ESPN College Football

The Pac-12 features another strong crop of running backs -- five returning 1,000-yard rushers -- but there are also a few teams facing uncertainty at the position.

So how does it stack up?

Great shape

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Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesLaMichael James leads a talented running back corps that has both experience and depth.
• Oregon: It's not just that the Ducks have Heisman Trophy finalist and unanimous All-American LaMichael James coming back, it's that they have Kenjon Barner and Lache Seastrunk to help carry the load. When you toss in touted incoming freshman De’Anthony Thomas -- play or redshirt? -- Oregon may have the best backfield in the nation.
• Washington: Chris Polk is a workhorse who gained 1,415 yards last season -- he's also a good receiver -- and there's good depth with Jesse Callier and Deontae Cooper, who sat out last year with a knee injury.
• Stanford: Stepfan Taylor lead the way with 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2010, but the depth is phenomenal with Anthony Wilkerson, Tyler Gaffney and Jeremy Stewart.
• UCLA: Not unlike Stanford, there's a returning 1,000-yard rusher -- Johnathan Franklin -- and great depth: Derrick Coleman, Malcolm Jones and Jordan James.
• Colorado: Rodney Stewart, at 5-foot-6, 175 pounds, is a diminutive workhorse. He rushed for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010. The only issue here is depth, though redshirt freshman Tony Jones had a nice spring.

Good shape

• Arizona State: The Sun Devils lack an elite back but they have good depth and experience returning, topped by Cameron Marshall (787 yards and nine touchdowns in 2010) and Deantre Lewis (539 yards). There's also the versatile Kyle Middlebrooks.
• USC: Marc Tyler rushed for 913 yards and nine touchdowns but he's got some off-field issues. There's good talent on the depth chart behind him, though: Curtis McNeal, D.J. Morgan and Dillon Baxter. The O-line is a bigger issue for the running game.
• Arizona: Keola Antolin is a solid first option, if he can stay healthy, but the knee injury to Greg Nwoko means there's no experienced depth. Daniel Jenkins had some nice carries this spring, and expectations are high for incoming freshman Ka'Deem Carey.

We'll see

• California: Strange to see Cal down here, eh? What in the name of J.J., Marshawn, Jahvid and Vereen is going on? Isi Sofele is No. 1 on the post-spring depth chart, but it's wide open after that, with incoming freshmen expected to be immediately in the mix.
• Oregon State: The Beavers have experience with Ryan McCants, but he's struggled to break through. Sophomore Jovan Stevenson, redshirt freshman Malcolm Marable and grayshirt freshman Terron Ward are options, as is Jordan Jenkins, who missed spring with a shoulder injury.
• Utah: The Utes lost their top three backs from 2010, and their top three backs heading into 2011 have no experience. But John White, Harvey Langi and Thretton Palamo showed plenty of promise this spring. It's just we don't know what they'll do when the lights go on in Pac-12 play.
• Washington State: Logwone Mitz and Carl Winston are back -- they combined for 353 yards in 2010 -- and hopes are high for Ricky Galvin, who was injured early in the Cougars opening game last fall. But this is not a position of strength for the Cougars.

Previous reviews

Quarterback

Oregon State concludes spring practices with its spring game on Saturday. Here's a brief primer.

Spring game: The Beavers play their spring game at 3:15 p.m. -- 12:15 PDT -- at Reser Stadium.

Questions answered: With starting quarterback Ryan Katz out, backups Cody Vaz and Sean Mannion were solid to impressive. There are few worries at quarterback -- Katz is throwing after a wrist injury -- which is always good. The outside linebackers are set with Cameron Collins and Michael Doctor. The secondary, led by safety Lance Mitchell, looks solid and there's good depth behind the starting four. Kicker Trevor Romaine has been consistent and may be an immediate upgrade on Justin Kahut.

Questions unanswered: A lot of questions heading into the offseason, starting with the health of wide receiver James Rodgers, whose return is uncertain after a serious knee injury, and continuing with the uncertain seriousness of tight end Joe Halahuni's shoulder problem. Those are two big presences in the passing game. The pecking order on the offensive line, at running back and middle linebacker are far from set. Ryan McCants, Jovan Stevenson, Jordan Jenkins and the freshmen Terron Ward and Malcolm Marable are in the mix at running back. While the left side of the O-line is set, the right is not: Burke Ellis and Michael Lamb are competing at guard, and Colin Kelly and Michael Philipp at tackle. Rueben Robinson, Kevin Unga and Tony Wilson are still splitting time at middle linebacker. Further, there are questions about who will provide consistent pressure on the quarterback from the D-line.

