Pac-12 Football Links 6/21/2019
We are previewing the 2019 season already and we have some Pac-12 rankings:
A Modified Projection Model Quarterbacks Defensive Coordinators
2019 Conference Comparison and Expected Wins
Check out this sort-able table that allows you to dynamically change year and drill down to conference!
Arizona
The Wildcats hired a high school coach as a analyst and it could be a way in on a 2020 QB prospect. This did not work out for the Wildcats with a certain DL coach and QB prospect.
Arizona State
Eno Benjamin is one of the ten best backs in the country according to USAToday. We, of course, agree.
Cal
Brandon MacIlwain should get back on the field, but maybe not as a QB.
Colorado
Five Buffs this Duck site thinks you should know about heading into this season.
Oregon
John Canzano normally has pretty smart takes, but this wasn't one of them. He tap dances all around the real problem; the Pac-12 hasn't produced a team good enough to deserve to be in the playoff in a few years and smoke and mirrors is his Plan A.
Oregon State
The Beavs pass defense has been a lot better than their rush defense and here is a preview of their corners and safeties.
Stanford
The Cardinal got the Bill Connolly treatment and S&P+ has the Cardinal about where Beta_Rank does; which this year might mean a better advanced stats rank than their record.
UCLA
The Bruins hopes for a jump this season are predicated on all their returning experience, they rank #36 in returning production, but returning production is less predictive of defensive success than offensive.
USC
The Trojans could be back this season, but it's going to be on the offense; which was terrible last season.
Utah
The Utes got Bill Connolly'd and Beta_Rank and S&P+ are on the same page with the Ute projections; they are a heavy favorite in the South and just need to win what projects like a toss-up game to be Pac-12 champions. The NCAA's quixotic waiver process did not work out in the Utes favor.
Washington
In his penultimate preview before moving on to a new gig, Bill Connolly did the Huskies. The Huskies have to totally retool on defense and replace their starting backfield, but S&P+ and Beta_Rank have them as one of the Pac-12 favorites anyway.
Washington State
The Cougs pick up a former Notre Dame RB who will be immediately eligible and you have to like their depth there now.
Football Thing:
This is a nice breakdown of one of Stanford's standard power run plays.
Non-Football Things:
This is a good book.
This is a good song.
This is good to know. This is my go to chocolate chip cookie recipe.