Austin Statesman: Southern Cal a slam dunk in Pac-10

Cal, UCLA could have tight battle for No. 2.

The favorite

Southern Cal: Let's put it this way. Last year the Trojans were "rebuilding,'' having to replace 12 starters and a Heisman Trophy winner. How did it turn out? They beat SEC West champ Arkansas 50-14, beat Big 12 North champ Nebraska 28-10, beat Notre Dame 44-24, won the Pac-10 and beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl 32-18. This year they have 16 starters back, including 10 on defense, led by the nation's premier linebacking group (Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing). Pete Carroll's practices consist of one Parade All-American scrumming against another. Look no further for your national champion.

The CONTENDERS

California: Golden Bears have momentum from 10-3 season, but they lost both Pac-10 offensive (Marshawn Lynch) and defensive (Daymeion Hughes) players of the year. Jeff Tedford will have fun with offense that returns QB Nate Longshore, RB Justin Forsett and game-changing WR-KR DeSean Jackson.

UCLA: Meet the most experienced team in America. Twenty starters return. A win over USC swells their confidence. Nine wins are a must, although there are no gimmes on the non-conference schedule (BYU, Utah and Notre Dame).

DADDY DEAN

Mike Bellotti has been at Oregon for 12 years with a 97-48 record. Once tagged as one of the nation's premier coaches, the shine has worn off some.

The COACHING EDGE

Obviously, Pete Carroll is the man, but Arizona State should get a considerable boost from Dennis Erickson, who replaces Dirk Koetter. Erickson is 148-65-1 over 18 years with two national championships.

ON The HOT SEAT

Mike Stoops, Arizona. With a 12-22 record, he can't live off his last name forever. A defense with 10 returning starters better get Stoops Light to a bowl game this year.

OFF The BEATEN PATH

The Pac-10 will be quarterback-driven. Only Oregon State and Washington are breaking in new starters. Among the top guns: John David Booty (USC), Rudy Carpenter (Arizona State) and Longshore.  The Pac-10 has the best group of under-the-radar RBs in the country — and none are from USC. Be aware of Oregon State's Yvenson Bernard (1,307 rushing), Arizona State's Ryan Torain (1,229), UCLA's Chris Markey (1,107 yards, 35 catches) and Oregon's Jonathan Stewart (981).