PAC-12 Football Preview 2021

Our PAC-12 preview 2021 ranks this conference fifth amongst those in the Power Five. However, it would be a big mistake to discount this group in any manner. Although it lacks the depth of top conferences such as the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12, the Pac-12 includes some very fine top-25 teams. Plus, many of the schools are capable of surprising national contenders in other conferences. Within the conference, we expect both divisions to be competitive with three or four teams battling for the top spot throughout the season.

PAC-12 Preview – North Division

California Golden Bears – A third-place finish is possible; however, fourth is more likely and that will not secure this team a bowl appearance. The Golden Bear D was solid last year, but just four starters return. On the other hand, last season their offense was lethargic. If running back Christopher Brown can find his 2019 rushing chops and senior QB Chase Garbers can make a big leap, this team could post a winning record. Those are two big “ifs.” Plus, there’s the weakened defense.

Oregon Ducks – OU’s offense is tested and experienced. Their pass attack, led by QB Anthony Brown, is strong. The receiving group is deep as is the running group. RB Travis Dye is a dual threat. The O-line is seasoned. Oregon’s defense, which includes last year’s Pac-12 best defensive player Kayvon Thibodeaux, has improved greatly. The more experienced and underpinned defense will go a long way to ensuring this team has a shot at the top spot in the North.

Oregon State Beavers – The major question for this team is which of their three quarterbacks will start? The receiving unit is experienced as is the O-line. However, top rusher Jermar Jefferson went to the NFL, leaving the team with a major hole on offense. The defense includes two premium linebackers, Avery Roberts and Omar Speights. The frontline is questionable as is much of the secondary. Nickle back Jaydon Grant is a solid leader and player.

Stanford Cardinal – The Cardinal offensive line should benefit its rush attack which is anchored by dual-threat Austin Jones. However, the quarterback situation is the big unknown, as last year’s starter Davis Mills must be replaced. On defense losses include B Curtis Robinson, the team’s top tackler, safety Malik Antoine, their best secondary defender, and defensive end Thomas Schaffer, their premium pass rusher. The secondary possesses some talent but is thin, especially at corner.

Washington Huskies – A seasoned and tough frontline as well as depth at receiver and running back help to make the Huskies a contender. Starting quarterback will either be five-star recruit Sam Huard or returning sophomore Dylan Morris. On defense, the front seven are a major asset. In the backfield, the corners are strong, but there’s concern at safety. Expect a top-three finish in the Pac-12 North.

Washington State Cougars – The Cougar rush attack, which will be aided by an experienced O-line, is led by dual-threat RB Max Borghi. Although the ground game looks good, the receiving group is thin, and quarterback is up in the air. The most promising prospect for the signal-calling spot is Tennessee graduate transfer Jarrett Guarantano. In 2020, the Cougar D was inconsistent. This season, the edges of the frontline are well-manned while the interior is questionable. The linebacking unit must step up, as last season they underperformed. In the secondary, there’s depth at corner but slim pickings at safety.

PAC-12 Preview – South Division

Arizona State Sun Devils – The rush attack, which is led by Rachaad White and Chip Trayanum, is the strength of this team’s offense. The frontline includes two potential All-Pac-12 players. On the other hand, the receiving ranks are especially thin, and talented QB Jayden Daniels needs to find consistency. On defense, there are six All-Pac-12 contenders. This crew is capable of limiting opponent scoring in a major way. Included are prime front men tackle Jermayne Lole and end Tyler Johnson, run-stopping LBs Merlin Robertson and Darien Butler, and tenacious defenders corner Chase Lucas and safety Evan Fields.

Arizona Wildcats – The Cats are lacking on offense in every way, starting with the line. Although experienced, the O-line is average at best. Both rushing and receiving units lack depth while QB is a tossup between South Florida transfer Jordan McCloud and freshman Gunner Cruz. The defense has been upgraded by numerous transfers, including linebackers Jerry Roberts (Bowling Green) and Treshaun Hayward (Michigan) and deep backs Isaiah Rutherford (Notre Dame) and Gunner Maldonado (Northwestern). Still, this side of the ball, like the offense, is questionable.

Colorado Buffaloes – If the Colorado offensive line can be more effective, this team will put a fine rush attack on the field. Ihe running unit includes 2020 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year Jarek Broussard, as well as Colorado’s 2019 top ground gainer Alex Fontenot. The starting quarterback spot is a question mark. Dual threats Sam Noyer and Brendon Lewis are contenders. There’s talent in the receiving ranks. On defense, the linebacking unit, which includes Nate Landman and Carson Wells, is the best group on this side of the ball. The biggest concern is the secondary. Transfers may help.

UCLA Bruins – Our PAC-12 Preview 2021 observes that just about every starter returns on offense and defense. QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a dual threat, must play with more consistency. The team is deep with receivers, solid at running back, and experienced upfront. Defensive leader and anchor Osa Odighizuwa, who played end, is gone. If front men Otto Ogbonnia and Mitchell Agude can make up for the loss, that will help. There’s talent and depth on the other two units. But can each player on this side of the ball raise their game to a new level?

USC Trojans – Led by junior QB Kedon Slovis, who last year won first-team All-Pac-12 honors, the Trojan offense has a lot of scoring potential. Although two of the top receivers from last season are gone, there’s still talented pass catchers to toss to. The running unit is exceptionally deep, while the O-line, which returns four starters, must do a better job of protecting Slovis and opening rushing lanes. On the other side of the ball, each unit includes premium players with the secondary being especially deep. Eight starters return.

Utah Utes – The Utes bring one of the best O-lines in the Pac-12 to the field. With the top three rushers from last season gone, look for transfers T.J. Pledger (Oklahoma) and Chris Curry (LSU) to get plenty of work. The team’s two leading receivers from 2020, wideout Britain Covey and tight end Brant Kuithe, are back. The defense, which is solid in every aspect, features team leader and anchor Devin Lloyd, who decided to forego this year’s NFL Draft. The secondary is prime.

PAC-12 North – Projected Order of Finish

1. Oregon Ducks

2. Washington Huskies

3. Stanford Cardinal

4. California Golden Bears

5. Washington State Cougars

6. Oregon State Beavers

PAC-12 South – Projected Order of Finish

1. USC Trojans

2. Arizona State Sun Devils

3. Utah Utes

4. UCLA Bruins

5. Colorado Buffaloes

6. Arizona Wildcats

PAC-12 Preview - Final Word

We anticipate the conference crown will be decided between the North’s Oregon Ducks and South’s USC Trojans. The outcome favors the Ducks. Our PAC-12 Preview 2021 finds that there are fewer quality teams in this conference than one would like to see. That means less competition for the national stage and fewer chances of bowl berths. Despite our concerns, along with Oregon and USC receiving bowl bids, we anticipate Washington, Stanford, Arizona State, Utah, and UCLA as playing in the postseason.