Title: USC Emerges as Preseason Favorite in Competitive Pac-12 Football Poll
With the Pac-12 football season just around the corner, the preseason media poll has been released, revealing USC as the top pick to win the conference title in 2023. Despite their formidable schedule, which includes powerhouse teams like Oregon and Washington, the Trojans have garnered significant support due to their strong roster, led by quarterback Caleb Williams and a fortified defensive line.
Receiving 25 out of 36 first-place votes, USC dominated the media poll with 413 points, outpacing Washington (367), Utah (359), and Oregon (340). The close margin of points between the second to fourth-place teams highlights the anticipated competitiveness of the conference this year.
Utah, the defending champion and known for its exceptional team culture under head coach Kyle Whittingham, finds itself in unfamiliar territory after not being picked to win the title. Similarly, Oregon, a consistent conference powerhouse and boasting a talented lineup with quarterback Bo Nix, was also overlooked in the preseason poll.
While USC, Utah, and Oregon have historically been frontrunners in the Pac-12, this season could potentially be one of the most exciting since 2014. Back then, the conference sent one team to the playoff (Oregon), another to the Fiesta Bowl (Arizona), and had six teams ranked in the final AP top-25 poll. Such high levels of competition bode well for college football fans eagerly awaiting the return of exhilarating on-field action.
The preseason poll holds some surprises, with Oregon State securing the fifth spot. Despite winning 10 games last season and delivering a commanding victory over Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl, the Beavers will need to prove their mettle on the field. Furthermore, they have bolstered their roster with the prized transfer of former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, making them an intriguing team to watch.
Among the other teams in the Pac-12, UCLA narrowly secured a spot in the top half, while Washington State was picked seventh, continuing their impressive streak of bowl berths. Arizona, in its critical third year under coach Jedd Fisch, hopes to overcome its recent lackluster performances and make a splash in the conference.
Bringing up the rear, the bottom four in the preseason poll include Cal, ASU, Colorado, and Stanford. While the favorites often dominate the headlines, the performance of the lower-ranked teams can significantly impact the conference standings. As seen last year, the Pac-12 demonstrated parity with four teams boasting strong conference records, thanks in part to weaker teams in the mix.
As the 2023 Pac-12 football season unfolds, fans can expect an intense battle for the coveted conference title. While USC appears to have the edge heading into the season, the competitiveness among the top teams and the potential for surprises from the underdogs will make for a thrilling spectacle on the gridiron.
For more updates and exclusive analysis on Pac-12 football, stay tuned to our website and follow us on Twitter: @WilnerHotline. Should you have any suggestions, comments, or tips, please reach out to us at pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716.
Remember to bookmark our page for the latest news, features, and insights on the Pac-12 football season.
###
