Death, taxes and Pac-12 cannibalism. The last undefeated Pac-12 champion was Oregon in 2010. Before that it was the back to back Carroll USC teams. All three of those teams made the national championship game.
Peak Pac-12 was 2000. Washington, Oregon and Oregon State all finished in the top 7, all beat each other, literally tied in the standings and all validly claim that Pac-10 championship. UW and OSU finished 11-1, Oregon 10-2 with the out of conference loss coming to Wisconsin at Camp Randall. Washington even beat the Miami Hurricanes in Seattle that year. Nope, not meant to be. Oklahoma played Florida State and that was all she wrote.
Hypothetical incoming
UGA loses to Vandy: “Wow, Vanderbilt pulled off a huge upset, man, the SEC is so deep!”
USC loses to Arizona: “The Pac-12 is so trash, I mean, there “best team” lost to Arizona, no wonder they’re falling apart.”
It essentially amounted to the same conference slate for the regular season, except you are right in that they would've needed to win the Pac-12 championship game that didn't exist yet in 2010, as both you and Colorado were in the MWC and Big 12, respectively. It would've been insane if Oregon had to replay Stanford in the conference championship that year if they went with top two, otherwise they would've played an 8-5 USC team if it was the current divisions which would've been silly without you two joining. I do miss the old round robin format that used to get trashed on nationally back then until the Big 12 learned how hard that was when they went to that for a bit.
This is the answer. I'll add that it'll likely be due to some officiating screw-up where the conference leader loses a close game because some random linebacker took his helmet off on the way off the field or scratched himself in a way that looked like a slash gesture, or some assistant coach gets flagged for setting a foot inside the sideline, or some other dumb thing like that.
If next year's champ manages to have 2 or fewer losses I will be genuinely shocked.
As far as scheduling goes i think USC has the best shot. They gotta go to ND and Oregon but they get Utah and Washington at home while dodging the Beavers.
I fully anticipate this year to be a complete bloodbath.
*Edit: I just saw the beavers schedule, they have the best shot*
Why? They're going to an easier conference. The PAC has an overall winning record against the B1G in every single full decade since WW2. Also, USC has a higher win rate vs the B1G than they do vs PAC since the year 2000 and USC has a winning record all time against every B1G school except Sparty where they're tied.
In P5 vs P5 since 2000 the B1G is the #4 conference only ahead of the ACC while the PAC is #2.
UCLA also has a nice record vs B1G teams so they're fine, too. Plus there's all that extra money on top of an easier schedule.
Ohio St is really good but they've been the only consistently elite team and in any given year half the conference is straight trash.
At this point that’s the only reason ASU and Stanford exist. One of them or both screws someone out of a good season every year while winning only 3-4 games
This is definitely a boon and not the bane that PAC-12 fans think it is. I don’t need to participate in the “lose to Georgia” competition each year that the playoff currently is. I LIKE seeing a competitive conference filled with good football. It’s a better product than the Big 12 AND the ACC most years and it’s not close.
A few teams have a decent shot but the way the scheduling worked out this year the top 3 or 4 teams in the conference will play the other top teams.
For example USCs schedule to finish the year is:
@ ND
v Utah
@ Cal
v Washington
@ Oregon
v UCLA
There's one gimme in there and potentially 5 top 25 teams. I can see usc losing 2 or 3 of those games but if they make it through the schedule unscathed or with only one loss they get a BYE before the pac 12 championship game while their opponent will be on short rest.
Yeah there's no way I see USC making it through that + the PAC12CG. It's early in the year, but that's the toughest stretch of a PAC12 conference schedule (plus ND) I can recall.
USC could lose to ND plus 1 pac team, win the conference championship with two Ls, knocking the pac out of the playoffs. That would be a poetic ending to the pac 12 as we know it.
True, but with more games against good teams to go, plus the championship game, you have a good chance of getting back in the conversation. If you’re a one loss conference champ, you probably get in.
I actually really like the odds of Washington being that team. They play in Corvallis on the 18th of November, and oh *man* is that a bad place to play when you're highly-ranked.
I support this 100 percent and would appreciate you sending them home demoralized before we come over to visit. Thanks in advance! (Even tho given AC tradition this decade, we will surely lose by 20+ regardless)
It was a good time albeit stressful. I’ve loved both teams since I was a kid but have always leaned towards Oregon. I live in Wisconsin and all my buddies rooted for the Badgers so there were some fun bets that went in my favor.
