ESPN College Football

Before listing my preseason All-Pac-10 team in August, I wrote this: "Perhaps this list will be much different by mid-December."

So take a look.


Some changes are obvious. Gronkowski, Best, Thurmond and O'Dowd were switched out because of injuries. That also applies in large part to Carter, who played with a sprained knee much of the season.

Some nagged at me a bit.

Safety: Nelson had a great season at safety, but Moore led the nation with nine picks. I know lots of you folks aren't impressed with the way Mays played this year, but most coaches and scouts don't share your opinion. He's still going to be a first-round pick.

Offensive line: Baxter and Lauvao did nothing wrong. Peat just had a very good season, while Alfred in some ways gets a tip of the cap for a great career playing in obscurity for a lousy team.

Defensive end: Davis and Tukuafu have had great careers, and it was hard to leave off Arizona's Ricky Elmore, who led the conference in sacks. Just how things go.

Quarterback: Masoli is preseason All-Pac-10, puts up great numbers, leads his team to the Rose Bowl and drops off the first team? Yeah, I winced at that, too. But Canfield had a great year and put up great numbers. And, yes, it matters that he is a senior and Masoli will be back next fall.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey.

• Fear the Gronk, who is a Threat (and hope his back is OK). Who is going to be Arizona's quarterback? This from Ryan Finley: "Stoops could name a starting quarterback at his 11 a.m. news conference in McKale Center. But don't count on it -- Stoops and his assistants have been super secretive on the quarterback front over the last week, and could opt to keep Central Michigan guessing until kickoff. Regardless of what's said -- or not said -- Monday, the smart money's on sophomore Matt Scott."
• No big surprises on Arizona State's depth chart, other than the pecking order at safety. The defense will lead.
• California's Verran Tucker is starting at receiver because he started studying -- the last line of the preceding link is a must-read for Cal fans.
• Oregon and Boise State talk about each other. Some notes on the Ducks' depth chart.
• Oregon State focuses on Portland State.
• Stanford is tough on the D-line.
• UCLA's offense is still a work in progress. The Bruins picked up a defensive tackle transfer. Good feature on running back Christian Ramirez (but will he get healthy?).
• Receiver Ronald Johnson's broken collarbone -- out at least six weeks -- is the latest in a string of injuries for USC. The depth chart. But note that Josh Pinkard is back at cornerback while Shareece Wright is out.
• Nick Holt brings energy to Washington.
• How will Washington State measure success? What stood out during camp and, more importantly, who's going to start?

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

We are less than a week away.

So we've got that going for us.

What's on your mind?

Nick from Portland writes: Is the Pac 10 blog experiencing technical difficulties today? I'm looking to get my fix of news for August 28th but it only goes as recent as the 24th.

Ted Miller: Yes, but a lot of smart people are working very hard to get things fixed.

Israel from El Paso, Tex., writes: So, as a USC fan I'm not completely sold on Matt Barkley being named the starter for USC. Far be it for me to question Pete Carroll's eye for talent, but sometimes does it seem like Coach Carroll will play inconsistent guys with flashes of greatness at the cost of winning (i.e. Joe Mcknight @ Oregon St. or Everson Griffen @ pick a time). What's your take on this, is Pete sacrificing this season for the next few seasons or is Barkley the guy to take USC back to the national title game right now? Your choice Ted, soothe me or terrify me.

Ted Miller: Let's understand the bedrock of this decision first: Aaron Corp is injured. It is unlikely he will be full speed by the opener against San Jose State on Sept. 5.

If Corp never got hurt, despite the gist of what the USC coaches are saying, he probably would have started the opener.

Now, the Trojans coaches have a couple of strategic issues at work here within their locker room: 1. They don't want it to seem they are going with a stop-gap solution; 2. They want Matt Barkley to go into the season feeling as confident as possible -- and his teammates to feel the same.

So Pete Carroll anointed Barkley. For now. Unless he doesn't play well.

This is not to say that Barkley isn't special. It's been clear for a while that Barkley's refined talent, poise and intelligence have intrigued Carroll and his staff.

My sense is that the USC coaches believe Barkley might actually go out and kick butt, first against San Jose State and then at Ohio State. And, if so, that means "away we go" with the next big thing in college football.

And if he doesn't? Corp's leg should be ready to go -- or at least a lot better -- before the Sept. 12 visit to the Horseshoe.

