USC Trojans: Oregon State Beavers
Something about Pac-12 recruits just like 
June, 14, 2013
Jun 14
7:26
AM PT
By
Tom Luginbill | ESPN.com
Recruiting is the lifeblood of every program in the country, and every conference has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to landing top prospects. We've spent a week examining the BCS conferences plus Notre Dame to find each's strength, the biggest obstacle each faces and the overall view of the conference. The final conference we'll look at is the Pac-12.
Biggest obstacle: Defense, defense, defense. While this conference is never short on skill, weapons, quarterbacks and big-play offenses, finding playmakers on the defensive line is a whole lot tougher. It is staggering to see that from the top 40 players we've graded from the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah and Nevada since 2006, there are only three defensive linemen. That is well over 3,000 players graded and just three defensive linemen. Unlike Florida, which borders several states that are loaded with prospects, California does not have this luxury surrounding it in numbers and quality. The Pac-12 has the juice and player pool to be good enough to play for the national championship with a few teams, but can they win it without being loaded up front on defense?
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Although proven that it's here to stay, there is still some debate over the merits of the club 7-on-7 season. Injuries on the field and some unsavory elements off of it are usually brought up as reasons to stay away. But on the other side of the discussion sits wide receiver Erik Brown (Fontana, Calif./Summit).
Brown entered the spring 7-on-7 circuit without a scholarship offer, but used it to turn himself into one of the most sought-after receivers in California. He holds 15 offers now, after adding his most recent one from Notre Dame. Brown said he first took notice of what could be accomplished on the spring circuit last year.
Brown entered the spring 7-on-7 circuit without a scholarship offer, but used it to turn himself into one of the most sought-after receivers in California. He holds 15 offers now, after adding his most recent one from Notre Dame. Brown said he first took notice of what could be accomplished on the spring circuit last year.
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The Pac-12 has published its official 2013 media guide, which means each team has provided its official tally of returning starters.
What is a "returning starter"? Typically, it means a player who started at least five games in 2012, though in some cases it might include a 2011 starter who missed last season due to injury.
As a conference, 187 total starters are back from a possible 288, including punters and kickers. That's an average of 15.6 per team, which is well above the 10-year average of 14.9 returning starters. Last year, 173 starters -- 14.4 per team -- were coming back.
Washington returns the most with 20 starters, followed by Colorado with 19. Utah returns the fewest, with 12.
Here are the numbers:
That's an average of 7.1 players on offense and 7.3 players on defense. Last year, the numbers were 6.3 for offense and 6.8 for defense. The numbers are slightly down for specialists (1.2 versus 1.3).
Of the returning starters, 12 were first-team All-Pac-12.
Of course, returning starters don't mean everything.
USC was widely celebrated for its 19 returning starters in 2012, which earned it the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press poll. Things didn't go so well thereafter. Meanwhile, Arizona State went a surprisingly sound 8-5 with just 10 returning starters, fewest in the conference in 2012.
What is a "returning starter"? Typically, it means a player who started at least five games in 2012, though in some cases it might include a 2011 starter who missed last season due to injury.
As a conference, 187 total starters are back from a possible 288, including punters and kickers. That's an average of 15.6 per team, which is well above the 10-year average of 14.9 returning starters. Last year, 173 starters -- 14.4 per team -- were coming back.
Washington returns the most with 20 starters, followed by Colorado with 19. Utah returns the fewest, with 12.
Here are the numbers:
That's an average of 7.1 players on offense and 7.3 players on defense. Last year, the numbers were 6.3 for offense and 6.8 for defense. The numbers are slightly down for specialists (1.2 versus 1.3).
Of the returning starters, 12 were first-team All-Pac-12.
Of course, returning starters don't mean everything.
USC was widely celebrated for its 19 returning starters in 2012, which earned it the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press poll. Things didn't go so well thereafter. Meanwhile, Arizona State went a surprisingly sound 8-5 with just 10 returning starters, fewest in the conference in 2012.