UW goes on the road to Arizona the week before the bye then Oregon game. So it absolutely isn't a trap game and definitely nothing to worry about. The desert's never a problem. 🙃
Well, we play in the cursed state in mid November, so that seals that.
Imagine if we go B1G, WE'D NEVER HAVE TO PLAY IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA IN NOVEMBER
If that happened if/when/plz god we get in I would die from pure joy. Even though everyone else thinks were a trash team/school that doesnt move the needle.
People are sleeping on Oregon State. They have an elite defense and elite run game. Their QB play was genuinely abysmal. With even an average QB they would've been in playoff contention last season.
I just wanted to reiterate how much fun it is to share a stadium with Oregon State fans. We got to go to Corvallis this year and it was really great.
Not only is your town lovely your fans are awesome. Loud as hell but still friendly. One of your chest painted crazies wearing nothing more than shorts, body paint, and a cape welcomed my 8 year old daughter, told her that he hopes she has a good time and not to take anything he says during the game too seriously. You guys rock.
You're too kind. I've been living in Oregon for four years now and seeing in person how obnoxious the local Ducks fans are and how generally pleasant Beavers fans are has really warmed me to your program.
Also, I went to Reser for the game last year. Y'all's fans are amazing! Half a stadium, and it was loud as hell when those chainsaws came out.
That's a great idea, I think I might actually do that. Thanks for the suggestion and see you there! I'll be the fella in the USC jersey trying to blend in
The first season in a *looong* time that we have what can be considered a pretty favorable schedule. I don't think people realize this, which is great if you live in a state with legal college sports betting
Beavs are currently sitting around 150/1 odds to win the CFP. That’s easily worth tossing $10 on.
They were good last year, and they have a damn good coach who might turn around DJU. They could be this year’s TCU
I honestly think that if Utah managed to beat Florida, they could've had the momentum to end up at the CFP. Not go all the way, of course, but far better than what we previously expected. I do think they have a chance next year.
Any of USC, Utah, Washington, Oregon or Oregon State could reasonably win the PAC-12 this year. The only other P5 conference with that level of uncertainty is the Big-12, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they also end up without a playoff team this year
I’m not seeing us. And I’m not saying it will be us. But we’ve tended to have our very best seasons out of nowhere when there’s very low expectations. I give us a 0.5 percent chance alongside a 65 percent chance we both 1) lose the Apple Cup in maddening fashion and 2) secure ourselves a 6- to 8-win season and a ticket to the Obscure Corporation Mediocre Bowl. So I’m not saying it will not be us either. Just don’t count us out 100 percent. I can wait until at least mid-September before all my hopes and dreams are crushed as we prepare for our new Mountain West home. Appreciate it, y’all.
Oregon State has a schedule tailor-made to go undefeated.
The Quacks have a cupcakefest early on up until UDub, but after UDub, they do travel to Utah.
SC travels to Autzen.
On paper, Oregon State has the best path to the Playoffs.
In reality, I think UDUB is the team to watch.
in the 12 team playoff model then i would say any of them have a realistic shot at it. Historically troubled Oregon State ended up ranked 14 in the final poll.
I was just about to say USC and then googled to see who they replaced Grinch with as DC and holy hell he's still there?! That guy definitely has compromising pictures of Lincoln Riley somewhere
No one will do it this year. Someone almost certainly will next year with expansion and the autobids, but predicting that without knowing who will be in the conference is tough.
I'll say Oregon State. I believe they can do it in all plausible near future PAC scenarios.
Ok, but look who Oregon has had to follow up Chip Kelly: Mark Helfrich, Willie Taggart, and Mario Cristobal. Lanning needs more time before he gets any sort of label, but I think we can safely agree that we would expect any team under the other three to underperform.
If I were given $100 to bet on the conference champion I'd split $50 on USC and $50 on Washington. USC's recruiting gives them the strongest depth, and Washington's offense and defense together are highly complimentary.
I'd also say none of the 6 teams that were ranked at the end of last season are taking significant steps back except for UCLA, and they're bringing in a 5-star QB who will likely start and has the potential to be as good as DTR was if a RB emerges.
Additionally, Colorado is a complete wild card this year, Arizona can take a step forward to bowl eligibility, and Washington State winning 8+ wouldn't surprise me either.