Spring stars: Doctor is going to be a player at weak-side linebacker. The move of Dominic Glover from defensive end to defensive tackle has yielded positive results. Jordan Poyer has been solid after replacing James Dockery at cornerback opposite Brandon Hardin. Markus Wheaton was a standout at receiver, and Obum Gwacham flashed some potential at the same spot. Spring started with writers celebrating Mannion over Vaz, but things reversed by the end -- mostly because of strong play by Vaz and not anything Mannion did or didn't do.

When it came to basketball Gail was a loss, but we had our own version of one-on-one and she thought I was the bravest guy in the world. Which, of course, I am. By the way, I charged the entire vacation to Mr. Underhill's American Express Card. Want the number?

• New Arizona State offensive line coach Scott Brown isn't being shy.
• There is no depth chart at California, and Jeff Tedford waffles a bit on calling plays.
• Colorado reports one secondary violation, and that actually feels like a positive (and the nature of it is notable, too).
• It might sound trite but it's real: For Oregon to equal (surpass) its 2010 season, it will need to find new sources of leadership. These Ducks are stronger.
• The Oregon State offensive line needs to find its nasty. And running back Ryan McCants needs to break through.
• You can watch Stanford's spring game on April 9.
• UCLA gets started, and quarterback Richard Brehaut wants to step up.
• USC receiver Brandon Carswell might be ready to make impact. The next Mark Sanchez?
• Utah quarterback Tyler Shreve is pulling double-duty. Who stepped up at Utes Pro Day?
• Washington running back Chris Polk, who dominated late in 2010, says he was too heavy at end of season. Nebraska and Washington State linebackers agree. Some practice notes.

Last summer, we took a look at "three-headed monsters" -- elite combinations of quarterback, running back and receiver in the conference.

Seems reasonable that we revisit the idea this spring. (And we may revisit our revisitation this summer, when some position battles begin to clear up).

Ranking these isn't easy. The challenge is priority and value. What if a team is, say, outstanding at running back and receiver but inexperienced at quarterback? How does that measure up with a team that is merely good but also experienced at all three positions?

The only "pure" three-headed monsters in the Pac-12 are Arizona and USC, in that the Wildcats and Trojans welcome back their quarterback, leading rusher and leading receiver.

Arizona
QB Nick Foles, RB Keola Antolin, WR Juron Criner

USC
QB Matt Barkley, RB Marc Tyler, WR Robert Woods

California, Utah and Washington get "incompletes" because we have no idea who will be the starter at at least one position, though the Utes and Huskies are pretty strong at two of the spots. This summer, after spring practices have possibly created a pecking order, we'll likely be able to include them in our overall ranking.

Utah
QB Jordan Wynn, RB ?, WR DeVonte Christopher

Washington
QB ?, RB Chris Polk, WR Jermaine Kearse

California
QB ?, RB Isi Sofele, WR Marvin Jones

So, of those nine remaining, here's our ranking:

1. Stanford
QB Andrew Luck, RB Stepfan Taylor, WR Chris Owusu

The skinny: Luck is the best QB in the country. Taylor rushed for 1,137 yards and 15 TDs in 2010. Owusu, when healthy, is the Cardinal's most dangerous receiver.

2. Oregon
QB Darron Thomas, RB LaMichael James, WR Lavasier Tuinei

The skinny: James is the best RB in the country. Thomas is one of the nation's best QBs. Tuinei is a big target who caught 36 passes last year. You could flip the Cardinal and Ducks here and probably not get much argument from neutral observers. (Neutral observers, Ducks fans).

3. Arizona
QB Nick Foles, RB Keola Antolin, WR Juron Criner

The skinny: Foles and Criner are the best pass-catch combination on the list. Antolin struggled to stay healthy but he rushed for 668 yards last year.

4. USC
QB Matt Barkley, RB Marc Tyler, WR Robert Woods

The skinny: It's possible Barkley and Woods will challenge Foles and Criner for best pass-catch combination this fall -- Woods, after all, was a true freshman in 2010. Tyler struggles to stay healthy but rushed for 913 yards and nine TDs in 2010.