---

Jess from North Bend: Do you think voters are weighing team's schedules when they fill out their ballots? For instance, teams like Ole Miss and Boise St. are being picked very high. They are both very good football teams without a doubt. However, it seems people are giving them even more love since they play very soft schedules. Why should a team be ranked higher because they have a better chance of success with an easier schedule? Doesn't it give them an advantage on top of an advantage?

Ted Miller: Jess, I hope this annoys you because then we can share our annoyance, which always makes it better.

Yes, people do that. And it's wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

The rankings, as the AP expressly states when a writer is asked to vote, are not about predicting a team's finish based on how they will do vs. their schedule. It's about how good you think a team is relative to others.

Now, I don't want to sound like I always follow the ranking rules. I punish teams for weak schedules. For example, while Texas Tech improved to 4-0 after playing Eastern Washington, Nevada, SMU and Massachusetts last year, I dropped them each week. I thought the Red Raiders were a good team, but I jumped teams over them based on what had actually happened during the season -- even teams I thought they'd whip.

Some might not like that. I call it holding programs accountable when coaches and ADs conspire to hide from competition. If more voters did the same, we'd have less cowardly scheduling.

I ranked Ole Miss No. 13 in my vote for ESPN.com's preseason Power Rankings. I think the 12 teams I ranked in front of Ole Miss would -- or will, in the case of Alabama and LSU -- beat them.

I could be wrong, of course.

And the Rebels, whose nonconference schedule includes Memphis, SE Louisiana, UAB and Northern Arizona -- for shame! -- will not move up until Sept. 24 when a visit to South Carolina figures to provide something of a true measuring stick. They won't have a shot at pushing into the top-10 of my poll until they play Alabama on Oct. 10.

If the Rebels believe they are special, they should have found a tough nonconference foe to prove it against. It seems like it's not a coincidence that the Rebels lost to their one tough nonconference foe last year: Wake Forest.

I had Boise State 18th. The Broncos have a chance to climb based on what happens Sept. 3.

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Finnster fro Bothell, Wash., writes: What's up with the NCAA Clearinghouse this year? In the past, I only remember hearing about it when players had particular issues; this year it seems like they are coming up alot.

Ted Miller: You probably have a player you are following, that's why the Clearinghouse seems so prominent.

This happens every season -- a backlog of players who need clearance to be eligible and a bureaucracy that moves at a glacial pace.

Want to know why it's so slow? The same reason rules enforcement is so slow and inconsistent. There's no money in it. Now, the NCAA (self-) promotions budget! That's special!

No offense to the NCAA Clearinghouse but I hate the NCAA Clearinghouse.

It's the bane of coaches, fans and beat writers (Repeat this exchange 50 times: Reporter: Any word from the Clearinghouse? Coach: No.)
(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller News and notes around the Pac-10 as preseason camps transition toward game week. Arizona: The plot thickens at quarterback after Nick Foles outplayed Matt Scott in Saturday's scrimmage, just as it appeared Scott was going to be named the starter. Offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes told me last week that he'd likely make a call by Monday or Tuesday, but we shall see. Arizona State: Coach Dennis Erickson confirmed quarterback Danny Sullivan will start the season-opener against Idaho State, but the defense dominated the weekend scrimmage, with true freshman linebacker Vontaze Burfict continuing to make plays. True freshman Brock Osweiler may be Sullivan's backup because Samson Szakacsy is nursing tendonitis in his right elbow. California: There is no reason to believe Kevin Riley won't be Cal's starting quarterback against Maryland, and that announcement is expected on Wednesday. In fact, coach Jeff Tedford seems so confident about the Bears' roster, preseason camp is on the cusp of transitioning into game preparation after a day off. One thing that as of yet is unclear is who will be the fourth starting linebacker. Oregon: If you're wondering how Oregon's offense might change this fall, look at how well the receivers are catching the ball. The Ducks, with quarterback Jeremiah Masoli owning a deeper understanding of the offense -- and the offensive line not as powerful as 2008 -- figure to throw downfield a lot more. But the story of camp might be how well the defense is playing. Oregon State: It appears that both Rodgers brothers, James
and Jacquizz, will be good to go for the opener, but quarterback Lyle Moevao is still a ways away, meaning Sean Canfield likely will have to lose the starting job this season. As far as team concerns, it appears the defense is going to be OK -- more than OK -- but the offensive line is young and thin. Stanford: Redshirt freshman Andrew Luck only increased his lead over senior Tavita Pritchard during preseason practices, and Luck will have a much deeper receiving corps to work with this fall. It appears the offensive line will feature two redshirt freshmen starters. UCLA: Things are going according to expectation. The defense looks very good but there hasn't been much consistency at quarterback and along the offensive line. Tailback Christian Ramirez has struggled with injuries. USC: While the quarterback competition has garnered the most headlines -- Aaron Corp must return to practice by Tuesday if he wants to beat out freshman Matt Barkley for the opener vs. San Jose State -- the Trojans' defensive line might be down two starters when it plays at Ohio State on Sept. 12, with end Armond Armstead (broken foot, out) and tackle Averell Spicer (ankle, questionable) hurting. Nonetheless, the defense has mostly controlled things during the preseason. Washington: Johri Fogerson's switch from safety to running back looks like a success -- he could share snaps with Chris Polk. There has been an apparent shakeup in the receiving pecking order, with true freshman James Johnson and Jordan Polk and Devin Aguilar running with the first unit, ahead of D'Andre Goodwin and Jermaine Kearse. Washington State:  The quarterback competition between Kevin Lopina and Marshall Lobbestael is on-going, though Lopina has seemed to be ahead while Lobbestael tries to regain his form after knee surgery. There also is uncertainty due to injuries at receiver and left tackle, where sophomore Steven Ayers, freshman Tyson Pencer and junior Joe Eppele are competing.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

