We continue with our series of weekly Conference Conversations with the first of three Q & A sessions discussing PAC 12 football. Today we’ll take a look at some of the teams that could challenge Stanford and Oregon for the PAC 12 Championship.

Joining us this week will be Brad Denny of House of Sparky, Scott Chong of California Golden Blogs and AHMB of Bruins Nation.

[box] Question # 1: Las Vegas has installed Oregon as the favorite to win the North this year (+100) and USC as the favorite to win the South (+150). What other team(s) could realistically surprise the oddsmakers and challenge those two teams for the division & conference title? Why?[/box]

Brad Denny – House of Sparky: In the North, the only plausible option is Stanford, but Oregon just seems too tough this year for them to be toppled, and it would be quite a surprise if the Ducks don’t reach the Pac-12 title game.

The selection of USC is surprising, perhaps more of a “force of habit” pick than anything. This year’s South crown should come down to UCLA and ASU, as both teams return key veterans on both sides of the ball. USC has the talent, but with so many missing pieces, the Trojans should be considered contenders in 2014 at the earliest.

Scott Chong – California Golden Blogs: As much as I hate to say it, Stanford should give Oregon a run for its Nike money.  They have a tough defense, one of the best Olines in the conference, and Kevin Hogan is an emerging star at QB.  If someone can step up at their skill positions, they’re a contender.

In the South, I think UCLA is more likely to contend than USC.  Brett Hundley is a better QB than whoever eventually wins the starting job for the Trojans.  Throw in the Kiffin factor, and ‘SC looks poised to underachieve …… again.

AHMB – Bruins Nation: Oregon and Stanford are the clear favorites in the North, and I would argue that Oregon St. and Washington have shots to make some noise.  Oregon St. was very solid last year before Sean Mannion’s injury, and their coaching staff will always put them in a position to win.  Washington has been lurking for a while, but they’ve yet to turn the corner.  If they turn the corner, they have enough talent to make noise.

The South is much more wide open than the North.  It wouldn’t be shocking if any team other than Colorado won the division.  You have to remember though, UCLA has represented the South in both Pac-12 Championship games so far, and I would think UCLA and Arizona St. are both in good position to knock off USC.

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Get a copy of our 2012 PAC 12 Betting Prospectus here.

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