5. Washington State
QB Jeff Tuel, RB Logwone Mitz, WR Marquess Wilson

The skinny: Lookie here! The Cougs on a list! Wilson ranked second in the conference as a true freshman with 83.8 yards receiving per game, averaging a strong 18.3 yards per catch. Folks who pay attention know Tuel can play. Mitz was the Cougars' second-leading rusher.

6. Colorado
QB Tyler Hansen, RB Rodney Stewart, WR Paul Richardson

The skinny: Hansen is experienced -- 16 starts --and has looked good at times. Stewart rushed for 1,318 yards last season. Richardson, a UCLA transfer, caught 34 passes for 514 yards with six TDs as a true freshman and looks like a budding star.

7. Oregon State
QB Ryan Katz, RB Ryan McCants, WR Markus Wheaton

The skinny: The Beavers would look even better here if WR James Rodgers were certain to be healthy. He and Wheaton are a strong combo. Katz flashed plenty of ability last year. The issue is running back: McCants is merely the first in line to replace Jacquizz Rodgers.

8. Arizona State
QB Brock Osweiler, RB Cameron Marshall, WR Mike Willie

The skinny: This is a solid threesome that lacks star-power. Osweiler was outstanding at the end of the year when he replace an injured -- and now retired -- Steven Threet. Marshall led the Sun Devils with 787 yards rushing and nine TDs. Willie was the second-leading receiver with 36 receptions for 442 yards with six TDs.

9. UCLA
QB Richard Brehaut/Kevin Prince, RB Johnathan Franklin, WR Taylor Embree

The skinny: The Bruins maybe should have been left off this list with the "incompletes" because we don't know what will happen at QB. But Prince and Brehaut have plenty of starting experience, Franklin rushed for 1,167 yards and eight TDs -- let's not recall the fumbling issues -- and Embree has finished first or second on the Bruins in catches and receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.

Another year, another strong collection of running backs, even with the departures of Toby Gerhart and Jahvid Best.

While Pac-10 quarterbacks will grab most of the preseason headlines -- that's what happens when the two best NFL prospects at the position play in the same conference -- the class of running backs is nearly as strong.

Three 1,00o-yard rushers are back, and that doesn't include California's Shane Vereen, who piled up 952 yards as a backup, nor does it including Arizona's Nic Grigsby, who rushed for 1,153 yards in 2008. Six of the top-nine running backs will return this fall, and more than a few teams are decidedly deep at the position.

By the way, you might note there is more mention of incoming freshman at this position than others. Two reasons: 1. The Pac-1o had a strong haul of RBs in recruiting; and, 2. RB is often the easiest place for a young player to break into the lineup.

Great shape

• Oregon: While the Pac-10 blog rates Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers ahead of LaMichael James as an individual player, the Ducks have a decided edge in depth, and not only because James' backup, Kenjon Barner, is one of the conference's most explosive players. The incoming recruiting class also features Lache Seastrunk and Dontae Williams, the No. 6 and No. 13 prep running backs in the nation in 2009.
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Rick Scuteri/US PresswireJacquizz Rodgers may be the most talented individual running back in the Pac-10 this year, but Oregon has the best group.
• Oregon State: Jacquizz Rodgers is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate as the most complete back in the conference. Depth behind him is a little iffy, though Ryan McCants turned in some of his best work during spring practices.
• Washington: Washington fans often note that Chris Polk gained most of his 1,113 yards last year after contact because he was running behind a young offensive line. That line, with four starters back, should be better in 2010. Good depth with Johri Fogerson and freshmen Deontae Cooper and Jesse Callier, who both participated in spring drills.
• California: As noted above, Vereen put up impressive numbers as a backup and then starter over the final four games after Best got hurt. 12 TDs on 183 carries shows he has a nose for the endzone. Depth behind him is uncertain. Trajuan Briggs, Covaughn DeBoskie-Johnson, Isi Sofele and Dasarte Yarnway are competing for backup touches.
• USC: Allen Bradford, a neglected talent under Pete Carroll, who was oddly in love with the mercurial Joe McKnight, could end up being a first-team All-Pac-10 back. C.J. Gable also will have a chance to emerge from Carroll's doghouse. True freshman Dillon Baxter was the star of spring practices, while Curtis McNeal and Marc Tyler are major talents who just need to stay healthy.
• Arizona: The Wildcats welcome back their top three running backs: Grigsby, Keola Antolin and Greg Nwoko. But Grigsby, who averaged 7.2 yards per carry last year when he wasn't hurt, needs to find a way to stay healthy.