The Trinity League has been home to some of the California's top teams of the past several decades. Santa Ana Mater Dei, Anaheim Servite, Rancho Santa Margarita Santa Margarita and Orange Lutheran have all taken their turns as state and regional powers, but in just three years at the helm of his alma mater, head coach Jason Negro has Bellflower St. John Bosco in the national spotlight.
After building up the program in 2010 and 2011, defeating Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran in 2011, St. John Bosco rolled through the Trinity League's fearsome foursome in 2012, with no win coming by fewer than 12 points. In 2013, the Braves are expected to compete for a state championship.
After building up the program in 2010 and 2011, defeating Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran in 2011, St. John Bosco rolled through the Trinity League's fearsome foursome in 2012, with no win coming by fewer than 12 points. In 2013, the Braves are expected to compete for a state championship.
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Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the Pac-12:
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Holding more than 40 offers, running back Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) is arguably the most sought-after recruit in the West region. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound, four-star back is the top running back in the West and the No. 135 player in the country. His offer sheet has seemingly grown by the minute this spring, but he isn't in any hurry to narrow it down.
Despite tweeting out a list of 16 programs several weeks ago, Mixon said Sunday that he only did that to highlight the schools recruiting him the hardest, not anything to be taken as a group of finalists.
"I'm still talking to a lot of people," Mixon said. "The recruiting thing has been crazy the past couple of weeks. I've pretty much been taking it well. I talk to them before school, during lunch and after school. I'm not to the stressful part yet, but the hard part has been staying in contact with everybody."
Despite tweeting out a list of 16 programs several weeks ago, Mixon said Sunday that he only did that to highlight the schools recruiting him the hardest, not anything to be taken as a group of finalists.
"I'm still talking to a lot of people," Mixon said. "The recruiting thing has been crazy the past couple of weeks. I've pretty much been taking it well. I talk to them before school, during lunch and after school. I'm not to the stressful part yet, but the hard part has been staying in contact with everybody."
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Top LB Williams still waiting for USC offer
April, 4, 2013
Apr 4
7:00
AM PT
By
Blair Angulo | ESPN.com
Last fall, ESPN Watch List linebacker Dwight Williams (Gardena, Calif./Serra) would have strongly considered committing to USC on the spot if he were to land a scholarship offer. He had plenty of other options, but Williams was a frequent visitor at Trojans home games throughout the season and USC had always been the program he had his eyes on.
Fast-forward a few months and USC has yet to extend an offer to arguably one of the top prospects in the area. Now Williams, the two-time linebacker MVP at the Los Angeles Nike Football Training Camp, is thoroughly feeling out the process. His mindset has changed completely as schools from all corners of the country have turned up their pursuit.
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D.J. Calhoun (El Cerrito, Calif./El Cerrito) couldn't hide the disappointment when he came away from USC's junior day last month without an offer. The 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker felt he would pick up an offer at the event, but it never came.
Several weeks later, Calhoun was called out of class by his coach and was surprised to hear the USC coaches on the other end of the line.
Several weeks later, Calhoun was called out of class by his coach and was surprised to hear the USC coaches on the other end of the line.
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Morgan Mahalak (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) will be one of the more interesting recruits to watch in the West region this spring and summer.
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The USC Trojans 2013 schedule has been released with the Trojans playing seven home games, a pair of Thursday night games and one Friday night game.
The Trojans open the season in Hawaii with a road trip to the islands that is always popular with USC fans. The next three games are at home in the Coliseum against Washington State, Boston College and Utah State. For a USC team that will be breaking in a new quarterback, this initial stretch of the season offers a tremendous opportunity to get things started on a good note. Both Hawaii and WSU struggled last year with new coaches, while BC and Utah State will both be breaking in new coaches in 2013.
The Arizona schools are next -- first comes a road game in Tempe against Arizona State and then the Trojans host Arizona before the annual trip to South Bend to face the Fighting Irish. It’s safe to say that the Notre Dame rivalry game will be a high-profile matchup.
The Trojans then come home to face Utah and then hit the road for back-to-back games against Oregon State and California. The game against the Beavers will be a rare Friday night contest, while the Cal game means a continuation of the Northern California weekender experience.
Next up is Stanford at the Coliseum for Homecoming weekend, and that should be quite a setting. The Trojans will then hit the road one final time for a matchup against Colorado before returning home for the regular season finale against UCLA.
