This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Finally, it's here.
The start of the Utah Utes' inaugural season in the Pac-12 Conference is just days away, after more than a year of building excitement and anticipation. Will the Utes win it? Probably not, but there's a reasonable chance for them at least to contend for the Pac-12 South Division title — which would be a great way for them to begin what figures to be the most illustrious era in their sporting history.
So, what is the season going to look like?
The USC Trojans are favored to win the South Division, but cannot play in the postseason on account of their sanctions for a recruiting scandal. That means that any team that finishes second behind them — the Utes, included — will qualify for the inaugural championship game on Dec. 3.
But the even bigger story from a broader perspective figures to take place in the North Division, where Oregon and Stanford are expected to battle it out not just for the league title, but the national one.
Ranked No. 3 and No. 7 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, both are loaded with talent (Oregon's LaMichael James and Stanford's Andrew Luck are presumptive Heisman Trophy candidates) and eager to make amends for their slight shortcomings last season — Stanford for its only loss of the year, at Oregon, and the Ducks for their loss to Auburn in the BCS Championship game.
If anybody else emerges from the North Division, it will be a major shock. Andrew Luck, Stanford
The record-setting quarterback and Heisman Trophy runner-up stayed for his junior season rather than leave for the NFL, after throwing for 3,338 yards and 32 touchdowns last season.
Chris Polk, Washington
The junior is the first Husky running back to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, and figures to shoulder a big load with quarterback Jake Locker gone.
Brock Osweiler, Arizona State
The towering junior quarterback is beginning his first season as a full-time starter, and has Sun Devil fans hopeful that he's as good as he looked at the end of last season.
James Rodgers, Oregon State
The senior receiver landed an extra year of eligibility after tearing up his knee last season as one of the nation's top all-purpose athletes, and hopes to return to his old self. LaMichael James, Oregon
The junior running back led the nation with 1,682 rushing yards last season, and scored 22 touchdowns while spearheading a powerful offense that led the country by averaging 46.8 points per game. 1. Oregon
Scandal or no scandal, the Ducks are loaded again after coming within one defensive stop of winning the national title last year.
2. Stanford
Quarterback Andrew Luck returns to lead a Cardinal team that finished last season with only one blemish, a loss at Oregon.
3. Arizona State
Armed with 19 returning starters around new quarterback Brock Osweiler, the Sun Devils are a dark-horse favorite to reach the league title game.
4. USC
The Trojans are down after being hit with NCAA sanctions, and can't play in the postseason regardless of their finish.
5. Utah
The Utes seemingly could go either way in their first season in the league, but their pedigree suggests they'll be higher rather than lower.
6. Washington
Coach Steve Sarkisian seems to have the Huskies pointed in the right direction, after leading them to their first winning season since 2002.
7. Arizona
Quarterback Nick Foles has pro potential, but the Wildcats play a rough early schedule with an unproven offensive line and thin linebacking corps.
8. Oregon State
Injuries are creating the most uncertainty for the Beavers, along with a reshuffled offensive line in front of quarterback Ryan Katz.
9. Cal
Question marks lurk around every corner for the Golden Bears, who are coming off their first losing season since Tom Holmoe went 1-10 in 2001.
10. UCLA
Massive changes on the coaching staff for the Bruins, who hope to refine the "pistol" offensive scheme and improve a dreadful pass game.
11. Colorado
The Buffaloes are riding an 18-game losing streak on the road, part of a culture of losing that new coach Jon Embree hopes to change.
12. Washington State
The defense was one of the worst in the nation last season, and the Cougars have gone just 5-32 over the last three years. Oregon vs. LSU, Sept. 3
Two teams ranked in the top four of the national preseason polls meet to start the season at Cowboys Stadium in Texas. Hard to get much better than that before conference play begins.
Utah at USC, Sept. 10
The inaugural Pac-12 game for the Utes takes place in the iconic confines of the legendary Coliseum, where the Trojans have done so much winning over the years. Victory for the Utes would be huge.
USC at Arizona State, Sept. 24
The Trojans were picked to win the first Pac-12 South Division title, and the Sun Devils are the team most expected to put up a fight for it. Expect fireworks.
Arizona State at Utah, Oct. 8
You'd have to say this is the marquee game on the Utes' home schedule in their first Pac-12 season, and winning it could give the Utes a shot at the Pac-12 South Division title.
Oregon at Stanford, Nov. 12
The Ducks handed Stanford its only loss last season, so the Cardinal will be motivated for revenge. Plus, Stanford's Andrew Luck and Oregon's LaMichael James just might be battling for the Heisman Trophy.