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Dion Jordan is flattered, but ultimately unmoved by comparisons. Oregon's defensive end has heard most of them -- Jevon Kearse, Terrell Suggs, Dwight Freeney, to name a few. Not exactly shoddy company, mind you.

"I think it's cool and I've been compared to a few of those guys in the past," Jordan said. "But I want to bring my own game to the table. I've watched those guys in the film room. I've studied the great pass-rushers and outside linebackers that drop into coverage. I want to get as much as I can out of them and then roll that into my own game."

And if all goes according to plan, Jordan's game in 2012 will be to create chaos.

Jordan, a returning first-team all-conference defensive end last season, was one of the most disruptive players in the Pac-12, finishing fourth in the league with 7.5 sacks. There's no reason to believe he isn't poised for equal or better numbers in his senior season. Nor is it out of the realm of possibility to consider him a legitimate candidate for conference defensive player of the year.

"First, I've got to finish up school, graduate and become a better leader for my teammates on the field," said Jordan, who totaled 13 tackles for a loss last year. "My main goal is to get after the quarterback more so I can increase those stats. That will help me and my team a lot. If I can get my hands on the ball, I believe I can get in the end zone one or two times."

Spoken like a true offensive player at heart. Coming out of Chandler, Ariz., as a 6-foot-6, 215-pound receiver/tight end hybrid, he never imagined himself on the defensive side of the ball -- or on the line, for that matter. But he's grown an inch since arriving in Eugene and is playing at about 245 pounds now -- a proportion he's happy with.

"I can definitely add more weight, but my real goal is to get stronger," he said. "Last year I played at about 240, but if I gain too much, I won't be as effective with my feet. I gotta get stronger. More time in the weight room, take care of my body and stay healthy. That's all that matters right now."

He's being touted early on as one of the top 20 players in the 2013 NFL draft -- something that's crossed his mind, but it's not on his mind. Like all good team leaders, he's got his attention focused on the first game of the season.

"When the season starts, everyone has the same record," Jordan said. "You really can't buy into the hype. All you can do is prepare and come out ready to play. Coach [Chip] Kelly makes sure we're prepared every week to compete against anybody we play. And we feel like if we prepare good enough, we can compete with anybody in the nation."

All of the ingredients are in place. Jordan plays on a high-profile team that's going to win a lot of games and is expected to be in the national championship hunt. And according to defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti, he could be Oregon's best defensive player. Kelly is equally thrilled with Jordan's progress.

"I'm really excited about Dion," Kelly said. "He's really come into a leadership role this spring and he's emerged as one of the top players in our conference."

And he's one of the top players on a defense that is loaded with talent. With playmakers like Michael Clay, Kiko Alonso, Taylor Hart and John Boyett -- to name a few -- the Ducks defense looks poised to again be one of the best in the conference.

"It's not about one or two guys standing out," Jordan said. "I honestly think we all do a good job complementing each other in our own way. We work hard. If you look at previous games, not everybody is going to play their best game every week. We do a good job picking each other up."

While Oregon has played brilliant offensively under coach Chip Kelly, the Ducks three consecutive Pac-12 titles wouldn't have happened without good defense.

Of course, the defense doesn't get as much credit as the high-flying offense. And it's not known for producing a bunch of future NFL stars.

That might change, though. The 2012 Ducks defense has some legitimate stars. And a couple of guys who are going to be playing on Sundays.

Ducks' fans, though they are typically shy about expressing their feelings on most topics, seem to be juiced about the prospects next fall.

So, with Oregon concluding spring practices with a spring game on Saturday, which will be televised Saturday at 2 p.m. ET -- 11 a.m. PT -- on ESPN3, it seemed like a good time to check in with defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti.

If I promise not to tell anyone, will you tell me who's going to win the QB competition?

Nick Aliotti: No, I cannot do that. Coach would kill me. I don't know who's going to win it anyway. I just know it's close.

OK, I'll leave the offense alone. I've been hearing good things about DE Dion Jordan this spring. Is he poised to be a pass rushing force?

Nick Aliotti: I really hope so. I think Dion has had a great spring for us. He's one of those guys, with continued growth, who can be a difference-maker. I think the guy is very talented. He can be disruptive. He might be our best defensive player. He has just really been great this spring. I think this fall is going to be an exciting year for him.

How about the development of LB Kiko Alonso? How has his spring gone?

Nick Aliotti: That's another guy who is easy to go over. You hit Kiko on the nose. I think Kiko has continued to grow off of his success in the Rose Bowl at the end of the year. Kiko has had a great spring. Those two guys have probably been our most dominant players on defense.

Had an interesting chat with safety John Boyett a few weeks back. He talked about wanting to be the best safety in the nation. How good can he be and where does he need to get better?

Nick Aliotti: Well, best in the nation... that wins the Jim Thorpe Award last time I checked. Boyett is a smart kid who has started for us for three years. Speed is always going to be something he -- everybody -- has to work on. It's not that John doesn't have good speed, but I'd say his speed -- his knowledge is really good -- and just his overall change of direction and body position in space. That's what DBs do. But John is really close to being everything we want a guy to be.

How about some other spring standouts. Who's impressed you?

Nick Aliotti: [Defensive lineman] Taylor Hart, LB Michael Clay, CB Ifo [Ekpre-Olomu], safety Avery Patterson -- those guys have jumped out at me.

Two spots stand out as question marks. Replacing Terrell Turner at one defensive end and Eddie Pleasant at rover. Where do things stand there?