Good shape

• UCLA: It's possible that Johnathan Franklin, Derrick Coleman and Damien Thigpen are first-rate running backs trapped playing behind a struggling offensive line. But the biggest reason that Bruins fans aren't likely fretting this position is the arrival of freshmen Jordon James and Malcolm Jones, the Nos. 5 and 8 running backs in the nation last year.

We'll see

• Stanford: The Cardinal doesn't have one guy who can replace Gerhart. But who does? The good news for a backfield-by-committee approach with Jeremy Stewart, Tyler Gaffney, Stepfan Taylor and freshman Usua Amanam in the mix is the offensive line in front of them should be outstanding.
• Arizona State: The Sun Devils must replace leading rusher Dimitri Nance, who didn't exactly scare opposing defenses in 2009. Cameron Marshall is the leading returning rusher with 280 yards. James Morrison and Jamal Miles will provide depth, though an incoming freshman might get into the mix. As has been the case for a while with the Sun Devils, the first order is improving the offensive line.
• Washington State: Leading 2009 rusher Dwight Tardy is gone. If James Montgomery is healthy -- and stays that way -- he gives the Cougars a quality runner. He was clearly the best guy last preseason before he got hurt. Logwone Mitz, Chantz Staden, Carl Winston and Marcus Richmond will compete for touches during fall camp. Whatever the pecking order, the offensive line is the biggest issue.

ESPN's "College Football Live" is running down its list of the most irreplaceable players for the 2010 season. So we thought we'd take a stab at it for every Pac-10 team, including a different take for USC.

Arizona: C Colin Baxter. Centers are the quarterbacks of the offensive line, and Baxter is a good O-line QB. He earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2009 and his backup, sophomore Kyle Quinn, has little experience. With Baxter, the Wildcats should be strong up front. Without him, the line would be a question.

Arizona State: K Thomas Weber. Weber, the 2007 Lou Groza Award winner, is a weapon when healthy. While his backup, sophomore Bobby Wenzig, didn't do a terrible job filling in for a hurt Weber last year -- he made 3 of 4 field goals and 10 of 12 PATs -- he's no Weber, who's 11-for-15 from 40 or more yards during his career. The Sun Devils may struggle again on offense next fall, which means that Weber's range will be critical for getting points on the board.

California: LB Mike Mohamed. Mohamed earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2009 after leading the conference with 112 tackles, 16 more than any other defender. The Bears are replacing two of their four starting linebackers and, oh by the way, they didn't play the position terribly well last fall. It would be a big hit to lose both Mohamed's skill as well as his experience and leadership.

Oregon: WR Jeff Maehl. With the demise of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, the Ducks likely will be a little more pass-happy next fall. That makes Maehl, the Ducks' best receiver, critical. He caught 53 passes for 696 yards and six touchdowns in 2009 and steadily improved throughout the season. The Ducks' next two returning receivers, D.J. Davis and Lavasier Tuinei, combined to catch 47 passes for 450 yards and two TDs.

Oregon State: RB Jacquizz Rodgers. It's not just that Rodgers is the conference's leading Heisman Trophy candidate. It's also about the Beavers' uncertain depth at the position. Jovan Stevenson and Ryan McCants combined for 164 yards rushing in 2009. Rodgers had 1,440. McCants turned in his best work yet this spring and the running game had its moments even without Rodgers, but let's just say the ground production likely would suffer -- big -- if Rodgers went down.

Stanford: QB Andrew Luck. Pretty obvious, eh? The Cardinal's offense is already replacing Toby Gerhart. It can't afford to lose Luck also and expect to compete in the top half of the Pac-10. Backups Josh Nunes and Robbie Picazo are both redshirt freshmen, though if Luck went down, it's possible senior Alex Loukas could move from safety back to QB, where he started one game in 2008.

UCLA: LB Akeem Ayers. Ayers is an All-America candidate who has a knack for making big plays. If the Bruins' already-rebuilding defense lost him, it would then be replacing all three starting linebackers from 2009. His backup, Isaiah Bowens, is a redshirt freshman.

