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Pac 12 Football: Preseason 2016 Conference Power Rankings

By Ryan Young

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi /
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Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end Matt Nelson (96) sacks Stanford Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) during the third quarter in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end Matt Nelson (96) sacks Stanford Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) during the third quarter in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Last Season Record: 12-2 Overall, 8-1 Pac-12
  • Season Opener: Kansas State | Sept. 3
  • Key Games: USC, at UCLA, at Washington, at Oregon

There is no question why Stanford sits at the top of the Pac-12. After a dominating season that resulted in a conference championship last year — and a literal stomping of Iowa in the Rose Bowl — I see no reason why Stanford doesn’t win the conference again this year.

The biggest asset to the Cardinal is, without a doubt, Christian McCaffrey. The Heisman Trophy finalist is fresh off of a record-breaking year, after racking up more than 3,800 all-purpose yards. As long as McCaffrey keeps it up, Stanford looks to be in great shape.

Next: 2016's Top 25 College Football QBs

The Cardinal, though, has a daunting road schedule. They’re on the road against Oregon, UCLA and Washington, all solid contenders to win the conference. They also have a midseason matchup against Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, to worry about. Should the Cardinal survive on the road, they’ll be in a good spot to take the conference.

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