Pac 12 preview
The Pac 12 conference has undergone some change over the years, with shifts in teams performance, coaching staff, and overall competitiveness. It's important to highlight the evolution of the conference and how it impacts College football as a whole.
In 2023 several teams emerged as top contenders. While the landscape can change over the course of the season, here are a few teams that have made the effort to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
Usc Trojans: With Caleb Williams, last year's heisman trophy winner at the helm, Usc plans to dominate offensively. Something everyone expects from coach Lincoln Riley as he has been known to be the quarterback whisperer. Usc has failed on the defensive side of the football collapsing in major games to close out the past season.
Utah Utes: The Utah Utes have certainly made a name for themselves in the Pac-12 conference in recent years. With two championships and four appearances in the title game in the last five years, it's clear that they have been a force to be reckoned with.Utes have established a winning culture under Coach Kyle Whittingham, who has been with the program for over 15 years. Additionally, they have consistently recruited talented players and developed them into top performers. With this foundation in place, there is reason to believe that Utah football could continue to thrive in the years ahead
Washington Huskies: Kalen DeBoer's leadership played a crucial role in the transformation of the Huskies football program last season. Under his guidance, the team went from winning just four games to a remarkable eleven wins. This impressive turnaround was largely due to the stellar performance of quarterback Michael Penix, who is expected to be a top contender for the Heisman trophy in 2023.
Oregon Ducks:Dan Lanning has made significant progress in patching the holes in the roster by bringing in 15 transfers, including outstanding talent Jordan Burch. However, the team is still lacking in the linebacker, corner, and offensive line positions after losing four key starters. Nevertheless, the return of quarterback Bo Nix – who had an impressive season last year – along with talented tailback Bucky Irving and wideout Troy Franklin, make up one of the most formidable trios in college football.
As the new college football season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the impact that these coaching changes will have on the Pac-12 conference. Here are some potential storylines to watch:
Can Deion Sanders turn around Colorado's football program? The former NFL star is known for his charisma and ability to recruit top talent, but he will face a steep challenge in bringing the Buffaloes back to relevance. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the college game and whether he can translate his success at the Jackson State to the Power 5 level.
How will Kenny Dillingham's arrival impact Arizona State's offense? The Sun Devils were already a formidable offensive team under head coach Herm Edwards, but Dillingham's innovative play-calling could take them to the next level. Look for Arizona State to put up big numbers in 2021.
Will Troy Taylor be able to revive Stanford's offense? The Cardinal struggled mightily on offense last season, finishing near the bottom of the conference in most statistical categories. Taylor's up-tempo offense could provide a much-needed jolt, but he will need to find a quarterback who can effectively run his system.
Overall, the Pac-12 conference looks poised for an exciting season with plenty of new faces on the sidelines. It will be fascinating to see how these coaching changes play out over the course of the year.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, there are several key factors that will likely impact the rankings of the Pac-12 conference. Here are some things to keep an eye on:
Quarterback play: The Pac-12 has a reputation for producing top-tier quarterbacks, but this year has been a mixed bag. Several teams have struggled to find consistency at the position, while others have been forced to rely on backup quarterbacks due to injuries. If a team can find a reliable signal-caller down the stretch, it could make a big difference in their performance.
Injuries: As with any sport, injuries can have a huge impact on a team's success. Several key players have already gone down with injuries this season, and more are sure to follow. Teams with depth and resilience will have an advantage as the season wears on.
Strength of schedule: The Pac-12 has a reputation for being a competitive conference, but this year's schedule hasn't done them any favors. Several teams have faced tough non-conference opponents, and the conference schedule is filled with potential landmines. Teams that can navigate this minefield and come out on top will likely be rewarded in the rankings.
Coaching adjustments: As noted in the original content, several Pac-12 teams have made coaching changes this season. While it's still early, we're starting to see the impact of these changes. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the new coaches adapt to their teams and opponents.
Overall, the Pac-12 is shaping up to be a fascinating conference to watch this season. With so many variables in play, it's anyone's guess who will come out on top. But one thing is for sure: there will be plenty of exciting football along the way.