The Pac-12 title game will be held on Saturday, December 7 at the stadium of the division winner with the best conference record.
2013 USC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 (Thurs.): at Hawaii
Sept. 7: Washington State
Sept. 14: Boston College
Sept. 21: Utah State
Sept. 28: at Arizona State
Oct. 10 (Thurs.): Arizona
Oct. 19: at Notre Dame
Oct. 26: Utah
Nov. 1 (Fri.): at Oregon State
Nov. 9: at California
Nov. 16: Stanford
Nov. 23: at Colorado
Nov. 30: UCLA
The Trojans open the season in Hawaii with a road trip to the islands that is always popular with USC fans. The next three games are at home in the Coliseum against Washington State, Boston College and Utah State. For a USC team that will be breaking in a new quarterback, this initial stretch of the season offers a tremendous opportunity to get things started on a good note. Both Hawaii and WSU struggled last year with new coaches, while BC and Utah State will both be breaking in new coaches in 2013.
The Arizona schools are next -- first comes a road game in Tempe against Arizona State and then the Trojans host Arizona before the annual trip to South Bend to face the Fighting Irish. It’s safe to say that the Notre Dame rivalry game will be a high-profile matchup.
The Trojans then come home to face Utah and then hit the road for back-to-back games against Oregon State and California. The game against the Beavers will be a rare Friday night contest, while the Cal game means a continuation of the Northern California weekender experience.
Next up is Stanford at the Coliseum for Homecoming weekend, and that should be quite a setting. The Trojans will then hit the road one final time for a matchup against Colorado before returning home for the regular season finale against UCLA.
The Pac-12 title game will be held on Saturday, December 7 at the stadium of the division winner with the best conference record.
2013 USC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 (Thurs.): at Hawaii
Sept. 7: Washington State
Sept. 14: Boston College
Sept. 21: Utah State
Sept. 28: at Arizona State
Oct. 10 (Thurs.): Arizona
Oct. 19: at Notre Dame
Oct. 26: Utah
Nov. 1 (Fri.): at Oregon State
Nov. 9: at California
Nov. 16: Stanford
Nov. 23: at Colorado
Nov. 30: UCLA
.500 -- It's not great. It's not bad. It's just sort of there.
1.000 -- Perfect. As good as it gets.
0.00 --- Doesn't get worse than a Blutarsky.
.667 --- Above average.
A 4-4 final record was lower than expected for the Pac-12 this postseason. A perfect record in the two BCS bowl games was outstanding, yet going 0-3 against other BCS conferences (outside of the BCS games) is disappointing. And the 2-1 mark against non-BCS conference teams is just so-so.
Any way you choose to crunch the numbers and winning percentages (or losing percentages, for that matter) from the Pac-12 bowl season, you're bound to reach the same conclusion. Some good, some bad.
Hopes were high when the bowl matchups were announced -- and there was even some talk of the Pac-12 running the table with a perfect 8-0 mark. After all, Pac-12 teams were favorites in seven of the eight games. But Arizona's New Mexico Miracle should have been a harbinger of things to come. We rejoiced at the final-minute heroics. But in that jubilation, one simple fact got lost: It ain't going to be easy.
From Washington's comeback-turned-fourth-quarter-cough-up to the inadequacies of UCLA, Oregon State and USC (of which there are many that can be debated), the Pac-12 didn't always put its best foot forward.
We saw some of Pac-12 teams out-played, out-coached and out-classed.
And yet we also saw the conference at its best. We saw an explosive Arizona State team cruise to victory over Navy; a punishing Stanford defense doing exactly what it does best in the Rose Bowl; and Oregon's speed in the Fiesta Bowl -- so fast that it proceeds itself when it proceeds itself.
December 2012 through January 2013 saw the Pac-12 at its worst. And its best.
Historically speaking, this actually wasn't a bad bowl season for the Pac-12. Sure, it's not the perfect 5-0 mark of the '08 season. But it's better than the 2-5, 2-2 and 2-5 ledgers of '09, '10 and '11, respectively. Worth noting also that an eligible USC probably would have won a bowl game last season because it was the hottest team in football down the stretch. Even still, 3-5 wouldn't have been a whole lot better.
