Arizona St
2006 Record- 7-6
2006 ATS Record- 7-5
Offense: 9 Returning Starters
New coach Dennis Erickson’s main focus will be getting QB Rudy Carpenter back on track after a dismal sophomore campaign. There are enough playmakers around him, so if Rudy gets back to where he was as a freshman; look out.
Defense: 5 Returning Starters
The defense has been just average for the last few years and should continue to be the downfall of this ASU program. The run defense is decent; however it is the passing D that gets the Sun Devils in trouble. Attempting to limit big pass plays is the main focus.
Schedule:
It is a possibility ASU might start the season 7-0. It’s also a possibility they will end 0-5. Winning the games it should, will be good enough for another bowl berth.
2007 Predicted Record: 7-5 (4-5)
Washington St
2006 Record- 6-6
2006 ATS Record- 6-6
Offense: 7 Returning Starters
Alex Brink is a very good QB and has the weapons around him to put up points against some of the big boys of the conference. He has to get protection from his O-line however, if they are to be successful.
Defense: 5 Returning Starters
The front seven is very good against the run and should be the case again this year. After losing three starters in the secondary though, WSU seems very vulnerable against the pass.
Schedule:
Overall, the schedule is pretty tough. Road games at Wisconsin, USC, Arizona, Oregon, Cal and Washington makes a wining season unlikely.
2007 Predicted Record: 6-6 (4-5)
Arizona
2006 Record- 6-6
2006 ATS Record- 5-6
Offense: 8 Returning Starters
QB Willie Tuitama returns from an injury and will try to lead an offense that was one of the worst in the Pac 10 last season. If he can stay healthy, UA has an opportunity to compete with the elite of the conference.
Defense: 9 Returning Starters
Mike Stoops’ trademark is his defense and this year should be no exception. The Wildcats are loaded with depth and talent and should be one of the best in the Pac 10 again this season.
Schedule:
AU has a chance to start the season 4-1. There are some tough road games with Cal, Oregon St, USC, Washington and Arizona St. Steal one or two of those and they’ll be bowling for sure.
2007 Predicted Record: 5-7 (3-6)
Washington
2006 Record- 5-7
2006 ATS Record- 6-5-1
Offense: 6 Returning Starters
Freshman Jake Locker gets his chance to shine for the Huskies. He is athletic, mobile and has a very strong arm. The O-line has to give him protection; something they haven’t been able to do for previous QB’s.
Defense: 6 Returning Starters
All starters return on the front four which has to improve from a year ago. The LB’s will be solid and the secondary will be average. It goes back to the D-line though. If they can create pressure, it will take a lot off the secondary.
Schedule:
Opening with a win at Syracuse would be nice. The conference schedule is tough and Washington just isn’t there athletically to compete with most opponents.
2007 Predicted Record: 3-10 (2-7)
Stanford
2006 Record- 1-11
2006 ATS Record- 3-9
Offense: 8 Returning Starters
Jim Harbaugh takes over a program that won just one game last season. QB TC Ostrander is decent and there are some playmakers around him to stay in some games.
Defense: 8 Returning Starters
Overall, this unit just doesn’t have the talent to compete with most in the conference. Eight starters return, which means it can’t get any worse from the 2006 season.
Schedule:
It doesn’t really matter who Stanford plays since they are just horrible. Winning three games might be the max this year and would be considered a successful year.
2007 Predicted Record: 1-11 (1-8)
That concludes the 2007 Conference Previews. Enjoy the College Football Season and don't miss my EARLY BIRD CFB Packages. On sale now!!
Click here to view all of Chris Copeland's premium picks.
Social Bookmarking