USC: CB Shareece Wright. Michael Lev of The Orange County Register already beat me to this one in his list of indispensable Trojans. Wright's career has been riddled by injuries and he was academically ineligible last year, but he's long been considered the Trojans' best cover corner. USC is replacing all four starters in its secondary. Wright has four career starts and was a standout this spring. If he went down, the Trojans would have one career start returning in the secondary. That is not a good thing.

Washington: QB Jake Locker. Locker is the Huskies' best player and their unquestioned leader. He's likely going to be a high first-round NFL draft pick next spring. But it's not just how important Locker is. Because last year's backup, Ronnie Fouch, opted to transfer, Locker's backup in 2010 will be either redshirt freshman Keith Price or true freshman Nick Montana. Neither, obviously, has any playing experience.

Washington State: DE Travis Long. Long, though just a sophomore, is the Cougars' best pass-rusher and best overall defensive lineman. After a year of getting bigger and stronger, he's expected to be much better in 2010. The Cougars' defensive line already lost tackles Toby Turpin, who was kicked out of school for an academic incident, and Josh Luapo (academic ineligibility) and is waiting to find out the academic status of tackle Bernard Wolfgramm. They are not deep enough up front to recover from the loss of Long. His backup, sophomore Adam Coerper, has no experience.

Everyone loves "best of" lists. Here's one for the Pac-10 after spring practices concluded.

Best spring game performance, offense: USC senior fullback Stanley Havili caught three long touchdown passes -- 28, 33 and 50 yards -- in the Trojans spring game.

Best spring game performance, offense II: With Jacquizz Rodgers chilling on the sidelines, Oregon State's backup running backs made a statement. Sophomore Jordan Jenkins rushed for 112 yards on 26 carries, while junior Ryan McCants had 74 yards on 24 attempts.

Best spring game performance, defense: UCLA's Datone Jones had two sacks, recovered a fumble and, according to the LA Times, "spent a good portion of the evening in the backfield."

Best spring game performance, defense II: Washington State defensive tackle Brandon Rankin, a JC transfer, had two sacks and a tackle for a loss as the No. 1 defense dominated the No. 2 offense.

Best spring game performance by a kicker: UCLA's Kai Forbath, the defending Lou Groza Award winner, was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, making kicks of 44, 34, 51 and 57 yards.

Best competition heading into fall, offense: Nate Costa vs. Darron Thomas to be Oregon's quarterback.

Best competition heading into the fall, defense: Chris Galippo vs. Devon Kennard to be USC's middle linebacker.

Best "who's the best" competition: Let the debate begin between Washington QB Jake Locker and Stanford QB Andrew Luck. Wait. It already has.

Best new marketing campaign: Stanford's new "What's your deal?" ticket plan is a homage to the prickly exchange between Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh and USC's Pete Carroll after Stanford ran up the score on the Trojans. Funny methinks.

Best new playmaker: USC's true freshman running back Dillon Baxter became a YouTube sensation with a spectacular run during a scrimmage, but other spectacular runs made it clear he wasn't a one-hit wonder. The Reggie Bush comparisons have already begun.

Best impression of dear old dad: Freshman quarterback Nick Montana capped an 80-yard drive with a short touchdown pass on the final play to give his team the win in Washington's spring game. You may recall that Nick's dad, Joe, was a fairly good NFL quarterback with a penchant for the dramatic -- and noticing John Candy in the stands.

Best position change: Oregon switched Dion Jordan from tight end to defensive end, where his athleticism suggested he could become a dangerous pass rusher. Jordan was going no where at tight end. He may end up in the NFL as a defensive end.

Best performance by a backup quarterback: Senior Mitch Mustain, the most written-about QB to never start a game for USC, passed for five touchdowns and 299 yards in the Trojans' spring game. Quarterback controversy? Naaaa. Might Mustain become the next Matt Cassel? Maybe.

Best comeback by a quarterback: Many were ready to crown Michigan transfer Steven Threet as Arizona State's starting quarterback, but sophomore Brock Osweiler was more consistent much of the spring and could end up running the Sun Devils offense in the fall.

Best offensive threesome you've never heard of: Here's a guess that receivers Gino Crump, Travis Cobb and fullback/H-back Taimi Tutogi make a lot of plays for Arizona next fall.

