Not much longer now before the college football 2010 season starts for real. Until then we will continue our football previews and today we look at the 2010 PAC 10 Football odds, preview, and predictions. This conference might be the most wide open of any of the BCS conferences and the odds will reflect that. Make sure you continue to check back as we will break down every conference in College Football and every team in the NFL.
Oregon Ducks (+250): 2009 record 10-3
The value is just not their as the Ducks lost starting QB in Masoli. Plus the defense was supposed to be the strength of this team but remember the Rose Bowl as an average OSU offense looked very good. James at RB had a great 2009 and might be asked to do even more early as they try and establish a new QB. A touch schedule on the road within the conference as they must play USC and Oregon State on the road.
Oregon State Beavers (+250): 2009 record 8-5
Last year maybe the game of the year in the conference came between Oregon and Oregon state with the Rose Bowl on the line. Expect possibly the same this year as they square off last game of year but this time Oregon State gets them at home. Maybe the two best offensive players return with the Rodgers brothers. But the offense has not been the problem in recent years its been the below average defense. Look for more of the same a very good offense that keeps them in most games but the defense will cost them the PAC 10 championship. Out of conference they play both TCU and Boise both look like losses. In conference pretty easy schedule as they get Oregon and USC at home. No way can play them to win the conference as their defense is still bad.
UCLA Bruins (+400): 2009 record 7-6
The great comeback of this program has been pointed to the 2010 season. Norm Chow has big things planned for Prince and the offense this year. They will have to be much more consistent but the offensive line is still below average. Defensively the Bruins had really good games but the offense put them in really bad places with turnovers. Look for the defense to carry this team and lead them to at least 8 wins this year. Really tough schedule as they play at Oregon and Washington which will be their two toughest conference road games. This offense has to be much better but like the value here and think they have a chance to win the PAC 10 this year.
Washington Huskies (+450): 2009 record 5-7
An early season Heisman candidate Locker has big goals for 2010. Last season the offense was much improved and they will be a top offense in the PAC 10. That was not the problem in 2009, it was squarely on the defense. Usually like a bunch of returning starters on defense but as bad as they were think its an advantage as the recruits coming in are better than the losses. As the season progresses this team could improve a ton and the offense will keep them in almost every game. Schedule is tough out of conference but in conference only one game they will struggle in, the game at Oregon. Love the value here as Locker is the real deal.
Stanford Cardinals (+500): 2009 record 8-5
Offensively we see Luck turn this team to a very good passing team but the loss of Gearhart will cost them the balance they had in '09. Defense might as well stayed on the sideline last year as teams just marched up and down the field. This team just is one dimensional as the defense is really bad. No way you can bet this team to win the conference but could see this team beat one of the top teams.
Arizona Wildcats (+550): 2009 record 8-5
With three weeks last year this team looked like they were going to win the PAC 10 but they did not finish strong. Losses of both the coordinators could really hurt this team early in the season. Still a team that lack the offensive explosion to compete a top level of the PAC 10. Defense has been Stoops calling card and think this defense will have to carry this team if they are going to do anything in 2010. This team looks like an 8 win team again and just don't have enough to get it done.
California (+750): 2009 record 8-5
Looks like carbon copy of the Stanford team, a very good offense but a pitiful defense. With Best gone at RB the pressure will be on an average passing game and think that will spell a ton of turnovers for this offense. This team will be below .500 in the league even with an easy road schedule.
Arizona State (+900): 2009 record 4-8
Erickson is on the hot seat with a very disappointing 2009. This team has a below average defense and the offense has more questions than answers. These odds might as well be a million to one no way they can get it done in 2010!
Washington State Cougars (+2000): 2009 Record 1-11
Not going to waste our time its possible this team goes another year without winning a conference game.
USC Trojans: 2009 record 9-4
This team can't win conference but can really stop others from winning. This team is a talented team but depth is an issue. Home games against Oregon and Washington might go a long way to which team wins this conference. This team could be a good team to bet on weekly but its too early to tell.
To me this conference is much more wide open than ever before thus have to lean toward UCLA and Washington at a good price. If had to pick one Washington would be the pick with the more proven Locker at QB.