USC is No. 4, California No. 12 and Oregon No. 16 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 college football poll, which was released Saturday.

Oregon State was the top team for "others receiving votes." UCLA and Arizona also received votes.

Florida, the defending national champions, were an overwhelming No. 1, receiving 58 of 60 votes for the top spot.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

It's Friday.

'Nuff said.

Notes please.

Bubba Bear from Hayward, Calif., writes: In my anticipation of the season, I've been poring over Cal's stats from 2008. As you know, Call had a poor 3rd down conversion rate (29%). Check this out. They had a better 2nd down conversion rate (33%). How weird is that? Is that all play calling? Playing fast and loose on 2nd down, conservative and predictable on 3rd? It sure felt that way.

Ted Miller: Much like Berkeley statistics professor Philip Stark, I specialize inference statistical problems, primarily in physical science. I am especially interested in confidence procedures tailored for specific goals and in quantifying the uncertainty in inferences that rely on numerical models of complex physical systems.

So I can't help you here without more information.

I love you Cal people. I get at least one note like this a week. I suggest you guys either subscribe here. Or apply for a job.

OK. I'm overstating. The information you're giving me is actually not that surprising based on Cal's poor performance in the passing game last year.

Would you believe the Bears ranked ninth in the Pac-10 in completion percentage (52.6 percent)? That's worse than Stanford and Washington State. Ouch.

Second down is typically a less predictable call than third down. Third down is a passing down. Cal didn't pass well last year. And when a defense sits on the pass? Well, you would think that made things harder for quarterbacks who aren't terribly accurate.

---

Jason from Portland writes: Ted, over the past 3 seasons the Beavers have a 2-1 record against USC, Cal, and Oregon each. They have finished ranked in the top 25 in each of those 3 years and have won all of their bowl games. They also just sent six players to the NFL in this last draft. However, whenever you read a team possibly knocking off the Trojans this year it always is just about either Cal or Oregon. I don't understand why people continue to dismiss this program as "overachieving". How many more wins, top 25 finishes, or producing of all-conference/NFL players does Mike Riley need before people start realizing this is a legit top 25 program year-in and year-out in this country not just "the little engine that could"?

Ted Miller: It's actually seven players who were drafted this past spring.

You make a fair point.

Yet, fair or unfair, there are a handful of reasons.

