman Blake Ayles continued his impressive camp with a three catch, 55 yard performance. Ayles did however cough up the football, although offensive lineman Zack Heberer isn't too displeased with him.

- Fullback Adam Goodman continues to prove he is a very capable fullback on the depth chart, hauling in one touchdown catch for 3 yards. The catch seemed a trademark of USC football the past few seasons, utilizing the fullback as a receing threat.

“We really think the world of this kid (Ayles),” said Carroll. “There is no question he can help us this year.”

- Good news came on the injury front Thursday, when Carroll mentioned the possibility that running back C.J. Gable could make it back mid-week, just in time for the opener.

Scrimmage Highlights

- Jordan Cameron became the favorite target of Garrett Green early on, as the junior college transfer racked up 81 yards on three catches. Cameron has really shown the ability early on to go up and make plays with his basketball background, something this coaching staff has been searching for.

- Kyle Moore was yet again a major player in the turnover game, getting his hand on a Garrett Green pass, tipping the ball into the air, when it was grabbed by defensive end Everson Griffen for a touchdown.

- Stafon Johnson was called for a fumble, however, after review (that’s right, review) of the play, Johnson was credited for an 11 yard gain.

- Walk-on safety Ryan McMahon provided the biggest hit of the day when he drilled wide receiver Vidal Hazelton as he tried to haul in an Mitch Mustain pass.

- Joe McKnight again showed off his big play ability in the special teams game and at running back. McKnight took a hand-off right, picking up 15 yards before being pushed out of bounds, where he was involved in a scuffle with injured linebacker Luther Brown.

- McKnight capped off the drive with a touchdown run from five yards out.

- D.J. Shoemate did his best Sam McGuffie impersonation when he hurdled safety Marshall Jones following a 30 yard completion.

- The scrimmage was concluded when Nick Garratt intercepted a Garrett Green pass intended for Shoemate. Garratt made a great read as he sat in his zone while Green rolled out, eventually coming up with the big play for the White team. [/SIZE]

 

[Conan]

Cal's starting lineups:

Lineups

By Jonathan Okanes
Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm in Training camp.
Some of you have been asking about the starting lineup, since training camp is essentially over and preparation for Michigan State has begun. Here you go.


OFFENSE
QB Kevin Riley
TB Jahvid Best
FB Will Ta’ufo’ou
WR Michael Calvin, Sean Young, LaReylle Cunningham
TE Cameron Morrah
LT Chet Teofilo
LG Chris Guarnero
C Alex Mack
RG Noris Malele
RT Mitchell Schwartz

DEFENSE
DE Rulon Davis, Tyson Alualu
NT Derrick Hill OR Mika Kane
OLB Zack Follett, Eddie Young
MLB Worrell Williams, Anthony Felder
CB Syd’Quan Thompson, Chris Conte OR Darian Hagan
ROV Marcus Ezeff
FS Bernard Hicks

SPECIAL TEAMS
K David Seawright
P Bryan Anger
KR TBA
PR TBA
HOLDER Brock Mansion
LS Nick Sundberg

 

[Conan]

Now here's a pretty good read about Cal.

It tries to explain their collapse last year and talks about the present state of things at Berkeley. I liked it. There's been so little real information available it was a big relief just to hear something.

Part of it reminds me of a bunch of campers sitting around the campfire singing kumbaya. That's Berkeley for you!

:lol:



Also UW C Garcia is a 100% go for the Oregon game.

 

[Conan]

This one is taken right off the ESPN website but it's worth a C&P here. It says many things.

One Big Issue for Each Pac-10 Team

August 22, 2008 5:45 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Starting from the top, we're pointing out a big issue for every Pac-10 team heading into the final weekend before the regular season begins.