Since the 1999 bowl season, the Pac-12 is 40-41, including this season, so a .500 record seems to fit the turn-of-the-century trend.
The what-ifs are plentiful. What if play had actually stopped and Boise State had received a measurement? What if Oregon State had made adjustments to account for Alex Okafor -- a few plays in max protect, a tight end helping or a running back chipping? What if UCLA and USC hadn't left their abundance of talent back in the City of Angels instead of taking it to San Diego and El Paso, Texas, respectively?
But what-ifs are pointless. All that matters are the final records.
With that said, it's tough to really declare a "winner" from the bowl season. For all the talk about the Pac-12 and Big 12 rivalry for "Who's No. 2," we're still left with inconclusive data. The Big 12 went 4-5, which included a loss to Conference USA's Tulsa. It went 2-1 against the Pac-12 with a blowout victory by Baylor and a late Christmas present from Oregon State to Texas. But the best it had to offer, Kansas State, was smoked by Oregon. We can call this one a wash.
The almighty SEC saw two of its top-10 teams go down -- LSU and Florida -- and South Carolina needed a miracle against a Michigan team perceived to be wildly overrated.
But the SEC has the crystal ball -- again.
Maybe the ACC is the big winner -- scoring victories over LSU and USC, plus a BCS bowl win. Or is it the Big East after Louisville's stomping of Florida?
You can look for meanings in the numbers and rationalize what was and wasn't good for the conference in the 2012 bowl season. But in end, the result is the same.
Some good. Some bad. Trying to make any more -- or less -- is a wasted exercise.
1.000 -- Perfect. As good as it gets.
0.00 --- Doesn't get worse than a Blutarsky.
.667 --- Above average.
A 4-4 final record was lower than expected for the Pac-12 this postseason. A perfect record in the two BCS bowl games was outstanding, yet going 0-3 against other BCS conferences (outside of the BCS games) is disappointing. And the 2-1 mark against non-BCS conference teams is just so-so.
Any way you choose to crunch the numbers and winning percentages (or losing percentages, for that matter) from the Pac-12 bowl season, you're bound to reach the same conclusion. Some good, some bad.
Hopes were high when the bowl matchups were announced -- and there was even some talk of the Pac-12 running the table with a perfect 8-0 mark. After all, Pac-12 teams were favorites in seven of the eight games. But Arizona's New Mexico Miracle should have been a harbinger of things to come. We rejoiced at the final-minute heroics. But in that jubilation, one simple fact got lost: It ain't going to be easy.
From Washington's comeback-turned-fourth-quarter-cough-up to the inadequacies of UCLA, Oregon State and USC (of which there are many that can be debated), the Pac-12 didn't always put its best foot forward.
We saw some of Pac-12 teams out-played, out-coached and out-classed.
[+] Enlarge
Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesOregon's Fiesta victory was the Pac-12's high point, lifting the conference to a 4-4 bowl mark.
December 2012 through January 2013 saw the Pac-12 at its worst. And its best.
Historically speaking, this actually wasn't a bad bowl season for the Pac-12. Sure, it's not the perfect 5-0 mark of the '08 season. But it's better than the 2-5, 2-2 and 2-5 ledgers of '09, '10 and '11, respectively. Worth noting also that an eligible USC probably would have won a bowl game last season because it was the hottest team in football down the stretch. Even still, 3-5 wouldn't have been a whole lot better.
Since the 1999 bowl season, the Pac-12 is 40-41, including this season, so a .500 record seems to fit the turn-of-the-century trend.
The what-ifs are plentiful. What if play had actually stopped and Boise State had received a measurement? What if Oregon State had made adjustments to account for Alex Okafor -- a few plays in max protect, a tight end helping or a running back chipping? What if UCLA and USC hadn't left their abundance of talent back in the City of Angels instead of taking it to San Diego and El Paso, Texas, respectively?
But what-ifs are pointless. All that matters are the final records.