Best refusal to go away: No player in the Pac-10 has been more analyzed -- criticized -- than California quarterback Kevin Riley. Well, Riley again held on to the starting job this spring and heads into his senior year trying to put a successful cap on a career that has featured just a bit of everything.

Best physical freak of nature: Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea is not only the strongest college football player, he may be the strongest football player in the nation.

Best new acquisition: Arizona State adopted Kyle Oden, 3, who has a pediatric brain tumor and is nearly blind in one eye.

Best quote: Lane Kiffin, who was an USC assistant from 2001-06, on Trojans he inherited, "It's not what it was when we left here."

Best quote II: Norm Chow on whether the UCLA offense breaks through in 2010: "I have no idea, but we have to be better or you'll be talking to somebody else next year."

Best quote III: Mike Riley on Oregon State's offense: "Athletically, it's as good as we've ever been."

Best quote IV: Oregon quarterback Costa on redundant questions about suspended quarterback Jeremiah Masoli: "I'm not tired of answering the questions. If there is someone who should answer the questions, it should probably be me. The public has a right to know what we are thinking and our thoughts on this whole process. So I'm happy to answer those questions."

Best quote V: Washington coach Steve Sarkisian on leading the Huskies to a 5-7 finish in his first season: "I've never been congratulated so much for a five-win season."

The stars sat, and Oregon State' spring game Saturday was mostly ragged, but at least one void appeared to be impressively filled.

Sophomore end Taylor Henry, who's trying to step in for the departed Matt LaGrone, collected four sacks to pace the defense.

Running back Jacquizz Rodgers and defensive tackle Stephen Paea didn't play -- and Paea's absence made Henry's effort even more impressive. The O-line couldn't claim to be distracted by a force inside.

Quarterback Ryan Katz was hot and cold, completing 9 of 20 passes for 123 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The TD pass went for 14 yards to Markus Wheaton, capping a seven-play, 67-yard drive to start the scrimmage.

The defense, however, was mostly in control thereafter, stopping the offense on three downs four consecutive times at one point. The offense finished with six turnovers.

While Katz was inconsistent, he posted a strong spring overall and is a clear No. 1 on the depth chart. The competition at the position going forward might be between Cody Vaz and Peter Lalich for the No. 2 job, though neither was sharp on Saturday. Vaz completed 8-of-13 for 60 yards in the scrimmage, while Lalich was 6-of-12 for 47 yards. Jack Lomax was impressive late, tossing three touchdown passes, all to Mitch Singler, including a 66-yard strike.

A positive on offense was the play of the backup running backs; Rodgers can't carry the ball every time, after all. Sophomore Jordan Jenkins rushed for 112 yards on 26 carries, while junior Ryan McCants had 74 yards on 24 attempts.

Some links:

• The Oregonian's take on the scrimmage as well as some notes.
• Some video and further impressions: The defense won. As for the QB competition, the job is Katz's to lose. More notes.
• The secondary may be a force.
• The official stats and quotes.

The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.

• After years of planning, former Arizona tight end Rob Gronkowski's dream is about to come true.
• Arizona State's QB competition won't be resolved this spring.
• Former California defensive lineman Tyson Alualu is climbing draft boards.
• Oregon's QB competition continues to be tight. The lawyer, Melinda Grier, who tried to keep Oregon business -- including the Mike Bellotti golden parachute debacle -- a secret from the media is apparently about to be canned.
• With Mike Riley away, things get a little chippy at Oregon State practice. Ryan McCants is (finally!) breaking through at running back.
• Stanford's new marketing campaign: "What's your deal?" Brilliant!
• Projecting UCLA's depth chart on defense and offense. Practice time has changed Thursday.
• After watching film, USC coach Lane Kiffin still thought his running game was horrible. Some thoughts on Reggie Bush's decision to settle rather than testify.
• Washington cornerback Quinton Richardson is fighting to win back a starting job.
• Former Washington State defensive end Cory Mackay, who suffered a spinal injury in a car accident, continues to hope he will walk again.
• Projecting the NFL draft positions of Bay Area prospects.

Spring practices are winding down -- Arizona State, UCLA and Washington State each play their spring games on Saturday, while California, which doesn't play a spring game, will hold its final practice on that day.

A number of teams scrimmaged this past weekend. Here are some reports.

