Pre-Game: Pac-12 Power Rankings

For those of you not paying attention in the college football off-season, the Pac-10 Conference added two friends to the party, and accordingly changed their name. The newly minted Pac-12 is set to take the field in just over a month, and a recent poll has come out with some indicators of where these dozen teams will stand in the rankings. So, how did our state's squads fare in this preseason popularity contest?

1. Oregon - Lost in last year's National Championship Game, but their offensive machine led by QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James is back, which gives them the edge over...
2. Stanford - QB Andrew Luck surprised some when he said he's be coming back for his senior season rather than declaring for the draft, but I bet the Cardinal are happy he did. What they might not be as happy about is their former coach joining the pro ranks with the 49ers.
3. Washington - In spite of limping into the postseason, the Huskies managed a surprise win over Nebraska in their bowl game. This season, with Jake Locker, Deontae Cooper, and Zach Fogerson gone or injured, it looks like RB Chris Polk will be the player to watch.
4. Oregon State - The Beavers had a bad season last year, clearly there are some who think that this season will be only slightly better. But, they might have a little comeback kid in them yet.
5. California - Sporting a 5-7 record last year, the Golden Bears did not do enough in the offseason to bolster confidence.
6. Washington State - It seems like the Cougs were the perennial caboose of the Pac-10 train. It looks like they're still near the back in the Pac-12. However, WSU has a secret weapon, Marquess Wilson led the nation in receiving yards for freshmen last season, and there is no reason for him to slow this season.

1. USC - Due to NCAA sanctions, the Trojans are not even eligible for postseason play, so winning the Pac-12 might be all they can hope for this year.
2. Arizona State - They have a veteran squad and potential winning ways, which makes the Sun Devils ones to watch.
3. Utah - Leaving the Mountain West behind, looks like the Utes will make their Pac-12 debut in the middle of the pack.
4. Arizona - Take an 0-5 finish to the 2010 season, add a bowl game loss, and subtract all veterans from your offensive line, and you have the Arizona Wildcats at the outset of 2011.
5. UCLA - Was ditching offensive coordinator Norm Chow a good or bad move? According to this poll, the Bruins have a tough season ahead.
6. Colorado - Welcome to the Pac-12, Buffaloes! You'll be finishing in last place.