ESPN College Football

The 2011 season is over. That means report cards are due.

Up next: Oregon State

Offense: The Beavers, who welcomed back seven starters from 2010, ranked 10th in the Pac-12 in total offense (373.7 yards per game) and 11th in scoring (21.8 points per game). Notably a year after running back Jacquizz Rodgers bolted early for the NFL, the Beavers ranked last in the conference -- and 118th in the nation -- in rushing with 86.9 ypg. That, of course, put a lot of pressure on redshirt freshman quarterback Sean Mannion, who ranked 10th in the conference in passing efficiency with a conference-high 18 interceptions and 16 TDs. The Beavers' 31 total turnovers was the most in the conference by seven, and they were by far the worst team in the red zone. Of course, Mannion was the story of the season. He was expected to be signalling in plays from the sidelines to Ryan Katz, but he -- in a surprise to many -- unseated Katz before the season was two games old. Why? He had consistently outplayed Katz in practice, which seems like a good enough reason, only not when a program accustomed to going to bowl games every year goes 3-9. Mannion flashed ability, but the outcome on offense was poor. Further, no Beaver earned All-Pac-12 first- or second-team honors on offense.

Grade: F.

Defense: The Beavers ranked seventh in the Pac-12 in total defense (411.3 ypg) and scoring defense (30.8). Those numbers actually are surprising in a positive way considering the Beavers ranked last in the Pac-12 and 1o1st in the nation in run defense (196.8 ypg) and were ninth in the conference and 104th in the nation in pass efficiency defense. The defense forced 23 turnovers, which was tied for fourth in the conference, and that helped a bunch. Other bright spots: Freshman defensive end Scott Crichton ranked second in the conference with 14.5 tackles for a loss, and junior cornerback Jordan Poyer earned second-team All-Conference honors. This unit welcomed back just four starters from 2010's mediocre unit, and the only one of them to start (almost) every game in 2011 was safety Lance Mitchell. An argument could be made that, based on what coordinator Mark Banker had to work with, the unit performed at least adequately.

Grade: C.

Overall: In the preseason, Oregon State had a lot of questions, and coach Mike Riley was the first to point that out. There were, particularly, concerns on both lines, but the defense seemed far more worrisome, considering it lost defensive tackle Stephen Paea, defensive end Gabe Miller and cornerback James Dockery from a unit that was below average in 2010. In August, few thought quarterback would generate the most controversy, and that the offense would end being perhaps the worst during Riley's tenure. Still, though the Beavers looked potentially down in 2010 -- 6-6 down or perhaps 5-7 down -- few foresaw a 3-9 record that included a loss to Sacramento State, an FCS team. In other words, it was a bad year in Corvallis, one that has Riley facing a critical year in 2012.

Grade: D

There's a pretty good reason coaches don't like to use the term "must-win." Losing such a game forces a team -- and a coach -- into a corner. As in: If you lose a "must-win" then your season must-sink.

Still, sometimes it's hard not to see a line drawn in the sand. There certainly seems to be one between UCLA and Oregon State, two desperate teams that have looked mostly awful to start the season.

The home-standing Beavers: 1. Opened with a loss to an FCS team, Sacramento State. 2. Got shut out at Wisconsin, 35-zip.

The visiting Bruins: 1. Sandwiched a loss at Houston and a blowout home defeat to Texas -- teams UCLA beat in 2010 -- around a lackluster win against a bad San Jose State squad. 2. Coach Rick Neuheisel's seat is among the warmest in the country.

A must-win for Oregon State?

"Boy, it sure feels like it," coach Mike Riley said. "I don't ever use that term because you're going to have to play the next ones anyway."

He then added, "If we want to have a good year, we've got to get some confidence. We've got to win a game."

A must-win for UCLA?

"I think both Oregon State and UCLA are certainly at that point in their season where they need to win, to get this thing jump started," Neuheisel said. "If [Riley] has called it a must-win, it's easy for me to do the same."

Riley's Beavers are notorious for slow starts and for overcoming those slow starts. But this is the slowest of slow starts. Sure, the 2004 Beavers started 1-4 but finished 7-5. And the Beavers won nine games after starting 0-2 in 2008. But 0-3? The last time that happened was 1996, when Jerry Pettibone was the coach and Oregon State was still one of the nation's top ha-ha-look-at-them! sad-sack programs.

