Pac-12 Football: Who tops the 2018 preseason power rankings?
By Dana Becker
Pac-12 football gets ready for “Pac-12 After Dark” once more this season with hopes of gaining entrance back into the College Football Playoff this December.
All roads lead to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Nov. 30 for the crowning of the league champion. And if all goes as planned that winner will be one of four competing for the big trophy in the new year.
There are a handful of matchups right off the bat that will help situate things out, including on Saturday when Auburn meets Washington in a top-10 contest in Atlanta.
Also, Oregon State has an opportunity to play spoiler when they visit Ohio Stadium to meet the Urban Meyer-less Buckeyes, Southern Cal entertains UNLV and Arizona looks for Khalil Tate to light up the scoreboard once more after dark vs. BYU.
Here’s a look at how the preseason Pac-12 standings shape up entering the season.
There is a new sheriff in town in Corvallis, as former standout quarterback Jonathan Smith returns home. However, there isn’t much in terms of overall talent for Smith and company in his first season.
The Beavers will struggle, especially in Week 1 vs. Ohio State, but the future could be bright with the likes of Calvin Tyler Jr. and Trevon Bradford underclassmen.
Smith will also have a senior quarterback in Jake Luton, which should help provide points for the scoreboard most weeks
With a year of experience under his belt at California, head coach Justin Wilcox will try to build off a 5-7 campaign that included just two league wins.
The Bears are led by running back Patrick Laird, who was named to both the watch list for both the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards. Vic Wharton III and Kanawai Noa lead the receiving group, with Ross Bowers back under center.
California also has Ashtyn Davis, Patrick Mekari, Jordan Kunaszyk and Addison Ooms back.
One of the most intriguing hires of the offseason came courtesy Arizona State, as Ray Anderson hired Herm Edwards. After coaching in the NFL for several seasons, Edwards most recently worked with ESPN.
He inherits a team from Todd Graham that finished a surprising runner-up in the South behind Southern Cal, going 7-6 overall with six league wins.
Duplicating that feat will be tough for Edwards, as many teams around him improved dramatically over the past year.
Manny Wilkins leads the offense with sophomore Eno Benjamin looked upon as a key piece at running back. The Sun Devils also have wide receiver N’keal Harry, linebacker Koron Crump and defensive back Chase Lucas to build around.
After a 5-7 season a year ago, the pressure is on Colorado and head coach Matt MacIntyre. Now in his sixth season, MacIntyre will be looking to work back up the standings.
Quarterback Steven Montez returns under center, and the Buffs were the home to Virginia Tech transfer Travon McMillian. Jay MacIntyre is back at receiver with Laviska Shenault Jr. and K.D. Nixon.
The defense features big men up front in Chris Mulumba and Javier Edwards, who weight over 600 pounds combined.