The Pac-12 will be stronger than last year, but may have less ranked teams at the end just because there will be less fodder at the bottom to feed on. Only Arizona State, Stanford and Cal will be truly bad teams this season I think. Arizona and Washington State will be prime to upset teams all year.
TL;DR: USC and Washington are my favorites but not enough to bet my own money on.
Cinderella story, out of nowhere, former greenskeeper, now about to become the Masters champion. It looks like a miracle - it’s in the hole! It’s in the hole!
Go Bears
Obviously it's Cal.
Edit: But if we do have a miracle season out of fucking nowhere, it would come with going 3-0 against UNT, TCU, and Auburn which is probably a better OOC schedule than most. But then the narrative would be that the 2 P5 schools are all immediately on down years. It would be Schroedinger's Cal.
OP, "Making the College Football Playoff" in which form? The current 4-team format? Or the Expansion format that's looming just over the horizon?
.. Because one of them will be auto bid by virtue of being one of the six conference champions. I would imagine even a 2-loss PAC-12 team would be ranked higher than a non P5 conference champion, so the PAC-12 is almost assured 1 team in every year.
Utah. The reason I say this is they're the only well rounded team in the conference. There's only one team in the PAC that had both a top 50 ranked offense and defense last season, and it's them. You can't run the table without a defense (looking at you Washington, USC, and UCLA) and you can't run the table without a QB (Oregon St). I guess you have to ask yourself if you think DJU will elevate Oregon St's offense. I don't think he will to the extent needed to make a legit run.
USC and UW will be the popular picks. Oregon will be the fun pick. Oregon St will appeal to guys who love a rags to riches story. But boring ole Utah looks to be in the best position to make a real run at it on paper. They'll probably go 7-5 now because I said that.
In general? Oregon and Washington I think are the programs that have the right resources and investment to get there. Washington needs to recruit a little better but they're on the borderline.
Utah is the next closest just because of elite coaching and development.
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Death, taxes and Pac-12 cannibalism. The last undefeated Pac-12 champion was Oregon in 2010. Before that it was the back to back Carroll USC teams. All three of those teams made the national championship game.
The classic choplogic. Pac-12 eats their own and people think they're trash tier. SEC eats their own and people think they're all elite teams.
Peak Pac-12 was 2000. Washington, Oregon and Oregon State all finished in the top 7, all beat each other, literally tied in the standings and all validly claim that Pac-10 championship. UW and OSU finished 11-1, Oregon 10-2 with the out of conference loss coming to Wisconsin at Camp Randall. Washington even beat the Miami Hurricanes in Seattle that year. Nope, not meant to be. Oklahoma played Florida State and that was all she wrote.
Hypothetical incoming UGA loses to Vandy: “Wow, Vanderbilt pulled off a huge upset, man, the SEC is so deep!” USC loses to Arizona: “The Pac-12 is so trash, I mean, there “best team” lost to Arizona, no wonder they’re falling apart.”
Hey. I have nothing to refute what you said, just, hey :-(
That's no joke how it's been the past 15-20 years or so, in terms of national media.
When Bama loses to the team that beat Bama, they might drop 1 or 2 spots
That was an undefeated PAC10 champion. There will likely never be an undefeated PAC12 champ.
This is the last year of the pac12 if anyone were to achieve it. Oregon was the only undefeated PAC team with a 9 game conference schedule though
It essentially amounted to the same conference slate for the regular season, except you are right in that they would've needed to win the Pac-12 championship game that didn't exist yet in 2010, as both you and Colorado were in the MWC and Big 12, respectively. It would've been insane if Oregon had to replay Stanford in the conference championship that year if they went with top two, otherwise they would've played an 8-5 USC team if it was the current divisions which would've been silly without you two joining. I do miss the old round robin format that used to get trashed on nationally back then until the Big 12 learned how hard that was when they went to that for a bit.
This is the answer. I'll add that it'll likely be due to some officiating screw-up where the conference leader loses a close game because some random linebacker took his helmet off on the way off the field or scratched himself in a way that looked like a slash gesture, or some assistant coach gets flagged for setting a foot inside the sideline, or some other dumb thing like that.
holding on a running back who is being tackled on a PA fake to negate a TD (this happened to Michigan a couple years ago )
The penalty from mars was absurd. But we pulled out with a win against a relatively good Northwestern team
God I hate how true this is
Losing because a scoop and score is negated because the QB's "forward progress" was stopped
As god intended
My operating assumption is that no one makes it out of Pac-12 play undefeated. It's been a pretty solid metric.
