Arizona INSIDE SLANT John Mackovic was brought in last season as the anti-Dick Tomey, someone who could woo boosters, spark flagging attendance and wow the faithful with offense. In one way, though, Mackovic, would very much like to resemble his predecessor. That is, to come up with a dream season when it is least expected. Coming off a 5-6 record in Mackovic's inaugural season, there are only modest expectations this season for the Wildcats, who often thrived as the underdog in the Tomey years. This year's team has tenuous depth on the offensive line and a lack of firepower on the defensive line, a combination that makes it hard to win. But Arizona does have 17 returning starters, including a pair of All-America candidates in running back Clarence Farmer and linebacker Lance Briggs, so neither can the Cats be counted out of getting back to the postseason for the first time since the 1998 Holiday Bowl. The offense should be fine. Arizona ranked in the middle of the Pac-10 last season in most offensive categories — generally, an improvement over the Tomey years — averaging 29.1 points and 392.4 yards. Senior Jason Johnson returns at quarterback. He's smart, but won't impress with his physical skills and needs to cut down on the interceptions — 13 last season. But he did have 19 touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Nic Costa — who has a skill set like former UA quarterback Keith Smith — could be a factor. Farmer, a junior who rushed for a Pac-10 best 1,229 yards last season, is big and has breakaway speed; he has four scoring runs of more than 65 yards. He spent part of last season in Mackovic's doghouse, but coach and player appear to be of one mind heading into the fall. Arizona also has a big-time threat on the outside in senior receiver Bobby Wade (62 catches, 882 yards, eight TDs last season), and will be looking for complementary wideouts this fall. Since no one distinguished himself in the spring, help could come from a pair of 6-3 recruits from Texas — Biren Early and Mike Jefferson. Coming off an historically bad season, the defense (34.3 points, 398.4 yards) will be adapted to update Arizona's somewhat tired Double Eagle Flex scheme that was so instrumental in the development of the Desert Swarm in the early to mid-90s. Other than Briggs, the only other defender of all-league quality is junior cornerback Michael Jolivette. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: Vs. Utah, Sept. 14 — Arizona needs to go 3-1 in its non-conference schedule, and this is the swing game. The UA should easily dispatch Northern Arizona and North Texas, losing at Wisconsin, and will need to win this one against ex-UA assistant Ron McBride to get on solid footing before Pac-10 play. Vs. UCLA, Nov. 9 — If preseason wisdom holds, Arizona is likely to enter November battling for a lower-tier bowl. The closing slate begins with a home game against the Bruins, followed by a contest at Cal and home vs. Arizona State. THE WILDCATS WILL GO 8-4 IF: They avoid injuries along the offensive front, a newcomer such as end Andre Torrey steps up on the defensive line and acclaimed defensive coordinator Larry Mac Duff makes the right tweaks to the scheme. THE WILDCATS WILL GO 5-8 IF: They have to rely on winning shootouts again, something Arizona has not historically been good at. The Wildcats scored 28, 28, 34 and 37 points in losses last season. QUOTE TO NOTE: "What I noticed last year on defense is that we did not have enough people around the football whether it was a run or a pass. It's not a matter of players not playing hard enough or aggressively, but the truth is that we did not play effectively." — Arizona coach John Mackovic. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Jason Johnson, RB Clarence Farmer, FB Sean Jones, WR Bobby Wade, WR Andrae Thurman, TE Justin Levasseur, LT Makoa Freitas, LG John Vorsheck, C Keoki Fraser, RG Reggie Sampay, RT Brandon Phillips. Defense — DE Fata Avegalio, DT Carlos Williams, DT Brad Brittain, DE Andre Torrey, LB Ray Wells, LB Lance Briggs, LB Joe Siofele, CB Michael Jolivette, CB Darrell Brooks, SS Clay Hardt, FS Jarvie Worcester. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Jason Johnson — There's not a whit of experience behind this fifth-year senior quarterback, so he'll need to stay upright. All that maturity could come in handy; in the past 10 years, the Pac-10 has been won by a team with a fourth-year junior or fifth-year senior leading the way. So there's some hope for Arizona this season. BREAKOUT STAR: Kirk Johnson — He's behind an above-average group of starting linebackers, but the coaches will find some way to get the sophomore on the field, perhaps at a safety spot. MEDICAL WATCH: OL Darren Safranek started seven games at right tackle last year, and will be trying to fight back into the lineup after missing spring ball because of offseason surgeries on a knee and shoulder. ARIZONA STATE INSIDE SLANT Of all the things on coach Dirk Koetter's rather large to-do list for the 2002 season, finding a new starting quarterback wasn't initially one of them. But then disgruntled QB Jeff Krohn packed up his Pac-10-best 153.4 passing efficiency rating and transferred to Massachusetts, leaving Koetter to choose from among redshirt freshman Chad Christensen, sophomore Andrew Walter and junior college transfer Andy Goodenough. So even if Arizona State improves its overall play after a dissension-filled 4-7 record in Koetter's debut season, the whole thing could come undone if the quarterbacks aren't ready for major-college football. And this is the least impressive group of QBs in the league. What's more, there is only one returning starter on the offensive line — Regis Crawford, who is moving from guard to left tackle to replace first-round draft pick Levi Jones. The good news is, if the Devils can find capable blockers, they do have a couple of guys who know what to do with the ball. Koetter is a pass-first coach, but has some exciting potential at running back, notably speedy redshirt freshman Hakim Hill, even though junior Mike Williams begins fall atop the depth chart. Another redshirt freshman to watch is Cornell Canidate, the brother of former Arizona and current St. Louis Rams running back Trung Canidate. Junior Shaun McDonald heads up a very fast group of receivers. His size goes against the trend — he's 5-9, 175 — but he has stats like the big boys. He averaged 23.5 yards per catch last season, scoring 10 touchdowns. The defense was a mess last season as the players adjusted to coordinator Brent Guy's 4-2-5 scheme. The results were pure ugly: ASU allowed at least 24 points in each Pac-10 game, more than 40 on four occasions. The rest of the defense would do well to emulate hard-working junior defensive end Terrell Suggs, one of the nation's premier pass rushers. He posted 10 sacks last season, 18 tackles for loss overall, and will be an All-American if he improves his play against the run. Overall, the defense returns eight starters, including four in a beleaguered secondary that should be much improved by way of experience. Sophomore free safety Jason Shivers is a rising star. It's not that ASU doesn't have young talent and loads of speed ... but it sure looks as if 2003 will be the year in which it all comes together. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: Vs. Stanford, Sept. 28. After early season games against Eastern Washington, Central Florida and at San Diego State, along comes this very winnable Pac-10 opener. Followed by a home game against North Carolina, the Devils actually start 5-1 (yes, assuming a loss at Nebraska on Aug. 24). Vs. Washington, Oct. 26. Here is ASU's biggest home matchup, and therefore, it's best chance to make some national noise. If the quarterback position is settled by then, the Devils have enough firepower to engage the Huskies in a thrilling shootout. THE SUN DEVILS WILL GO 7-6 IF: They take care of business in their non-conference schedule, which sets the stage for a winning record even with a 3-5 conference mark. But to win three games in the Pac-10, the quarterbacks will have to take better care of the ball than their youth suggests they will. THE SUN DEVILS WILL GO 4-9 IF: Their heads aren't screwed on right ... as was the case last season. If the defense doesn't figure out the 4-2-5 scheme and the quarterbacks can't find their way, ASU will struggle to find the confidence to make amends for its 1-7 Pac-10 record of a year ago. QUOTE TO NOTE: "We completely understand it now." — Linebacker Josh Amobi on ASU's 4-2-5 defensive scheme. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Chad Christensen, RB Mike Williams, FB Mike Karney, WR Shaun McDonald, WR Justin Taplin, TE Mike Pinkard, LT Regis Crawford, LG Tim Fa'aita, C Tony Aguilar, RG Drew Hodgdon, RT Damien Niko. Defense — DE Terrell Suggs, DE Brian Montesanto, DT Phil Howard, DT Shane Jones, LB Josh Amobi, LB Solomon Bates, CB R.J. Oliver, CB Lamar Baker, S Riccardo Stewart, S Alfred Williams, FS Jason Shivers. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Terrell Suggs — The potentially much-improved ASU defense needs to take its cue from its star defensive end, who excels at wreaking havoc in the backfield. Plus, the inexperienced defensive tackles will benefit from everyone paying so much attention to Suggs on the outside. BREAKOUT STAR: Jason Shivers — Lots of candidates here, but Shivers is likely to build on his freshman All-American season and team-leading 89 tackles to become one of the premier safeties in the league. MEDICAL WATCH: ASU should be ready to roll as fall camp opens, but the general conditioning of linebacker Solomon Bates has sometimes been a problem. As he heads into his senior season, he appears to be more industrious in his offseason workouts as he tries to regain the promise he showed back in his freshman year. CALIFORNIA INSIDE SLANT Signing on to a program coming off a one-win season is tough enough. New coach Jeff Tedford didn't need the NCAA sanctions handed down in June. The Bears won't be eligible for a bowl this season (not that anyone expected them to be in one), will be on probation for five years and will be docked nine scholarships over the next five seasons. The school plans an appeal. This is major reconstruction work for Tedford, a keen offensive mind accustomed to winning and developing elite quarterbacks. During offensive coordinator stints at Fresno State and Oregon, he had a hand in tutoring Trent Dilfer, David Carr, Akili Smith and Joey Harrington — that's a No. 6 overall pick in the NFL draft (Dilfer), a No. 1 (Carr) and a pair of No. 3s. Not bad. His pupil this time around is senior Kyle Boller, who has yet to match the hype accorded him after a meteoric rise as a high school senior made him one of the nation's most coveted prospects. In three seasons as Cal's starter, Boller has yet to complete more than half of his passes in a season and isn't on the positive side of his career touchdown-to-interception ratio (38-to-36). With Tedford working on Boller's fundamentals and importing the niftiest offense in the Pac-10 from Oregon, Boller could thrive in his last go-around. "When he has a fall camp under his belt, he's going to be something special," Tedford said. Boller is joined in the backfield by underrated senior RB Joe Igber, whose junior season was cut short because of a shoulder injury, and sophomore Terrell Williams, who averaged 105.2 yards over the last five games as Igber's replacement. Converted cornerback LaShaun Ward (23.1 yards per catch in 2001) is a deep-play threat at receiver. On the offensive line, guard Scott Tecero is an all-league candidate. The defensive problems are many. Not only were the Bears last in the league in scoring defense and in yards allowed with unseemly numbers of 39.2 points and 446.3 yards, but they created a mere 18 turnovers, tied for the worst in the conference. The Bears have lots of mix-and-match candidates up front, led by end Tully Banta-Cain. The secondary is experienced, too, but figures to be short on confidence after allowing nearly 300 passing yards per game a year ago. Eight returning starters on defense should make this unit sturdier, but that isn't saying a whole lot. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: Vs. Baylor, Aug. 31 — Here are two teams projected to be at the bottom of their leagues, which makes for a great opportunity on both sides. Playing at home and enthused by a new coach, Cal should beat the Big 12's Bears ... and then follow up with a victory the following week against New Mexico State, doubling their win total from 2001. Vs. Stanford, Nov. 23 — With the Cardinal also breaking in a new coach this season, this is Cal's chance to change its Big Game karma. Stanford has won a series-record seven in a row, but now will have to make do without coach Tyrone Willingham. THE BEARS WILL GO 6-6 IF: Jeff Tedford is really an offensive genius and can coax a brilliant season out of Kyle Boller. Of course, much of that will depend on how well the linemen pick up new blocking schemes; they haven't exactly been rigid pocket protectors for Boller in the past. THE BEARS WILL GO 1-11 IF: They aren't improved at least a little defensively. If not, no game is a gimme. We'll find out if the Bears' problems last season had more to do with chemistry or just a plain ol' lack of talent. QUOTE TO NOTE: "Jeff taught me more about toughness and the game of football as any coach I've ever played for, and I've had some awfully good coaches. To this day, I still consult him on all major issues that I'm facing in football.'" — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trent Dilfer, who played for Tedford while at Fresno State. