2007 Pac Ten Football Preview (Part One)
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by The Beast
With Pac Ten Media day yesterday, I thought it was fitting that I start the first part of a two part 2007 Pac Ten football preview.
Player of the Year: The favorite coming in is USC's John David Booty. Booty was impressive as a first-time starter in 2006, throwing for 3,347 yards and 29 touchdowns. He's an experienced quarterback and knows how to get the ball to all of his playmakers on offense. Many of the "experts" are regarding Booty as one of the nation's top quarterbacks and a Heisman contender. Elsewhere in the conference, Cal is led by WR DeSean Jackson, who might be the fastest player in college football with 13 total touchdowns in 2006. Jackson is known for his big play ability, returning four punts for touchdowns last season. The biggest darkhorse in this race could be Rudy Carpenter from Arizona State, who looks to improve upon a shaky 2006 season where he completed just 58% of his passes and threw 14 interceptions. Despite a terrible '06 season, Carpenter was extremely efficient as a freshman. In 2005, he threw for 2,273 yards, had a 17:2 touchdown to interception ratio, and completed 68% of his passes, while just starting five games and appearing in nine. Without a quarterback controversy this season and a new coach in Dennis Erickson, don't be surprised if he returns to the 2005 form. But in the end, I think it will come down to John David Booty being the quarterback and the best player on the conference's best team, USC. I like him to be the Conference Player of the Year.
Freshmen to Watch: It'll be really interesting to watch the new Washington Huskies quarterback, freshman Jake Locker. Locker is being anointed by many Husky fans as the savior of the program. I'll be curious to see if he can match the hype. He'll have his chance to prove himself early, September 15th versus Ohio State. The USC freshman will always be exciting to watch, particularly Joe McKnight. The Louisiana native is already being dubbed as the next Reggie Bush.
Breakout Players: There are some solid young QBs in the Pac-10, and perhaps none more than the two from Arizona, Willie Tuitama and Rudy Carpenter. Carpeter was outstanding in 2005. With a new coach and without a quarterback controversy, expect Carpenter to revert to his 2005 form. The other, Willie Tuitama of Arizona struggled mightily in 2006, as the Wildcats finished 115th nationally in total offense. However, Arizona brings in Texas Tech assistant Sonny Dykes to implement the spread offense. Dykes's spread attacks was very successful at Texas Tech, where the Red Raiders' quarterbacks routinely threw for over 4,000 yards.
Other Things to Watch: Can anyone in the Pac-10 beat USC? It will certainly be tough but the Trojans will have to play at Cal, at Oregon, and at Arizona State. These three teams will certainly give the Trojans everything that they have. Another interesting thing is to see whether Oregon State was a won-hit wonder in 2006... The Beavers won ten games in 2006 and return 15 of 22 starters, including star running back Yvenson Bernard. If they can get some consistent play at the quarterback position the Beavers should have some success. And sorry Washington States fans, despite an experienced QB in Josh Brink, don't expect the Cougars to claim the Pac Ten food chain.
Best Games: - Tennessee at Cal - Last year the Volunteers destroyed Cal at Neyland Stadium. This year the Bears will get the Vols at home and they are looking for revenge. (September 2nd) - USC at California - Cal is regarded as the team that will seriously challenge the men of troy, and getting them at home will certainly help. (November 10th) - UCLA at USC - With the loss to UCLA last year the Trojans will be looking for revenge.(December 1st)