• Oregon State is a small-stadium, small-market team, which limits its national attention. Don't take that wrong. It just means folks -- including media -- are ignorant when assessing the Beavers. In defense of the media, how many perennial top-25 teams play in stadiums that seat less than 50,000? It's hard for a lot of folks to wrap their minds around the idea of the Beavers being a perennial top-25 team.
• The performance in the Pac-10 has been impressive. But the slow starts -- three 2-3 starts in a row -- hurt. It means the Beavers fall off the radar -- and out of the rankings -- for half the season or more before climbing back. AP voters review conference standings in late November and go, "Wow, I didn't know Oregon State had won eight games!"
• Along with those 2-3 starts: The Beavers haven't distinguished themselves in nonconference play, posting blowout defeats in each of the last four seasons (45-14, Penn State; 34-7, Cincinnati; 42-14, Boise State; 63-27, Louisville).
• Moreover, Oregon State hasn't had that "holy cow!" team that wins nine or 10 games one season and then welcomes back a bunch of starters. Last year, replacing the entire front-seven on defense was a legit question. This year, there are again legit questions on defense, not to mention the offensive line. If Oregon State had 17 starters back -- instead of 11 -- as Cal does, it would be ranked toward the top of the preseason polls.
• As for knocking off the Trojans, keep in mind that despite all the success -- and wins over USC -- the Beavers last finished in the top-two in the conference in 2000 (last year's "tie" with the Ducks is a technicality, canceled by the head-to-head meeting and overall record). The Beavers have not played in the Holiday Bowl.

Now, my take is sentiments are changing on this. Despite significant personnel losses, the Beavers were picked fourth in the Pac-10's preseason media poll. Moreover, they were ranked 25th in the preseason coaches poll.

---

Jake from Honolulu writes: With the Big Ten having such a weak Non-Conference schedule, and the Pac 10 having such a difficult one, which team has more of a conference-strength image to lose in the USC-OSU showdown.

Ted Miller: Game is much bigger for Ohio State and the Big Ten. It's not even close.

Ohio State is defending its home turf. It doesn't want the Trojans dancing in the Horseshoe.

Moreover, while both teams took significant personnel hits, USC lost more and therefore is in more of a "rebuilding" mode -- at least as far as that term ever applies to the Trojans.

As for the Big Ten, it needs a victory over a marquee opponent after throwing up on itself in recent BCS bowl games.

---

Jon from Tumalo, Ore., writes: Here they go again:Matt Hayes in The Sporting News argues USC would not be that competitive in the SEC!He totally negates SC's 4-0 slate against Auburn and Arkansas saying these 2 are not representative of the conference!Auburn was highly rated when SC went into Auburn with a new QB and shut out the Tigers.The 2nd year SC killed Arkansas, this time in Fayetteville, Arkansas won the SEC west and lost a close champ game to FL because of a muffed punt!My question: How do you think SC would do in the SEC?With 21 players drafted in the past 2 years it's not as if SC would have a talent disparity.The BcS hegemony continues.

Ted Miller: Matt is a highly respected college football writer and a good dude.

I will take issue with this line: "The one overriding factor still in question for all those wonderful USC teams: They played one fast, athletic and nasty defense in a big bowl game (Texas) -- and lost."

True.

But USC gained 574 yards against that Longhorns defense. And had four consecutive second-half touchdown drives, one of the most extraordinary shows of offensive force I've ever seen against a quality defense.

The best show of offensive force I've seen being Vince Young that evening.

USC averaged 580 yards of total offense against all of those "other" defenses.

As for how USC would have done in the SEC? It would have won the SEC title in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008.

That's my opinion and what you'd probably get if you talked to folks who set lines in Las Vegas or NFL scouts. Some might argue for 2002 and against 2007.

I agree with Hayes that USC would not be favored to win the SEC this year.

---

Sean from Tampa writes: I was curious about Coach Tedford extremely limiting media access on top of already cutting out the public from practices. Why do you think he suddenly made this change, and do you think it will hurt Cal's program
?

Ted Miller: Tedford is the only Pac-10 coach to completely close preseason practices, though he obviously didn't do so until this week.

I haven't talked to Tedford about this, nor was I there. Will it hurt the program? It might, but probably not if the Bears keep winning. Few fans will grouse about media access if the Bears play in the Rose Bowl.

I will say I read an article last week that made me say, "Tedford won't like this." I won't identify the source, but the article specifically described how a player was being used. I did not link the story, by the way.

---

Jay from Eugene, Ore., wrote: Is there any chance of expanding the Pac-10?

Ted Miller: Sure, with a new commissioner in place and the conference coming to grasp with a changing marketplace in which it is falling behind, I think it will be on the table over the next few years.

In fact, I talked to an informed guy this past week, a guy who would have some say if expansion were an issue, and he said Utah and Colorado would be the best two choices, if the Pac-10 went in that direction.

Feel free to discuss.

