Whereas some NCAA Division-1 football conferences have a very clear picture for 2010, the Pac-10 makes for some very intriguing betting for several reasons. For one, we have several exciting offenses that like to play in shootouts. Secondly, almost every team in the conference feels it has a shot at winning the whole thing.
Lastly, a scandal could jeopardize one top contender’s eligibility.
The big school in question, of course, is USC. It has no listed odds because of a recruiting scandal involving Reggie Bush that has left the Trojans banned from postseason play and bowl games for two years.
Despite the punishment, we have to discuss USC because it could play the role of spectacular spoiler and post the conference’s top record this season. The Trojans’ phenomenal front seven, which led them to the nation’s top scoring defense last year, all return for 2010. USC’s offense is decent but unspectacular.
But enough about the ineligible. The Pac-10’s top odds go to Oregon and Oregon State, both of which have +250 odds to win the conference.
The exciting Oregon Ducks have to soldier on without star quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who is suspended for the season. However, Oregon still has options behind center with guys like senior Nate Costa on board. The Ducks’ entire offensive line returns, as do several other key playmakers, and they probably have the conference’s fastest defense (even if it’s a bit undersized).
Oregon State will intrigue many bettors because they have a dynamic running and pass-catching threat out of the backfield in Jacquizz Rodgers. His brother James is a solid receiver too, but is sophomore quarterback Ryan Katz good enough to lead this team to the Pac-10 title? The Beavers’ defense is in a similar boat in that it relies too heavily on one star – in this case, defensive tackle Stephen Paea.
UCLA (+350) hopes to make a move in 2010. The Bruins’ offense struggled in 2009 but co-ordinator Norm Chow believes it can improve on last year’s anemic showing with new recruits like Malcolm Jones and Jordon James taking handoffs. The Bruins’ schedule could really hurt them, though; I can’t help but think +350 isn’t nearly enough value.
Washington (+500) may be a better bet than UCLA. Quarterback Jake Locker is viewed as a legit NFL prospect and he’s joined by strong offensive weapons like running back Chris Polk, who ran for 1,100-plus yards last year, plus wideout Jermaine Kearse. The defense could be a liability again, however; it allowed 26.7 points per game last season and returns only six starters.
What about Arizona (+500)? The Wildcats are yet another Pac-10 team with good scoring potential, as quarterback Nick Foles and tailback Nate Grigsby are back. The “D” returns good pass rushers like Brooks Reed and Rick Elmore, who combined for 19 sacks last season, but loses seven starters from last year’ group.
The Pac-10 has so many teams in similar situations that it’s tough to make a pick. USC would be the class of the conference but they can’t factor in to the betting. I like the dynamic Oregon Ducks to get it done this season. They can score with everyone else in the Pac-10, even without Masoli, and their speedy “D” could be superior to the competition. If the Beavers had a steadier quarterback, they’d be the pick.