• Despite some injuries up front, Arizona State's running game showed signs of life.
• It doesn't look like anyone is challenging Kevin Riley to be California's starting quarterback, but there's competition at running back behind Shane Vereen. Some impressions.
• Quarterback Ryan Katz looked good for Oregon State, and the performance of backup tailback Ryan McCants was encouraging.
• Defense dominated Stanford's spring game, which required a shootout to decide things. Some impressions.
• Matt Barkley was sharp, but the running game was not during USC's scrimmage. Part of that might be the dominance of what looks like the Pac-10's best D-line.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

You see, Jason was my son, and today is his birthday ...

• Arizona's receivers are on the fly.
• Arizona State receiver Chris McGaha is moving up the Sun Devils' list. An injury report, with good news and bad news.
• California will be down three starters at Arizona State.
• The injury news for Oregon is mostly good, though the Pac-10 blog has learned that some Ducks are "day-to-day."
• Oregon State now has some options at running back with the return of Ryan McCants.
• Tracking Stanford running back Toby Gerhart.
• UCLA will be missing a defensive tackle at Oregon State.
• USC's defense has been leaky the past couple of weekends. An injury report -- the big news is tight end Anthony McCoy, as expected, is out.
• Some thoughts from Washington defensive coordinator Nick Holt, including a position change.
• Washington State and Notre Dame operate on opposite ends of the TV revenue curve.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Some injury notes based on news reports.

Arizona
Guard Conan Amituanai sprained his knee against Washington. He won't play against Stanford. Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell was hurt in a freak accident on Oct. 9 -- he was knocked out by a door and required stitches -- and didn't play Saturday, but he might return this week. Receiver Bug Wright (knee), defensive end Brooks Reed (ankle), running back Nic Grigsby (shoulder), running back Keola Antolin and defensive end D'Aundre Reed (hand) are all questionable.

Arizona State
The Sun Devils got two player back at Washington State -- guard Garth Gerhart and safety Ryan McFoy -- and didn't suffer any additional injuries. Receiver Kerry Taylor (hamstring), guard Matt Hustad and cornerback Omar Bolden (knee) each missed the Washington State game and are questionable this week.

California
After taking the weekend off, the Bears may get guard Matt Summers-Gavin (shoulder), wide receiver Nyan Boateng (foot) and tight end Spencer Ladner back for the UCLA game. On the downside, receiver Verran Tucker is battling a calf injury and backup nose tackle Kendrick Payne, who didn't play against USC, is doubtful with plantar fasciitis.

Oregon
The Ducks only practice Wednesday and Friday during their bye week. It's unclear if quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (knee) or safety T.J. Ward (ankle) will be ready to participate. Offensive tackle C.E. Kaiser sat out all last week with a shin injury but he played against UCLA.

Oregon State
Offensive guard Gregg Peat bruised his knee against Stanford but he should be able to play after the bye week at USC. Running back Ryan McCants (knee) has yet to play this season but he is questionable for the USC game. Receiver Darrell Catchings (ankle) isn't expected to be ready by Oct. 24.

Stanford
Defensive end Erik Lorig didn't play at Oregon State because of a groin injury. Safety Delano Howell is nursing a quad injury. Both are questionable for the visit to Arizona.

UCLA
Linebacker Reggie Carter played through a sprained knee against Oregon but he's questionable for the Cal game. Tailback Johnathan Franklin and safety Glenn Love are both nursing sprained ankles. Defensive end Korey Bosworth bruised his ribs but is probable for Saturday.

USC
Receiver Ronald Johnson (collarbone) and defensive end Armond Armstead (foot) are expected to be cleared to play at Notre Dame.

Washington
Offensive guard Greg Christine broke his fibula against Arizona and is likely done for the year. He was replaced by sophomore Nick Wood. Running back Chris Polk played through a sprained shoulder against Arizona. Linebacker E.J. Savannah and defensive tackle Cameron Elisara are nursing stingers.

Washington State
It's good news and bad news for the Cougars. Cornerback Daniel Simmons may be done for the season after breaking his leg against Arizona State. On the plus side, guard Zack Williams (ankle) should be ready for the visit to California after the bye week. Tackle Steven Ayers (ankle) and guard B.J. Guerra (knee) are questionable, as are defensive tackle Bernard Wolfgramm (hip) and linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis (staph infection).

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Some tidbits from the weekly Pac-10 coaches teleconference that might be of interest.

