Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.20.2011

*Los Angeles is once again trying to put together a new downtown stadium that would host an NFL team and possibly Pac-12 Football events.  LA can’t sustain an NFL team.  Haven’t they learned this yet? [LA Times]

*Speaking of Southern California, LA Coliseum tells USC they can’t afford $60 million in renovations.  Since an NFL team is doom to die in LA, hopefully their other pro team can get at least get a new stadium. [LA Times]

*Now that Oregon has hit the map of NCAA violations, things are getting quite ridiculous in this corrupt organization.  My guess is at least three more programs will be revealed as violators before the offseason is through. [State Journal]

*USC is finally realizing that Pete Carroll has moved on.  He has moved on and so should you. [Conquest Chronicles]

*If the former Pac-10 members thought they were underexposed, imagine how Utah felt all those years.  [Salt Lake Tribune]

*Can UCLA pass the “Eye Test”?  Early prognosis says their fans might need glasses. [Bruins Nation]

*Mega-expansion was the rave all last summer.  I personally thought it would have been awesome. Could there still be a chance that the Pac-12 becomes the Pac-16? Probably not for a few years. [The Husky Haul]

UCLA Bruins Recruiting Round-up

Recent Commits

·         No recent commits

Trending on the Trail

Lacy Westbrook, OL, 6-5/300 (****):  The Bruins are making a real push for Westbrook and it could be paying off. 

Brent Vanderveen, QB, 6-5/203 (***): UCLA is the latest to get in the mix for this sleeper recruit; a possible appearance at the Bruin’s camp later his month could tip his true intent. 

Top Commits for 2012

·         Psalm Wooching, FB/OLB, 6-3/205 (***): recruited mainly as an ATH; UCLA offered him to play at LB/FB. 

·         Steven Lakalaka, RB, 5-11/205(***): great versatility; targeted to come in as a power back


***Check out how the rest of the Pac-12 is doing on the recruiting trail here.  

Power Ranking the Pac-12's Head Coaches

This year’s list of Pac-12 head coaches is a very similar read to last year’s.

While the names may seem the same, the overall presence and outlying atmosphere created by these coaches has certainly changed.

The Pac-10 faithful will be introduced to three new head coaches this season, two experiencing their first year at helm.  How these coaches react to this backyard dog fight called “Pac-12 Conference Play” should be quite interesting.

Let's take a look at where each coach lands in my Pac-12's Coaches Preseason Power Rankings.    

UCLA Football: Does Rick Neuheisel Have a Realistic Chance to Save His Job?

Almost everyone will agree that Rick Neuheisel's days in Westwood are numbered. This has to make you think, is there really anything that he can do to save his job?

There are, of course, certain extenuating events that could instantaneously take him off the hot seat, like going undefeated or making a BCS bowl.  However, no one in their right mind is predicting the Bruins to go that far.

When you think about it, with USC banned from post season play, the Pac-12 South title is really a reachable goal for every team in that division.  While Utah and Arizona State are receiving a ton of buzz this off-season to take the inaugural crown, they are hardly shoe-ins. Utah could definitely struggle in this much tougher conference and the Sun Devils are no strangers to falling short of their preseason hype.

Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.13.2011

*The NCAA has to be the most annoying thorn in Lane Kiffin's side, right now. But, I guess it's still better than dealing with Al Davis.  [Los Angeles Times]

*Pete Carroll threw in his two-cents about the USC and NCAA fiasco.  I’ll give you one guess which side he favors.   [Inside USC]

*Rich Neuheisel is obviously on a short leash this season and his offseason progress report just arrived with varied results.  The end is so close for Neuheisel you can taste it.  [Bruins Nation]

*Seems like this Cal fan cant get over the past.  USC still won the game.  I’d say it's time to move on.  [SF Examiner]

*Apparently Utah quarterbacks also make great linebackers.  [Desert News]     

*Speaking of the Utes, prices for tickets are up for next season.  Welcome to a BCS conference Utah.  [Salt Lake Tribune]

*Ducks Float. The entire Oregon team was named the grand marshal for Portland Rose Festival’s 2011 Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade.  [Register Guard]

Pac-12 Recruiting Roundup

Kevon Seymour could take his talents to Southern Cal

Welcome to the soap opera that sports fans like to call College Football Recruiting! 

For those that are not accustomed to the inner ways of college football recruiting, the easiest way to describe it would be teenage drama with a football twist. 

It is a process where senior high school football players are courted by the fairest hands of all the land like they are the next Peyton Manning.  These 18-year olds are then forced to choose a four-year path that could potentially make or break their football careers.

