Pac-12 Preview: Is UCLA The Favorite In The South Division?
By Jason Gold
Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Taylor Kelly (10) is pressured by Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker linebackers Sam Eguavoen (13) and Branden Jackson (9) during the 2013 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Texas Tech defeated Arizona State 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Reason Why They Will Win: Everything for Arizona State this season will come down to their offense and the play of QB Taylor Kelly. Kelly is one of the more underrated QB’s in the conference and has the potential to lead ASU to huge victories over USC and UCLA. All of their defensive studs from last season are no longer with the program, which means in order for them to compete with the likes of USC and UCLA, their going to need to be the best or second best offense in the conference. Is it possible? Sure. Is it likely? Well, there’s no doubt their offensive has the ability to be great. But ASU’s problems over time have been with consistency. If they’re not consistently putting up 40+ points a game, this may be a long year.
Reason Why They Won’t Win: They lost ALL of their defensive playmakers. This could be one of the worst defenses in the conference. That’s not going to fly in the Pac-12, the offenses are simply too good. If they can’t hold opponents under 25 PPG, it’s definitely going to be a long season in Tempe.
Best Case Record: 9-3
Worst Case Record: 6-6