Nick Aliotti: Good question, no offense to Terrell Turner but that position will be easier to replace than the rover position. I'm not knocking Terrell but we have some candidates there who have played some football who will play that position. I think Eddie Pleasant in his second year at rover was very, very good for us. That's a battle between Patterson, Brian Jackson and Erick Dargan. And it's still a battle.

It seems like you guys are pretty good all over the depth chart. Is there a concern?

Nick Aliotti: In my opinion -- you hit the rover position -- I think that position and our overall depth and experience at linebacker [are issues]. Linebacker going to be a key position for us next year. I think we can put a potential first group out on the field that is as good as last year, but you know how many bodies we like to play. I just think there are some guys who really have to develop. They have developed this spring but they have to continue to grow and develop over the summer and then come back in the fall and be bigger, strong and faster and just smarter in the scheme.

Your fans are excited about this defense. How good can this defense be and how would you compare it to the defenses you've had the past couple of years?

Nick Aliotti: That's a good question, but I'm going to be a little bit evasive on that. I'll answer to a certain degree. We can be as good as last year, as I mentioned earlier, with a couple guys coming through and if we stay healthy. But to be as good as we want to be, we're going to need those backup guys and that rover position to step up and give us more bodies. We're playing 23-25 guys. I think we have some, so-called -- how do I say it? -- marquee names on defense, which we haven't had before on defense. Like Dion and Kiko and John Boyett. There's three guys who are probably as good as anybody -- one of the better secondary guys in the league, one of the better 'backers in the league, one of the better D-linemen in the league. You know what I'm saying? We've got some marquee guys. And then with Michael Clay and Taylor Hart, who were awesome for us last year. And Boseko Lokombo coming back. There are some names where people say, 'Wow.' And we had some freshmen playing corner last year who did well. But in my mind, and maybe coaches always feel this way, but just in terms of maturity and improvement, scheme-wise and guys getting better this summer and not feeling entitled, is going to be very important. I didn't really answer your question because I don't like to compare, but they can be as good as last year. But they've got to do it.

Last week we gave you our thoughts on which Pac-12 team had the best specific position group -- taking into account playmakers at the top of the group and overall depth at the position.

Knowing full well he'd catch some grief, Kevin Gemmell still picked the Stanford linebacking corps, citing All-American candidates Chase Thomas and Shayne Skov and a very deep list of players who can fill out the Cardinal 3-4 scheme.

Ted Miller went top heavy, pointing out USC's fantastic wide receiver duo of Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, but also noting that players such as George Farmer, De'Von Flournoy and Victor Blackwell could provide some depth behind those two.

Did we pick the wrong units?

What about Utah's defensive line. The Utes boast the best defensive lineman in the conference in Star Lotulelei and are talented across the line.

What about the Oregon linebacking corps headlined by Michael Clay. They are athletic, deep and talented. Clay and Kiko Alonso are potential all-conference guys in 2012.

ASU has a pretty good stable of running backs. Cameron Marshall has impressed in the spring and James Morrison and a healthy Deantre Lewis make it that much deeper. JC transfer Marion Grice and incoming freshman D.J. Foster add to that depth.

Which team has the best position group?

Our All-Pac-12 bowl team has two quarterbacks and a position we made up. And it wasn't easy to pick the defense, because many of the conference defenses underwhelmed during a 2-5 bowl run.

Offense
QB Andrew Luck, Stanford: Luck completed 27 of 31 passes for 347 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Oklahoma State.
QB II Keith Price, Washington: It's impossible to leave Price or Luck out. Price completed 23 of 37 passes for 438 yards with four TDs and zero interceptions in the Alamo Bowl loss to Baylor. He also rushed for 39 yards and three scores. Those numbers typically would eclipse what Luck did, but Baylor might have the worst defense in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
RB LaMichael James, Oregon: James rushed for 159 yards on 25 carries with a TD in the Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin.
RB Stepfan Taylor, Stanford: Taylor rushed for 177 yards on 37 carries with two touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl.
WR Gerell Robinson, Arizona State: Robinson caught 13 passes for 241 yards with a TD in the Las Vegas Bowl loss to Boise State.
WR Lavasier Tuinei, Oregon: Tuinei caught eight passes for 158 yards and two scores in the Rose Bowl victory.
TE Zach Ertz, Stanford: Ertz caught four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinal's Rose Bowl loss.
OL David DeCastro, Stanford: The unanimous All-American dominated Oklahoma State's D-linemen in the Fiesta Bowl. The Cardinal rushed for 243 yards.
OL Mark Asper, Oregon: Asper is the senior cornerstone of a line that led the way for 345 yards rushing in the Ducks' Rose Bowl victory.
OL Tony Bergstrom, Utah: The senior tackle helped RB John White gain 115 tough yards against Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl.
OL Hroniss Grasu, Oregon: The Ducks freshman center made all the right line calls against Wisconsin.
OL Senio Kelemete, Washington: The Huskies gained 620 yards and didn't allow a sack in the loss to Baylor.
Freak: Our special position for De'Anthony Thomas, who scored TDs on runs of 91 and 64 yards in the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin. The Black Mamba also caught four passes for 34 yards and returned five kickoffs for 125 yards.