---

Josh from Oceanside, Calif., writes: Your Northwest tour was one PAC-10 school short. Why didn't you go to Pullman? I understand that the Cougs aren't going to make much noise this year, but to totally exclude them is ridiculous. Just my two cents...

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Jeff from Blackfoot, Idaho writes: Why are you skipping Pullman in your NW preview? WSU is a Pac-10 football team. You do know there is the Pullman/Moscow airport, right? There is also an airport in Spokane. There is even electricity AND running water in Pullman!

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Mike from Tualatin, Ore., writes: Where is your sideline report from Pullman?Is it only a PAC-9 review?We will miss your 0-12 prediction for the Cougs without some quotes!We will see how it turns out..........That's why they play the games

Ted Miller: I wish I could have gone to all four NW schools. Just couldn't.

I won't be going to the Bay Area this preseason, though I went there in the spring. Nor will I go to Los Angeles, though I will be spending nearly a week there before the USC-Ohio State game.

Just the way things worked out. My bosses, who have like 452 writers to juggle, tell me where to go, and I go.

Moreover, I went to Washington State last year and didn't go to Seattle, if that helps.

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AC from Detroit writes: Alright TM, you've been to the camp, you've seen the new coach doing his thing, witnessed the defense showing signs of life, saw the inexperienced lineman in action, and watched the QB's show what they've got.What's the verdict on the Ducks?Please tell me that you're under the impression that this Boise State game is going to make a great moment for the bachelor party I'm throwing my friend that night and not spin everyone into an angry drunken frenzy.

Ted Miller: I've learned not to make sweeping conclusions based on one day of practice, which is what I saw at Washington, Oregon State, Oregon and Arizona.

As for Oregon, I saw nothing that changed my overall take on the Ducks.

This is a potential top-10 team, but we won't really get a good measure of the inexperienced players on both lines until the lights are on.

I know that sounds like a cop-out, but I've seen too many practice heroes or practice yawners defy my initial impressions in games.

As for your friend's bachelor party on Sept. 3, I expect Oregon to win that game, if that helps, but that's only a 60-40 expectation.

Bachelor parties are cool [I said that with my best Beavis voice].

---

Mike from Yorba Linda, Calif., writes: Ted, can you give us a clue to the hours you keep? I see these posts at 7 AM PDT though 5 PM PDT and anywhere in between, while traveling from site to site ... and when you're not traveling, what do you do --- stay up after the 2 AM feeding?

Ted Miller: My day ended at 5 p.m? I'm embarrassed.

College football sleeps for no man (or woman, for that matter). So neither do I.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Those camp legs are setting in. But the games also are getting closer.

Who is fighting through the pain and keeping his eyes on the prize?

We have this week's Pac-10 Practice Players of the Week. These are based on reports from program insiders and news accounts.

Arizona
Receiver Juron Criner. Criner, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound sophomore, has proven to be one of the team's most improved players after being a reserve as a true freshman. He has made catches all over the field with consistency and has challenged senior Terrell Turner for a starting job.

Arizona State
Receiver Gerell Robinson. A coach at Arizona State tried to get the entire Sun Devils receiving corps this award, but the Pac-10 blog is nothing but inflexible. So hearing that Robinson, a touted 2008 recruit who struggled last year, is the team's "most improved player" earned him this week's honor.

California
Linebacker Mychal Kendricks. The 6-foot, 230-pound sophomore was supposed to be good, and he's living up to high expectations during camp, nailing down one of the Bears two inside linebacker spots

Oregon
Center Jordan Holmes. Coach Chip Kelly calls Holmes "a real warrior." Holmes stepped in for All-Conference lineman Max Unger and has being a key leader for a unit that is rebuilding. He has not missed a snap this preseason.

Oregon State
Offensive lineman Grant Johnson. Johnson is a sophomore walk-on from Baker City, Ore. He's played just about every O-line position during the preseason, but he's now the frontrunner to start at left guard. Johnson has come out of nowhere to earn consideration for playing time.

Stanford
Linebacker Chike Amajoyi. Amajoyi didn't live up to high expectations in 2008 but he's having as good a camp as any of the Stanford linebackers.

UCLA
Receiver Ricky Marvray. Marvray, a true freshman, is battling for a spot in the rotation and makes at least one great play a day, according to head coach Rick Neuheisel.