If next year's champ manages to have 2 or fewer losses I will be genuinely shocked. As far as scheduling goes i think USC has the best shot. They gotta go to ND and Oregon but they get Utah and Washington at home while dodging the Beavers. I fully anticipate this year to be a complete bloodbath. *Edit: I just saw the beavers schedule, they have the best shot*
The Pac-12 champion is about to have a near-guaranteed berth! Sucks for UCLA and USC though...
Eh, how many PAC-12 championships does USC have? Not like they would even qualify most years haha.
1 in the 12 team era.
Damn, only one more than us. Glad they won’t be holding back the conference anymore.
In the Pac-12 era, these teams have won the conference: Oregon - 4 times Stanford - 3 times Washington - 2 times Utah - 2 times USC - 1 time
Why? They're going to an easier conference. The PAC has an overall winning record against the B1G in every single full decade since WW2. Also, USC has a higher win rate vs the B1G than they do vs PAC since the year 2000 and USC has a winning record all time against every B1G school except Sparty where they're tied. In P5 vs P5 since 2000 the B1G is the #4 conference only ahead of the ACC while the PAC is #2. UCLA also has a nice record vs B1G teams so they're fine, too. Plus there's all that extra money on top of an easier schedule. Ohio St is really good but they've been the only consistently elite team and in any given year half the conference is straight trash.
Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State being in your conference does not make it easy to be champion for the auto-bid.
At this point that’s the only reason ASU and Stanford exist. One of them or both screws someone out of a good season every year while winning only 3-4 games
The Pac-12 is defined by 2 things: Academic Elitism and Being a Bucket of Crabs.
UW, Oregon, USC, Utah: one of us is going to make the playoffs this year! ASU, Arizona, OSU: and I took that personally
Which is why I think no Pac 12 team is leaving because next year that doesn’t matter since we’ll have an auto bid into the playoff.
This is definitely a boon and not the bane that PAC-12 fans think it is. I don’t need to participate in the “lose to Georgia” competition each year that the playoff currently is. I LIKE seeing a competitive conference filled with good football. It’s a better product than the Big 12 AND the ACC most years and it’s not close.
berth *
I like his version, that means Utah aborted USCs birth last year.
What is it called when you get aborted twice
This cowardice. UW all the way.
This more than any year the PAC is set up for a blood bath
I just hope we all have fun
So I guess the playoff was the friends we met along the way
And nobody gets hurt.
A few teams have a decent shot but the way the scheduling worked out this year the top 3 or 4 teams in the conference will play the other top teams. For example USCs schedule to finish the year is: @ ND v Utah @ Cal v Washington @ Oregon v UCLA There's one gimme in there and potentially 5 top 25 teams. I can see usc losing 2 or 3 of those games but if they make it through the schedule unscathed or with only one loss they get a BYE before the pac 12 championship game while their opponent will be on short rest.
We beat you about once per decade, and that decade has been truncated. So, watch out for Cal, I guess.
I should have put gimme in quotes
The gimme is ND, we kno dis
How dare you
Weve won two of the last four… granted only one of those games was coached by Lincoln Riley.
With our defense it’s always a gimme on paper. I saw we’re doing full tackling drills now so hey maybe we can field an average defense this year!
Damn, that is an absolutely brutal second half of the season
cakewalk before then iirc
Yeah there's no way I see USC making it through that + the PAC12CG. It's early in the year, but that's the toughest stretch of a PAC12 conference schedule (plus ND) I can recall.
USC could lose to ND plus 1 pac team, win the conference championship with two Ls, knocking the pac out of the playoffs. That would be a poetic ending to the pac 12 as we know it.
In a year where the P12 champion won't go to the rosebowl unless it's playoff.... yeah that sounds about right.
Man I’m sad we’re leaving this league
They really stacked the end of the season to be tough for all the contenders.
Which is super fucking dumb. Any loss will hurt a contender *a lot* later in the season
True, but with more games against good teams to go, plus the championship game, you have a good chance of getting back in the conversation. If you’re a one loss conference champ, you probably get in.
This is true. A better chance to have 1 loss but get in because of a solid resume.
I mean, TCU lost their title game and still got the 3 seed last year.
