2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: Pac-12 Championship Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers

2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: PAC 12 Championship Odds, Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers: After some down years, the Pac-12 appears to be back on the rise. Oregon and Stanford have carried the banner for the conference recently, but after some down years, USC, UCLA and Washington appear to have their programs back on track, and six teams will open the year ranked in the Top 25. Meanwhile, the Pac-12 also has multiple players heading into the year with Heisman Trophy aspirations. Just a few years ago, the Pac-12 was one of the weaker conferences in the country. In 2014, it could be one of the deepest. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the teams to watch in the Pac-12 this season.

The Favorites

As soon as dual-threat quarterback Marcus Mariota decided to return to school, the Oregon Ducks became one of the frontrunners to win the Pac-12 in 2014. Mariota is a Heisman favorite and a the potential top pick in next year’s NFL Draft, and will be the engine that drivers an explosive offense that returns nine starters, including all five offensive linemen. The Ducks seem like a lock to have one of the best offenses in the country, and the defense should be able to hold its own, as well. The unit welcomes back experienced starters at all three levels, including shutdown corner Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. The Ducks are loaded, and if Mariota stays healthy, they are the favorites in the North Division and a national title contender.

The UCLA Bruins have won the Pac-12 South Division in each of the past two seasons, and with eight starters back on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, they have more than enough experience and talent to reach the conference title game yet again. The offense will be undoubtedly be led by dual-threat quarterback Brett Hundley, who enters the year as a Heisman contender. Meanwhile, linebacker Myles Jack will headline the defense after winning both Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in the Pac-12 last year. To top it off, the Bruins get Oregon, USC and Stanford at home in 2014.

The Contenders

For the last several seasons, the Stanford Cardinal have used physical play in the trenches on both sides of the ball to become a national power, and while the philosophy will remain the same in 2014, Stanford will have a tough road to travel to repeat as Pac-12 champs. The Cardinal will have for new starters along the offensive line and don’t have a proven workhorse back to head the power running game. On the plus side, the defense is still stout, and quarterback Kevin Hogan and receiver Ty Montgomery are a dynamic combo. In the end, the biggest hurdle for Stanford could be its schedule. The Cardinal have to face Notre Dame, Washington, Arizona State, Oregon and UCLA on the road. Stanford can’t be counted out, but this team is not a clear frontrunner like it has been in recent years.

There has been plenty of turmoil surrounding the USC Trojans’ program in recent years, but with new head coach Steve Sarkisian bringing some stability, the Trojans should have a chance to make some nose in 2014. Equally as important as Sarkisian’s presence is a defense that returns eight starters and is loaded with athletic playmakers, including star defensive tackle Leonard Williams and linebacker Hayes Pullard. Offensively, the Trojans have their typical arsenal of athletes at the skill positions, but if this team is going to make some real noise, the offensive line has play well and quarterback Cody Kessler has to take the next steps.

The Sleeper

Head coach Chris Petersen finally left Boise State to join the Washington Huskies this year after amassing a 92-12 record with the Broncos. While the Huskies lose their three top offensive weapons in quarterback Keith Price, running back Bishop Sankey and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, the team does welcome back four starters on the offensive line and nine starters on defense. More importantly, the defense includes star-caliber players like linebacker Shaq Thompson and cornerback Marcus Peters, along with all three starters on the line. The Huskies also get Stanford and UCLA at home, and while the Pac-12 North is a rough division, their defense gives them puncher’s chance, especially if quarterback Cyler Miles can provide consistent play under center.

Odds To Win The Pac 12
Arizona +3000
Arizona State +1000
California +15000
Colorado +12500
Oregon -125
Oregon State +5000
Southern Cal +350
Stanford +800
UCLA +285
Utah +6000
Washington +1800
Washington State +10000