1. USC: While the quarterbacks have received most of the preseason attention, it's the rebuilt offensive line that will determine if the Trojans are indeed national title contenders. Sure, the four new starters have seen game action, but the hope is for more than a mix-and-match unit. The play improved dramatically over the past week, so there's certainly reason to believe this will be a solid group.
2. Oregon: At the beginning of preseason practices, the biggest issue with the Ducks was their up-the-middle defense due to questions at both defensive tackle positions and at inside linebacker. Yet, QB Nate Costa's knee injury (severity unknown) and his inability to decisively win the starting job outright in any event, leaves the position in flux. Justin Roper, who led the dominant effort in the bowl win over South Florida, could end up getting the starting nod, but that would limit much of the option game that was so effective with Dennis Dixon a year ago.
3. Arizona State: Hate to sound like a broken record but it's the offensive line. Three starters needed to be replaced from a unit that surrendered 55 sacks in 2007. And then a projected starting tackle quit the team before preseason practices. Even with a new, quick-hitting passing scheme, it's hard to cover for a substandard O-line. Georgia's visit on Sept. 20 surely will provide a stern test.
4. California: With Kevin Riley named the starting quarterback over Nate Longshore, a question has been answered, but a related issue remains: How sharp will the Bears passing game be with the less-experienced Riley running an offense featuring a completely rebuilt group of receivers?
5. Arizona: If one can assume that getting 10 starters back from the best Arizona offense in recent memory means the Wildcats will score this fall, then the obvious issue is whether said offense can score enough to cover for a green defense. With only three starters back, the defense is a big question mark. Of course, a lot of folks at Arizona will say losing some of their 2007 starters was the best thing that could happen to the defense.
6. Oregon State: It's not a question of whether Oregon State's completely rebuilt front-seven will be bad. The Beavers defense under coordinator Mark Banker has earned at least the benefit of the doubt. It's rather an issue of whether it will qualify as a work in progress or come out of the gate putting crazy pressure on opponents, as it did last year.
7. Washington: There are lots of questions for the Huskies, but all of the ones on offense can be covered up with the expectation that quarterback Jake Locker can make everyone around him better. The defense is another issue. The 2007 crew put up the worst numbers in school history, and only five starters are back, not including suspended linebacker E.J. Savannah, the defense's best player. Sure, new coordinator Ed Donatell should help. But how much?
8. UCLA: The Bruins issue should read much like Arizona State's, only worse. While the Sun Devils are hoping for their offensive line to be better than the low-end of mediocre, the Bruins would settle for that. UCLA is replacing four O-line starters and it's severely lacking depth and experience.
9. Stanford: Stanford is the most experienced team in the conference with 16 position players back, including nine on a defense that was impressive in spurts a year ago. The fundamental question though is this: Can the Cardinal score? Stanford finished last in the Pac-10 in scoring (19.6 ppg) and yards per game (322.5) last year. Can't win if you don't score.
10. Washington State: If the Washington State defense can be deemed adequate, climbing out of the conference cellar likely will depend on how fast QB Gary Rogers & Co. figure out new coach Paul Wulff's no-huddle spread offense. Because of its newness -- and early reviews have been positive -- it might give some teams fits, and that could lead to some upset wins.

 

[AlwaysKeen]

good stuff as usual ducks and conan...enjoyed the Cal article as well...

 

[jimmymo]

Not a lot coming out of Willingham's camp, as is usual. In any event, here is a quick summary of what appears to be known.

1. Brandon Johnson and TrueFrosh Chris Polk look to be 1-2 at RB....remember though, Polk went through practice in spring....also, Polk was slated as a WR coming into fall camp, so showing up at RB is a touch of a surprise to the locals.....he is small, quick and very fast....some who have seen him this camp have made comparisons to n. kaufman..

2. Locker will be fine.

3. I think the Washington O-line will be a huge surprise, especially with Garcia seemingly ready to go....there is good depth here too.....

4. Easy to say the defense will be better....but it will...D-line is a huge question mark, but there are some big frosh that can fill some holes.....i think that if there is one spot where you can get away with talented (but young) guys, it is D-line..

5. WR position is still as bit as question mark as we had at the start of camp.....

6. Ballman can punt, but our K is still undecided...which means they are all average at best...

i think it is going to be tough going in oregon, but they will grow up a lot.....if they get a lose, no cover in eugene, i will be allllll over this team when they play byu.....i think the uw can win outright there.

 

[AlwaysKeen]

jimmymo, good to see you bro...always appreciate the UW report...BOL to you this season...