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Kyle Boller, TB Joe Igber, FB Ryan Stanger, WR LaShaun Ward, WR Geoff McArthur, TE Tom Swaboda, LT Mark Wilson, LG Scott Tercero, C Ryan Jones, RG Jonathan Giesel, RT Chris Murphy. Defense — DE Tom Canada, DE Tully Banta-Cain, DT Josh Beckham, NT Daniel Nwangwu, LB Calvin Hosey, LB John Klotsche, LB Matt Nixon, CB Atari Callen, CB James Bethea, SS Nnamdi Asomugha, FS Bert Watts. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Kyle Boller — Jeff Tedford schemes the passing game as well as anyone in the conference, with the success of this version riding on Boller's strong right arm. The Bears can't climb out of the Pac-10 cellar if Boller is merely average; his passing numbers need to be in the top half of the league and he needs to display Joey Harrington-like leadership ... which means pulling out a fourth-quarter victory or three. BREAKOUT STAR: LaShaun Ward — He's a senior, so it's not as if he's an unknown quantity. But the early part of his career was spent at cornerback before a switch to offense last season. With that year of experience, he should be ready to become the go-to receiver, especially because he has more of something than the other Cal wideouts: Speed. MEDICAL WATCH: Adimchinobe Echemandu (formerly known as Joe Echema) figured to be part of the running back rotation, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in the spring. OREGON INSIDE SLANT With the brilliant quarterback recruiting class of 1997 finally exhausted, Oregon begins life anew with a untried gunslinger named Fife who once had a bit part in the movie Addams Family Values. In the past five seasons, the Ducks have won 45 games, thanks in large part to that 1997 recruiting haul that included junior college transfer Akili Smith and Joey Harrington — each of whom would go on to be a No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. Harrington was superb, and his successor has more to live up to than just a $250,000 New York City billboard. But junior Jason Fife knows a few things about being in front of the camera, having one line as a 12-year-old in that Addams Family sequel and appearing in commercials in Italy and Brazil. Thing is, will Fife prove worthy of a starring role? Heck, will he even have a starting role? The job is his to lose, but he has thrown only nine career passes ... so redshirt freshman Kellen Clemens can't be ruled out yet either. Fortunately for both, Oregon's supporting cast is top rate. New offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, who was hired from Fresno State (just as Jeff Tedford had been in 1998), inherits one of the top running backs in the country in junior Onterrio Smith, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards as Maurice Morris' backup last season. At receiver, senior Keenan Howry is coming off a season with 62 catches, 682 yards and nine touchdowns. Howry, one of the nation's top punt returners, should break Oregon's career records for catches and receiving TDs. The offensive line is unheralded, but has three starters returning and is rarely a problem. There are more concerns on defense, especially at cornerback. Oregon loses standouts Rashad Bauman and Steve Smith from a scheme that loves to put its corners in man-to-man coverage, freeing up other defenders to stack the run. If some combination of Steven Moore, Courtney Miller, Justin Phinisee and JC transfer David Dixon can't handle the coverage by themselves, the entire Ducks defense will suffer as a result. Oregon has improved its record for five consecutive seasons, working its way up to an 11-1 mark last season. A step back would only be natural, but it probably won't be a big one, with the Pac-10 title and a nice bowl game within reach. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: Vs. Mississippi State, Aug. 31 — A very interesting intersectional game to start the season and the first of four consecutive home games at Autzen Stadium, which will be rocking even harder this year after the addition of about 12,000 seats brought capacity to 54,000. At Arizona, Oct. 5 — The start of the Pac-10 season and the first road game for Oregon's new quarterback. At Washington State, Nov. 9. The Ducks end the season with three games against the rest of their Northwest rivals. If Oregon wins in Pullman, the stakes get bigger for a home showdown against Washington a week later and, perhaps, even bigger at Oregon State on Nov. 23. THE DUCKS WILL GO 10-2 IF: They run the table during an eight-game home schedule, leaving only a split of the four road games to get to 10 victories. That's all possible if Jason Fife learned a thing or two from Joey Harrington about how to win in the fourth quarter. THE DUCKS WILL GO 6-6 IF: Their new cornerbacks aren't up to the task in the pass-happy Pac-10, leaving them vulnerable to back-breaking big plays and weakening the entire defense. Even so, it's hard to see the Pac-10's most consistently good program dropping back this far unless the quarterback position blows up. QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think it's safe to say that college football in the city of New York consists of Rutgers and Oregon." — Oregon media relations director David Williford after the school followed its 2001 Joey Harrington billboard by erecting one of Keenan Howry in Times Square. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Jason Fife, TB Onterrio Smith, FB Matt Floberg, WR Keenan Howry, WR Samie Parker, TE George Wrighster, LT Adam Snyder, LG Corey Chambers, C Dan Weaver, RG Joey Forster, RT Michael Delagrange. Defense — DE Seth McEwan, DE Darrell Wright, DT Robby Valenzuela, DT Igor Olshansky, LB Kevin Mitchell, LB David Moretti, LB Garret Graham, CB Steven Moore, CB Justin Phinisee, SS Rasuli Webster, FS Keith Lewis. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Onterrio Smith — The Ducks appear to have quality backups at running back, although Allan Amundson has had trouble staying healthy and Ryan Shaw is still inexperienced. So, that puts added pressure on Smith to carry more of the offense after the departure of tag-team partner Maurice Morris. BREAKOUT STAR: Keith Lewis — The junior free safety made 80 tackles last season and intercepted two passes. He'll get more of a chance to shine this season, cleaning up for the coverage mistakes of inexperienced cornerbacks. MEDICAL WATCH: Redshirt freshman defensive end Kevin Mack suffered a torn ACL in the spring and is likely out for the season. OREGON STATE INSIDE SLANT The high expectations for Oregon State last season were pure folly, given the Beavers' dire situation at receiver and defensive end. Their subsequent lack of major expectations for this season might also prove to be an error in preseason judgment. With 17 returning starters and a non-conference schedule built for a 4-0 start, Dennis Erickson's guys are out to prove that last season's 5-6 mark was the aberration, not the 11-1 record from 2000. Sure, there's that nagging question about a new quarterback ... but other than that, Oregon State looks to be capable of competing for the Pac-10 championship, especially because of a defense that returns eight starters and should be one of the best in the league. It starts up front, where the line returns three starters, including honors candidate Eric Manning at tackle. This should be the main area of strength for a defense that finished third in the conference last season by allowing 330.8 yards per game. The starting linebackers are good, led by the man in the middle, Richard Siegler, although depth is a concern. In the secondary, 6-1 cornerback Dennis Weathersby is one of the best in the nation. The safety position is loaded: Mitch Meeuwsen returns from a fine freshman season, Calvin Carlyle comes off a medical hardship year because of shoulder problems and a pair of JC transfers — Lawrence Turner and Brandon Catenese — impressed the spring. Everything will come together nicely if sophomore quarterback Derek Anderson holds up his end of the bargain. The highly touted 6-6 prospect from Scappoose, Ore. — he turned down Florida State — played sparingly in relief of Jonathan Smith last season, completing 17 of 41 passes. Upon completion of his playing career, Smith hung around as a graduate assistant to help tutor Anderson. "(Anderson) won the job in the spring and he obviously is the future of this program at that position," Erickson said. "I thought he had a great spring. He still has a lot to learn, but he is willing to do that." Great things are expected of sophomore tailback Steven Jackson, who was a revelation as a true freshman in reserve of Ken Simonton. Jackson ran for 405 yards last season, averaging a nifty 5.3 yards per carry. Receiver won't be a weak spot anymore. It will be hard for James Newson (57 catches, 968 yards) to get attention in the receiver-rich Pac-10, but he's as good as most of them. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: At Southern Cal, Sept. 28 — Oregon State could very well be 4-0 heading into its Pac-10 opener against another top league contender. The Beavers will be looking to avenge a 16-13 overtime loss from last season, a game in which they out-gained USC 384-204 but missed two short field goals late in regulation. At Washington, Nov. 9 — Both teams are planning on being in the Pac-10 race at this stage of the season, but perhaps only one will walk away with those hopes intact. Vs. Oregon, Nov. 23 — Getting this one at home makes all the difference ... and the stakes could be high. THE BEAVERS WILL GO 10-2 IF: Derek Anderson doesn't do anything foolish on offense and takes what the defense gives him. In Dennis Erickson's offense, receivers are going to get open; Anderson just needs to be calm and patient ... not unlike his predecessor, Jonathan Smith. THE BEAVERS WILL GO 7-5 IF: They can't regain the swagger that served them so well in the 2000 season. Toward that end, an unexpected loss in non-conference play or a defeat at USC could have Oregon State swimming in the middle of the pack. But, hey, a third winning season in four years still isn't too shabby for OSU. QUOTE TO NOTE: "Our expectations are the same every year. Our goals are to compete for the Pac-10 championship and go to a bowl game. I feel that is what we can do. We are at the point now where we feel we can accomplish those goals." — Oregon State coach Dennis Erickson. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Derek Anderson, TB Steven Jackson, FL James Newson, SE Shawn Kinter, SL Cole Clasen, TE Tim Euhus, LT Lee Davis, LG Mike Kuykendall, C Matt Brock, RG Kanan Sanchez, RT Doug Nienhuis. Defense — DE Noah Happe, DE Dan Rothwell, DT Eric Manning, DT Dwan Edwards, LB Nick Barnett, LB Richard Siegler, LB Erik Tuma, CB Terrell Roberts, CB Dennis Weathersby, SS Lawrence Turner, FS Mitch Meeuwsen. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Dennis Weathersby — Cover cornerbacks like Weathersby — especially those who are 6-1 — don't come along very often. By taking care of his business one-on-one, the Beavers can shift resources to help with other parts of the defense, improving the whole unit in the process. BREAKOUT STAR: Steven Jackson — With Oregon State off the national radar late in the season, not many noticed how impressive Jackson was as a true freshman. He added 10 pounds of strength for spring ball and looks ready to become one of the best running backs in the league after averaging 5.3 yards per carry last season. A former prep All-American from Las Vegas, Jackson is typical of the upgrades Dennis Erickson has made in recruiting. MEDICAL WATCH: Junior quarterback Shayne House, whom the Beavers hoped could compete for the starting job or at least emerge as the backup, continues to be bothered by shoulder problems. He underwent surgeries to his right shoulder in 2000 and 2001. STANFORD INSIDE SLANT For better or worse — and it certainly might be worse — Stanford will be an exciting team in Buddy Teevens' first season on The Farm. There will be no shortage of points scored as Stanford returns seven offensive starters, including an impressive collection of skill players, and adds the expertise of Teevens, who most recently helped Steve Spurrier facilitate the Fun 'N' Gun offense at Florida. Alas, there will be no shortage of points allowed, as the Cardinal returns just two defensive starters — both defensive tackles. Combine all that with a taxing schedule that includes six road games ... and, well, it looks as if Tyrone Willingham's departure to Notre Dame was well-timed. Coming off an impressive 9-3 season, nothing will come easy for the Cardinal — except maybe scoring points. Chris Lewis, who has started seven games in the past two seasons, takes over as the full-time quarterback. He completed 90 of 163 passes for 1,277 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. His targets will be arguably the best group of receivers in a conference that is flush with excellent pass catchers. Basketball forward Teyo Johnson, 6-7, is the go-up-and-get-it guy; Luke Powell, at 5-8, resembles former Stanford star Troy Walters. If the offense hums as expected, Kerry Carter has a chance to become a 1,000-yard running back. The job is all his now that Brian Allen is off to the NFL. Carter, despite missing the final four games of because of a separated shoulder, gained 456 yards in last season's platoon. And don't underestimate the value of fullback Casey Moore, who has started 33 consecutive games and adeptly handles running, blocking and receiving. Three starters are back on the offensive line, including potential All-American Kwame Harris at tackle. Basically, Stanford might be right back where it was last year on offense — leading the Pac-10 with a 37.1-point average. But there's enough inexperience on defense that the whole season could still go up in smoke. The coaches know they will be fine in the defensive interior, where tackles Matt Leonard and Craig Albrecht are returning starters. Other than that ... On a positive note, Stanford is as athletic as it has ever been on defense. There's just no telling if all those good young inexperienced athletes will be running to the right spot on the field to complete their assignments. For sure, there are some former high school studs on the two-deep, including second-year linebacker Michael Craven and sophomore end Amon Gordon. Freshman linebacker Jon Alston is another to keep a close eye on. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: At Boston College, Sept. 7 — Let's see how this thing looks. New coach, new complicated offense in which quarterback Chris Lewis will be asked to more cerebral, nine new defensive starters. All against a quality opponent. At Notre Dame, Oct. 5 — We'll find out who is better — Tyrone Willingham's new team or his old team. At California, Nov. 23 — In Stanford's 11-game schedule, a win in the Big Game might be needed to push the Cardinal to a winning record and bowl eligibility. Stanford has won a record seven consecutive games in the series. THE CARDINAL WILL GO 7-4 IF: The offense doesn't miss a beat while learning a new system and the young defenders mature faster than predicted. Splitting non-conference games at Boston College and Notre Dame is a must, but is no easy task. THE CARDINAL WILL GO 3-8 IF: Buddy Teevens' 11-45 record at Tulane in the mid-90s is not an aberration and scoring 35 points a game is not enough. It just might be too soon for the defense to help Stanford get back to a bowl game. QUOTE TO NOTE: "I didn't know coaches could talk." — Defensive tackle Matt Leonard on the difference between the excitable Buddy Teevens and stoic former coach Tyrone Willingham. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Chris Lewis, TB Kerry Carter, FB Casey Moore, WR Teyo Johnson, WR Luke Powell, TE Brett Pierce, LT Kirk Chambers, LG Paul Weinacht, C Tom Kolich, RG Greg Schindler, RT Kwame Harris. Defense — DE Amon Gordon, DE Louis Hobson, DT Matt Leonard, NT Craig Albrecht, LB Scott Giles, LB Brian Gaffney, LB Michael Craven, CB Stanley Wilson, CB Leigh Torrence, SS O.J. Atagwe, FS Colin Branch. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Chris Lewis — He has proved his mettle over the past couple of seasons, filling in when QB Randy Fasani couldn't go. His finest moment came last season when he came off the bench to lead the Cardinal to a come-from-behind victory at Oregon, the game that spoiled a perfect regular season for the Ducks. Stanford has highly touted prospects behind him, including second-stringer Kyle Matter and incoming freshman Trent Edwards, but this needs to be Lewis' show for now. BREAKOUT STAR: Teyo Johnson — After catching 38 passes for 565 yards and seven touchdowns last season, perhaps Johnson has already "broken out." But consider that last season was only his first at receiver. Scarily enough, the former quarterback still has lots of room to climb on the learning curve. With better route running, a passing offense to die for, and that unbeatable 6-7 frame, Johnson has the potential to be one of the nation's flashiest receivers. MEDICAL WATCH: Stanford appears to have no major health issues heading into fall, but depth is at a premium everywhere as only a few of the projected backups are seniors. UCLA INSIDE SLANT Even as Bob Toledo piles up the top 10 recruiting classes, UCLA hasn't even been a .500 team since squandering its chance to play for the national title when it lost at Miami in December of 1998. Since then, those talented, deep and oh-so promising teams each fizzled at the end. The 1999 team went 1-4 down the stretch. The 2000 team lost its final three games, including the Sun Bowl. Last season's team started 6-0 and looked every inch of a national championship contender before losing four in a row and not even bothering with a bowl game. The Bruins have neither been smart off the field (handicapped parking scandal, DeShaun Foster's NCAA violations, Cory Paus alcohol-related driving convictions) nor tough on it, generally folding when the going got tough. This UCLA team does not appear as deep or quite as talented as those of the past few seasons, but if the Bruins have more going for them between the earholes of their helmets, they should be just fine. Thirteen starters return, including four on an offensive line that should rate among the Pac-10's best. Toledo wants to keep Paus focused, so he's not naming a starting quarterback until just before the Sept. 7 season-opener against Colorado State, but, clearly, he's the guy. Paus is a fifth-year senior who has had his moments — 198 consecutive passes without an interception, for example — although he has never been able to avoid the injury bug. The backfield is full of capable runners. Junior Akil Harris rushed for 375 yards (4.9 per carry) last season. Manuel White, a 240-pound sophomore, gained 290 while averaging 4.6 per attempt. It will be interesting to see how 5-9 redshirt freshman Tyler Ebell is used; he set a national high school record with 4,495 rushing yards as a senior at Ventura (Calif.) High School in 2002. The defense will miss the leadership and productivity of end Kenyon Coleman and linebacker Robert Thomas, among others. Five starters are back, notably a pair of honors candidates in cornerback Ricky Manning and DT Rodney Leisle. Even so, the Bruins will be hard-pressed to match last year's effort when they led the Pac-10 in total defense at 320.6 yards allowed per game. Part of that can be attributed to the contribution of defensive coordinator Phil Snow, who brought a new attacking scheme from Arizona State last season. "I feel we have enough young talent to once again play the type of aggressive, effective defense we played in 2001," Toledo said. As much as any team in the Pac-10, UCLA is an enigma — talented, but without momentum, and absolutely unreliable when it comes to chemistry. Still, do you really want to count them out of contending for the league title? NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: Vs. Colorado, Sept. 21 — After opening with two potentially tricky games (Colorado State, at Oklahoma State), the Bruins get a chance to make another early splash. In the past two seasons, UCLA has September non-conference victories over Alabama (twice), Ohio State and Michigan. At Oregon State, Oct. 5 — A win in the Pac-10 opener, at a suddenly tough venue, would set UCLA on the right course. A home game with Oregon follows, so the Bruins will know a lot about themselves and their chances by mid-October. At Southern California, Nov. 23 — Last season's 27-0 loss to the Trojans was pure ugly. Less than a year ago, it appeared as if UCLA ruled Los Angeles ... now, the momentum is shifting toward USC. THE BRUINS WILL GO 9-3 IF: QB Cory Paus can stay healthy, out of trouble and in favor with coach Bob Toledo. That, and the Bruins will need to keep — and find — the chemistry and drive that will take them through November, not just up to it. THE BRUINS WILL GO 4-7 IF: A talented offensive line isn't tough enough, Cory Paus self-destructs, and the defense isn't as stingy as last season. If the Bruins get knocked down, they can't be trusted to get back up again. QUOTE TO NOTE: "Rodney Leisle has the strength and quickness to disrupt an offense's blocking schemes. He possesses the potential to be a dominating performer, and we feel he is one of the best defensive tackles in the country." — UCLA coach Bob Toledo STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Cory Paus, TB Akil Harris, FB Manuel White, WR Craig Bragg, WR Tab Perry, TE Mike Seidman, LT Bryce Bohlander, LG Eyoseph Efseaff, C Paul Mociler, RG Steven Viera, RT Mike Saffer. Defense — DE Mat Ball, DE Dave Ball, DT Rodney Leisle, DT Steve Morgan, LB Brandon Chillar, LB Marcus Reese, LB Spencer Havner, CB Ricky Manning, CB Joe Hunter, SS Kevin Brant, FS Matt Ware. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Cory Paus — More than ever, the senior quarterback needs to be a leader and not someone whose off-field problems wreck the team. Coach Bob Toledo will have Paus on a short leash, which means backup John Sciarra, and others, need to be ready, probably before their time. BREAKOUT STAR: Matt Ware — He was a sensation as a true freshman cornerback, intercepting a team-high five passes and starting every game. The tentative plan is to use him at free safety, where he can use his athleticism sideline to sideline. Toledo will also be very creative in devising ways to use Ware on offense, as a quarterback and receiver. MEDICAL WATCH: Sophomore John Ream, a possible starter at center, has given up football because of knee and foot injuries. Reserve offensive lineman Collin Barker, a redshirt freshman, was also forced to call it quits due to continuous ankle problems. USC INSIDE SLANT It's tempting to pick USC as the Pac-10 favorite, but there's that nagging thing about how the Trojans almost always look good in the preseason. Maybe it's simply the residue of past glory that leads to high expectations. Then the season starts and reality hits. Southern California has only one Rose Bowl in the past 11 seasons to its credit. It hasn't had a first-team all-league tailback since 1989. It has a losing record in league games in the past four years — 15-17. That's one game worse than Oregon State. Ugh. And yet the 2002 Trojans look so tempting. Again. There are 15 returning starters, including senior quarterback Carson Palmer who just might live up to all the hype one of these years. He was supposed to thrive last year as offensive coordinator Norm Chow was brought in to goose the offense, but a myriad of injuries at tailback probably didn't give Palmer a fair shot. He threw for 2,717 yards and 13 touchdowns, but also 12 interceptions. The running game, so ordinary in the past decade or so, bottomed out last season as the 1,052 team total was the school's worst since at least 1948. Before that, who knows? Records weren't kept. Yet the Trojans could have the most dangerous duo in the league. Sultan McCullough, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2000, returns after missing much of last season because of a strained abdominal muscle. And the buzz of spring practice was heralded Michigan transfer Justin Fargas, who has one season of eligibility remaining. If spring drills were an indication, he will put that season to good use — he ran for 250 yards in the team's final two scrimmages. Senior receiver Kareem Kelly is a familiar target for Palmer, and junior Keary Colbert is a reliable pass catcher with good speed, although not as much as Kelly. The offensive line doesn't appear to have any All-America candidates, but all five starters return and that experience should count for something. Head coach Pete Carroll made a big difference on defense in his first season, as the Trojans ranked first in the Pac-10 in scoring defense at 17.9 points per game and ranked second in turnovers forced with 33. Senior strong safety Troy Polamalu is a preseason All-American, which is something sophomore tackle Shaun Cody might someday be as well. End Kenechi Udeze gives USC another sophomore lineman with vast potential. Only five starters are back on defense, but there's more experience there than you might expect. All of the projected first-stringers in the secondary have starting experience, although Polamalu is officially the only returning starter. At linebacker, Washington State transfer Melvin Simmons is expected to have a big impact. And another "non-returning starter" is senior tackle Bernard Riley, who missed the majority of last season because of a knee injury. He was a starter in 2000. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: Vs. Auburn, Sept. 2 — The Trojans tackle one of the toughest schedules in the nation, lining up a non-conference schedule of Auburn, at Colorado, at Kansas State and against Notre Dame in the season-finale. Within the conference, they miss Arizona, which is widely projected for a second-tier finish. With all that being the case, the Trojans better get after the Tigers in the opener, because while Auburn is good, many tougher foes await. Vs. Oregon State, Sept. 28 — After two potentially exhausting weeks in Big 12 country (Colorado, Kansas State), USC has to turn around to face a pesky Oregon State team in the Pac-10 opener. At least the Trojans have history on their side; the Beavers haven't won in the Coliseum since 1960. At Oregon, Oct. 26 — If the Trojans are to win the league title, they just might have to go to Autzen Stadium and take it right away from the Ducks. THE TROJANS WILL GO 9-3 IF: Tailback U. makes a glorious and triumphant return. The talent is in place for that to happen; if it does, it will also help QB Carson Palmer go crazy in his last tour of the league. THE TROJANS WILL GO 5-6 IF: The Trojans aren't ready from the opening kickoff and the schedule simply overwhelms them. There's hardly a breather in the 12-game schedule — Cal at home, probably — so USC will have to be at the top of its game, mentally, every week. And that sometimes gives the Trojans trouble. Remember last year's Las Vegas Bowl against Utah? QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think about what if I had come to USC out of high school. It has crossed my mind. Everything happens for a reason. I think USC is a perfect fit now. ... The more I get adjusted to this program, the more I realize I should have been here a long time ago." — Senior tailback Justin Fargas, who began his career at Michigan. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Carson Palmer, TB Justin Fargas, FB Chad Pierson, SE Kareem Kelly, FL Keary Colbert, TE Alex Holmes, LT Jacob Rogers, LG Lenny Vandermade, C Norm Katnik, RG Zach Wilson, RT Eric Torres. Defense — DE Kenechi Udeze, DE Omar Nazel, NT Bernard Riley, DT Shaun Cody, LB Matt Grootegoed, LB Mike Pollard, LB Melvin Simmons, CB Kevin Arbet, CB Darrell Rideaux, SS Troy Polamalu, FS DeShaun Hill. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Troy Polamalu — Few defenders can blow up a play like Polamalu can. He's a versatile and powerful strong safety who can make plays all over the field. A leader like this won't let the USC defense slide this season, if at all. BREAKOUT STAR: Shaun Cody — Lived up to his billing as a prep superstar by starting the final eight games of last season and earning multiple first-team Freshman All-America honors. He had 39 tackles last season, seven for loss, including five sacks. MEDICAL WATCH: Tailback Sultan McCullough was back to running track this spring after his football season was cut short because of an abdominal strain. The speedster finished second in the Pac-10 100 meters with a time of 10.41 seconds. ... Center Norm Katnik suffered a thumb injury that required surgery late in spring drills but should be OK by the fall; the offensive line is the area in which USC can least afford an injury. WASHINGTON INSIDE SLANT With the way Washington ended last season on defense — and then lost six starters off that defense, including its best player — it's not a logical step to think the Huskies could win the Pac-10 this year. And yet, blessed with a sizzling offense, that's exactly what could happen. Down the stretch last season, Washington allowed 49 points to Oregon State, a staggering 65 to national champ Miami and then 47 to Texas, which roared from behind with 27 fourth-quarter points. The leader of that defense — tackle Larry Tripplett — is gone to the NFL. The Huskies don't have a defensive lineman who made more than one sack last season. They intercepted only nine passes, four by returning corner Roc Alexander. And the defense is young. There's not a senior first- or second-teamer on the defensive line or in the secondary. Now for some good news. Senior inside linebacker Ben Mahdavi has all-league potential, as does outside linebacker/rush end Kai Ellis — if he can stay healthy. Junior tackle Terry Johnson shows promise. The secondary has lots of mix-and-match parts and good-looking athletes. Other than the opener at Michigan, the young defenders will have the luxury of on-the-job training. Following the game in Ann Arbor, the Huskies play five in a row at home, with the toughest of the bunch seeming to be the capper to the homestand against Arizona. So by the time Washington heads out on the Pac-10 road — Oct. 19 at Southern Cal — many of its defensive issues may have been solved. The offense should have plenty of zip right out of the gate and could carry the team all season, all the way to Pasadena. Quarterback Cody Pickett was remarkable last season as a first-year starter, passing for 2,403 yards despite playing seven games with a separated throwing shoulder. His toughness — and ability to win under pressure — quickly earned his teammates respect. Of course, with a stagnant running game, Washington had to pass a lot last season. After suffering through a sophomore slump (391 yards, 3.1 per carry) in which he wasn't in the best of shape, Rich Alexis returns as the main ball carrier. He'll get help from Braxton Cleman, coming off a redshirt season because of a broken collarbone. Sophomore receiver Reggie Williams is a sensation and completely capable of taking over games, as he did last season with 11 catches and 203 yards in a victory over ninth-ranked Washington State. There are four starters back on the line, eight overall on offense, which means there should be points a-plenty for the Huskies, whose best attribute continues to be the ability to win the close games. They were 5-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less last season (losing only to Texas in the Holiday Bowl 47-43). More late-game heroics will make them Rose Bowl-worthy ... even as the team builds toward a better season in 2003. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: At Michigan, Aug. 31 — This will be an excellent measuring stick for both teams as Michigan tries to find its offense and Washington tries to develop a defense. Otherwise, it will be strength on strength — the Huskies' offense vs. the Wolverines' defense. And, oh yeah, Big Blue sure would like a little payback for the game Washington stole in the fourth quarter last year when Omare Lowe blocked a field goal that was returned for a touchdown and intercepted a pass for a score in a 23-18 victory. At USC, Oct. 19 — This will be the first Pac-10 road test of the season for Washington ... and it's the only pre-November conference game against an expected league contender. At Oregon, Nov. 16 — The nastiest rivalry in the league took last season off, but it should be as mean as ever in a game that could eliminate one team from the conference race. THE HUSKIES WILL GO 10-2 IF: The soft underbelly of the defense toughens up against the run and is able to pressure the passer, and the Huskies continue to be the best fourth-quarter team in the nation. Washington is 12-2 in the past two seasons in games decided by a touchdown or less. THE HUSKIES WILL GO 7-5 IF: They continue to be hounded by injuries, especially on defense where consistency is needed, and if Rich Alexis can't find his freshman form at running back. When will the UW magic run out? QUOTE TO NOTE: "The remarkable thing about Reggie Williams is, you look at him and say, 'This guy has everything you are looking for in the position.' He has all the physical attributes, the size and speed, great hands. More importantly, Reggie loves to work. He loves to do the dirty work. People only see him as a receiver, but he's a very physical player who is a great blocker down field. He enjoys that part of the game." — UW coach Rick Neuheisel STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Cody Pickett, TB Rick Alexis, FB Zach Tuiasosopo, WR Reggie Williams, WR Paul Arnold, TE Kevin Ware, LT Khalif Barnes, LG Nick Newton, C Todd Bachert, RG Elliot Zajac, RT Andre Reeves. Defense — DE Manase Hopoi, DT Jerome Stevens, NT Terry Johnson, OLB Kai Ellis, LB Ben Mahdavi, LB Joseph Lobendahn, OLB Jafar Williams, CB Roc Alexander, CB Derrick Johnson, SS Greg Carothers, FS Jimmy Newell. