We really don’t like y’all out west much either. In fact, we hate your team. And because of that hate – and absolutely no other reason – here’s how we see the Pac-12 shaping up this year.
Besides, at least we can all agree that we hate George Kliavkoff.
USC (10-2)
Losses: Notre Dame, Washington
Why this could be right: USC’s only regular season loss was to Utah last year and the Trojans should get revenge on the Utes. Unfortunately, they have to go on the road to Notre Dame and Washington is going to be tough this year. I don’t think the defense creates as many turnovers and USC replaces too many key pieces on the offense line.
Why this could be message board material: Caleb Williams is not actually human and doubting him will always be stupid.
How angry will this fanbase be: Fairly angry as they truly believe Caleb Williams is not actually human and doubting him will always be stupid.
Oregon State (10-2)
Losses: Utah, UCLA
Why this could be right: For brief moments in his career, DJ Uiagalelei has looked like a truly elite level quarterback. At Oregon State, he’ll have an offensive line returning 4 starters and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Damien Martinez to help him out.
Why this could be message board material: It might be, but only in the other direction. Things could fall apart quickly on defense and make this prediction look dumb but I have faith in Jonathan Smith.
How angry will this fanbase be: Not at all. If the Beavers go 10-2 with a spot in the conference championship this year, they’ll be partying in Corvalis long enough to forget about what’s happening in 2024.
Washington (10-2)
Losses: Oregon, Oregon State
Why this could be right: Both games were one score games last year and both will be one score games this year, just going the other way. The Huskies are another team that is replacing key offensive line players, but unlike the Trojans they return some weapons in Ondunze and McMillan.
Why this could be message board material: DeBoer is a really good coach and everything clicks.
How angry will this fanbase be: Somewhat angry? I think the expectations in Seattle are a 10-win season but predicting them to finish on the outside looking in at the conference championship probably hurts.
Utah (9-3)
Losses: Baylor, USC, Washington
Why this could be right: Cam Rising will face tough tests in Florida and Baylor in his first two games since returning from an ACL injury in the Rose Bowl. The road doesn’t get much easier in the Pac-12 with Oregon State, USC, and Washington all on the road.
Why this could be message board material: Because Kyle Wittingham is a top 5 coach in the country and will make me look dumb.
How angry will this fanbase be: Pretty angry. Predicting them to lose to the top teams in the Pac-12 in its last year and a Big-12 team in the year before they join that conference? Not going to go over well in SLC.
UCLA (10-2)
Losses: Utah, USC
Why this could be right: I don’t actually think UCLA is that good but have you seen their schedule? Honest to God I didn’t even know NC Central was an actual university and in conference play they avoid Oregon and Washington.
Why this could be message board material: Chip Kelly is an enigma.
How angry will this fanbase be: Do they even know football season is starting soon?
Oregon (9-3)
Losses: Utah, USC, Oregon State
Why this could be right: Oregon State got better and Utah is on the road. USC should be close but the Ducks don’t have quite enough. I don’t think the Ducks are a bad team, but unlike UCLA their schedule isn’t doing them any favors.
Why this could be message board material: This is the year. Bo Nix has improved so much under this new offense. He’s focused. He’s having fun. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a dark horse for the Heisman.
How angry will this fanbase be: Likely very angry but they’re angry a lot of the time anyways.
Arizona (7-5)
Losses: Washington, USC, Oregon State, UCLA, Utah.
Why this could be right: Jedd Fisch did a great job getting Arizona to 5-7 after a 1-11 campaign, but the top of the Pac-12 is still much better than the bottom.
Why this could be message board material: Jayden de Laura makes a huge leap and the Wildcat’s defense finally stops someone.
How angry will this fanbase be: Not very. This isn’t a basketball prediction.
Colorado (4-8)
Losses: TCU, Nebraska, Oregon, USC, UCLA, Oregon State, Arizona, Utah.
Why this could be right: Deion brings flash but lacks substance (so far). And just how good are Hunter and Shedeur Sanders when they’re facing D1 competition?
Why this could be message board material: I’m actually much higher on Deion than I think most people think, but Colorado is also in a much bigger hole than most people think.
How angry will this fanbase be: Somewhat? It’s hard to tell what exactly this fanbase is yet but as long as Deion is there don’t expect anything to be normal.
Arizona State (4-8)
Losses: Oklahoma State, USC, Washington, Utah, UCLA, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado.
Why this could be right: New coach, new roster, new QB, new everything. Not a great recipe for instant success.
Why this could be message board material: Kenny Dillingham is a pretty good play caller and recruiter, maybe he gets everything to click right away?
How angry will this fanbase be: Have y’all been to Mill Avenue? They’re gonna be fine.
Washington State (4-8)
Losses: Wisconsin, Oregon State, UCLA, Arizona, Oregon, Arizona State, Colorado, Washington.
Why this could be right: Cameron Ward is back but nobody else is. Top four receivers are gone and both coordinators are gone. So too are Daiyan Henley and half the secondary. It’s gonna be a long season in Pullman.
Why this could be message board material: I’m struggling to see how.
How angry will this fanbase be: Maybe a little? At this point I think they’re mostly numb.
Cal (3-9)
Losses: Auburn, Washington, Arizona State, Oregon State, Utah, USC, Oregon, Washington State and UCLA.
Why this could be right: Cal went 4-8 last year and while the defense should be slightly better the offense has a new coordinator and new qb. A bunch of tough games on the road and I’m afraid Wilcox is gone by the end of the year if not sooner.
Why this could be message board material: Jake Spavital finally learned how to call plays?
How angry will this fanbase be: Does this fanbase exist?
Stanford (2-10)
Losses: Everyone (except Sacramento State and possibly Hawaii).
Why this could be right: When I googled “Stanford 2023 schedule” the first four results that came up are for the Academic Calendar.
Why this could be message board material: It won’t be.
How angry will this fanbase be: Stanford alumni are like Don Draper; we may feel bad for them, but they don’t think about us at all.
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