Trojans and Ducks the teams to beat in Pac-12

The Pac-12 underwent some major changes during the offseason, adding four new coaches and an influx of fast-paced offenses.

The top of the conference still has a familiar look: Southern California in the South, Oregon in the North.

The Ducks never left, really. The Trojans had to fight their way back after some dark days.

Leveled by sanctions that led to the Reggie Bush Heisman Trophy giveback, USC was banned from the postseason the past two seasons and hamstrung by the loss of 30 scholarships over three years.

Postseason eligible again, USC is back, buoyed by the return of quarterback Matt Barkley, a Heisman Trophy favorite, the addition of Penn State leading rusher Silas Redd and 17 returning starters.

The Trojans aren’t just the favorites to win the Pac-12 South. They’re a front-runner to win the final BCS championship next January.

“We’re two years removed from what was handed down as people saying `SC is over,’ and being a preseason No. 1 team two years later is extremely exciting for our university and for our fans,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said.

Oregon had been the Pac-12’s dominant team while the Trojans were pushed away from the spotlight.

The Ducks played for a national championship two years ago and were a contender last season before winning the Rose Bowl for the first time in 95 years.

Oregon must replace running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas, but these fast-flying Ducks have plenty of talented replacements ready and are poised for another season in the top 10.

And it’s not just Trojans and Ducks.

They’re the ones to beat, for sure, but Stanford and Utah have solid teams, there are new coaches at Arizona, Arizona State and UCLA, not to mention the always-entertaining Mike Leach taking over at Washington State.

It should be an interesting season.

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