Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.15.2011

*Thanks for making me look like a liar in yesterday’s breakfast links, Juron Criner.  He was actually the reason why I DVR’d the episode.  [Tucson Citizen]

*Speaking of disappointments, Criner and Nick Foles got slaughtered in a few early draft projections.  It’s time to prove that helmet-haired, Mel Kiper wrong. [Tucson Citizen]

*Lane Kiffin tells WNOX 100.3 that he went for two so much last year because USC couldn’t get into a bowl .  That seems a little reckless considering the many gamblers counting on those points. [WNOX] (Kiffin's comments @35:30)  

*Speaking of gambling, Oregon is predicted to open as three point favorites against LSU.  If Cliff Harris is suspended, I’m definitely taking the Tigers.  [Gaming Today]

*Can’t seem to get off the gambling topic today.  Andrew Luck is the oddsmakers’ favorite to hoist the Heisman this season.  Definitely won’t argue with that.  [USA Today]

*There is nothing more unpredictable yet extremely fun to watch than a wild buffalo running at full speed on a field with innocent bystanders.  How is this even a contest?  Vote for Colorado’s Ralphie! [ESPN]

*Hmmm…back to the sportsbook to close it.  Oregon’s odds to win the 2012 National Championship are 13/1…hardly the favorites, but not a bad bet.  [SBR Forum]

Arizona Wildcats Football: Does Arizona Have a Chance At the Pac-12 South Title?

Although Arizona Wildcats football has taken second stage to their intrastate rivals this offseason, critics could be overlooking the possibility that the Sun Devils are not the only dark horse coming out of the Grand Canyon State.

Entering last season, several experts pick the Wildcats as a possible dark horse conference contender because of the offensive potential brought to the roster by Nick Foles.  With the Wildcats returning most of their offense weapons and their defense returning seven solid starters, it seems like Arizona should be getting a bit more press. 

Breakfast Links: 05.09.2011

*The spring has come and gone leaving several great nuggets for Pac-12 Football fans to chew on over the next few months.  Bud Withers does a great job summarizing the injuries and emergences for every team.  [Seattle Times]

* Trey Griffey, Ken Griffey Jr.’s son, is being courted by Oregon, UCLA, and Washington State. Standing large at 6’2”, 185 pound, Trey has the potential to be an extremely dangerous wide-out. Although his talent is still a bit raw, it is fun to imagine a Griffey making dazzling plays on the gridiron. [Lost Letterman, You Tube]

*Chip Kelly gave an inspirational speech to U.S. Soldiers after Oregon’s spring game.  The group singing of the Ducks fight song was a nice touch, too.  [Oregonian]

*The Pac-12’s 12-year, $3 billion rights deal with ESPN and FOX is eye-popping, but at the same time well deserving.  Pac-12 Football deserves some serious respect and this exponential increase in national exposure is definitely a huge step in the right direction. [Multi-Channel News]

*Arizona and Oklahoma State moved their game from Saturday, Sept. 10 to Thursday, Sept. 8.  Watching quarterbacks Nick Foles and Brandon Weeden command the authority of the skies in prime time should be a great way to kick of the second week of the season. [Arizona Daily Star]

Pac-12 Football: Arizona Wildcats Spring Game Report Card

Spring Game Type: 60-play Scrimmage

Final Score: N/A

Passing ruled the day at Arizona’s spring game.  However, that was the one area that critics were the least concerned with. 

Offense:

Nick Foles, Matt Scott, and Bryson Beirne each saw a heavy dosage of action in Arizona’s spring game, combing for 39 passes in the 60-play scrimmage.

Each player threw for over 100 yards and at least one touchdown, connecting with 13 different receivers on the day.  Beirne tacked on an additional touchdown pass before it was all said and done, leading the team with two. 

The running game was practically non-existent, though.  Sophomore Daniel Jenkins carried the ball eight times but only gained 35 yards.  Foles had the second most rushing yards with 20.

Grade: B+

Defense:

Arizona’s defense only stopped five drives and converted just one turnover during Mike Stoop’s 60-play scrimmage.

Safety Marquis Flowers led the charge for the Wildcats, jarring four tackles and breaking up two passes.

Defensive tackle Sione Tuihalamaka also exerted some dominance on the field, pulling in four tackles and notching a sack.

Overall, Arizona’s defense didn’t play that awful, but, allowing four touchdowns proves that they still need a ton of improvement before opening day.

Grade: C+