And at 0-3, it's difficult to see where the Beavers could get the six victories over the final nine games. Those are wins they would need to avoid a second-consecutive losing season, which hasn't happened since 1997-98, Riley's first two years in Corvallis.

For Neuheisel, losing at Oregon State with a visit to Stanford ahead -- a likely 1-4 start -- would almost certainly spell the end of his tenure. LA reporters would start writing "Who's next?" coaching stories, and the debate would no longer be about whether Neuheisel survives but whether he finishes the season.

So, yeah, while this game won't send ripples across the college football nation, it's very important to the two programs.

The Beavers collective mood should be better than UCLA's. For one, it's getting some key injured players back: Most specifically receiver James Rodgers and tight end Joe Halahuni. Those two should significantly bolster the passing attack, which will now be led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sean Mannion, who has eclipsed 2010 starter Ryan Katz.

"I've always thought if we could get all of our guys healthy together this would be a very good receiving corps," Riley said.

Rodgers return was only made certain Wednesday. He hasn't played since blowing out his knee at Arizona on Oct. 9, 2010.

On the downside for Oregon State, it will be down two starting defensive tackles. Castro Masaniai will be serving a suspension for an offseason arrest, while Dominic Glover hasn't been cleared academically.

The potential to run inside for UCLA should help Bruins quarterback Richard Brehaut's chances. He was named the starter this week over Kevin Prince, who threw three interceptions against Texas. Brehaut was the quarterback of record when the Bruins beat Oregon State 17-14 last year, but the key in that game was 210 yards rushing. And the Beavers don't have DT Stephen Paea in the middle any more.

UCLA remains uncertain at quarterback, but this is a good opportunity for Brehaut to stake his claim to the full-time job. The Beavers rank last in the Pac-12 in pass efficiency defense. They've yet to record an interception while yielding seven touchdowns and a 69 percent completion rate.

"I think [Brehaut] has a high regard for his ability and is desperate to prove he's the guy," Neuheisel said.

The same can be said for Neuheisel.

At 2-2, there is hope in Westwood. Lose at Stanford but beat Washington State at home, and the Bruins are 3-3 at midseason with a manageable schedule ahead. A bowl is still possible. And Neuheisel could still survive.

Riley is one of the nicest guys in coaching. But he's not spending too much time worrying about Neuheisel's precarious situation. He's got his own must-win motives.

Said Riley, "It would be a really big thing for this team to win a game."

No team in the Pac-12 wows you at defensive tackle. No team is a sure thing. There is a lot of "maybe" at the position. And probably some maybe not.

The uncertainty of quality -- both in terms of returning stars and depth -- made this a difficult position to rank. For example, Washington has a nice foursome at tackle, led by Alameda Ta'amu, who might be the best tackle in the conference.

That's great. Good for the Huskies. But they ranked 97th in the country in run defense last year. You sort of pause over that, you know?

So a lot of this ranking is feel thing, a projection of potential. And "great shape" here is relative to the conference. Nebraska, for example, wouldn't exchange its tackles -- Jared Crick and Baker Steinkuhler -- for any Pac-12 tandem.

Some of this figures to inspire a bit of debate.

Great shape

USC: This may be in some part based on fumes from the Trojans reputation at the position. It definitely includes a vote of faith that they will get a 100 percent Christian Tupou back from the knee injury that killed his 2010 season. If so, the threesome of Tupou, George Uko and DaJohn Harris is strong. And if you toss in Armond Armstead -- who missed spring with an undisclosed medical condition that threatens his career -- you'd have a clear No. 1.

Washington: Ta'amu seemed to find himself during the second half of last year, and the 330-pounder could end up getting some All-American consideration if he consistently plays like he did against Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. Sione Potoa'e and Semisi Tokolahi are both experienced, and Lawrence Lagafuaina a space-grabbing, 344-pound redshirt freshman.

Colorado: The Buffaloes are sneaky good here, even though they only ranked 48th in the nation in run defense in 2010. Both starters, Will Pericak and Curtis Cunningham, are back, but Conrad Obi was a revelation this spring. He looked like a future NFL draft choice, not a player who'd mostly been a bust. Nate Bonsu, who missed spring with a knee injury, also should help.