K: Giorgio Tavecchio, California: Tavecchio capped a strong senior season with a 47-yard field goal in the Holiday Bowl loss to Texas.
RET: Rashad Ross, Arizona State: Ross returned the third-quarter kickoff 98 yards for a TD against Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Defense
DL Josh Shirley, Washington: While it's difficult to recognize anyone from the Huskies defense against Baylor, Shirley did sack Robert Griffin, the Heisman Trophy winner, three times.
DL Trevor Guyton, California: Guyton had five tackles, with two coming for losses, and a sack in the Bears' loss to Texas in the Holiday Bowl.
DL Star Lotulelei, Utah: The Utes DT had six tackles and a fumble recovery and generally blew up the middle of the Georgia Tech line in the Utes' Sun Bowl victory. He was named Most Valuable Lineman.
LB Jordan Zumwalt, UCLA: Zumwalt had 10 tackles, including two for a loss, and an interception in the Bruins' loss to Illinois in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
LB Kiko Alonso, Oregon: The Ducks LB had five tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, with a sack and a key interception in the Ducks' Rose Bowl win. He was named Defensive MVP.
LB Michael Clay, Oregon: The Ducks LB had 13 tackles, including two for a loss, and a critical fumble recovery in the Rose Bowl victory.
LB Mychal Kendricks, California: Kendricks had 10 tackles, including 1.5 for losses, in the Bears' loss to Texas in the Holiday Bowl.
DB Terrance Mitchell, Oregon: Mitchell had five tackles in the Rose Bowl, but his most important contribution was forcing a Wisconsin fumble on the Ducks 27-yard line with four minutes left in the game. Perhaps even more important than that, he inspired coach Chip Kelly to jump up and down in a wonderful -- and slightly goofy -- show of spontaneous emotion (search YouTube for "Chip Kelly jumping").
DB Clint Floyd, Arizona State: Floyd had seven tackles -- two for a loss -- and an interception in the Sun Devils' loss to Boise State.
DB John Boyett, Oregon: Boyett had a bowl-high 17 tackles and half a sack in the Ducks' win over Wisconsin.
DB Marc Anthony, California: Anthony had four tackles, one coming for a loss, and two pass breakups against Texas.

P Sean Sellwood, Utah: Sellwood averaged 49.5 yards on eight punts against Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl.

PASADENA, Calif. -- It takes a lot for a football program to tear up 95 years of frustration and cast it into the trash. It takes spectacular plays, smart plays, clutch plays, unexpected plays and opportunistic plays. It takes stars, supporting players and players you don't see coming.

It's easy to roll one's eyes when players and coaches talk about a "total team effort," but Oregon's 45-38 Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin inspired no such eye-rolling, in large part because averted eyes might have missed a big moment.

Take Lavasier Tuinei. The Ducks senior receiver didn't have a 100-yard receiving game all season. Eight times, he caught three or fewer passes. But his season-high eight receptions for 158 yards and two touchdowns earned him Offensive MVP honors.

Who had Tuinei in their Offensive MVP pool?

"For a senior, sometimes you get those moments, and he had a signature moment," Ducks coach Chip Kelly said.

Said Tuinei: "For the last week I've been here, I've been having dreams of making plays for this team and helping us win. What do you know: It came true."

Then take linebacker Kiko Alonso. Repeated instances of off-field trouble nearly cost him his career. He was suspended for the opener against LSU. But he earned Defensive MVP honors with 1.5 sacks, five tackles and a critical interception late in the third quarter.

Who had Alonso it their Defensive MVP pool?

"It is special how far Kiko has come," Kelly said.

Oh, the usual suspects showed up, too. Running back LaMichael James rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown, which propelled him to No. 2 all-time on the Pac-12's career rushing list -- 13th in NCAA history -- with 5,082 yards. QB Darron Thomas threw three TD passes to give him 33 for the season, an Oregon record. Super-fast guy freshman De'Anthony Thomas had just two carries, but they became touchdown runs of 91 and 64 yards, thereby averaging a 77.5 per tote.

And let's not forget an offensive line that carved up the Wisconsin defensive front for 345 yards rushing -- 8.6 yards per carry.

But wait: We have more. Safety John Boyett tied a Rose Bowl record with 17 tackles, including 12 solo. Punter Jackson Rice averaged 46 yards on three punts. Freshman cornerback Terrance Mitchell forced a critical fumble with four minutes left that was recovered by linebacker Michael Clay, who had 13 tackles, including two for a loss.

Getting the idea?

"When they had to make a play, they made it," Kelly said. "So many guys contributed to it, and it's truly a total-team win. We're just proud we can say we are Rose Bowl champions."

Rose Bowl champions: Oregon fans know that is not merely a statement of the glorious moment either. It's a statement that ripples through a program whose history isn't terribly impressive until Kenny Wheaton went the other way against Washington during an unlikely Rose Bowl run in 1994.

Yet, as the Ducks started to pile up winning seasons over the past two decades or so, built their program into respectability and, eventually, eclipsed the hated Huskies, there was always that potent tweak: "Yeah, yeah. How many Rose Bowls have you won?" The most effective bit of trash talk that could diminish the Oregon program -- and Kelly's superb tenure -- died in this thriller of a game. A third consecutive conference title didn't advance the program in a meaningful way without this as a confetti-covered capper.

Oregon can't win the big one? Oregon can't beat a top-10 nonconference foe? Oregon's offense gets solved by a highly-rated defense if it gets extra time to prepare?

"It feels good to not have to answer that question any more," said offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, whose offense gained 621 yards against a defense that was yielding just 293 per game.

All those tweaks and all the sometimes not-unreasonable criticism is wiped away because so many players showed up and did their jobs well.

