PAC 10 CONFERENCE
USC TROJANS 14 RETURNING STARTERS O:9 D:5
HC PETE CARROLL 6-6 SU
Can the Trojan offense adapt to OC Chow's offense, and have a more productive year??
Will QB Palmer finally live up to his high expectations??
Can USC get over the hump, and start winning the close games??
This Trojan team has been loaded w/ talent for years, but they've never been able to live up to expectations. The Trojans of 2001 were in every game last season, but unfortunate TO's ultimately led to their demise. It seems like QB Palmer has been the headman for 10 years now. This kid has the goods, but new schemes, and injuries to his skill players have hampered his performance. He has plenty of speedy talented weapons to use this year in RB McCullough, and WR's Kelly & Colbert. The O-Line returns all but one player from last years team, and they'll be a much more cohesive group. OC Norm Chow went out west last season, and his numbers dropped dramatically. I expect a big year from this loaded offensive unit with 1 season of OC Chow's offense under their belt. The 2002 defense has the potential to be one of the best in the nation. They've got tons of speed at every position, and they should put more pressure on opposing teams QB's. The front 7 is downright scary with the return of DT's Cody & Riley, and LB's Pollard & Grootegoed. USC quite possibly has the toughest non-conf schedule in all of NCAA's with visits to Colorado & K-State, and home jobs vs. Auburn & the Irish. The Trojans are bound to bust out one of these years, and 2002 just might be their year.
OREGON STATE BEAVERS 15 RETURNING STARTRS O:7 D:8
HC DENNIS ERICKSON 23-12 SU
Will the replacements the QB, and RB step it up??
Can the defense start where they left off to finish up the season??
Last year was very disappointing for the Corvallis faithful, but I blatantly stated in last year's write-ups that they would falter. That's exactly what they did finishing 7th overall in the Pac 10 with a 3-5 conference record. Gone is QB Smith, and RB's Simonton & MaCall, but there's tons of potential in this years squad. QB Derek Anderson will take over the helm, and RB Jackson will be the main man in the backfield. All of last years WR's receivers return from last years squad, and the O-line's ready to atone for last years drop off. The defense is what really gets me going for the Beavers. This unit really has the potential to make some real noise this year. Unbelievable.... defense in the Pac 10!!!! The defensive front 7 is big, and fast...real fast!!! The studs of this defense are LB Richard Seigler, DT Eric Manning, and CB Dennis Weathersby; all of who were voted PAC 10 All Americans in 2000. The defense has all the ingredients to simply dominate their opponents. The defense gelled as the 2001 season progressed, and they were more than holding their own against good offensive teams. they gave up 182 total points in their first 6 games, but only gave up 77 in their last 5. The offense will need some time to adapt to the new faces, but the defense will more than make up for it. Their non-conf slate is a perfect litmus test to see how much they've improved once PAC 10 play begins. A rematch vs. Fresno at home, and a tough battle against Jason Thomas and the Rebs are just what the doctor ordered. I think they'll be 4-0 when the head to Troy in what should be a great battle of defenses. If they get out of SoCal with a "W"....their schedules set up for them to make a decent run at a PAC 10 championship.
WASHINGTON HUSKIES 13 RETURNING STARTERS O:8 D:5
HC RICK NEUHEISEL 26-10 SU
Who will step up in the Husky backfield??
Can Pickett rebound from his shoulder injury??
Will lady luck continue to be on their side in the close games??
Will the defense find some players to fill the voids left by some of LY's studs??
The Washington Huskies had some big losses last season, but they still managed to have another winning season. They seemed to have all the luck last year as they won some games on unbelievable TO's and trick plays. QB Pickett had some big shoes to fill, and was doing fine up until his injury. He returns along with Taylor Barton as the field generals. RB Alexis returns as well, but he has a few hungry players nipping at his heels. The WR core is very capable w/ the return of co PAC 10 Frosh of the year Reggie Williams. The O-line went through some tough times LY mainly due to injury, but they did a respectable job. Everyone returning has starting experience, and they will have matured after going through LY's rough times. The offense should easily top LY's output in all categories. The defense is this teams Achilles heel. They only return 5 starters, and inexperienced players are filling the spots. LB Mahdavi will have his hands full up until this unit gets more experience. They do have one of the best special teams to hang their hats on. A rematch at the Big House starts off the season, and they will be 0-1 when that's all said and done. It's really hard to judge this Husky team this year, b/c of the question marks with their defense. HC Neuheisel is a great recruiter, and I'm sure he'll have players ready to step in. I can see the Huskies at 5-1 going to Troy, but I don't foresee them winning that game at all. This Husky team will be good, and I foresee a final record similar to last years due to their tough road schedule.
WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS 13 RETURNING STARTERS O:7 D:6
HC MIKE PRICE 73-75 SU
Who will step up and replace Minnich in the backfield??
Will QB Gesser stay healthy, and not tire down the stretch run??
Will the "D" line be able to pick up the slack, and let the back 7 adjust come conference play??
Will they be as fortunate in the turnover department as in 2001??
Can HC Price finally have a winning record in back-to-back seasons??
I predicted that the Cougars would put on a show in last years write-ups, and they didn't let me down. The Cougars went 10-2, HC Price won PAC 10 coach of the year, and they beat Purdue in the Sun Bowl, (by only 6 I might add...damn hook!!!!). They shot out of the gate like gangbusters, and didn't go down until they lost a tough one at home to the eventual PAC 10 champs. Most of last years team returns, but there are some holes to fill on defense. I think the secondary was hit the hardest with the losses of Thompson, and Newman. CB Trufant returns, but the rest of the secondary is a bit green. The defensive line is top notch, and is possibly the conferences' best. They have tons of experience, and they can all get to the QB. The defense will need some time to gel, and they'll most likely give up more points than last year's squad. The Cougar offense is loaded!!!! Back is QB Gesser, and WR's Bush & Riley. A new RB must step up, but all I've heard are great things about JUCO transfer Jermaine Green. The O-line returns pretty much intact. A toughie at the horseshoe in Columbus is all that stands in their way from an unblemished record once the Trojans come a knockin' October 5th. All of their Conference roadies are very winnable, and taking care of business at home is all the Cougars have to do to go bowling once again.
OREGON DUCKS 12 RETURNING STARTERS O:6 D:6
HC MIKE BELLOTTI 60-23 SU
Who will replace QB Harrington??
Will the new QB have what it takes to keep this high octane offense flowing??
Will they have to change their defensive scheme due to the loss of LY's stud CB tandem??
The Ducks had one hell of a 2001 campaign. They were a fluke loss away from strapping it up w/ the Miami Hurricanes for the whole enchilada. Gone is big-time stud QB Harrington, and the days of scoring at will are over...for now. The offense still has tons of talent, but they don't have the field general anymore. I'm sure HC Bellotti will do wonders with whoever steps in, but they'll by no means surpass LY's output. The O-line & skilled position players are fantastic, but someone's got to get them the ball. QB's Fife & Clemens will battle it out for the top spot, but they'll have to produce once they get it. The defense is a bit scary as well. The D-Line has gobs of potential, and I'm sure the head coach has a few tricks up his sleeve for these hogs. The LB's are lead by the M&M boys (Moretti & Mitchell), and they anchor one of the best groups in the conference. The secondary is what scares me the most. Gone are CB's Smith & Bauman, which means the Ducks won't be able to take as many chances until the new guys are settled in. HC Bellotti is one of the best coaches in the country, and the Ducks will go bowling once again. This years schedule is much tougher than lasts with some tough conference roadies. I just don't think you can lose the best QB in all of football, and expect to have a better season than last.
UCLA BRUINS 11 RETURNING STARTERS O:6 D:5
HC BOB TOLEDO 42-28 SU
Who will replace RB Foster??
Can QB Paus stay healthy??
Can HC Toledo deal with success??
I honestly don't know what to say about this bunch!!! They had it all going for them LY, and then it all went right down the crapper. Paus went down w/ an injury, and then RB Foster got suspended. How can a team go 6-0, and then go 1-4 their L/5...I'll tell you how...BOB TOLEDO!!! This guys had so much talent at UCLA its disgusting. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. This year's version of the Bruins is pretty much the same as 2001's. They do lose a good WR, a great LB, and a good DB. This is a very solid team that's loaded with talent, but it all depends on what the coaching staff can do with it. This season could get ugly real fast w/ home games vs. the 2 Colorado schools, and a roady at OKST. This teams mettle will be tested right off the bat, and I hope for their sake their not taking any called 3rd strikes!!!
