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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Pac-12's national championship drought hits 15 years this winter, and there are few signs of a respite. Several of the conference's traditional powers are in states of rebuilding or disarray heading into a season that's murkier than a Mike Leach metaphor. But to the coaches entrusted with returning the West Coast's conference to national competitiveness, this seeming parity only underlines the overall strength of a league on the rise again.
UNDATED (AP) — Utah has been picked to finish atop the Pac-12 but the team is trying to manage the hype by focusing on the process. The Utes return quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zack Moss, as well as a stout defensive line. The team hopes to improve on last season's 9-5 record.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Quarterback Justin Herbert and linebacker Troy Dye have both seen Oregon through three different coaches. Both cite team growth as the reason they decided to stay for another season with the Ducks. Their presence is one of the reasons expectations for Oregon are high this season. The Ducks have been picked to finish atop the Pac-12 North.
SEATTLE (AP) — Washington is optimistic about the depth coach Chris Petersen has created during his tenure. The Huskies return most of their offensive line. They have potential playmakers in the backfield, and the secondary could end up being better than the group that just left. The season will test whether the Huskies can bring it all together as they try to win consecutive conference titles.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clay Helton is still in charge at Southern California after its first losing season in 18 years. The folksy head coach realizes he probably won't be for much longer if he can't get the Trojans back on top almost as swiftly as they fell to 5-7. The obstacles along that path are daunting, and they start with a schedule that could put even a much-improved team below .500 heading into October. But the ever-optimistic Helton is downright excited about the daunting challenge of reviving USC.
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State is hoping to build on a solid first season under coach Herm Edwards. The Sun Devils have several key players back from a team that finished with a winning record and went to a bowl game. A big key this season will be the play of new starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. Arizona State opens with what should be a pair of easy wins, facing Kent State on Aug. 29 and Sacramento State on Sept. 6.
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — The decision to remain in college one more season and delay entry into the NFL draft was an easy one for quarterback K.J. Costello. Costello figures he had plenty left to accomplish with the Cardinal before testing out the pros. His decision to remain provided a big boost to Stanford's immediate future.
UNDATED (AP) — There's a good chance Washington State coach Mike Leach will once again turn his Air Raid offense over to a graduate transfer quarterback. The conventional wisdom is that former Eastern Washington quarterback Gage Gubrud will succeed departed starter Gardner Minshew this season. Gubrud threw for nearly 10,000 yards and 87 touchdowns at Eastern Washington.
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