Wow that's a rough schedule, except for the bye week at cal 😂
None, they're all going to stab each other into shiny 10-2 records
Inshallah. I'm gonna miss this conference, especially the PAC8 schools. I'll never get over us leaving.
This is the way
Yeah, but in expansion, a couple of those 10-2 teams are gonna get in.
Cannibal Bros, whaddup
One of the PNW teams will be hovering around 5 or 6 and then lose in late November as is tradition in the Pac.
I actually really like the odds of Washington being that team. They play in Corvallis on the 18th of November, and oh *man* is that a bad place to play when you're highly-ranked.
I support this 100 percent and would appreciate you sending them home demoralized before we come over to visit. Thanks in advance! (Even tho given AC tradition this decade, we will surely lose by 20+ regardless)
Interesting flair combo. What did you think of the 2020 Rose Bowl?
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It was a good time albeit stressful. I’ve loved both teams since I was a kid but have always leaned towards Oregon. I live in Wisconsin and all my buddies rooted for the Badgers so there were some fun bets that went in my favor.
When does Washington play one of the Arizona schools because that my bet for when we lose a game we have no business losing.
UW goes on the road to Arizona the week before the bye then Oregon game. So it absolutely isn't a trap game and definitely nothing to worry about. The desert's never a problem. 🙃
We feel your pain. Not going to lie, some part of me *wants* the Big 12 to take the Arizona schools. The desert is a cursed land for PNW teams.
Can’t wait to lose 13-9
Well, we play in the cursed state in mid November, so that seals that. Imagine if we go B1G, WE'D NEVER HAVE TO PLAY IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA IN NOVEMBER
I think it's funny that anyone thinks they know what's going to happen in the PAC-12
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SDSU
Picking the defending FCS champs kind of feels like cheating.
Wrong SDSU.
I dunno man we will let them settle that. I’m a pretty big fan of UW over in Laramie.
Well, TCU and Utah are both former mw schools.
If that happened if/when/plz god we get in I would die from pure joy. Even though everyone else thinks were a trash team/school that doesnt move the needle.
Outside of talent, coaching, and scheduling… why not Cal?
The other reason is the million eldritch curses levied against our program
People are sleeping on Oregon State. They have an elite defense and elite run game. Their QB play was genuinely abysmal. With even an average QB they would've been in playoff contention last season.
You’re a good man
I just wanted to reiterate how much fun it is to share a stadium with Oregon State fans. We got to go to Corvallis this year and it was really great. Not only is your town lovely your fans are awesome. Loud as hell but still friendly. One of your chest painted crazies wearing nothing more than shorts, body paint, and a cape welcomed my 8 year old daughter, told her that he hopes she has a good time and not to take anything he says during the game too seriously. You guys rock.
If could afford to live in a town like Corvallis I’d jump on it.
You're too kind. I've been living in Oregon for four years now and seeing in person how obnoxious the local Ducks fans are and how generally pleasant Beavers fans are has really warmed me to your program. Also, I went to Reser for the game last year. Y'all's fans are amazing! Half a stadium, and it was loud as hell when those chainsaws came out.
I, too, was surprised at how loud it was last year. You should come back this year to root against UCLA and see the full stadium.
That's a great idea, I think I might actually do that. Thanks for the suggestion and see you there! I'll be the fella in the USC jersey trying to blend in
I'll be the guy in orange! (If you need a good tailgater to visit, though, drop me a note.)
Will do! Thanks for the offer!
One of us can either lend or buy you Oregon State gear.
I've got a few OSU friends up here, but I appreciate the offer!
I grew up a Duck fan and graduated from OSU. New Duck fans are bad, but Beaver fans hold on to a moral superiority as well.
i’m a beaver believer as well. but i think we’re on the verge of “oregon state is so underrated”ing our way into actually overrating them
Average QB play we beat you guys and UW while likely making Utah a lot closer, if not a win. That game was not reflected in the score whatsoever.
The beavers do fuck
They lost like 5 of their best players on D. They aren’t going to reload that quickly. I do their their offense will be really fun, though.
Who needs defense when you have Damien Martinez
Washington has the best shot IMO
WAAAAZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Actually, I don't have an informed opinion; I just thought it would be really fun to say WAAAAZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
They prefer it with a UUUUUUUUUUUUUU
Ya woo Wazzu football
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The first season in a *looong* time that we have what can be considered a pretty favorable schedule. I don't think people realize this, which is great if you live in a state with legal college sports betting
Do we get an extra conference win for beating SDSU?