With that said, it's tough to really declare a "winner" from the bowl season. For all the talk about the Pac-12 and Big 12 rivalry for "Who's No. 2," we're still left with inconclusive data. The Big 12 went 4-5, which included a loss to Conference USA's Tulsa. It went 2-1 against the Pac-12 with a blowout victory by Baylor and a late Christmas present from Oregon State to Texas. But the best it had to offer, Kansas State, was smoked by Oregon. We can call this one a wash.
The almighty SEC saw two of its top-10 teams go down -- LSU and Florida -- and South Carolina needed a miracle against a Michigan team perceived to be wildly overrated.
But the SEC has the crystal ball -- again.
Maybe the ACC is the big winner -- scoring victories over LSU and USC, plus a BCS bowl win. Or is it the Big East after Louisville's stomping of Florida?
You can look for meanings in the numbers and rationalize what was and wasn't good for the conference in the 2012 bowl season. But in end, the result is the same.
Some good. Some bad. Trying to make any more -- or less -- is a wasted exercise.
Trojans 25th in Way-Too-Early Top 25
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
10:45
AM PT
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesAlabama, with three of the past four national titles, is No. 1 in the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.There's still seven months before the start of the 2013 season, and the teams and their order figure to change frequently, but it's never too early to take a look at the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.
And with three national championships in the past four years, there's no reason to change the team that's on top. After a tough 2012, USC has some ground to make up at No. 25.
Also see:
Pac-12 on Walter Camp All-America team
December, 7, 2012
12/07/12
7:19
AM PT
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
The Pac-12 was well-represented on the Walter Camp Foundation's 2012 All-America team, released Thursday.
USC sophomore receiver Marqise Lee, Stanford senior tight end Zach Ertz and a pair of running backs, Oregon senior Kenjon Barner and Arizona sophomore Ka'Deem Carey, were named to the first-team offense.
Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei and Oregon State cornerback Jordan Poyer, both seniors, earned spots on the first-team defense.
USC sophomore receiver Marqise Lee, Stanford senior tight end Zach Ertz and a pair of running backs, Oregon senior Kenjon Barner and Arizona sophomore Ka'Deem Carey, were named to the first-team offense.
Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei and Oregon State cornerback Jordan Poyer, both seniors, earned spots on the first-team defense.
Ryan McGee makes his picks for this week's big games in Tallahassee (Florida State vs. Florida), Corvallis (Oregon State vs. Oregon), and L.A. (USC vs. Notre Dame).
USC offered a scholarship to junior college cornerback and recent Georgia decommit Steven Nelson (Warner Robins, Ga./College of the Sequoias), College of the Sequoias coach Robert Dougherty said Monday.
The USC coaching staff requested Nelson's academic transcripts and extended the offer Monday, an indication that the Trojans are preparing backup options in case a decommitment occurs down the road. USC has commitments from two four-star cornerbacks in the current class: No. 7-rated Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) and No. 11-rated Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga). Hawkins plans to enroll in January and Ramsey has official visits scheduled to Washington (Dec. 7) and Alabama (Jan. 11). Ramsey will take his trip to Los Angeles for the weekend of Jan. 18.
The 6-foot, 185-pound Nelson decommitted from Georgia last week. College of the Sequoias (Visalia, Calif.) defensive backs coach Fred Zepeda told ESPN's DawgNation that Nelson expressed serious interest in Oregon State since taking an official visit to Corvallis on Oct. 6.
The USC coaching staff requested Nelson's academic transcripts and extended the offer Monday, an indication that the Trojans are preparing backup options in case a decommitment occurs down the road. USC has commitments from two four-star cornerbacks in the current class: No. 7-rated Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) and No. 11-rated Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga). Hawkins plans to enroll in January and Ramsey has official visits scheduled to Washington (Dec. 7) and Alabama (Jan. 11). Ramsey will take his trip to Los Angeles for the weekend of Jan. 18.
The 6-foot, 185-pound Nelson decommitted from Georgia last week. College of the Sequoias (Visalia, Calif.) defensive backs coach Fred Zepeda told ESPN's DawgNation that Nelson expressed serious interest in Oregon State since taking an official visit to Corvallis on Oct. 6.
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