Trojans and Ducks the teams to beat in Pac-12

OREGON _ Key players: RB Kenjon Barner, RB De’Anthony Thomas, LB Michael Clay, DE Dion Jordan, WR Josh Huff, FS John Boyett. Returning starters: offense 5, defense 7.

Notes: Coach Chip Kelly met with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers about their head-coaching opening, but decided to stay in Eugene. … The Ducks will have a tight battle to replace Thomas at QB. Sophomore Bryan Bennett threw for 376 yards and six touchdowns while Thomas was hurt last season, but freshman Marcus Mariota looked good in spring and could be a star in the making. … James was a Heisman Trophy finalist and an All-American, but Barner and Thomas should make sure Oregon doesn’t miss a fast-stepping beat.

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STANFORD _ Key players: RB Stepfan Taylor, TE Zach Ertz, LB Chase Thomas, DE Ben Gardner, LB Shane Skov, WR Ty Montgomery. Returning starters: offense 6, defense 7.

Notes: Stanford’s biggest hurdle will be replacing quarterback Andrew Luck, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist who was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Brett Nottingham has a strong arm and was Luck’s backup, but Josh Nunes has impressed the coaches with his game management. … Skov was Stanford’s leading tackler as a sophomore, but tore a ligament in his left knee the third game of the 2011 season. He will be suspended for the opener against San Jose State after being arrested for DUI last winter. … Taylor ran for over 1,300 yards last season.

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WASHINGTON _ Key players: QB Keith Price, CB Desmond Trufant, WR Kasen Williams, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, DE Josh Shirley. Returning starters: offense 6, defense 7.

Notes: Coming off the school’s worst statistical defensive season, coach Steve Sarkisian replaced three defensive coaches, including coordinator Nick Holt. New coordinator Justin Wilcox has shifted the Huskies to more of a 3-4 defense, which appeared to free up the defenders in Washington’s spring game. … The Huskies have to replace top running back Chris Polk and have plenty of question marks on the offensive line. … Price was stellar in his first season as a starter, setting a team record by completing 66.9 percent of his passes while throwing for over 3,000 yards and 33 TDs.

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CALIFORNIA _ Key players: QB Zach Maynard, RB Isi Sofele, RB C.J. Anderson, WR Keenan Allen, DE Mustafa Jalil, NG Aaron Tipoti. Returning starters: offense 6, defense 6.

Notes: Sofele and Anderson give the Bears a nice 1-2 punch, but there are a couple of holes to fill on the offensive line. … Maynard completed 57 percent of his passes for nearly 3,000 yards, but had 12 interceptions to go with 17 TDs. … Allen, one of the most dynamic receivers in the conference, had ankle surgery in the spring, but is expected to be ready for the season opener. … Cal opens remodeled Memorial Stadium against Nevada on Sept. 1.

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WASHINGTON STATE_ Key players: QB Jeff Tuel, WR Marquess Wilson, WR Dominique Williams, DE Travis Long, S Deone Bucannon, T John Fullington. Returning starters: offense 6, defense 7.

Notes: The Cougars were looking for a fresh start after firing Paul Wulff and got a big one with the hiring of Leach. The former Texas Tech coach is known for his innovative offense and way of doing things, and has already shaken things up in Pullman. … Tuel labored through injuries last season and Leach has said he will have to compete with Connor Halliday for the starting job this season. … Washington State had a hard time keeping its quarterbacks healthy with its offensive line ranking among the worst in the country in allowing sacks.

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