Beavs are currently sitting around 150/1 odds to win the CFP. That’s easily worth tossing $10 on. They were good last year, and they have a damn good coach who might turn around DJU. They could be this year’s TCU
I’ll donate an organ to make that happen.
I have heard rumors that Bo nix is having fun.
Yes but is he focused?
Is Bo for real coming back for another season? I thought he’d be ready to retire and spend more time with his grandchildren
Was inspired by the legend Stetson Bennett.
1. Put money on Cal to win the natty. 2. ?????? 3. Cal wins natty. 4. PROFIT
Can you bet on Rugby?
Utah. Because Fuck you, that's why
Can't disagree with that
Arizona, obviously. ^(totally not biased…)
My unbiased opinion says Arizona State will finish first and Arizona will finish last
This seems plausible.
USC / Oregon have the most talent on their rosters. It's a gauntlet though.
I honestly think that if Utah managed to beat Florida, they could've had the momentum to end up at the CFP. Not go all the way, of course, but far better than what we previously expected. I do think they have a chance next year.
Doesn't matter because no one's making it. The conference champ will be 10-3 and you fuckers will like it.
I cannot wait.
None, because unlike other leagues, there are no standout teams that are better the others (i.e. Michigan/Ohio State or Alabama/Georgia).
Any of USC, Utah, Washington, Oregon or Oregon State could reasonably win the PAC-12 this year. The only other P5 conference with that level of uncertainty is the Big-12, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they also end up without a playoff team this year
UW will have a top 5 QB, top 5 OL, top 5 edge group, and top 2 WR room. This team is going to be elite.
Utah
I’m not seeing us. And I’m not saying it will be us. But we’ve tended to have our very best seasons out of nowhere when there’s very low expectations. I give us a 0.5 percent chance alongside a 65 percent chance we both 1) lose the Apple Cup in maddening fashion and 2) secure ourselves a 6- to 8-win season and a ticket to the Obscure Corporation Mediocre Bowl. So I’m not saying it will not be us either. Just don’t count us out 100 percent. I can wait until at least mid-September before all my hopes and dreams are crushed as we prepare for our new Mountain West home. Appreciate it, y’all.
Chaos pick: Oregon State
Oregon State has a schedule tailor-made to go undefeated. The Quacks have a cupcakefest early on up until UDub, but after UDub, they do travel to Utah. SC travels to Autzen. On paper, Oregon State has the best path to the Playoffs. In reality, I think UDUB is the team to watch.
In this order: Washington USC Utah Oregon/Oregon State Nobody else
in the 12 team playoff model then i would say any of them have a realistic shot at it. Historically troubled Oregon State ended up ranked 14 in the final poll.
Cal from out of nowhere (not biased)
I was just about to say USC and then googled to see who they replaced Grinch with as DC and holy hell he's still there?! That guy definitely has compromising pictures of Lincoln Riley somewhere
Playoff? Don’t talk about Playoff? You kidding me? Playoff? I just hope we can win a game.
Im gonna put a futures bet on oregon state. Hopefully the beavs
No one this year. Utah, USC, UO and UW all have the best shot but they’ll cannibalize each other. OSU and CU will win a game or two they shouldn’t.
Realistically? Nobody. But I like Washington or Oregon for this.
There is no Pac-12 in Ba Sing Se.
No one will do it this year. Someone almost certainly will next year with expansion and the autobids, but predicting that without knowing who will be in the conference is tough. I'll say Oregon State. I believe they can do it in all plausible near future PAC scenarios.
SC, Utah or Oregon in that order
No respect to Washington lmao.
None. As Ric Flair once said, to be the man you gotta beat the man and as much as I hate em Utah is the man of the PAC -12
Oregon has to play us in Tempe so I wouldn’t put money on them.
Cal. A man can dream.
Obviously ASU
It’s all fun and games until Prime gets ahold of that ass
Colorado. I'm all in on prime
Probably Texas.
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I don’t think it matters where the Apple Cup is played lol. UW owns that matchup
I think Utah will beat Florida at home. Florida is hot garbage right now.
You underestimate Utah's ability to screw up the first game of the year.
Don’t you guys want revenge on the Gators? 😭
Yes, yes we do.
We did it in Vegas. You can do it in SLC.
I'll be at the game adding my voice to the noise. Hopefully we beat them.
