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2014 College Football Preview: Pac-12
By: Steve Bennett - StatFox
Published: 8/15/2014  at  4:34:00 AM
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To get you prepared for the upcoming college football season, we continue our run of all FBS conference previews over the next several weeks. For complete coverage, download your copy of the 2014 StatFox Edge Football Preview. Next up is the Pac-12, which remained intact from last season.

Here is the BetDSI Sportsbook breakdown of odds for the first week of the college football season:

Odds to Win Pac-12

(For the latest Odds, connect to Sportsbook.ag)
77-to-100: Oregon
11-to-4: UCLA
19-to-4: USC
15-to-1: Stanford
15-to-1: Washington
18-to-1: Arizona State
33-to-1: Arizona
55-to-1: Utah
65-to-1: Oregon State
225-to-1: California
225-to-1: Washington State
225-to-1: Colorado

OREGON DUCKS


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-2 (7-2 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 8-5 (62%)
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 45.5 PPG (4th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 20.5 PPG (13th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 15/2

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 9
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
After a knee injury derailed his Heisman candidacy, QB Marcus Mariota (3,665 pass yds, 31 TD, 4 INT; 715 rush yds, 9 TD) should contend for the trophy. The O-Line returns intact, and the backfield is stacked with talent at tailback. RB Byron Marshall (1,038 rush yds, 14 TD) is the team’s leading rusher, but sophomore RB Thomas Tyner (711 rush yds, 9 TD) is a potential superstar. The one weakness this unit has is at receiver, where Bralon Addison’s spring knee injury means they’ve lost their top four receivers from last year. New defensive coordinator Don Pellum has made it a point to get stronger. Oregon has one of the nation’s best defensive backs in CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (84 tackles, 3 INT) and returns both starting ILBs Derrick Malone (105 tackles) and Rodney Hardrick (64 tackles). The more physical approach could be key in avoiding a third straight loss to Stanford.

UCLA BRUINS


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-3 (6-3 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 9-4 (69%)
Over/Under: 6-7
Points Scored: 36.9 PPG (20th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 23.2 PPG (35th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 14/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 8
Defense: Starters Returning: 8
QB Brett Hundley (66.8% comp., 3,071 pass yds, 24 TD, 9 INT; 748 rush yds, 11 TD) passed on the NFL for a chance to win the Heisman and a national title. The Bruins spread the wealth among their many weapons, with WRs Devin Fuller (471 rec yds, 4 TD) and Thomas Duarte (214 rec yds) as Hundley’s top targets. RB Jordon James (534 rush yds, 5 TD) is ready for a bigger role behind a big offensive line. The defense made major strides over the past two seasons, allowing 23.2 PPG last year after giving up 31.4 PPG two seasons ago. And while UCLA will have to replace its best player, OLB Anthony Barr, the club has the talent to be even better. LB Myles Jack (76 tackles, 7 rush TD), a two-way star last season, will focus full time on defense. And they have rising stars in DT Kenny Clark (4 TFL) and CB Fabian Moreau (52 tackles, 4 PD).

Here is the BetDSI Sportsbook 2014 season preview for UCLA:

USC TROJANS


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-4 (6-3 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 7-7 (50%)
Over/Under: 5-9
Points Scored: 29.4 PPG (64th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 13.2 PPG (3rd in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 28/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Starters Returning: 8
New Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian, a former Trojans assistant under Pete Carroll, brings a more up-tempo offense than what the Trojans have run and will take over play-calling duties. Second-year starting QB Cody Kessler (65.4% comp., 8.2 YPA, 2,968 yds, 20 TD, 7 INT) is up for the challenge after a solid 2013. While they’ll miss Marqise Lee, WR Nelson Agholor (918 rec yds, 6 TD) is a budding star as Kessler’s top target, and they have a deep stable of tailbacks led by RB Javorius Allen (785 rush yds, 14 TD). The offensive line will have some new faces to work in, especially with C Marcus Martin moving on to the NFL, but should hold up just fine. The defense is shaping up to be elite, with eight starters returning and stars lining up at every level. DE Leonard Williams (6 sacks, 13.5 TFL), LB Hayes Pullard (94 tackles), CB Josh Shaw (67 tackles, 4 INT) and S Su’a Cravens (4 INT) are potential All-Americans.