"I think this kind of validates what we stand for," Kelly said. "This team is fearless. They're resilient. And they've got faith... They really stick together and believe in the guy to the right of them and to the left of them because they see what they do every day in practice."

And the run isn't over. The Ducks, even if James enters the NFL draft, as expected, will welcome back 32 of the 44 players on their two-deep depth chart, including both Thomases, Alonso, Clay, Mitchell and Boyett. They very likely will begin the 2012 season ranked in -- or at least very near -- the nation's top 5.

So, yeah, this team might be in Miami next January instead of returning to the Rose Bowl, though USC might have something to say about that.

But the present moment, the one that ripples backwards through 95 years in which scattered glory and success fell just short of ultimate satisfaction, is what Oregon is about right now. It should be savored. It should last until next preseason.

And Ducks fans surely should gloat that the rest of the Pac-12 just lost its best bit of trash talking.

PASADENA, Calif. -- Instant analysis from Rose Bowl Stadium where No. 5 Oregon defeated No. 10 Wisconsin 45-38:

How the game was won: Both teams traded scores and major momentum swings. But Oregon had just a little too much speed at its skill positions for Wisconsin's defense to match. As the Badgers slowed down with just 10 points in the second half, the Ducks were able to eke out a close victory thanks to a couple of key turnovers. Everyone thought this could be a shootout, and we weren't disappointed by one of the most entertaining Rose Bowls ever. Oregon just had a little bit more explosiveness.

Turning point: Wisconsin had the ball with a chance to tie the score, and Russell Wilson completed a 29-yard pass to Jared Abbrederis inside the Oregon 30. But Terrance Mitchell knocked the ball free near the sideline, and the Ducks recovered with 4:04 left. Even though Oregon's quick-strike offense isn't built to bleed the clock, the Ducks picked up a couple of first downs to leave Wisconsin with less than a minute to drive the field. The Badgers had two big second-half turnovers, including Wilson's interception near the end of the third quarter, just his fourth of the season. That was enough in a game where stops were at a premium.

Stat of the game: The two teams combined for 1,130 total yards. Oregon averaged 9.7 yards per play.

Player of the game: Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas. He didn't get a lot of touches but made the most of them. He had a 91-yard and a 64-yard touchdown run to finish with 155 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Honorable mention to quarterback Darron Thomas (17-of-23 for 269 yards and three touchdowns, with an interception) and running back LaMichael James (25 carries for 159 yards and a score). James moved into second place on the Pac-12's career rushing list.

Unsung hero of the game: Oregon receiver Lavasier Tuinei did not have a great season but came up huge in the Rose Bowl. He finished with eight catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns, with several drive-extending grabs.

Second guessing: Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema burned two timeouts early in the third quarter, one to try and challenge a kick return that De'Anthony Thomas almost downed outside of his own end zone. That left the Badgers unable to stop the clock late when they had a chance to tie the score. Wilson spiked the ball at the 25-yard-line after a long completion with two seconds left, but the officials ruled that there was no time left for another play. Bielema was also questioned after taking timeouts before the Hail Mary that Michigan State completed in an earlier loss this season.

What it means: Oregon won its first Rose Bowl since 1917 and proved it could win a BCS game after losing close ones the previous two years. Head coach Chip Kelly will no longer be questioned about winning big games. Bielema could continue to hear that criticism after his team suffered its second straight heartbreaking Rose Bowl loss. Without Wilson and most likely Montee Ball next season, Wisconsin might have missed a window to do something special this season. Oregon should be a top 5 team to start next season even if James goes pro, as both Thomases and Kenjon Barner return to form a strong nucleus

Record performance: The 83 combined points were the most in Rose Bowl history, eclipsing the 80 points combined between Washington and Iowa in 1991. Oregon and Wisconsin also set records for the most points scored in the first quarter (28) and in any half (56) in Rose Bowl history.

Let's play a quick game of fill in the blank: Oregon fans are ... What comes to mind? Keep it clean, folks. Behave!

Yes, it is fair to say that Oregon fans have eagerly, zealously and vociferously embraced the recent success of their team. The seed that was planted when Kenny Wheaton went the other way against Washington in 1994 is now a full-grown oak, and Oregon fans enjoy pointing out that their oak is more stately and beautiful than yours.

Eleven other Pac-12 teams want Oregon to go away. We have bad news for those 11. Not happening.

With the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2 against Wisconsin, the Ducks are playing in their third consecutive BCS bowl game. No other team in the country has played in three consecutive BCS bowl games. But this rise to the nation's elite started before this run of conference success. Oregon's first taste of national title contention was in 2000 and 2001. After a middling, post-Joey Harrington, pre-Chip Kelly interim, it was ranked No. 2 and a national title contender in 2007 before quarterback Dennis Dixon blew out his knee. Oregon finished the 2008 season ranked 10th. It finished 11th in 2009 after losing the Rose Bowl to Ohio State. It finished third in 2010 after losing to Auburn in the national title game.

While opposing fans can still pull out the "They haven't won a BCS bowl game under Kelly" card, that tweak comes from beneath the Ducks in the Pac-12 pecking order, so as ripostes go, it's rather pyrrhic.

And the Ducks, even if they lose to Wisconsin, will be a preseason top-10 team in 2012, probably top-five if they win the Granddaddy. There certainly is a lot to like about the depth chart.