USC TROJANS 14 RETURNING STARTERS O:9 D:5
HC PETE CARROLL 6-6 SU
Can the Trojan offense adapt to OC Chow's offense, and have a more productive year??
Will QB Palmer finally live up to his high expectations??
Can USC get over the hump, and start winning the close games??
This Trojan team has been loaded w/ talent for years, but they've never been able to live up to expectations. The Trojans of 2001 were in every game last season, but unfortunate TO's ultimately led to their demise. It seems like QB Palmer has been the headman for 10 years now. This kid has the goods, but new schemes, and injuries to his skill players have hampered his performance. He has plenty of speedy talented weapons to use this year in RB McCullough, and WR's Kelly & Colbert. The O-Line returns all but one player from last years team, and they'll be a much more cohesive group. OC Norm Chow went out west last season, and his numbers dropped dramatically. I expect a big year from this loaded offensive unit with 1 season of OC Chow's offense under their belt. The 2002 defense has the potential to be one of the best in the nation. They've got tons of speed at every position, and they should put more pressure on opposing teams QB's. The front 7 is downright scary with the return of DT's Cody & Riley, and LB's Pollard & Grootegoed. USC quite possibly has the toughest non-conf schedule in all of NCAA's with visits to Colorado & K-State, and home jobs vs. Auburn & the Irish. The Trojans are bound to bust out one of these years, and 2002 just might be their year.
OREGON STATE BEAVERS 15 RETURNING STARTRS O:7 D:8
HC DENNIS ERICKSON 23-12 SU
Will the replacements the QB, and RB step it up??
Can the defense start where they left off to finish up the season??
Last year was very disappointing for the Corvallis faithful, but I blatantly stated in last year's write-ups that they would falter. That's exactly what they did finishing 7th overall in the Pac 10 with a 3-5 conference record. Gone is QB Smith, and RB's Simonton & MaCall, but there's tons of potential in this years squad. QB Derek Anderson will take over the helm, and RB Jackson will be the main man in the backfield. All of last years WR's receivers return from last years squad, and the O-line's ready to atone for last years drop off. The defense is what really gets me going for the Beavers. This unit really has the potential to make some real noise this year. Unbelievable.... defense in the Pac 10!!!! The defensive front 7 is big, and fast...real fast!!! The studs of this defense are LB Richard Seigler, DT Eric Manning, and CB Dennis Weathersby; all of who were voted PAC 10 All Americans in 2000. The defense has all the ingredients to simply dominate their opponents. The defense gelled as the 2001 season progressed, and they were more than holding their own against good offensive teams. they gave up 182 total points in their first 6 games, but only gave up 77 in their last 5. The offense will need some time to adapt to the new faces, but the defense will more than make up for it. Their non-conf slate is a perfect litmus test to see how much they've improved once PAC 10 play begins. A rematch vs. Fresno at home, and a tough battle against Jason Thomas and the Rebs are just what the doctor ordered. I think they'll be 4-0 when the head to Troy in what should be a great battle of defenses. If they get out of SoCal with a "W"....their schedules set up for them to make a decent run at a PAC 10 championship.
WASHINGTON HUSKIES 13 RETURNING STARTERS O:8 D:5
HC RICK NEUHEISEL 26-10 SU
Who will step up in the Husky backfield??
Can Pickett rebound from his shoulder injury??
Will lady luck continue to be on their side in the close games??
Will the defense find some players to fill the voids left by some of LY's studs??
The Washington Huskies had some big losses last season, but they still managed to have another winning season. They seemed to have all the luck last year as they won some games on unbelievable TO's and trick plays. QB Pickett had some big shoes to fill, and was doing fine up until his injury. He returns along with Taylor Barton as the field generals. RB Alexis returns as well, but he has a few hungry players nipping at his heels. The WR core is very capable w/ the return of co PAC 10 Frosh of the year Reggie Williams. The O-line went through some tough times LY mainly due to injury, but they did a respectable job. Everyone returning has starting experience, and they will have matured after going through LY's rough times. The offense should easily top LY's output in all categories. The defense is this teams Achilles heel. They only return 5 starters, and inexperienced players are filling the spots. LB Mahdavi will have his hands full up until this unit gets more experience. They do have one of the best special teams to hang their hats on. A rematch at the Big House starts off the season, and they will be 0-1 when that's all said and done. It's really hard to judge this Husky team this year, b/c of the question marks with their defense. HC Neuheisel is a great recruiter, and I'm sure he'll have players ready to step in. I can see the Huskies at 5-1 going to Troy, but I don't foresee them winning that game at all. This Husky team will be good, and I foresee a final record similar to last years due to their tough road schedule.
WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS 13 RETURNING STARTERS O:7 D:6
HC MIKE PRICE 73-75 SU
Who will step up and replace Minnich in the backfield??
Will QB Gesser stay healthy, and not tire down the stretch run??
Will the "D" line be able to pick up the slack, and let the back 7 adjust come conference play??
Will they be as fortunate in the turnover department as in 2001??
Can HC Price finally have a winning record in back-to-back seasons??
I predicted that the Cougars would put on a show in last years write-ups, and they didn't let me down. The Cougars went 10-2, HC Price won PAC 10 coach of the year, and they beat Purdue in the Sun Bowl, (by only 6 I might add...damn hook!!!!). They shot out of the gate like gangbusters, and didn't go down until they lost a tough one at home to the eventual PAC 10 champs. Most of last years team returns, but there are some holes to fill on defense. I think the secondary was hit the hardest with the losses of Thompson, and Newman. CB Trufant returns, but the rest of the secondary is a bit green. The defensive line is top notch, and is possibly the conferences' best. They have tons of experience, and they can all get to the QB. The defense will need some time to gel, and they'll most likely give up more points than last year's squad. The Cougar offense is loaded!!!! Back is QB Gesser, and WR's Bush & Riley. A new RB must step up, but all I've heard are great things about JUCO transfer Jermaine Green. The O-line returns pretty much intact. A toughie at the horseshoe in Columbus is all that stands in their way from an unblemished record once the Trojans come a knockin' October 5th. All of their Conference roadies are very winnable, and taking care of business at home is all the Cougars have to do to go bowling once again.
OREGON DUCKS 12 RETURNING STARTERS O:6 D:6
HC MIKE BELLOTTI 60-23 SU
Who will replace QB Harrington??
Will the new QB have what it takes to keep this high octane offense flowing??
Will they have to change their defensive scheme due to the loss of LY's stud CB tandem??
The Ducks had one hell of a 2001 campaign. They were a fluke loss away from strapping it up w/ the Miami Hurricanes for the whole enchilada. Gone is big-time stud QB Harrington, and the days of scoring at will are over...for now. The offense still has tons of talent, but they don't have the field general anymore. I'm sure HC Bellotti will do wonders with whoever steps in, but they'll by no means surpass LY's output. The O-line & skilled position players are fantastic, but someone's got to get them the ball. QB's Fife & Clemens will battle it out for the top spot, but they'll have to produce once they get it. The defense is a bit scary as well. The D-Line has gobs of potential, and I'm sure the head coach has a few tricks up his sleeve for these hogs. The LB's are lead by the M&M boys (Moretti & Mitchell), and they anchor one of the best groups in the conference. The secondary is what scares me the most. Gone are CB's Smith & Bauman, which means the Ducks won't be able to take as many chances until the new guys are settled in. HC Bellotti is one of the best coaches in the country, and the Ducks will go bowling once again. This years schedule is much tougher than lasts with some tough conference roadies. I just don't think you can lose the best QB in all of football, and expect to have a better season than last.
UCLA BRUINS 11 RETURNING STARTERS O:6 D:5
HC BOB TOLEDO 42-28 SU
Who will replace RB Foster??
Can QB Paus stay healthy??
Can HC Toledo deal with success??
I honestly don't know what to say about this bunch!!! They had it all going for them LY, and then it all went right down the crapper. Paus went down w/ an injury, and then RB Foster got suspended. How can a team go 6-0, and then go 1-4 their L/5...I'll tell you how...BOB TOLEDO!!! This guys had so much talent at UCLA its disgusting. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. This year's version of the Bruins is pretty much the same as 2001's. They do lose a good WR, a great LB, and a good DB. This is a very solid team that's loaded with talent, but it all depends on what the coaching staff can do with it. This season could get ugly real fast w/ home games vs. the 2 Colorado schools, and a roady at OKST. This teams mettle will be tested right off the bat, and I hope for their sake their not taking any called 3rd strikes!!!