STANFORD CARDINAL


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-3 (8-2 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 7-7 (50%)
Over/Under: 6-8
Points Scored: 32.3 PPG (45th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 19.0 PPG (10th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 65/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 5
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
It’s going to be more of the same from Stanford, power running and strong defense. QB Kevin Hogan (8.9 YPA, 20 TD, 10 INT) took a step forward as a playmaker last year and sits at 16-3 as a starter, including 10-1 against ranked teams. He has the weapons with big-bodied WR Ty Montgomery (958 rec yds, 10 TD) and deep-threat WRs Devon Cajuste (642 rec yds, 22.9 avg) and Michael Rector (431 rec yds, 30.8 avg). RB Tyler Gaffney and four starting linemen are gone, but the talent is there even if Stanford turns to a committee at tailback. Despite the loss of Shayne Skov and Trent Murphy among others, new DC Lance Anderson has plenty of talent to work with. A healthy DE Henry Anderson (3 sacks) and NT David Parry (5 TFL) are a handful on the defensive line, while the secondary returns both starting corners and an All-America candidate in S Jordan Richards (68 tackles, 3 INT).

WASHINGTON HUSKIES


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-4 (5-4 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 7-6 (54%)
Over/Under: 6-7
Points Scored: 37.9 PPG (18th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 22.8 PPG (T-29th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 85/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Starters Returning: 5
New Head Coach: Chris Petersen
Ex-Boise coach Chris Petersen will have a new quarterback under center. QB Cyler Miles (6.9 YPA, 4 TD, 2 INT) is the favorite, but he missed all of spring practice after an arrest during a Seahawks Super Bowl celebration (no criminal charges were filed). Bruising RB Dwayne Washington (332 rush yds, 7.1 YPC) figures to step in for departed Bishop Sankey and runs behind an established O-Line. WR Kasen Williams (421 rec yds) is working his way back from a leg injury, and WR Demore’ea Stringfellow (259 rec yds) remains suspended from the Super Bowl incident, leaving little depth behind top WR Jaydon Mickens (688 rec yds, 5 TD). The defense is more settled, with DE Hau’oli Kikaha (13 sacks, 3 FF) and 330-pound DT Danny Shelton (59 tackles) anchoring the front four and hybrid DB/LB Shaq Thompson (78 total tackles) patrolling the middle of the field. But this is a very green secondary.

ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-4 (8-2 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 7-7 (50%)
Over/Under: 9-5
Points Scored: 39.7 PPG (10th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 26.6 PPG (T-64th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 120/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Starters Returning: 2
Todd Graham and the Sun Devils have a backfield loaded with talent, led by QB Taylor Kelly (3,635 pass yds, 28 TD, 12 INT; 608 rush yds, 9 TD) and big WR Jaelen Strong (1,122 rec yds, 7 TD). They lost leading rusher Marion Grice, but RB D.J. Foster (501 rush yds, 653 rec yds, 10 total TD) is more than capable of filling the lead back role. The arrival of Auburn transfer Christian Westerman, a likely immediate starter at guard, helps make up for the loss of two O-Line starters. The defense may not hold up its end of the bargain after losing nine starters, including stars Will Sutton and Carl Bradford. ASU will be relying on an influx of freshman and JUCO players battling it out this fall. S Damarious Randall (71 tackles, 2 FF) anchors a secondary that lost both starting corners, while LB Salamo Fiso (71 tackles, 3 sacks) and freshman D.J. Calhoun will try to hold the linebacking corps together.

ARIZONA WILDCATS


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (4-5 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 6-6-1 (50%)
Over/Under: 5-8
Points Scored: 33.5 PPG (36th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 24.2 PPG (39th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 120/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
Rich Rodriguez will have his third quarterback in three years since coming to Arizona: USC transfer Jesse Scroggins or redshirt freshman Anu Solomon. The team will get top WR Austin Hill (1,364 rec yds, 11 TD in 2012) back after he missed all of 2013 with a knee injury, but must replace All-American RB Ka’Deem Carey. Each of the top competitors for that job—RBs Zach Green, Nick Wilson and Jonathan Haden—has yet to log a carry. They’ll get help from a veteran O-Line that features three-year starting OTs Mickey Baucus and Fabbians Ebbele. After improving to 24.2 PPG allowed (35.3 PPG in 2012), the defense could take a step back. They have little on the defensive line and will be led by sophomore LB Scooby Wright (83 tackles, 9 TFL). The secondary is solid, with veteran starters CB Jonathan McKnight (8 PD), S Jared Tevis (83 tackles, 3 FF) and hybrid Tra’Mayne Bondurant (4 INT).

UTAH UTES


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (2-7 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 6-6 (50%)
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 29.2 PPG (66th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 28.0 PPG (73rd in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 1,000/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Starters Returning: 5
The career of QB Travis Wilson (7.7 YPA, 16 TD, 16 INT) seemed to be over when he was diagnosed with a condition that leaves him prone to head injuries. But he was cleared to play in the spring and could reclaim his starting job over Oklahoma transfer Kendal Thompson (4-for-13, 64 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT). The winner will operate new OC Dave Christensen’s up-tempo spread offense. WR Dres Anderson (1,002 rec yds, 7 TD) emerged as a go-to receiver last year, and the Utes get back 6-foot-3 WR Kenneth Scott (360 rec yds in 2012), who missed 2013 with an ankle injury. Utah’s pass rush was excellent last year, but lost Trevor Reilly (graduation) and Jacoby Hale (injury) who combined for 15 sacks. DE Nate Orchard (3.5 sacks, 3 FF) and, if healthy, Hale (6.5 sacks) would form a solid pass-rushing combo. S Brian Blechen (8 INT career) comes back from a knee injury to lead a solid secondary.

