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Reactions: Pac-10

Washington? USC? Don't forget Oregon St.

Many users feel the Huskies will rise to the top of the Pac-10 thanks to quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo. Otto Greule Jr./Allsport

CNNSI.com users were asked to share their predictions of what to expect in Pac-10 football during the 2000 season. A sample of the responses we received follows:

OSU - 1
WASH - 2
USC - 3
ORE - 4
STAN - 5
UCLA - 6
ARZ - 7
ASU - 8
CAL - 9
WSU - 10
Without a doubt, the most prolific back in OSU history - Ken Simonton will establish himself as a Heisman candidate midway through the season as the rest of the nation finds out how for real the Beavers are. Meanwhile, injuries will abound in USC and Washington to make any real hope for them fall into a rebuilding year (again). Oregon could be the surprise of the Pac-10 if A.J. Feeley comes through and fulfills on his promise. Overall, OSU's tandem running backs and quarterback Jonathan Smith look to be the class of the west.
J. Taylor, Houston

Dennis Erickson will pull the upset of the year by getting his Beavers to break the long losing streak against USC. Look for the OSU Beavers to challenge for the Pac-10 title very late in the season. The Civil War against Oregon could have Rose Bowl implications for both teams.
Chris Benson, Eugene, Ore.

In the 2000 season, the UW Huskies will go undefeated in Pac-10 play and go on to the Rose Bowl, where they will play Michigan, and win.
Eli Sonkin, Mercer Island, Wash.

Every year, the Oregon Ducks are predicted to finish in the middle of the Pac-10, and then everyone is completely surprised when they wind up being one of the best teams in the conference. The same will hold true this season. Oregon's explosive offense will carry them through a conference not known for its defense, and I predict they, not USC, will be fighting in the Rose Bowl.
Tyler Bailey, Portland, Ore.

I think the Pac-10 is going to be tighter than many people think. While I have a bias to OSU, because I go to school there, I think the Pac-10 will shape up like this:
1. Washington- Tueos....., I don't know, he is good though.
2. Oregon, Always in the hunt, great coaching
3. Oregon State, Underrated, second-best offense behind Washington
4. USC, Watched them last year, why are they picked so high?
5. Arizona, Solid group returning, could finish higher
6. Arizona State, always in the middle, unless Plummer wants to go back to college!
7. UCLA, I never know where they are going to finish
8. California, no heart
9. Stanford, last year was a joke, should have been Washington in the Rose Bowl!
10. Washington State, this team used to be good, can't recruit.
Eric Jozwiak, Corvallis, Ore.

Oregon is the best team in the Pac-10 this year. Everyone is talking about their low amount of returning starters, but they were not even close to the talent they have now. The Ducks have been the best for years now, yet every expert still ranks them low. I guess it's being an underdog every season that keeps the Ducks overachieving and always will.
Grant A., Canby, Ore.

As usual, the sports pundits have conveniently bypassed the Oregon Ducks as possible Pac-10 champions. With only 10 starters returning it will be a tough road, but the last five years have shown that Oregon reloads rather than rebuilds. This is a team with a solid offense and an adequate defense (by Pac-10 standards). Every year they are picked in the middle-to-bottom of the conference, and every year they achieve great team success. Who was the only team to be ranked at the end of last season? Oh, those Ducks again. Look for them to make a run at the championship, and definitely be bowling big at year's end.
Kurt, Apple Valley, Calif.

The Pac-10 is on its way back. While the current trend is "Bash the Pac," us West-Coasters will begin our ascent starting this season. We need a top-five or -10 team to make people notice, which we will get in USC. We need a solid upper-middle that wins some big non-conference games, which will be seen with Washington (chances vs. Colorado and Miami), Oregon (vs. Wisconsin), and UCLA (vs. Michigan and Alabama). With two or three years, the Pac-10, the best sports conference in the history of the NCAA, will be back near the top of college football.
Cory Schwartz, Agoura Hills, Calif.

I think Washington has a better chance to WIN the Pac-10 Conference and has a good quarterback. I would like see the Huskies get to the Rose Bowl. I'm a Huskies fan and I enjoy watching them. Here are my picks for the Pac-10: 1. Washington, 2. USC, 3. UCLA, 4. Arizona, 5. Stanford, 6. Arizona State, 7. Oregon, 8. Oregon State, 9. California, 10. Washington State
Chris O'Brien, Titusville, Fla.

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