Think of it as picking a date to the prom, but then also having to marry her for the next four years. While there is always divorce (transferring schools), it comes with its price.

Since we are dealing with sometimes erratic teenagers, a school that they like one week may become fuax pas the next.  And, even after some players do make a commitment to one school, they have the audacity to change their minds before February rolls around.

It’s a fun roller coaster ride, but it can be hard to keep track of.  This round-up will do its best to give you the cliff notes version of this week’s Pac-12 recruiting rumblings.    

Pac-12 Breakfast Link: 06.09.2011

*EA Sports’ release of its NCAA Football team’s rating is almost becoming as important as Blue Ribbon or Phil Steele.  Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy [The Daily Drip]

*The evidence against Ohio State is sure piling up. If their punishment by the NCAA isn't heavier than the recent sanctions handed to USC, then the system will continue to be a running joke. Checks? Come on, Pryor, that's Busch League. [Yahoo] 

*Tom Dienhart poses an interesting question “Do Cal official want to christen a re-done stadium with a new coach in 2012?”  If Tedford cant right the ship, seems like an intriguing possibility. [Belling Hamherald]

* Members of the Oregon’s Alumni Association were “generously” offered tickets to the LSU game at Cowboys Stadium for the not-so low price of $105 per ticket. Jerry-Town doesn't maintain itself I guess.  [Register Guard]

*An aging writer compares the BYU-Utah rivalry to himself, saying that the Holy War will slowly lose its meaning.  Sounds like there might be a new job open at his paper. [Desert News] 

*The campuses of Arizona State, Stanford, and UCLA better be prepared for a stampeded.  Colorado likes to plan parties on the road, so watch out for the roaming Buffaloes.  [Daily Camera]

*What if college football's conferences hit the shuffle button? SB Nation embarks on an interesting project doing just that. [House of Sparky]

Daily Breakfast Links: 06.01.2011

*Oregon State lured the only female NFL fitness trainer back to Corvalis.  Congrats on the new position Ariko Iso [Post Gazette]

*Athlon Sports released its first Pac-12 magazine for next season, publishing a different cover for each region of the conference.  Eleven teams made the cut.  Guess which inept team apparently didn’t deserve a cover spot.  [WSU Football Blog]

*Jake Rodrigues gained a ton of love over the past few months from the Pac-12 after an impressive Nike camp.  However, after a trip to Eugene over the long weekend, it appears that his mind is made up.  [Examiner]

*UCLA fans, tell us how you really feel about USC’s failed sanctions appeal [Bruins Nation]

*Former Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf underwent brain surgery over the weekend to remove a brain tumor.  Here’s to a speedy recovery! [Great Falls Tribune]

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.24.2011

*Like a nerdy teenager right before prom, UCLA is desperately hoping that they finally “Get Some!” in 2011. But, come one, what are the Bruins' real chances of making any serious waves this season.  These OC boys seem to have faith. [OC Register]

*Two weeks ago, Colorado secured one of the top 2012 quarterback recruits in Shane Dillon. The potential that Dillon brings to the Buffaloes’ future in the Pac-12 is quite interesting.  His high football coach seems to love him, but then again, don’t they all. [Rivals]

*Man Down! Arizona’s junior devensive tackle Willie Mobley suffered an ACL tear playing basketball at the student rec center.  Strangely enough, Mobley is fourth player to go down with an ACL injury for the Wildcats this spring.  [Tucson Citizen]

*A Stanford blogger tells a Cal blogger the “inside scoop” about the Cardinal for 2011.  Seems incestuous.  [California Golden Blogs]

*Ever wanted to see and hear what a QB does when he is in the pocket at game speed?  Then you have to check this out. At Washington’s spring game, Keith Price and Nate Montana wore cameras on their helmets.  It’s pretty sick! [Seattle PI]

Ranking the Pac-12’s Top Defensive Backs

Whether it is making a touchdown saving tackle or swatting down a threatening pass downfield, defensive backs are the lifeline for any defense.

The corps of DBs in the Pac-12 is definitely no exception, and this group of ball hawks are more than capable of changing the makeup of any game in a heartbeat.

Let’s take a peek at which defensive backs rank at the top of the Pac-12 for next season. 

