College Football Futures: The Arizona State Sun Devils were the surprise champions of the Pac 12 South Division last year as the USC Trojans proved to be a lot more about false promise and a lot less about actual ability and the UCLA Bruins were not up to task defensively. The Arizona Wildcats may field their best team yet in the third season for head coach Rich Rodriguez but must break in a new starting QB and RB. The Utah Utes have found life far more difficult in the Pac 12 than their former home in the Mountain West Conference and the Colorado Buffaloes should be improved but are still digging out from their losing past.
Mora! Mora! Mora!
In his first two seasons on the job Jim Mora Jr has gone 9-5 and then 10-3 last year. The chance for even more improvement is great with 17 starters and 52 lettermen returning led by junior QB Brett Hundley. Hundley threw for 3071 yards and a 24/9 TD/INT ratio with a 152.9 QB rating while leading UCLA in rushing with 970 yards gained. Yes, Hundley is a Heisman candidate.
Turmoil of Troy
The USC Trojans are coming off a tumultuous season in which they went through three head coaches along the way to a final record of 10-4. Steve Sarkisian takes over as head coach after methodically rebuilding the Washington Huskies. Depth remains a problem at USC due to the NCAA sanctions regarding Reggie Bush and illegal payments. The Trojans return seven starters on each side of the line with 46 lettermen back as well. Junior QB Cody Kessler must prove that he is ready for the next step as a QB that can win games and be the difference.
Arizona Ready to Bear Down?
The Wildcats return 12 starters and 45 lettermen to a team that went 8-5 last year after winning their Bowl game over Boston College in dominant fashion. Record setting RB Ka’Deem Carey is departed leaving a huge void and senior QB Jesse Scroggins is a new starter.
Kelly’s Heroes
Senior QB Taylor Kelly returns to lead Arizona State but nine defensive starters have departed from last year’s team which is what will likely prevent a repeat run for the division title.
Our Prognosis
“If not now, when?” That is the question this season for UCLA!