Not including junior running back LaMichael James, who is likely off to the NFL, the Ducks should welcome back six starters on offense, six on defense and both specialists in 2012. But that doesn't tell the entire story.

For one, the Ducks will have a two-year starter returning at quarterback in Darron Thomas. While Thomas has had runs of inconsistent accuracy, there are two bottom lines: He's 22-3 as a starter and has thrown 63 touchdown passes with just 16 interceptions.

But what's notable about the Ducks' depth chart is not just returning starters.

Oregon only lists a two-deep. That means 44 players on offense and defense. Of the 22 names on offense, just four are departing seniors, not including James. Of the 22 names on defense, just six are seniors.

And most of the players who are leaving -- or are expected to leave, as in James' case -- are presently backed up by intriguing young talents who already have significant game experience. James leaving? Well, you all know who Kenjon Barner is. Tight end David Paulson? Freshman Colt Lyerla caught five touchdown passes this season. Lose two offensive linemen? Junior Ryan Clanton and freshman Jake Fisher have seen plenty of action. Lose two linebackers? Kiko Alonso has started five games and Boseko Lokombo has played a lot. Cornerback Anthony Gildon out the door? Redshirt freshman Troy Hill has started five games while Gildon has been hurt (and is doubtful for the Rose Bowl).

Further, the Ducks have some redshirt freshmen on both sides of the ball -- particularly at linebacker and receiver -- who figure to make an impact next year. Receivers Devon Blackmon, Tacoi Sumler and B.J. Kelley were highly touted 2011 signees, who could bolster the Ducks passing game.

If you were connecting the dots, you'd actually project the Ducks to be better in 2012 than their 2011, 11-2, Pac-12 champion selves.

And, even with the loss of Thomas after next season, the Ducks appear to set up nicely for 2013. And beyond.

I know. I know. Fans of those 11 other Pac-12 teams are jumping up and down and waving their arms, bellowing, "What about Willie Lyles and the NCAA?"

True, major NCAA sanctions would seem the mostly likely way the Ducks get knocked from their ascent to the nation's elite. And it could happen. You never know with the NCAA.

But the more I talk to people who make educated guesses on NCAA investigations, not to mention a few who have specific knowledge of the NCAA's inquiry into the Ducks, the more I'm leaning toward the position that the NCAA will not pound Oregon. I suspect sanctions will fall short of what Ohio State recently received.

Of course, I thought USC would receive less severe penalties than Alabama received in 2002, so I've also learned to not expect the NCAA to be logical and fair.

The point is this: If you are wondering what Oregon is likely to be doing in, say, 2014, my projection is they still will be annoying 11 other teams.

The Ducks aren't going to go away.

Don’t call what you're wearing an outfit. Don’t ever say your car is broke.
Don’t sing with a fake British accent. Don’t act like your family’s a joke.
Have fun, but stay clear of the needle. Call home on your sister’s birthday.
Don’t tell them you’re bigger than Jesus. Don’t give it away.

• Keola Antolin and the other Arizona running backs did OK in the opener.
• With Missouri and ESPN coming to town Friday, Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict will have the spotlight: Does he step up or does he falter? Injured CB Omar Bolden keeps himself busy.
• There's reason for how at California after QB Zach Maynard was solid in his first start. A post-Fresno State review.
• Colorado's biggest concern is the struggle of its offensive line at Hawaii. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy vows improvement.
• No word from Oregon on the status of LB Kiko Alonso, CB Cliff Harris and RB Kenjon Barner.
• Does Oregon State have a QB controversy? Another take on that.
• It wasn't all good from Stanford.
• The status of UCLA QB Kevin Prince is uncertain after he suffered a concussion and a shoulder sprain. Grading the Bruins.
• USC RB Dillon Baxter isn't happy. Grading the Trojans.
• Utah gets ready to visit USC with heavy hearts. The Utes debut wasn't impressive, so what have they got for the Trojans?
• Washington's pass defense needs to get better against Hawaii. Cheer up Huskies, you're 1-0, that's what matters.
• Washington State coach Paul Wulff regrets the bad luck, not the decision to play QB Jeff Tuel, who fractured his clavicle in the opener. While the Tuel injury is bad, being 1-0 is good.
• Sometimes reports of doomsday are premature.

Happy Football Friday.

• Three Arizona players to watch. And you should include this frosh linebacker.
• Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler played well but heat cramps were a problem.
• Is this California's next great running back?
• Can Colorado earn bowl eligibility? Buffs coach Jon Embree is a no-nonsense guy.
• LSU's Les Miles and Oregon's Chip Kelly have different images. The Ducks are healthy, but linebacker Kiko Alonso's status hasn't been announced.
• There is optimism and caution about the return of Oregon State wide receiver James Rodgers. Has coach Mike Riley gone soft with the selective suspensions?
• Stanford will play a number of talented freshmen. The Cardinal have high hopes, even beyond the Rose Bowl.
• UCLA is mad at Houston. Perhaps that's good because this is a must-win for the Bruins.
• USC's biggest concern is its offensive line. More on assistant coach Willie Mack Garza's sudden departure.
• Is Utah ready for the Pac-12 stage? We'll see next weekend at USC.
• Washington running back Chris Polk looks good enough to play, but will he? The Huskies might have returned to respectability, but the old Husky Stadium crowds have not.
• It's rare that the coach of a Washington State opponent is fine with saying, "Go Cougs." Are the Cougs past their growing pains? This is great news... good job, Kim.

There are two kinds of people in this world : those who believe there are two kinds of people in this world and those who are smart enough to know better.