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.18.2011

*First off, Congratulations to the Pac-10 inductees recently named to the College Football Hall of Fame.  Bill Enyart (Oregon State 1966-68) was a little before my time, but Rob Waldrop and Arizona’s Desert Swarm defense was some of my first memories of college football. Hats off to the entire 2011 class. [Orlando Sentinel]

*UCLA continues to dig into the junior college ranks to band-aid the holes on its offensive line.  Citrus College’s Albert Cid will be the latest to make the leap (as long as he passes his classes).  With the uncertainty still swirling around the starting quarterback role, the eventual winner will need these fresh faces to provide as much time as possible back there.  [Los Angeles Times]

*Although several offers from Pac-12 schools are on the table for three-star OL recruit Matt Cochrane, he seems to be waiting to get one from Stanford.  In a year where top tier OL are a plenty, the Cardinal apparently want to make sure they know what they are getting before they solidify a deal. [Scout]

*It seems like more and more people like Arizona State to either take the South Division or make a trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game by default (Thanks USC).  With more hype comes more television coverage (and scrutiny).  Arizona State already has several nationally televised games, but, there could be a few more broadcasting possibilities depending on how their season pans out. [House of Sparky] 

*USC is the favorite in my mind to win the South Division, but they won’t be able to do it looking like they did last season.  There are several must do’s on Lane Kiffin’s list in order to have a successful season.  But will he be able to check them off before the start of the season? [Bleacher Report]

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.17.2011

*Like the Jeffersons, Utah’s moving on up. However, with new neighbors comes a new lifestyle. The Utes need to start sprucing up its sports programs to portray their new status. No one likes the neighbor that doesn’t keep up outward appearances. [Salt Lake Tribune]

*Speaking of changing neighborhoods, Colorado played in its last Big 12 event last weekend, also saying good-bye to the old and hello to the new.  It’s amazing how much history the Buffaloes made with the Conference in only 15 years.   Take some time to reflect, Buffaloes fans. [Denver Post]

*With the addition these teams, the chances of catching a few Pac-12 cupcake games definitely increases just a smidgen.  Colorado has been known for setting difficult non-conference schedules in the past, but Utah is in a completely different boat this season.  Check out this breakdown of each teams’ non-conference schedule with various interesting schedule stats.  [Sporting News]

*Five-star safety recruit Shaq Thompson may be nursing a foot injury, but that didn’t stop him for wowing onlookers at the Nike Camp in Palo Alto.  Thompson’s de-committed from Cal earlier this spring, but claims they are still No. 1 on his list.  Washington, UCLA, and USC are circling Thompson as he decides. [Rivals, YouTube]

*The Oregon vs. LSU matchup on opening weekend is a huge carrot pulling the horse throughout the rest of this offseason.  It is going to be hard to pick an outright winner in that game.  My pick seems to change depending on the hour.  [Autzen Zoo]

  

Ranking the Pac-12’s Top Running Backs

Although the Pac-12 is looked upon by many as a “pass happy” conference, the talent laced at running back out west cannot be denied.

The nation’s No. 1 rusher from last season was a member of the Pac-10 and that fleet-footed runner returns to dazzle us with another spectacular season.

While LaMichael James will undoubtedly fall as No.1 on most people’s running backs list, there are several other great names in the Pac-12 that could steal the spotlight. 

Let’s take a look at the Top Running Backs in the Pac-12.

Ranking the Top Linebackers of the Conference

With the season creeping closer following each turning day, it is never too early to start ranking the players from the most intriguing conference in college football (at least to me!). 

Linebackers kick off my series of “The Pac-12’s Top 10 by position”.

Watching these linebackers patrol the line like a hungry velociraptors can send shivers directly to your soul.  It’s shame we have to wait so long to see these beast in action.

Let’s check out the list.   

Breakfast Links: 05.11.2011

*Get ready to mark your calendars. ESPN announced 16 Pac-12 Football telecasts in 2011. There are definitely some great conference and non-conference matchups in the batch.  USC tops all teams with six featured games this season [ESPN]

*Rivals.com listed five burning questions facing each conference this season. Their cracked staff throws in their two cents about Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah.  Not a really exciting read, but good for those in need of a refresher. [Rivals]

*Oregon State’s AD Bob De Carolis signs a five-year contract worth $490K a year.  The Beavers have moved steadily under his command atop the chain and he should continue to shine.  In 2010, De Carolis was named Football Bowl Subdivision West Region Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year by his peers.  [Gazzete Times]

*USC could don black helmets in a game or two, next season.  I gotta say, they look pretty sharp [Inside USC]

*Oregon doubled its 2012 recruiting total over night, receiving commitments from brothers Eric and Stephen Amoako.  The twins (surprisingly?) play safety, are listed at 5’11”, 195 pounds, and were ranked as 3-star prospects by Scout.com.  Identical twins kinda freak me out.  Just in case you were wondering. [Sporting News]

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 Breakfast Links: 05.08.2011

*Arizona lands three-star recruit offensive lineman Beau Boyster.  Nothing screams exciting like an OL signing. [Arizona Daily Star, You Tube]