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Reggie Williams — If all else fails, Cody Pickett can just start lobbing passes to the 6-4 Williams, who made 55 catches for 973 yards as a true freshman. Nobody else on the team really has the look of a go-to guy, so Williams will have to avoid the sophomore slump while solving the double teams. BREAKOUT STAR: Zach Tuiasosopo — The brother of ex-Husky QB Marques Tuiasosopo started four games at linebacker last season, but was moved to offense in the spring because of a wealth of LBs and a dearth of fullbacks. Tuiasosopo was impressive at his new position, and while it's not a glamour position, he can be a valuable — and versatile — presence in one of the best offenses in the league. MEDICAL WATCH: Several players were held out of spring ball (or part of it), the most troublesome injury being the continuing knee problems of outside linebacker Kai Ellis. The former junior college transfer was limited last season, undergoing arthroscopic surgery on both knees. His time was again limited in the spring, which raises doubt as to his ability to contribute mightily in the fall. The heralded recruit could be the answer to some of Washington's pass rushing issues. WASHINGTON STATE INSIDE SLANT Gotta love the dig Washington State took at Oregon and its New York City billboards when the Cougars spent about $2,500 to plaster a likeness of quarterback Jason Gesser on a grain elevator in tiny Dusty, Wash. By doing so, WSU piggy-backed the Ducks' publicity — doing so at price 100 times less than it cost UO to do up Joey Harrington in Times Square last season — and re-affirmed that the Cougs love to play the role of the gutty little underdog. Only this season, the Cougs are too dang good to be little ol' Cinderella. With arguably the best offensive and defensive lines in the conference, a terrific pass-and-catch combo in Gesser-to-Mike Bush, a valuable shut-down corner in Marcus Trufant and a favorable schedule ... what's not to like? Uh, well, other than the fact that coach Mike Price, coming off a 10-2 season, has never had consecutive winning seasons in 21 years as a head coach. These Cougars should lay that streak to rest this season as they take aim at their third 10-win season in the past six years, a time period that began with their Rose Bowl season of 1997. Price endured some lean years after that, but patiently re-built around Gesser, a senior and the inheritor of a superb WSU QB tradition that includes Mark Rypien, Timm Rosenbach, Drew Bledsoe and Ryan Leaf in the past 20 years. Gesser, who at 6-1, 195 pounds isn't NFL-sized like those other guys, completed 199-of-373 passes last season for 3,010 yards and 26 touchdowns. He can be fragile at times, which is one reason why Price played backup Matt Kegel in each game last season. Kegel had a great spring and has game experience to call upon if he's needed in relief of Gesser. The offensive line returns four starters, including All-America candidate Derrick Roche at right guard. He is in good company with mammoth right tackle Calvin Armstrong (6-7, 315), who has a chance to emerge as a star in his sophomore season. The defensive line features tough guys in the middle in juniors Rien Long and Tai Tupai. The ends know how to get upfield in a hurry; D.D. Acholonu and Isaac Brown each had 9.5 sacks as sophomores despite playing as backups. Linebacker is a trouble spot and free safety Lamont Thompson will be missed. But Trufant can shut down half the field as a cornerback, and the secondary should rally around him. NOTES AND QUOTES KEY GAMES: At Ohio State, Sept. 14 — This might be the only chance that media (and many fans) outside the West get to see Washington State. It's a tough assignment, but one the Cougs can't afford to fail if they are going to get the national respect they think they deserve. USC, Oct. 5 — Washington State's home schedule includes the other three teams most often mentioned as league title contenders — the Trojans, Oregon (Nov. 9) and Washington (Nov. 23). To make those later games more meaningful, WSU will first have to take care of business against USC. At UCLA, Dec. 7 — This was moved from November because of television, meaning that the Pac-10 title could be on hold until the final game. The Cougars dropped a Nov. 30 game at Hawaii from their schedule, giving them a two-week breather after the Apple Cup to get ready. THE COUGARS WILL GO 10-2 IF: They're able to hold serve at home against the league heavyweights, both lines play as advertised and someone emerges at running back, possibly junior college transfer Jermaine Green. THE COUGARS WILL GO 7-5 IF: They can't overcome their inexperience at linebacker and safety, and they fall back into old habits of following a winning season with a losing one, raising the old question: Can this program handle the expectations? QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think we are going to have better athletes and individual players than we did a year ago. Whether we are a better team is up to the players." — WSU coach Mike Price STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense — QB Jason Gesser, TB Jermaine Green, SE Mike Bush, SB Trandon Harvey, FL Collin Henderson, TE Mark Ahlberg, LT Josh Parrish, LG Billy Knotts, C Tyler Hunt, RG Derrick Roche, RT Calvin Armstrong. Defense — DE D.D. Acholonu, DE Fred Shavies, DT Tai Tupai, DT Rien Long, LB Al Genatone, LB Pat Bennett, LB Ira Davis, CB Marcus Trufant, CB Jason David, SS Virgil Williams, FS Erik Coleman. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: Jermaine Green — OK, he hasn't even played a down yet, but he was the talk of the spring after transferring from junior college, suggesting he might be the answer — perhaps even an upgrade — to a big hole left by the departure of running back David Minnich. "Jermaine has all the stats, the size, the height, the weight, the speed ... but now we need to see that produce yards on the field," coach Mike Price said. BREAKOUT STAR: Mike Bush — Like so many of the top Pac-10 receivers, Bush is tall (6-6), lean and oozing with athleticism (he also played basketball at WSU). In his first season of football since high school, Bush caught 46 passes for 959 yards and 10 touchdowns last year ... so just imagine what he can do now that he has his football legs under him. MEDICAL WATCH: Bush was recovering this summer from a stress fracture in his left foot and will be evaluated just before camp opens. He might be limited in fall drills, but should be healed in time to play in the Aug. 31 opener against Nevada.