• Arizona CB Trevin Wade is on the spot. Backup QB Matt Scott is hoping to redshirt but ready to play.
• Injuries are an issue for Arizona State. Some good and some bad from scrimmage.
• Zach Maynard is ready for his close-up as California's QB. A report from a full-contact practice.
• Suffice it to say, Colorado has a keen sense of urgency at cornerback. Tight end will be a position of emphasis.
• Oregon practice notes. If Kiko Alonso is suspended for LSU, this guy will step in.
• Some Oregon State practice notes, leading with hard-luck injury news. It appears the Beavers O-line has a leader.
• An optimistic review of Stanford's schedule. The Cardinal need to figure out who Andrew Luck's backup is.
• An injury knocks out a UCLA F-back. Where does the QB competition stand?
• Good news for USC's depth at RB. And good news for LB Chris Galippo. The D-line needs to step up.
• The Sporting News ranks Utah No. 21. Injuries are an issue for the Utes O-line. The football education of Thretton Palamo.
• A practice report from Washington.
• Things got wet and wild at Washington State. Is LB C.J. Mizell growing up?
• Oregon-LSU is big, but if you read this, you understand how it will play out as a home game for LSU.

The four of 12 quick updates on offseason Pac-12 goings on.

Oregon in a sentence

• It's been a long offseason for Oregon-- Cliff Harris speeding, Kiko Alonso arrested, Willie Lyles and NCAA investigation -- but that doesn't change the fact that the Ducks are not only the favorites to win their third consecutive Pac-12 title, they also are national title contenders.

The big issue

• If you bracket off the off-field issues as a potential distraction, the Ducks' biggest issue is restocking an offense that lost key players at receiver and on the offensive line.

Quick hit news

• The big news this offseason is the NCAA's investigation into scout/street agent Willie Lyles, what role he played in running back Lache Seastrunk ending up at Oregon and what the Ducks expected for the $25,000 they paid him. It's important to note Oregon has not yet received an official notice of inquiry from the NCAA -- which announces the specifics of an investigation -- so no one really knows when we are going to gain some clarity on this mess. It seems doubtful anything final would happen before the BCS national title game, if that becomes an issue.
• Kelly has yet to announce the fates of two suspended starters, cornerback Harris and linebacker Alonso, though Harris is definitely out of the LSU game.
• Backup tight end Brandon Williams decided to retire from football because of chronic injuries, the school announced.
• The Ducks were ranked No. 3 in the preseason coaches poll, their highest preseason ranking in team history.
• Every member of the Ducks 23-man 2011 recruiting class has qualified academically.
• Reserve defensive end Anthony Anderson apparently has quit the team.
• Oregon has just 14 seniors on its roster -- nine are listed as starters on the depth chart.

ESPN.com's Bruce Feldman takes a look at the big winners and losers this offseason, and two Pac-12 teams make his list.

One in the good way, one in the bad way.

Here's what Feldman says about Stanford, which he rates No. 1 among the rising teams.

1. Stanford Cardinal
The Cardinal lost, as expected, Jim Harbaugh to the NFL. The job Harbaugh did at Stanford should go down as one of the best turnaround jobs any coach has pulled off in the past 25 years. The Cardinal also lost a couple of other top assistants.

So why is Stanford on this list and not the one below it? Simple: The Cardinal kept stud QB Andrew Luck for one more season. And, because of that, Stanford is a legit top-15 team. Without Luck around this fall, I'm not sure that Stanford would make a bowl. He is that much of an impact guy.

And here's what he says about Oregon, which he rates No. 4 among his falling teams.

4. Oregon Ducks
There's been some bad off-the-field news for Oregon involving a couple of key defenders. Talented CB/KR Cliff Harris was stopped for driving 118 miles per hour, costing him the opener against LSU and potentially more games than that. Middle linebacker Kiko Alonzo, who was one of Oregon's stars of the spring, was arrested and charged with burglary. His status with the team is also in doubt. Then, there is also the dark cloud hanging over the program from the Will Lyles recruiting mess.

Couple of quibbles.

Stanford is a bowl team without Luck. While there's a perception that Stanford is Luck and a bunch of no-names, my guess is NFL scouts will tell you differently over the next two or so seasons.

And, with Luck, Stanford is not only a "legit top-15" team, it's a national title contender.

As for Oregon falling, that could be viewed as relative. The Ducks went undefeated last year before losing to Auburn in the national title game. If they go 10-2 this year and win the Pac-12 championship, how much have they really fallen?

But the off-field issues are a legitimate concern, particularly what the Lyles imbroglio might mean down the road with the NCAA. These issues could bring the players closer together -- unite them in adversity, in an "us versus the world" season -- but the absences of Harris and, perhaps, Alonso for one or more games are significant hits in terms of straight-up on-field talent.

Of course, if the Ducks whip LSU in the opener, there will be a lot less talk of off-field issues and a lot more talk of a return trip to the title game.

Media days across the nation are winding down. So what was answered in the Pac-12? And what are the remaining questions?

Thanks for asking.

Four answers

1. Oregon will ignore the NCAA and Willie Lyles, at least until it can't: No one thought Ducks coach Chip Kelly was going to say much at media day about the NCAA inquiry into scout/street agent Willie Lyles and his dealings with Kelly and the program, specifically pertaining to running back Lache Seastrunk. But there was no lack of trying to coax Kelly into saying something revealing: "We look forward to when we can [comment]," Kelly said. "I'd love to talk about it. There are a lot of answers I'd love to make sure we can get out there." Somewhat obscured by this back-and-forth: This is a pretty good football team with high hopes. Kelly and the Ducks' job henceforth is to focus entirely on football, at least until the NCAA comes calling.