• Arizona coach Mike Stoops would only say that tight end Rob Gronkowski is showing "signs of getting better" and will be limited in what he can do this week. Gronkowski won't play Saturday against Northern Arizona, and Stoops wouldn't say whether Gronkowski would be ready for Iowa on Sept. 19.
• Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson said defensive tackle Lawrence Guy (biceps) should return to practice this week. The Sun Devils have a bye this week.
• California coach Jeff Tedford said that reserve tight end Spencer Ladner (knee) will get an MRI on his knee Tuesday. The Bears already lost starting tight end Tad Smith for the year to a knee injury. That leaves Cal with sophomore Anthony Miller -- who caught one pass last year -- and redshirt freshmen Skylar Curran and Jarrett Sparks.
• Oregon coach Chip Kelly said the Ducks had their second consecutive good practice and that suspended running back LeGarrette Blount was on hand and "has followed the plan" the school set out to remain with the team. Blount didn't dress for practice.
• Oregon State coach Mike Riley said backup tailback Ryan McCants (knee) might be ready to play when Cincinnati comes to town on Sept. 19.
• Washington State coach Paul Wulff said that Kevin Lopina will start again at quarterback for the Cougars against Hawaii. Marshall Lobbestael might play, but Wulff said that Lopina "managed the offense better" against Stanford.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Based on news reports and this this useful Web site: The latest on injuries heading into week one.

Arizona
TE Rob Gronkowski, back, questionable
OG Vaughn Dotsy, finger, probable
WR Delashaun Dean, hamstring, probable

Arizona State
OT Tom Njunge, biceps, questionable
C Garth Gerhart, toe, questionable
C Thomas Altieri, concussion, probable
OG Zach Schlink, knee, out
DT Lawrence Guy, biceps, probable
DE James Brooks, suspension, out

California
RB Jahvid Best, toe, probable
TE Tad Smith, knee, out
OT Mitchell Schwartz, leg, probable
S Marcus Ezeff, ankle, questionable
WR Michael Calvin, knee, probable
LB Robert Mullins, knee, out
TE Skylar Curran, ankle, probable

Oregon
WR Rory Cavaille, shoulder, out,
OT Bo Thran, knee, questionable

Oregon State
WR Darrell Catchings, wrist, out
WR Markus Wheaton, NCAA Clearinghouse, questionable
WR Geno Munoz, abdominal, questionable
QB Lyle Moevao, shoulder, out
RB Ryan McCants, knee, out
CB Brandon Hardin, leg, out
OT Timi Oshinowo, knee, out
LB Tony Wilson, knee, out
S Josh LaGrone, knee, out
S Lance Mitchell, hamstring, probable

Stanford
OT Allen Smith, knee, out
S Taylor Skaufel, knee, out
OT Chris Marinelli, shoulder, probable
LB Alex Debniak, knee, out

UCLA
OG Micah Kia, knee, out
OL Nick Ekbatani, knee, out
DE Reginald Stokes, knee, out
DT Jess Ward, knee, doubtful
RB Christian Ramirez, ankle, questionable
DE Chinonso Anyanwu, hip, out
WR Gavin Ketchum, hamstring, questionable
OG Stanley Hasiak, stinger, probable
FB Chane Moline, hip, probable

USC
CB Shareece Wright, knee, academics, questionable
WR Ronald Johnson, collarbone, out
DE Armond Armstead, foot, out
C Kristofer O'Dowd, knee, doubtful
DT Averell Spicer, ankle, questionable
OG Nick Howell, ankle, questionable
LB Luthur Brown, academics, out
TE Blake Ayles, heart condition, probable
QB Aaron Corp, leg, questionable
QB Mitch Mustain, illness, probable
CB Patrick Hall, knee, out

Washington
CB Justin Glenn, knee, questionable
DT Cameron Elisara, shoulder, probable
RB Johri Fogerson, ankle, probable
RB Chris Polk, concussion, probable
WR James Johnson, ankle, probable
DE Darrion Jones, illness, probable
TE Kavario Middleton, hamstring, probable
DE Everrette Thompson, ankle, questionable
S Jason Wells, Achilles, doubtful

Washington State
WR Jeshua Anderson, hamstring, probable
RB James Montgomery, knee, probable
CB Brandon Jones, ankle, probable
WR Jeffrey Solomon, ankle, probable
LB Alex Hoffman-Ellis, foot, questionable

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.

---

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)