USC
Receiver De'Von Flournoy: While USC is incredibly open with the media, but it also has a policy of discouraging interviews with true freshmen, at least during preseason camp. That is unless they are competing for immediate playing time, see quarterback Matt Barkley. So it is meaningful that Flournoy, who's made numerous big plays in camp, met with reporters this week.

Washington
Running back Johri Fogerson. Fogerson, a sophomore, moved back from safety to tailback this offseason. He starred in Wednesday's scrimmage with six runs for 48 yards, two receptions for 58 yards and a 50-yard punt return. It seems that he and Chris Polk are the top two tailbacks.

Washington State
Defensive tackle Bernard Wolfgramm. This is a big one for Cougars fans. Wolfgramm has battled a persistent back injury for over a year but is showing signs of turning the corner with his play. If healthy, he could help plug the middle of the Cougs defense.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.

• An Arizona practice report. 
• Arizona State running back Ryan Bass hopes slimming down will help him stand out in the Sun Devils crowded backfield. 
• California tight end Tad Smith talks about his season-ending ACL injury. Jahvid Best is still limited because of a pesky toe.
• For Oregon to do big things, Nick Aliotti's defense will need to do better. The future is bright at quarterback. Ducks will be down a receiver at Boise State.
• Lyle Moevao is eager to get back into the quarterback mix at Oregon State. A practice report.
• Details from Stanford's scrimmage. Stanford's official website has some good stuff from practices, including video. A practice report.
• In a few weeks, UCLA will have a new Prince.  Some practice notes.
• With Aaron Corp's imminent return, USC's quarterback competition renews. Quarterback coach Jeremy Bates will make the final call, and he's a details guy.
• Washington needs better play in its secondary. A practice report.
• This transfer from Western Washington could help Washington State. Previewing the Cougar running backs. Thrills and chills at practice.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

The Pac-10 centers made the 43-man Rimington Trophy watch list:

• Kenny Alfred, Washington State
•  Colin Baxter, Arizona
• Kristofer O' Dowd, USC

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

A school without football is in danger of deteriorating into a medieval study hall.

• Arizona linebacker Sterling Lewis is a harder hitter with good instincts. 
• One down, two to go -- including linebacker Vontaze Burfict -- with Arizona State and the NCAA Clearinghouse. Is receiver Kyle Williams about to break out?
• A defensive shakeup at California, with end Cameron Jordan demoted due to a poor scrimmage.
• Oregon and Boise State will shake hands. No word on whether they might also share a hug. The Ducks' defense continues to shine.
• After a day of rest, Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield came back strong.
• Turns out Stanford started scouting quarterback Andrew Luck a long time ago.
• Who is UCLA's fastest player?
• USC's Aaron Corp appears close to returning from his leg injury. What does that mean? Pete Carroll got punked.
• Washington linebacker E.J. Savannah is getting a second chance. Updating the depth chart.
• Washington State takes its practice into Martin Stadium. Some practice notes.
• The Sun Bowl will match the Pac-10 and ACC.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Call me irresponsible -- call me unreliable
Throw in undependable, too
Do my foolish alibis bore you?
Well I'm not too clever -- I just adore you!!!!

• Shhhh! Arizona is going to pick a quarterback this week but might not tell you who it is.
• A number of freshman will play for Arizona State, and that might include one at quarterback.
• Enjoy this practice report because it appears that California coach Jeff Tedford is closing down practices. Both quarterbacks are playing well. Injury news in both stories on Jahvid Best, center Chris Guarnero, tight end Tad Smith and receiver Michael Calvin.
• Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount missed practice for personal reasons. Backup QB Nate Costa continues to shine, but there is no quarterback controversy.
• It appears that Virginia transfer Peter Lalich is growing up and growing into Oregon State's program and looks like he'll be a factor at quarterback in the future. Tim Clark will lead the Beavers' secondary. The injury list. Yikes.
• Stanford has an interesting slogan: "EUTM: Enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
• Randall Carroll will address UCLA's need for speed.
• Is Mitch Mustain USC's forgotten man?
• Washington tailback Chris Polk almost quit. Notes from Tuesday's scrimmage.
• Washington State's two sessions were different.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

The Pac-10 placed 14 players on the 153-man Lombardi Award watch list, which was announced Tuesday.

The Lombardi Award is presented annually by Houston's Rotary Club to the nation's top college football lineman ‐‐ offense or defense ‐‐ who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi.

The watch list was formed by using 2008 postseason and 2009 preseason all-conference
and All‐America teams. Additional nominations were accepted from Rotary Lombardi Award voters and college sports information directors.

