The following betting outlook singles-out a few of the top teams to win the 2015 Pac-12 title along with my top dark horse pick that has the ability to shake things up if the ball bounces their way this season. The betting odds to win the Pac-12 this season have been provided by BetOnline.
USC Trojans +200
The betting public is jumping all over the Trojans heading into this season with hopes of a return to the glory days of the early 2000’s. NCAA sanctions and coaching upheaval have been replaced with a full complement of scholarships and a solid coach in Steve Sarkisian. The result was an improved straight-up record of 9-4 last season that included a 6-3 run through the Pac-12.
The main reasons for optimism that USC can make the leap from legitimate contender to conference champion hinges on the play of Heisman hopeful Cody Kessler at quarterback and a defense that was remarkably better last year, but still ranked 46th in the nation in points allowed (25.2). If Kessler can live up to the lofty expectation and the defense can improve its pass rush, look for the Trojans to make good on these lofty odds.
Oregon Ducks +275
Oregon has been the Gold Standard in the Pac-12 the past several years, but while its program has remained stable the rest of the conference has stepped-up its game to close the gap. Last season the Ducks made it all the first ever national title game as a result of a four-team playoff, but once against they came up short in a 42-20 loss to Ohio State as six-point favorites.
Heading into this season there are major holes to fill at quarterback with the departure of Marcus Mariota and the defensive secondary could be suspect with a huge infusion of youth. None the less, Oregon remains the class of the Pac-12’s North Division and this Nov. 21’s matchup at home against USC will probably turn into a preview of the real showdown in this year’s Pac-12 Championship.
UCLA Bruins + 500
The Bruins posted a solid 10-3 record last season with all three losses coming in conference play. The highlight of this run was a 38-20 victory against Southern Cal as 3.5-point home favorites, but losses to Utah, Oregon and Stanford ended it run at an South Division crown and a spot in the conference title game.
UCLA’s starting quarterback Brett Hundley is also off to the NFL so it will be up to either Jerry Neuheisel or freshman Josh Rosen to fill those shoes. The talent level at all the other skill positions on offense remains high and the Bruins will have the bulk of their defense back from last year. Their ability to successfully navigate a road schedule that includes Arizona, Stanford and USC in the regular-season finale will go a long way towards deciding their fate in the Pac-12 this season.
Arizona State Sun Devils +750
The Sun Devils are fifth-favorite on BetOnline’s futures board to win the Pac-12 title this season, but there could be some tremendous value in those odds considering the strides this program has made the last few years. Arizona State won the South in 2013 with a conference record of 8-1 and while last season they dropped back to third at 6-3 it still managed to beat both USC and Stanford in back-to-back games as an underdog.
The prospect for a return to the top of the division to earn a spot in the conference championship revolves around the veteran leadership on this team. Last season was considered to be a rebuilding year so many of the pieces for a title run are now in place. Much is expected from quarterback Mike Bercovici and he will have a host of weapons at his disposal. The Sun Devils’ defense will have to find a way to play a full four quarters this season to avoid the late-game letdowns that sunk its title chances last year.
