There is probably no tougher conference to understand in betting secrets of the pros this season than the Pac-10. Thanks to a recruiting violation, USC has been deemed ineligible for postseason and bowl-game play for 2010. That makes things pretty confusing considering that USC will probably have the conference's top record.
USC isn't available for bets at any sportsbook because it can't win the Pac-10 no matter how well it plays. So let's sort through the rubble and see which remaining team will benefit most from USC's boo-boo.
ARIZONA (5 to 1)
Here's another team that may not be complete but has several difference makers that could make things interesting in the Pac-10. Nike Foles is no sleeper behind center and Nate Grigsby is very dangerous with the football. The Wildcats also have a good pass rush with Rick Elmore and Brooks Reed as the focal points.
OREGON (5 to 2)
The Oregon Ducks aren't safe from the NCAA's iron fist either. In fact, their starting quarterback, Jeremiah Masoli, is suspended for the entire season. But they still bring plenty of other weapons to the table. Nine starters return to the offense and all indications around camp are that Masoli's replacement, Nate Costa, is more than ready to make an impact. The Ducks' defense returns eight starters and has a very speedy defensive line.
OREGON STATE (5 to 2)
Beavers fans have their hopes very high in 2010 after Oregon State had a solid 2009 season. It's true that it has two of the most exciting players in the conference with the Rodgers brothers. Halfback Jacquizz may be the Pac-10's top playmaker and James is a good receiver. But the betting advice is still to avoid Oregon State. Ryan Katz isn't the answer at quarterback and stud defensive tackle Stephen Paea doesn't have enough help on "D."
STANFORD (8 to 1)
Anyone who supports Oregon State has to give Stanford a look. Andrew Luck joins Jake Locker as the other NFL-caliber quarterback ready to make noise in the Pac-10 this year. He has plenty of veteran wideouts surrounding him too. But defense will be Stanford's downfall. Even though the secondary is just fine, the "D" is undergoing the dreaded 3-4 transition, which almost always creates a temporary regression.
WASHINGTON (5 to 1)
Do you or don't you believe the hype? I'm on board – and not just because Washington has one of the nation's top prospects in quarterback Jake Locker. The offense returns all its starters at the skill positions and, while the "D" isn't elite, it has a real playmaker leading the way in Mason Foster.
I still think Oregon is the most complete team in the Pac-10 besides USC, so I expect the Beavers to play for the conference title. In the end, though, I think Jake Locker's star power wins out. He'll lead Washington over Oregon in a tight battle.
