– Last Updated on November 21, 2022 4:06 pm
2018 PAC 12 Season Football Preview
Looking for PAC 12 Conference 2018 predictions? Most are down on the PAC 12 coming into the season, but I think it has a lot to do with most being down on USC, still the biggest brand by far in the league. Washington looks like a team that is going to get back to the playoffs and any team in the North that is capable of beating them has to be considered a threat too. Only a few teams really have no shot at anything significant this season so I think it will be very competitive.
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It seems like every year there is a surprise team in the PAC 12. A couple of years ago it was Colorado but maybe Arizona has what it takes to make a jump this season.
PAC 12 Conference 2018 Odds: Washington Huskies +137
The Huskies definitely have the look of a playoff team, with experience in all the key places.
It starts with coach Chris Petersen. There are a few others that have some hardware but you will be hard pressed to find a coach that is more respected. He has now been there long enough to have his stamp on the program and he has things rolling.
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Senior QB Jake Browning is one of the most underrated players in the country. His numbers from last year were not as gaudy but he makes very few mistakes and will once against direct a prolific attack.
When he hands off the ball it is mostly to Myles Gaskin. Gaskin is a home run hitter who can also grind out tough yards. He has run for 1300+ yards in all three of his seasons on campus.
The Huskies have been producing great defenses since Petersen took over and this year’s should once again be strong. Compared to last year it might not be as strong up front but the secondary is probably best in the conference and among the top units nationally.
Washington has a monster opening game against Auburn that might decide whether they make the playoffs with a strong rest of the campaign, within the PAC 12. The trickiest spot might be their first conference game at Utah. Funny things seem to happen in Salt Lake City.
Other than that it is manageable. They get Stanford at home, but have to visit an Oregon team that could be in some transition with a new coach. The Apple Cup is in Pullman this season but the Huskies have killed in that one of late.
PAC 12 Conference 2018 Odds: USC Trojans +400
When it comes to talent USC is always going to have more than enough to be a factor. However this year they are replacing a lot.
First off they are replacing QB Sam Darnold. He was not perfect but he had that “winning” factor that not all do and no matter who the replacement is, it is going to be someone with little experience.
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Also not to be overlooked is the loss of Ronald Jones in the backfield. He rushed for over 1500 yards a year ago while scoring 20 touchdowns. The offense is going to have to find that production somewhere if they are going to compete.
Stephen Carr is a super exciting runner but he might find things tough if the guy handing the ball is just not ready. JT Daniels and Jack Sears are promising first year players but have no experience coming into the season. Sears might start and he reclassified to get on campus.
The defense may have to lead this group early. Fortunately they have seven returning starters including LB Cameron Smith and SS Marvelll tell, both of whom are possible All-America selections.
USC has a killer conference schedule this season, visiting Stanford, Arizona, and Utah. Even a late season trip to UCLA might trip them up if the Bruins are mastering what Chip Kelly wants from them. The talent is there but offensively this team will probably be better next year.
PAC 12 Conference 2018 Odds: Stanford Cardinal +500
Stanford has become one of the most consistent winners in college football over the last decade. They will once again have a strong season.
Bryce Love rushed for 2118 yards a year ago and is probably the leading candidate for the Heisman before the season starts. He is a game breaker and will have a veteran line in front of him.
His presence puts pressure on K.J. Costello to be solid at quarterback. He is nowhere near the prospect but he might be the best signal caller they have had since Andrew Luck.
On defense you can count on a stout group that is going to make you earn every yard. Senior ILB Bobby Okereke can be special.
The schedule is against them this season as they get both Oregon and Washington on the road. Those game will determine the ceiling of this team, they can beat every other team on their schedule even Notre Dame, which is also on the road.
PAC 12 Conference 2018 Odds: Oregon Ducks +700
The Ducks had a ho-hum season and it still cost them their coach. However, seeking some continuity they went with Mario Cristobal, who has experience and enthusiasm.
Cristobal inherits quarterback Justin Herbert, who could easily wind up being the best QB in the conference. He can run but he is also smooth in the pocket.
An experienced line of all juniors will look to keep him from getting hurt again and paving the way for a running game that loses something with Royce Freeman in the NFL.
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Cristobal has some anchors on defense. most notably Jordan Scott, who weighs 336 pounds. He and the speedy Jalen Jelks will give the Ducks some dynamism up front while Dye cleans up everything in the middle.
The schedule is cupcake city before Stanford comes to visit in late September. They host Washington too and will have two weeks to prepare so circle that one. Their toughest road tilts are at Arizona and Utah. If they can beat their rivals at home then who knows.
Oregon looks to have the easiest path to the title game in the North Division but the talent might not be there for them to take full advantage of it.
PAC 12 Conference 2018 Odds
- Washington +137
- USC +400
- Stanford +500
- Oregon +700
- Washington State +1400
- Arizona +1600
- Utah +1600
- UCLA +1800
- Arizona State +2000
- Colorado +2000
- California +2800
- Oregon State +10000
PAC 12 Conference: 2018 Prediction
Washington is definitely the best bet and the odds are not so terrible. They have everything you need to win. If you are looking for a big time payout then go with Arizona. Khalil Tate is exciting and the path to the title game in the South Division is not nearly as daunting.
What do you think about our PAC 12 Conference 2018 Predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in 2018!
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