The PAC 10 will be a wide open conference in terms of a BCS bowl but can USC throw a wrench in some teams plans? Judging by the numbers posted by the Las Vegas Hilton Superbook, they are not too confident in the PAC 10 to win many games in the 2010 college football season, let alone win a BCS bowl. The following five PAC 10 teams were posted by the Hilton Superbook.
USC Trojans Over/Under Wins Total 9.5
The USC Trojans start their season with a trip to Hawaii and then they host Virginia in the second week. It is difficult to gauge how USC has been affected by the NCAA sanctions but they have lost several key recruits since the announcement of the NCAA sanctions. Lane Kiffin is not a quick thinker and if he has not assigned a coach to handle clock management, look for that to be a problem.
WIth Lane Kiffin's father Monte heading the defense it will guarantee there will be no issues on the defensive side of the ball. USC should have a decent running game and a quarterback in his second year with Matt Barkley. Don't buy the Kool-Aid on USC, they will win eight regular season games or less and they will finish under 9.5 wins.
Oregon Ducks Over/Under Win Total 9
Heisman hopeful and former starting Oregon quarterback, Jeremiah Massoli is in Mississippi after yet another run in with the law and LaMichael James is the current Oregon Ducks player in the coach Chip Kelly's doghouse. Massoli was charged with burglary and is out, while James only gets one game for domestic abuse? Chip Kelly's second season is already in turmoil and it won't get any better. Oregon still should only lose three games with their weak schedule but don't bet on it. That would get them right on the number at 9 wins.
Stanford Cardinal Over/Under Wins Total 7.5
The Stanford Cardinal lose Heisman runner up Toby Gerhart but they have depth at the position. Senior running back Jeremy Stewart will be running behind four of the five lineman that blocked for Gerhart as he racked up 1,800 plus yards. Add to that a quarterback in Andrew Luck that is considered a top 10 NFL prospect and Jim Harbaugh is looking pretty good in a weak PAC 10 this year. Take the Stanford Cardinal over 7.5 wins.
Washington Huskies Over/Under Wins Total 6
The Washington Huskies athletic director didn't do Steve Sarkisian any favors with the 2010 schedule. Washington starts with Mountain West Conference power, BYU then take on Syracuse and Nebraska at home. If Washington survives that they then take on USC at home in a revenge game for USC.
Washington does have Jake Locker the most exciting player in the PAC 10. Locker is a one man offensive machine and he has carried Washington in games past and he may have to take over a game or two this season. Look for Washington to win late in the season and cover the over 6 games mark.
UCLA Bruins Over/Under Wins Total 5.5
If there were ever a time for UCLA to get back on top in the PAC 10 or at least take over Los Angeles, this is the time. UCLA suffered crushing injuries in the quarterback department and still managed seven wins last season but they went 3-6 in the PAC 10. Take UCLA over 5.5 wins
Todd Jacobs - Todd Jacobs is a freelance writer with publishing credits including USA Today, Orange County Register and Speed TV.
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