This will surprise you: The Pac-10 blog isn't always right.

No, seriously.

Moreover, the Pac-10 blog takes a perverse thrill in its wrongness -- at times -- because that means more opportunities for our loyal readers to comment on that wrongness in often colorful ways.

So focus your rapier wits on this, our preseason power rankings from August.

D'oh.

Follow along as we review and reconsider.

1. USC

What I wrote: ...do you really think USC's defense won't be elite again in 2009? Come on.

First reaction: What pompous jerk wrote that?

What I wish I wrote: Massive turnover -- at quarterback, on defense and in the Trojans coaching staff -- will become the roots of the Trojans run coming to an end. Heck, they may even get blown out at home by Stanford.

2. California

What I wrote: The only issue is how much the passing game improves.

First reaction: Is that a rock? I want to hide under it.

What I wish I wrote: Cal is overrated by less insightful pundits. The quarterback, receivers, offensive line and linebackers must prove themselves, but then, so too does the entire team, because the Bears need to prove they can maintain their focus over an entire 12-game schedule.

3. Oregon

What I wrote: Both lines are questions that, if answered, could push the Ducks to the top of the conference.

First reaction: Sorta right. Right?

What I wish I wrote: Both lines are questions that, if answered, could push the Ducks to the top of the conference. Of course, we're certain those questions will be answered, and coach Chip Kelly might want to consider our advice: Give the ball to redshirt freshman LaMichael James. You won't be sorry!

4. Oregon State

What I wrote: Rebuild or reload? The Beavers have transitioned to the latter category, which is why most are overlooking a defense that needs to replace eight starters...

First reaction: Wish I had expressed my iron-clad certainty that Sean Canfield would become the first-team All-Pac-10 quarterback.

What I wish I wrote: Because of the personnel turnover, the Beavers will start slowly again, but by season's end they will be in the midst of the Rose Bowl race because quarterback Sean Canfield will break through and become an NFL prospect.

5. Arizona

What I wrote: ...the general feeling is the offense will be solid whether Matt Scott or Nick Foles wins the job.

First reaction: Wonder what the Wildcats season might have been like if Foles won the job in the preseason?

What I wish I wrote: ...the general feeling is the offense will be solid whether Matt Scott or Nick Foles wins the job, but the Pac-10 blog favors Foles.

6. Stanford

What I wrote: The key is passing -- on offense and defense.

First reaction: There was widespread speculation among reporters in the preseason that Stanford was going to be pretty good, but I can't remember if anyone pulled the trigger and predicted a high finish.

What I wish I wrote: If quarterback Andrew Luck scares defenses with his arm, Toby Gerhart could become a Heisman Trophy candidate. Also, count on Jim Harbaugh going for two with a 27-point fourth-quarter lead at some point this season, perhaps at USC.

7. UCLA

What I wrote: The Bruins have two big questions: quarterback and offensive line.

First reaction: Yep.

What I wish I wrote: The Bruins have two big questions: quarterback and offensive line.

8. Arizona State

What I wrote: Not unlike UCLA, Arizona State has questions at quarterback and on the offensive line while the defense looks solid.

First reaction: Yep, take 2.

What I wish I wrote: Not unlike UCLA, Arizona State has questions at quarterback and on the offensive line while the defense looks solid.

9. Washington

What I wrote: The good news is the Huskies could be the most-improved team in the conference. Of course, it's hard to regress from an 0-12 season.

First reaction: The Huskies winning five games wasn't even a real consideration in the preseason.

What I wish I wrote: New coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Nick Holt will rekindle a hunger for winning within the Huskies, and that will combine with the return of quarterback Jake Locker to make them the nation's most improved team.

10. Washington State

What I wrote: The biggest hope for the Cougars lies in a potentially improved running game that could keep a defense that is thin on talent on all three levels off the field.

First reaction: I had my suspicions in the preseason but was trying to provide a positive nugget of hope.

What I wish I wrote: This young, outmanned team is in the midst of a huge rebuilding project and even a few injuries will make winning a conference game unlikely.