*According to a “source that has no authority to talk on the subject matter”(whatever that means), highly sought-after tight end Morrell Presely and fifth-year senior cornerback Courtney Viney will transfer out of UCLA.  Not sure if people need authority to talk about players that never see the field.  [Los Angeles Times]

*College Basketball play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson is expected to join FOX to call Pac-12 Football games.  Although he lost out to Brad Nessler for the NFL Network job, he should be a shoe-in for this position.  [Examiner.com]

*Four-star prospect linebacker Michael Barton commits to Cal, adding to a pile of East Bay recruits in the Bears' arsenal.  The De La Salle standout also received offers from Arizona State, Colorado, LSU, Oregon State, SMU, UCLA, Washington and Washington State. [Contra Costa Times, You Tube]

*It is no surprise that UCLA is having troubles figuring out which quarterback to go with next season.  It IS a surprise OC Mike Johnson still hopes that he is going to find “consistency, decision-making, and leadership” in one of his three candidates.  If these skills haven’t reared its head yet, he could be looking for a long time. [OC Register] 

Pac-12 Football Breakfast Links: 05.06.2011

*Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso is suspended for a second straight season after his arrest on burglary and trespassing chargers. Perhaps Chip Kelly should cut his losses. This recruit from Los Gatos isn't going pan out as he expected. [Seattle Times]

*Speaking of the Seattle Times, Bob Condotta reminded us that the Pac-12 Bowl schedule pretty much blows.   Thanks Bob for ruining my Friday.  [Seattle Times]

*Colorado Coach Jon Embree talks about DE Forrest West's departure without really saying anything at all about what actually happened.  Great job coach.  [Denver Post]

* Steven Threet's decision to retire after a gnarly concussion last year could not have been easy.  He was a promising player and it just plain sucks that we wont get a chance to see him next year. [AZCentral.com]

*With its first real conference schedule staring them square in the face,  Utah's yearly rivalry game with BYU seems to be losing a bit of its luster.  Wait, did it have that much to begin with?  [Salt Lake Tribune]

Pac-12 Football: UCLA Bruins Spring Game Report Card

Spring Game Type:  80-Play Scrimmage

Final Score: N/A

UCLA’s spring practices did not significantly answer any of the questions that still linger from last year.  Their offense seems to still be in transition and the defense will need to carry the Bruins in 2011.

Offense:

The biggest concern revolving UCLA this spring (and it seems like every spring) is which quarterback will finally step up as the Bruins offensive leader.

With Kevin Prince sidelined this offseason, Coach Rick Neuheisel’s silent hopes that talent would miraculously emerge from his depth chart went unfulfilled.   Although Brett Hundley and Richard Brehaut each threw a touchdown pass, neither quarterback was that accurate or looked ready for real playing time.

Unfortunately for UCLA, new OC Mike Johnson seems to be abandoning the running game, which is a shame with the budding John Franklin waiting to prove his worth.

Grade: C-

Defense:

UCLA defense dropped from 27th in scoring defense in 2009 (21.2 p/g) to 85^th in the NCAA last year (30.3 p/g).  While this unexpected showing of futility shocked many, the Bruins are determined to prove it was a one year hiccup.

With eight returning starters from last year, UCLA’s defense is already showing vast improvements this spring.

Sophomore linebacker Jordan Zumwalt led the charge for the Bruins defense in the spring game, snatching five tackles and one sack.

Junior cornerback Andrew Abbott also created various frenzies throughout the day, collecting four tackles, one tackle for a loss, and two pass break ups. 

Grade: B 

Pac-12 College Football: Quarterback Spring Report Card

The success of most teams lie solely in the hands of the player taking the snaps.

While an excellent defense can certainly take teams to the glory land, the quarterback is the one player than can completely change the makeup of a team. 

The Pac-10 produced several outstanding quarterbacks during its existence and things should not be any different with the addition of Colorado and Utah.

With Andrew Luck returning for another season and several other gunslingers looking to make their mark in 2011, the quarterbacks of the Pac-12 will be as dangerous as ever.

Let’s hand out grades to the possible starting quarterback of the Pac-12.    

Andrew Luck, Stanford

Stanford fans should send the Carolina Panthers a Thank You note for helping Andrew Luck to decide to stay another year. 

Luck’s success last season was fun to watch and it is great that college football fans get to ride the experience one more time.

As a red shirt sophomore, Luck dazzled the nation.  Not only did he lead the Pac-10 in yards (3,332), completion percentage (70.7), and touchdowns (32), but he helped Stanford to its largest single season win total (12) and marched the Cardinal to its first ever BCS bowl victory.    

