Cal: This year, the #12 ranked Golden Bears are looking for a little payback... and another Pac-10 championship. Junior Heisman hopeful DeSean Jackson looks to put on a show for the national media in Week 1 in a marquee matchup against a Tennessee team that embarrassed the Bears last season.
UCLA: The Bruins, after a strong 2006, enter this year ranked #14. UCLA looks to be in good shape as well, returning 21 starters from last year's team. RB Chris Markey, who rushed for 1107 yards and had 35 receptions, and DE Bruce Davis, who had 12.5 sacks last season, are two players to keep your eyes on.
Look For Strong Seasons
Oregon: The Ducks, who led the Pac-10 in rushing last year return both TB's Johnathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson who rushed for a combined 1625 yards and 20 TD. The Ducks won't have a cakewalk this year, playing four teams ranked in the top-15. Look for a great game on Sept 8th when the Ducks take on #5 Michigan.
Oregon State: The Beavers posted a 8-1 record to finish up 2006. Their run game looks to be a definite strength of the team, as they are returning 1300 yard rusher Yvenson Bernard and 4 of their starting linemen from last year. The Ducks also return a great WR in Sammie Stroughter, however the lack of experience at QB may affect his output this season.
Arizona State: Returning 10 starters on offense, including Ryan Torian, who rushed for 1229 yards last season; Arizona State, under new head coach Dennis Erickson, is looking to improve on their 7-6 record from 2006.
Washington State: As a program used to winning, the Cougars are looking to add a few wins to their 2006 total of 6-6. They will have their hands full with in a tough Pac-10, and a early season game at Wisconsin. Senior QB Alex
Brink has a shot at 10,000 career passing yards this season.
Stanford: After a dismal 1-11 in 2006, new coach Jim Harbaugh and his team has room to improve. This could prove difficult, with Stanford playing 9 teams that played in bowl games and only 1 team that had a losing record.
Arizona: Returning 19 starters and look to build on 2006 victories over Cal and Oregon, the Wildcats should be exciting to watch with a new spread offense which was brought in by new offensive coordinator, Sonny Dykes.
Washington: The Huskies will be tested early and often this year, a schedule that has 6 top-25 ranked teams, and 10 teams that had at least 10 wins in 2006 will prove quite the challenge for freshman QB Jake Locker.
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