Today we continue the second annual picking of the BTD Preseason Football Poll.
So far, the BTD Poll looks like this:
6. Washington State
5. California
4. Washington
3. Oregon State
Below you will find my prediction, along with the two remaining Pac-12 North teams. Your job is simple, just pick the team that you think will win the North Division this season. The poll will be open all day, and we will begin voting on the Pac-12 South tomorrow.
Happy Voting!
My Prediction: Oregon
The battle between Oregon and Stanford for the Pac-12 North title should be a fun one to watch all season. In the end though, I think the Ducks pull it out. I've got Oregon finishing the year 11-1 (8-1), while I've got the Cardinal 10-2 (7-2).
I do think Stanford will defeat the Ducks when they travel to the farm in early-November, but I also have Stanford falling in their two games before Oregon, USC and Oregon State. Both of those games are on the road, and I think they both dash the divisional title hopes for Stanford.
Stanford has had USC's number the past couple of seasons, but with the game being in Los Angeles this year, I think USC gets the win. Stanford remains on the road the next week when they travel up to Corvallis, which could be a double let-down/overlook game for Stanford. The let-down being last week's loss to the Trojans, and the overlook factor because of the game with Oregon next Saturday.
I don't think the Cardinal escape Corvallis with a victory, but if they do, it could be Stanford playing in the inaugural Pac-12 Title game instead of the Ducks.
With Oregon, the schedule sets up very well for them. Their only tough road game is the trip to Stanford, and if they get past them, they should win the North. I just can't see opposing defenses stopping quarterback Darron Thomas, running back LaMichael James, slot back Kenjon Barner, and tight end David Paulson.