Predicting the Pac-12 South

Pac-12 Media Day is fast approaching, as are the yearly predictions of the media as to how each team will finish in their division. While the top team in each division seems like an easy pick, after that, things get a little jumbled, especially in the Pac-12 South. Let's take a look at how we at Ute Nation think the South will play out, as well as how we think the media will pick the division.

Ute Nation Staff Predictions

1. USC- The Trojans are a fairly easy pick here. Future NFL first-round pick Sam Darnold is the best quarterback in the conference and USC is loaded with talent at nearly every position. Clay Helton is still somewhat unproven as a head coach, but a coach doesn't necessarily have to be elite when he has as talented a team as USC. While the potential for a slip up or two is still there, the Trojans have the ability to roll through their schedule.

2. Utah- The Utes almost certainly won't be picked this high by the media, but after extensively analyzing the roster as well as the schedule, we feel confident that the Utes can surprise this year. The keys will be for the offensive line to gel quickly and for the secondary to get up to speed in time for conference play. If that happens, Utah could get to eight or nine wins during the regular season.

3. UCLA- The Bruins will look to rebound after a losing season in 2016. Josh Rosen will be back and healthy, which is an instant game changer, and UCLA has an immensely talented roster for him to work with. However, Jim Mora has yet to prove that he is the type of coach that can capitalize on such talent on a consistent basis. If the Bruins play to their potential, they could challenge USC for the South, if not, they could fall to fourth or fifth place.

4. Colorado- After winning the South in 2016, we expect the Buffs to take a step back this year. Colorado returns a lot of key pieces on offense and should be able to move the ball efficiently, but their defense was decimated in the offseason. Additionally, defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt left for Oregon. Colorado won several games last year by leaning on their defense, but there are major doubts as to if they will be able to do the same this season.

5. ASU- The Sun Devils are coming off of two straight losing seasons, but it's tough to predict how ASU will perform this year. There was a major overhaul in Tempe in the past few months, and Todd Graham hired a new coordinator for both the offense and defense. The Sun Devils also have a heralded quarterback, Blake Burnett, transferring in from Alabama. Burnett figures to immediately challenge Manny Wilkins for the starting job. However, as long as Graham is at the helm, we don't think that ASU will be much of a threat in the South.

6. Arizona- Rich Rodriguez’s seat is already hot after regressing significantly since leading the Wildcats to a South title in 2014. He may not last as the head coach if his team doesn't show some signs of life this year, but there's not a lot of talent, compared to the rest of the South, for him to work with. It doesn't look like things will get much better for Arizona this year.