USC failed to live up to expectations in 2015 but still managed to finish at the top of the Pac-12 South with the same conference record as Utah at 6-3. Meanwhile, UCLA and Arizona State were right behind the Trojans and Utes while Arizona and Colorado finished with just four wins combined in Pac-12 play. USC is once again expected to be one of the top teams in the country but a tough schedule combined with a new starting quarterback could once again hold them back from reaching their potential. Here is a look at the biggest concerns for teams from the Pac-12 South division.
USC Trojans
Clay Helton rescued USC from the mess that Steve Sarkisian left them in early on last season as the Trojans rallied for a share of the Pac-12 South title and Helton earned a full-time job as a result. Now he returns 14 starters including star cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and wide receiver Juju Schuster-Smith. However, Helton will need to address a hole at quarterback where Cody Kessler’s departure has left USC with junior Max Browne and freshman Sam Darnold battling for the No. 1 job. The Trojans will need a starting quarterback to emerge in time for a tough early schedule that includes their season opener against the defending national champions Alabama and the fact that they don’t have an experienced starter in place already is clearly their biggest concern.
Utah Utes
The Utes are another team with concerns about their quarterback situation as senior Travis Wilson graduated and Utah received little clarity in the fight for the No. 1 job in the spring. Washington transfer Troy Williams is expected to have the edge over last year’s backup Brandon Cox and freshman Tyler Huntley. Either way, it will be important for the Utes to have their starting quarterback in place by the time that September rolls around.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA is poised to contend for a Pac-12 South title with sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen leading the way but he will need more help from his supporting cast including specifically at wide receiver. Junior Darren Andrews is the leading returning receiver after he had 43 catches for 443 yards and a touchdown but the Bruins will need freshman Theo Howard and junior Eldridge Massington to step up and play bigger roles as well. Rosen is among the best returning quarterbacks in the Pac-12 but his receivers will have to improve in order for the UCLA offense to reach its potential.
Arizona State Sun Devils
The Sun Devils return just four offensive starters and will have a new offensive coordinator following Mike Norvell’s departure to become the head coach at Memphis. Running backs Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage are back in the mix but Arizona State will have to replace quarterback Mike Bercovici with four underclassmen competing for the starting job. Manny Wilkins, Brady White, Bryce Perkins and Dillon Sterling-Cole failed to stand out in spring practice and the Sun Devils will need at least one of those quarterbacks to break through and hold down the starting job this season.
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona took a major step back last season in big part because of injuries to quarterback Anu Solomon after he was forced to miss multiple games due to concussion symptoms. Solomon’s health will be the key to their success again this season so protecting him will be the Wildcats’ biggest concern. Rich Rodriguez has enough talent and experience on his offensive line to expect improvement but he will also need Solomon to do a better job avoiding big hits. Arizona will need its defense to improve as well but its biggest concern has to be Solomon’s health.
Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes are coming off 10 straight losing seasons and even with 15 returning starters there are some obvious concerns about whether Mike MacIntrye can avoid another. The biggest question mark will be at quarterback where Sefo Liufau had his junior season end early because of a Lisfranc foot injury. Lifau has been cleared to play but he will need to prove he can stay healthy and not miss time in order for the offense to play to its potential. Colorado has the potential to improve this season and Liufau’s health will be a major factor in whether or not that actually does happen.