So if you are wondering why Oregon State's Stephen Paea or Oregon's Will Tukuafu or California's Cameron Jordan are not on the list, it is not the Pac-10 blog's fault.

On Oct. 14, the 12 semifinalists will be announced. On Nov. 11, the four finalists will be named. All of the finalists will travel to Houston for the ceremony to announce the winner on Dec. 9 at the Hilton Americas.

The Pac-10 guys are:

Tyson Alualu, DE, California
Korey Bosworth, DE, UCLA
Kyle Bosworth, LB, UCLA
Jeff Byers, OG, USC
Reggie Carter, LB, UCLA
Dexter Davis, DE, Arizona State
Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona State
Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona
Mike Nixon, LB, Arizona State
Kristofer O'Dowd, C, USC
Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona
Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, DE, Washington

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

He rode with the sun coppering his face and the red wind blowing out of the west across the evening land and the small desert birds flew chittering among the dry bracken and horse and rider and horse passed on and their long shadows passed in tandem like the shadow of a single being. Passed and paled into the darkening land, the world to come.

• Will Arizona be 3 yards and a cloud of dust?
• There's one way that Arizona State quarterback Danny Sullivan can overcome his doubters.
• Jahvid Best is sitting out at California, but he said is toe is nothing to worry about.
• Oregon gets feisty at practice. It looks like both Washington and Oregon are playing loud music during practice. See, that's something these friendly rivals share. Talking special teams. Some notes.
• It appears the cousin of an Oregon legend will play a key role for Oregon State.
• Checking in with Stanford's two-way tough guy Owen Marecic.
• UCLA is deep at tight end. And some good news on the injury front.
• More on USC center Kristofer O'Dowd's injury. Stats from the USC scrimmage.
• Watch out: Washington isn't afraid to cut block. A practice report from Washington.
• Kevin Lopina has a lot to prove. Not a terribly bright look at Washington State. Another take on Washington State's villains -- and probably a better one, coming from a Coug.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

People say I'm the life of the party because I tell a joke or two.

• Neither Arizona quarterback played well in the first scrimmage. 
• Danny Sullivan appears close to nailing down the starting job at quarterback for Arizona State. The Sun Devils have a couple of high-profile transfers waiting in the wings.
• Breaking down California, position by position. Noting the Bears, who look like Kevin Riley's team.
• Oregon's Nate Costa, slated to start a year ago before a knee injury ended his season, looks like he's healthy enough to be the backup quarterback. What else happened at the scrimmage?
• After one week at Oregon State, the most nagging question might be offensive tackle.
• Tavita Pritchard says he's not mad that Andrew Luck is Stanford's starting quarterback.
• UCLA is looking for a deep threat and it has more than one option. This Chane is strong for the Bruins, but defensive tackle Jess Ward is hurting.
• USC's running backs got an earful from Pete Carroll and responded. Meet the new Big Trojan on Campus.
• So... how much are they Angels going to pay Washington quarterback Jake Locker just to think about playing baseball at some point?
• Kevin Lopina has taken a lead over Marshall Lobbestael in Washington State's quarterback competition, and No. 3 J.T. Levenseller is going to transfer. The uncomfortable thing here is Mike Levenseller, the Cougars receivers coach, is J.T.'s dad.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

College football is great. We know that.

But some things conspire to make it less great than it could be.

So who -- and what -- are the top overall villains in college football.

1. Cowardly nonconference scheduling: Look at your team's nonconference schedule. If it doesn't include a BCS conference foe, you should feel shame. Last year, it was Texas Tech scheduling its way to apparent "greatness." This year, it's Ole Miss. Grow a spine!
2. Lane Kiffin: The mouth that roared! Some find his shenanigans entertaining. Others, not so much. Not sure how things will go for the Vols in the SEC this year, but my guess is few teams will pull their starters late if the score is lopsided.
3. Charlie Weis: He came in arrogant. And he's mostly gotten spanked. The Notre Dame coach rarely will be loved by the rest of the college football nation but it seems Weis gets a little extra juice.
4. The SEC: It dominates the conversation. It dominates perception. It dominates the BCS standings. It makes loads of money. That makes it a villain. That and the nagging suspicion it's overrated.
5. No fun rules: Hey, it's a game played by young men. It's supposed to be entertainment. If a player wants to dance after a touchdown, let him.