OREGON STATE BEAVERS


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-5 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 7-6 (54%)
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 34.8 PPG (29th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 31.4 PPG (91st in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 1,000/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 8
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
The Beavers will rely on QB Sean Mannion (66.3% comp., 4,662 pass yds, 37 TD, 15 INT) to carry the offense, but their star quarterback will have to do it without top receiver Brandin Cooks, who averaged 133.1 yards per game with 18 TD last year. After WR Richard Mullaney (788 rec yds, 3 TD) and TE Connor Hamlett (364 rec yds, 5 TD), they are thin in terms of passing weapons. Oregon State’s running game was largely non-existent last year, and it lost three starters on an offensive line that will pave the way for RBs Storm Woods (477 rush yds, 6 TD) and Terron Ward (521 rush yds, 5 TD). Defensively, OSU brings back a solid secondary, including All-Pac-12 candidates in S Ryan Murphy (74 tackles, 3 INT) and CB Steven Nelson (6 INT). LB Jabral Johnson (94 tackles) leads a quality linebacking corps, but generating a pass rush will be an issue after DE Scott Crichton left for the NFL.

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 1-11 (0-9 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 2-10 (17%)
Over/Under: 5-6-1
Points Scored: 23.0 PPG (97th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 45.9 PPG (124th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 100/1 (Field)

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 8
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
The good news is that there’s nowhere to go but up for Sonny Dykes’ program after a disastrous first season in which they went winless against FBS opponents. QB Jared Goff (60.3% comp., 3,508 yards, 18 TD, 10 INT) returns from a shoulder injury to run the up-tempo offense. The bulk of the offensive line returns with more experience, which is good news for an anemic running game. RBs Khalfani Muhammad (445 rush yds, 6.0 YPC) and Daniel Lasco (317 rush yds) showed flashes last year. The defense can only get better after an injury-filled year that saw them allow a program-worst 45.9 PPG. New defensive coordinator Art Kaufman will simplify the system and blitz more often to make up for their shortcomings. He gets former top recruits DE Brennan Scarlett and DT Mustafa Jalil back from injury, plus starting safeties Avery Sebastian and Stefan McClure back from injuries.

WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (4-5 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 9-4 (69%)
Over/Under: 7-5-1
Points Scored: 31.0 PPG (52nd in FBS)
Points Allowed: 32.5 PPG (97th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 1,000/1

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 8
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense is taking hold in Pullman. QB Connor Halliday (62.9% comp., 4,597 pass yds, 34 TD, 22 INT) showed steady development last year, increasing his completion percentage by 10 points and throwing 16 TD with only 5 INT over his final five games. He’ll once against be among the FBS leaders in pass attempts, and has a couple of potential stars in WRs Gabe Marks (807 rec yds, 7 TD) and River Cracraft (614 rec yds). The loss of three starters on the offensive line is a concern. The defense is still a work in progress, and was usually under heavy pressure due to the offense’s quick possessions and turnovers. The Cougars D gave up 32.5 PPG last year, but also forced 30 turnovers. DT Xavier Cooper (5 sacks, 13.5 TFL) anchors a solid D-Line, but the secondary will sorely miss S Deone Bucannon.

COLORADO BUFFALOES


2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (1-8 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 7-5 (58%)
Over/Under: 7-4
Points Scored: 25.4 PPG (87th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 38.3 PPG (114th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 100/1 (Field)

2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Starters Returning: 8
Even with top weapon Paul Richardson heading to the NFL, sophomore QB Sefo Liufau (7.1 YPA, 12 TD, 8 INT) leads what should be an improving offense. RB Michael Adkins II (535 rush yds, 6 TD) should push for a bigger role after a solid freshman year, giving the Buffs speed to combine with big RB Christian Powell (562 rush yds) behind a developing offensive line. Finding receiver depth beyond WR Nelson Spruce (650 rec yds, 4 TD) will be a challenge though. The defense is still looking for answers after allowing 44.2 PPG in Pac-12 games last year. There is some young talent that could step up. LB Addison Gillam (107 tackles) was the team’s leading tackler as a true freshman and has the speed and athleticism to make all-conference. DT Samson Kafovalu (3 sacks) is solid in the middle of the line, and their secondary should improve due to the raw athleticism among their corners.

All 2014 College Football Previews:

American Athletic Conference
Conference USA
MAC
Mountain West
Sun Belt
ACC
Big 12
Big Ten
Pac-12
SEC - August 20
Independents - August 22

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