2. California coach Jeff Tedford doesn't believe the Bears will have any Lyles repercussions: Some forget that Oregon is not the only program to use Lyles' recruiting, er, "service." Not the only team in the conference, in fact. Cal also used Lyles, though it paid him $5,000, not $25,000, as Oregon did. Tedford was asked if he was worried about the NCAA's focus on Lyles, which could trickle down to his program. He replied, "I'm not concerned one bit." Tedford and Cal administrators insist they've provided documentation to the NCAA and aren't worried about any potential exposure. We shall see.

3. Criner? Much ado about nothing: There was some good news at media day: Mysterious summer questions about Arizona WR Juron Criner apparently have been resolved. At one point, Criner was said to have "a non-injury medical issue" that threatened his season. Coach Mike Stoops clarified things a bit at media day: "Juron just had some personal and family issues with his mother that he had to attend to," Stoops said. Criner's mother was ill so he spent time in Texas. Said Stoops, "I think he feels much better about his mother and he feels a lot better about her condition."

4. The Pac-12 networks were announced: The conference announced the formation of a TV network that will include a national and six regional networks in conjunction with four of the nation's largest cable operators: Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Bright House Networks. Starting in the fall of 2012, the new networks will combine to televise 850 events -- 350 on the national network -- including every football and men's basketball game not broadcast by national network partners ESPN and Fox. There will be a network for each of the six regions that have two conference schools: Washington, Oregon, Northern and Southern California, Arizona and Mountain.

Four questions

1. Health and suspension issues: The status of a number of key players remains up in the air. Kelly wouldn't commit on the status of cornerback Cliff Harris, who has been suspended for at least the LSU game, or linebacker Kiko Alonso. It's uncertain if Oregon State receiver James Rodgers (knee) will be ready to play this fall, and what about DT Castro Masaniai, whose spring arrest clouds his status. Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson said running back Deantre Lewis still hasn't recovered from a gunshot wound he suffered this offseason. UCLA doesn't know when it will get guard Jeff Baca back from an ankle injury. USC's leading rusher, Marc Tyler, is indefinitely suspended. Utah QB Jordan Wynn is coming back from shoulder surgery. Washington has questions at DT with the health of Sione Potoa'e and Semisi Tokolahi.

2. Stanford is uncertain at receiver: QB Andrew Luck is back, but who's he going to throw it to? Coach David Shaw made it clear that the health of receiver Chris Owusu, Stanford's only true deep threat, is critical. "Since Chris' last surgery, I haven't said anything to him besides 'play every game.' That's all I said to Chris. ... We need Chris to play in every single game." The goal in fall camp is to find other options besides Owusu and Griff Whalen. Shaw seemed to be challenging his crew of receivers when he noted that if none stepped up, then the offense would be creative with its use of a deep collection of tight ends.

3. Lines in the sand? Arizona State is the only team with certainty on its offensive line. The Sun Devils welcome back all five starters. Oregon State only needs to replace one starter, but the Beavers struggled up front last fall and significantly shifted personnel this spring. Everybody else needs to replace at least two O-linemen. The situation is the same on the defensive lines. Only Washington and Colorado welcome back an intact D-line, and the Huskies have injury questions and the Buffaloes are switching from a 3-3-5 to a 4-3.

4. What's the Pac-12 going to feel like? We know Utah and Colorado have joined the conference. We know there will be a North and South Division. We know there will be a championship game. We know a big TV deal is coming in 2012. And we know there's also going to be a new Pac-12 Network. We know the details. But how is it going to feel? For the first time since 1978, the conference is dramatically different. We have never experienced the Pac-12, so there figure to be some surprises -- pleasant and perhaps otherwise -- along the way during the inaugural season.

LOS ANGELES -- Oregon and Stanford. Stanford and Oregon. They were the two Pac-10 powers in 2010, and they are expected to be so again in 2011 in the new Pac-12. Both finished in the top-10 last winter and are nearly certain to start there this fall. But they had a decidedly different feel at the inaugural Pac-12 media day.

After a tumultuous offseason, the big news for Oregon was no news, which inspired some grumpiness among scribes gathered to hear at least some updates on various off-field issues, including the NCAA inquiry into scout/street agent Willie Lyles.

Stanford was a different story. The Cardinal, picked to finish behind the Ducks in the North Division, showed up with a pair of national celebrities: quarterback Andrew Luck and his new beard.

"I'm hesitant to call it a beard," Luck said mysteriously. "I don't think it's quite there yet. I'd never done it before, so why not try. We'll see if it lasts. When I get annoyed with it, I'll shave it."

A minor surprise: Ducks coach Chip Kelly didn't appear annoyed at any point during his first session with reporters since spring practices, though he was repeatedly -- and once pointedly -- quizzed about the the Lyles-NCAA imbroglio. Kelly, who is known to be just a bit standoffish at times, was beyond pleasant while he refused to comment.

"As head coach of this football program, we're held accountable for everything we do," Kelly said. "So we look forward to when we can [comment]. I'd love to talk about it. There are a lot of answers I'd love to make sure we can get out there."

Kelly, who never showed up for his one-on-one sessions with print reporters afterward, did offer one minor insight: "There are a lot of misconceptions," he said.

