FPB editor Mike Szvetitz breakdowns which teams could win the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC.
The future of the Pac-12 Conference remains in limbo in the wake of word that USC and UCLA will depart the league and join the Big Ten in 2024.
In a reactive move, the Pac-12, which bills itself as the conference of champions, has had talks with the Big 12 about a possible alliance. But there's been no movement.
There's been change at the top of the football programs as well, with new coaches entering the fray at powers USC and Oregon.
Coach Lincoln Riley left Oklahoma to lead the Trojans in a move that surprised many. And former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning takes over at Oregon for Mario Cristobal, who left Eugene to take charge at Miami.
The Trojans and Ducks should be in the mix for the conference crown, along with defending champion Utah.
FrontPageBets unfurls the favorites, challengers and sleepers in the Pac-12.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings)
The favorite: USC (+220)
Coach Riley takes over for the fired Todd Helton. He brings with him quarterback Caleb Williams from Oklahoma to direct an offense that has much to prove.
Pittsburgh transfer wide receiver Jordan Addison should also give the Trojans' attack a jolt. Two more transfer portal pickups, Travis Dye and Austin Jones, bolster the backfield.
The defense will be rebuilt by new coordinator Alex Grinch. He has his work cut out for him given USC was shredded against both the run and the pass last season. The play and leadership of linebacker Shane Lee will be key to changing things. Auburn transfer LB Romello Height and Arizona State transfer LB Eric Gentry will need to make an immediate impact.
If Riley can mold and get all this disparate talent on the same page under a new system, the glory days could be back.
The challenger: Utah (+250)
While there's a lot of shakeups all around college football, there's stability with the reigning champion Utes. Returning are quarterback Cameron Rising, running back Tavion Thomas and talented tight ends Brian Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid. Kyle Whittingham's offense dominated a year ago and should again be a force.
Five starters are back on defense, notably ends Karene Reid and Van Fillinger. Watch out for transfer linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, who moved on from Florida.
Utah plays host to USC on Oct. 15.
The sleepers: Oregon (+280) and UCLA (+900)
At Oregon, Lanning welcomes 14 returning starters. Either Auburn transfer Bo Nix or Ty Thompson will be the quarterback. A bruising offensive line blocks for electric backs Byron Cardwell and Sean Dollars. The receiving corps (Troy Franklin, Kris Hutson and Dont'e Thornton) is deep and can go deep.
The defense, behind LB Noah Sewell and DL Brandon Dorlus, must evolve. Given Lanning's pedigree, that will be a focus. Colorado transfer DB Christian Gonzalez is an important newcomer.
At UCLA, Chip Kelly has a formidable offense fueled by quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Veteran running back Zach Charbonnet takes care of things on the ground. Receiver Jake Bobo enters from Duke to be Thompson-Robinson's top target.
New coordinator Bill McGovern tries to restock the defense. A bevy of transfers includes linebacker Darius Muasau from Hawaii and corner Azizi Hearn from Wyoming. The secondary. in particular, needs to make strides if the Bruins are to rise.
The pick: USC
As commissioner Greg Sankey said in his opening remarks at the conference’s media days earlier this week, the SEC is a “super league.” Who will win it?
As change is the theme in the Big 12 conference, who will take home the title this season? FrontPageBets breaks it down.
Can Clemson bounce back after a down year? How will the four programs with new coaches do? FrontPageBets breaks down the ACC contenders.
As far as the 2022 Big Ten football season, it might as well be the Big Two: Ohio State and Michigan. Will another program challenge for the title? FrontPageBets takes a look.
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Gerry Ahern is senior content editor for FrontPageBets. A 35-year veteran sports editor and digital media executive, he has led coverage of the biggest events in sports, from Super Bowls, to Final Fours, to Olympics, to the Masters.
