Bumped back to the top. --jake
Here we go with the grand finale! Below you will find Part 3 of the BtD Super Spring Pac-10 Preview.
They are start studded yet again, but the loss of Sanchez a year early hurts. I think Corp or Barkley would be playing too early if they play this year, but remember that Mustain has been playing college ball for almost 4 years now. Plus, you better believe Pete Carroll knows what he is doing, yet again. While the QB situation is going to be interesting, what they do at linebacker has me intrigued. They have talent, yes, but graduating Cushing, Maualuga, and Matthews hurts. Look for guys like Chris Galippo and Malcom Smith to carry on the legacy. Sept 12th, @Ohio State-- obvious reasons here: Win, and a NC is within reach. Lose, and it's probably another Rose Bowl for the Trojies. Oct 31st, @Oregon-- If both teams are undefeated, this could be #1 v #2, on Halloween. My guess is both coaches have this game circled on their calendars. It's really not often that a freshman makes an impact at USC, and my guess is nobody here will either. But look for guys like Devon Kennard or TJ Mcdonald to make some noise on a depleted (can we really say that with SC) defense. Surprise, I think the Trojans are going 12-0 and heading to the National Championship game. With with so many question marks at QB and on the defense, 10-2 is not out of the question.USC Trojans
What We Know:
Keep Your Eye On:
Key Dates:
Impact Freshman:
Prediction:
Washington Huskies
What We Know:
They have Jake Locker. And a new coaching staff. And almost no talent elsewhere. It could be a long, LONG year for the boys in purple.
Keep Your Eye On:
Everything. Call me lazy, but the Huskies are awful everywhere. Even Jake Locker in a passing offense would worry me if I was a Husky fan. And it didn't help that Willingham stopped recruiting. They have almost no freshmen to step in and step up.
Key Dates:
Sept 12th, v Idaho-- Might be the one game the Huskies win this year. Might not be.
Nov 28th, v WSU-- Might be the second game the Huskies have a chance to win. Might not be.
Impact Freshman:
In a class void of any big time talent, look for defensive back David Batts to make an impact on D. I'm not going to lie, I just looked at their commitments and picked their highest rated player.
Prediction:
Not really sure if these guys are going 0-12 again, or maybe 2-10. Look for an inspired team to at least beat the Cougs, much like Paul Wulff got his team to somehow win against the Huskies this year.
Washington State Cougars
What We Know:
It's as dismal in Pullman as it is in Seattle. And not much JUCO help. But this is Paul Wulff's 2nd year, and they have a more reasonable schedule this year.
Keep Your Eye On:
Quarterback competition. With Lobestaell out for a while, this is a chance for some other guys to step up and make a name for themselves. The Cougs weren't as awful as their record indicated last year, but so many injuries at QB killed that team. They were a 3-4 win team with a healthy QB, in my opinion.
Key Dates:
Nov 28th v UW-- see above
Impact Freshman:
Quayshawn Buckley, a defensive tackle with some speed, may help slow down the up the middle run that killed WSU last year.
Prediction:
Unfortunately for the Cougs, I see similar fate as the H
uskies. 0-12 is most likely. Maybe a win against SMU.