Although Stanford losses a chunk of his stout offensive line, Luck’s unbelievable talent should shine the brightest in the Pac-12.

Grade: A+

Darron Thomas, Oregon

Darron Thomas dazzled the Pac-10 last season, ranking 11th in the nation with 30 passing touchdowns and coming just shy of a National Championship.

Thomas’s explosive dual-threat ability makes him a dangerous weapon again in 2011.  Add LeMichael James to the equation and Thomas is primed for another outstanding season.

Grade: A

Matt Barkley, USC
Matt Barkley showed extreme improvement in his sophomore campaign, ranking third in the Pac-10 in passing touchdown (26), yards per game (232.6), and completion percentage (62.6).

USC’s offense will be fun to watch in 2011 with Barkley hounding the calls to his troops.  His talent is quickly falling in line with the many other successful USC quarterbacks. 

Grade: A

Nick Foles, Arizona

Despite his horrendous performance in the Alamo Bowl, Nick Foles should flash several signs of brilliance throughout his senior season. 

Foles seems to be on track early. He sparkled in Arizona’s spring game, connecting on 11 of 16 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. 

Grade: B+

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

Steven Threet’s unexpected departure from the sport due to post-concussion symptoms opened the gates wide open for Brock Osweiler to retake the starting job in 2011.

Oswieler didn’t waste any time getting the fans back on his side either.  In Arizona State’s spring game, he hammered home five touchdowns and collected 237 yards on 22 attempts.

If Arizona State wants to be a serious South Division title contender this season, they will need Oswieler to become one of the top passers in a conference with a gaggle of golden arms.

Grade: B+

Zach Maynard, California

With the departure of Kevin Riley, the Bears’ list of possible successors is widely uncertain. 

While the competition between Zach Maynard, Allen Bridgford, and Brock Mansion will stay tight throughout the summer, the money of most people around the Bay Area is on Maynard. 

Maynard has had an impressive spring, and with a new quarterback coach guiding him, this could be a surprising weapon in Jeff Tedford's shed.

Grade:  B-

Jordan Wynn, Utah

Shoulder surgery has sidelined Jordon Wynn this offseason.  After a stagnant spring game without him, it appears that Utah definitely needs Wynn to make a full recovery in order to stay competitive in the much deeper Pac-12.

Wynn threw 17 touchdowns and 2,334 yards in the WAC last year.  With the increase of talented defenses slated for this season, it might be difficult for him to improve on these numbers. 

Grade: B-

Keith Price, Washington

Although Keith Price will have to fight off the son of a quarterback legend to be Washington’s starting quarterback, he definitely made a convincing case of his worthiness in this spring.  In the annual game, he aired out three passing touchdowns and used his mobility to collect another one on the ground.  

Nick Montana also showed off signs of promise in the game, making sure this stays a competition until the end.

However, Steve Sarkisian contends that the quarterback position will be a group effort between the two to start off the season.   

Grade: B-

Tyler Hansen, Colorado

Tyler Hansen dazzled onlookers in Colorado’s spring game, looking very fluent in Jon Embree’s new offense.

This was Colorado’s first glimpse of the senior since he was knocked out for the season in late October, and he certainly provided fans with a glimmer of hope. 

Unless something dramatic occurs from now until August, expect to see Hansen calling signals at least to start off the season.     

Grade: C+

Jeff Tuel, Washington State

In an off-season that Coach Paul Wulff is calling the best he has seen since he took over in 2008, Jeff Tuel will be the key to truly changing the tide for Washington State.

Tuel looked sharp in the Cougar’s spring game, connecting on 11 of 16 passes with a touchdown.  His continued consistency this spring has given him a decent edge over junior Marshall Lobbestael, making him a favorite to start on opening day.

Last year, Tuel ranked fourth in the Pac-10 in passing yards per game (231.7), but threw the second most interceptions (12).

Grade: C+

Ryan Katz, Oregon State

Wrist surgery in January is keeping Ryan Katz from seeing that much field time this spring.

Katz experienced a turbulent season in 2010 and things will not get any easier this year with Jacquizz Rodgers making the leap to the pros. 

While Oregon State searches for an identity, Katz will be an easy scapegoat if things go awry fast.

Grade: C

Kevin Prince, UCLA

UCLA’s problems at quarterback have yet to be answered and expect this trend to continue through the fall.

As the incumbent, Kevin Prince has a slight edge in the starting quarterback race. However, Rick Neuheisel insists that he has not been impressed by any of the candidates and that the competition is wide open.

Although Prince is still recovering from a knee injury, expect him to rise to the top by the time opening day comes around.    

Grade: C-