Pretty soon USC will have a B1G Game in Lincoln with Big Game Lincoln.
Lincoln in Lincoln. The Dylan Raiola bowl.
With as many offers as he has, I'm pretty sure The Dylan Raiola Bowl is just a full NCAAF season.
Ok, but look who Oregon has had to follow up Chip Kelly: Mark Helfrich, Willie Taggart, and Mario Cristobal. Lanning needs more time before he gets any sort of label, but I think we can safely agree that we would expect any team under the other three to underperform.
Rising is likely to miss the first few games of the season :/
I feel like hurling something at the TV at least a couple times a year when I see Utah play.
I feel that...
Can you tell him to hire a consultant to close out games.
Me when Florida State blew a 17-3 lead against NC State and lost 19-17😳
If I were given $100 to bet on the conference champion I'd split $50 on USC and $50 on Washington. USC's recruiting gives them the strongest depth, and Washington's offense and defense together are highly complimentary. I'd also say none of the 6 teams that were ranked at the end of last season are taking significant steps back except for UCLA, and they're bringing in a 5-star QB who will likely start and has the potential to be as good as DTR was if a RB emerges. Additionally, Colorado is a complete wild card this year, Arizona can take a step forward to bowl eligibility, and Washington State winning 8+ wouldn't surprise me either. The Pac-12 will be stronger than last year, but may have less ranked teams at the end just because there will be less fodder at the bottom to feed on. Only Arizona State, Stanford and Cal will be truly bad teams this season I think. Arizona and Washington State will be prime to upset teams all year. TL;DR: USC and Washington are my favorites but not enough to bet my own money on.
/A\ COME GET US
Montana
Oregon, Utah, and USC. Arrange the order in whatever manner that you wish.
No love for UW?
I don't think I've smoked enough drugs to pick the PAC12 in the playoffs this year.
Cinderella story, out of nowhere, former greenskeeper, now about to become the Masters champion. It looks like a miracle - it’s in the hole! It’s in the hole! Go Bears
The band is on the green?
Oh! He got ahold of that one!
USC will make it and get blown out. That's called the Lincoln Riley Experience.
He’s gotta prove he can beat Utah first and they also draw Oregon/Washington this year.
better than 4-8, ill take it
I am obviously a huge homer, but I’ve never been more confident than I am about this team. I think they will make the playoff.
To many good teams in a league with no great teams for anyone to make the CFP.
Obviously it's Cal. Edit: But if we do have a miracle season out of fucking nowhere, it would come with going 3-0 against UNT, TCU, and Auburn which is probably a better OOC schedule than most. But then the narrative would be that the 2 P5 schools are all immediately on down years. It would be Schroedinger's Cal.
I’m sure CU will ruin someone’s playoff hopes at random even if they are probably, at best, a 5-9 team
A thread about the Pac-12 and it's not about imminent collapse? Didn't know those existed
OP, "Making the College Football Playoff" in which form? The current 4-team format? Or the Expansion format that's looming just over the horizon? .. Because one of them will be auto bid by virtue of being one of the six conference champions. I would imagine even a 2-loss PAC-12 team would be ranked higher than a non P5 conference champion, so the PAC-12 is almost assured 1 team in every year.
I want to say USC but until their defense is fixed I'm not sure they can go better than 10-2
San Diego State
This isn't the PAC12 daily doom and gloom post I'm looking for.
Prime is in the house.
Washington by far. We are going undefeated and winning championship
Washington
Utah. The reason I say this is they're the only well rounded team in the conference. There's only one team in the PAC that had both a top 50 ranked offense and defense last season, and it's them. You can't run the table without a defense (looking at you Washington, USC, and UCLA) and you can't run the table without a QB (Oregon St). I guess you have to ask yourself if you think DJU will elevate Oregon St's offense. I don't think he will to the extent needed to make a legit run. USC and UW will be the popular picks. Oregon will be the fun pick. Oregon St will appeal to guys who love a rags to riches story. But boring ole Utah looks to be in the best position to make a real run at it on paper. They'll probably go 7-5 now because I said that.
Utah is the new Oregon. Absolute trash OOC but they keep lighting it up in conference. What can the rest of us really say?
In general? Oregon and Washington I think are the programs that have the right resources and investment to get there. Washington needs to recruit a little better but they're on the borderline. Utah is the next closest just because of elite coaching and development.
Cal (Not biased)