Toward the end of his session, Oregonian columnist John Canzano asked a pointed question -- "You paid $25,000, presumably, for garbage information that we've all seen. I've seen the phone records …" and event moderated Dave Hirsch tried to cut him off.

But Kelly calmly answered, "I can't speak to what any other school has done with [Lyles]. I know he deals with 80-some odd schools and what other services he's been involved with. But I know how we dealt with them. But again, I've got to defer to … I'd love to talk about it."

Oh, you could see for a moment that Kelly did have something he wanted to say. Only he was bound by a statement the school released before the press conference that it "continues to fully cooperate with the NCAA's ongoing review" and the requisite cone of silence that includes.

Kelly also was completely affable -- and opaque -- when he refused to provide an update on the status of All-American cornerback Cliff Harris, who was suspended for at least the marquee opener with LSU due to being cited for driving 118 mph on a suspended license in a rental car in June. Kelly was also chipper while opting to not enlightened reports on the status of likely starting middle linebacker Kiko Alonso, who is on indefinite suspension for a criminal mischief arrest in May.

"They have academic and behavioral things that they have to get accomplished and we'll deal with as it comes," Kelly said. "I really can't tell you at this point in time what their status is except they're working out with our team and doing things right now. We'll figure out where that fits as we move forward during the season."

Stanford is not without issues, of course. They just didn't invite an inquisition. The biggest is new coach David Shaw replacing the fiery Jim Harbaugh, who is off to the San Francisco 49ers. Shaw is not unaware that some wonder if his easy-going manner won't match the motivational intensity of Harbaugh, who seemed to connect with his players with his often eccentric ways.

"We have different personalities, but at the same time you can ask the guys when somebody crosses the line, I'll be nose to nose with them," Shaw said. "I might not be yelling, but I'll be dead serious."

Dead serious news? How about this from Luck, the 2010 Heisman Trophy runner-up who opted to return for his redshirt junior season instead of entering the NFL draft, when he likely would have been the top overall selection: "I'm doing this as my last college football season and approaching it like such."

So no fifth year of Luck. Sorry.

And so were the Pac-12's two top dogs as the calender begins its charge toward the regular season. One with high expectations and lots of questions. One with high expectations and Grizzly Adams at QB.

The first official football gathering of the new Pac-12 -- media day -- will be held on July 26 in Los Angeles. It will feature all 12 coaches, and each team brings along a star player.

Hmm. I wonder what reporters will ask Oregon coach Chip Kelly about?

I don't wonder what his answers will be: Some form of "no comment," though the exact phrasing might include some chippy Chipperism that we've all grown to love.

But even with those no comments, there will be plenty to talk about -- with Kelly and all the other coaches.

Do you have questions you want asked? Feel free to send them along. Or comment below.

Here a list of who will be there and what we're interested in asking.

Arizona
Quarterback Nick Foles and coach Mike Stoops

Top questions: While the rebuilding of both lines is a prime issue, Wildcats fans will want an update on receiver Juron Criner's health from Mike Stoops. And they will want to know about 2010's late-season slide.

Arizona State
Quarterback Brock Osweiler and coach Dennis Erickson

Top questions: Are the Sun Devils ready to play as the favorites in the Pac-12 South? And is there any chance cornerback Omar Bolden plays this fall?

California
Receiver Marvin Jones and coach Jeff Tedford

Top questions: Is Zach Maynard the man to restore Tedford's reputation as a developer of QBs? How does Tedford feel about growing fan discontent?

Colorado
Quarterback Tyler Hansen and coach Jon Embree

Top questions: Does it feel different heading into the season as a member of the Pac-12 instead of the Big 12? What went wrong under Dan Hawkins that's going to go right under Embree?

Oregon
Tight end David Paulson and coach Chip Kelly

Top questions: Er, any comment on Willie Lyles? What about those rebuilt offensive and defensive lines? What's up with suspended cornerback Cliff Harris and linebacker Kiko Alonso?

Oregon State
Safety Lance Mitchell and coach Mike Riley

Top questions: What went wrong last year? How's James Rodgers knee doing? And about those lines...

Stanford
Quarterback Andrew Luck and coach David Shaw

Top questions: Does it feel different to be a frontrunner rather than a darkhorse? What's going to be different under Shaw compared to Jim Harbaugh? What about holes at receiver and on both lines?

UCLA
Running back Johnathan Franklin and coach Rick Neuheisel

Top questions: Is this a win or else season for Neuheisel? What's going to happen at quarterback? What's the status of O-lineman Jeff Baca (broken ankle)?

USC
Quarterback Matt Barkley and coach Lane Kiffin

Top questions: What's the approach with no postseason as a motivation? Injury update, please! What about the depth on the O-line and LB? And is Armond Armstead going to play in 2011?

Utah
Offensive tackle Tony Bergstrom and coach Kyle Whittingham

Top questions: Do the Utes think they will become an immediate contender in the Pac-12 South race? Is quarterback Jordan Wynn 100 percent and back to his old self after shoulder surgery?

Washington
Running back Chris Polk and coach Steve Sarkisian

Top questions: What's the offense going to look like post-Jake Locker? What's the pecking order at linebacker? What does the bowl victory mean about the state of the program?

Washington State
Receiver Jared Karstetter and coach Paul Wulff

Top questions: Is this a win or else season for Wulff? Will the defense improve enough to support what should be a good offense? How good can quarterback Jeff Tuel be?