Good shape

Utah: The Utes, who ranked 11th in the nation in run defense in 2010, lost Sealver Siliga, but they believe they have a budding star in, er, Star Lotulelei, while James Aiono, LT Tuipulotu and Joape Peta are solid. Also, Dave Kruger, who played end this spring, is 280 pounds and can play inside.

Arizona: The loss of backup Willie Mobley to a knee injury hurts depth, but Justin Washington figures to take a step forward after an impressive true freshman season, Sione Tuihalamaka started four games in 2010. Depth is a question. The Wildcats ranked 33rd in the nation in run defense last fall.

Oregon: On the one hand, Oregon lost both starting defensive tackles in Brandon Bair and Zac Clark from a unit that ranked 27th in the nation in run defense. On the other, they played so many guys last fall, the new starters are experienced players. Further, Ricky Heimuli, Taylor Hart, Wade Keliikipi, Isaac Remington and Jared Ebert played well enough this spring to suggest the position will be a strength in the fall.

Arizona State: If Lawrence Guy didn't make his ill-fated decision to enter the NFL draft, the Sun Devils, who were 16th in the nation against the run last fall, would be in great shape here. As it was, Will Sutton had a great spring and looks like a potential All-Conference guy. Grinder Bo Moos is listed as the starter at the other tackle, though he could be eclipsed by Corey Adams. Toa Tuitea saw limited action last year.

UCLA: The Bruins defensive line was terrible last year, ranking 108th in the nation against the run, but the talent is there for a significant turnaround. Cassius Marsh, Nate Chandler, Justin Edison, Donovan Carter and Seali'i Epenesa should do a much better job plugging the middle.

California: Cal is actually fine here, despite the loss of NG Derrick Hill. For one, when you run a 3-4 defense, it's hard to rate your DTs, even if your DEs often operate like them. The Bears have two solid options at NG in Aaron Tipoti and Kendrick Payne, and it's also possible that touted 350-pound incoming freshman Viliami Moala will eclipse both of them.

We'll see

Oregon State: Dominic Glover moves inside from end and Kevin Frahm has experience, but this unit didn't play well last year -- 89th in run defense -- even with one of the best DTs in the nation in Stephen Paea. 340-pound Castro Masaniai could help but he missed spring after shoulder surgery and has off-field issues. There's also Mana Tuivailala and Ben Motter.

Stanford: Like Cal, Stanford runs a 3-4, so it naturally it is going to suffer a bit in DT rankings. More important: The loss of Sione Fua is significant. Terrence Stephens and Henry Anderson had solid springs but neither has much experience.

Washington State: Brandon Rankin, a returning starter, was listed No. 2 on the depth chart behind Anthony Laurenzi after spring practices, with redshirt freshman Toni Pole No. 1 at the other tackle. Justin Clayton, Steven Hoffart and Xavier Cooper provide depth. It's not unreasonable for Cougars fans to expect improvement, perhaps significant improvement. But a team that ranked 115th in the nation in run defense the previous season is automatically a "We'll see" here.

Happy Friday.

• Colorado coach Jon Embree believes college athletes deserve some sort of compensation beyond a scholarship. What about a Colorado-Colorado State bowl game?
• Oregon safety John Boyett goes back to his roots. Why did LSU get so many more tickets than Oregon?
• Neat video of former Oregon State DT Stephen Paea training in Chicago (with a former Oregon Duck, no less).
• Stanford is going to win another Director's Cup.
• More perspective on Norm Chow's UCLA departure.
• Former USC linebacker Lofa Tatupu has no hard feelings toward former teammate Reggie Bush, who's vacated -- and missing -- Heisman Trophy has been found. A preview of Lane Kiffin, Tennessee and the NCAA. USC cornerback Patrick Hall continues to have bad luck.
• Utah gets ready to celebrate "Pac-12 Day" on July 1. More here on that.
• How good is a new quarterback commitment for Washington State?
• Updating the Pac-12 TV schedule.
• The mess in college sports isn't going away anytime soon.

Trying to crank this mailbag out before covering the Tempe NCAA baseball regional, so any replies like their usual verve or are just flat dumb, blame baseball.

Follow me on Twitter.

To the notes.

Eric from Albany, Ore., writes: I get that Oregon State lost to Wazzu last year. I get that. No offense to Wazzu fans, but as a Beaver fan, I was as embarrassed as the next guy. Can we get passed that now? Most of the media is acting like our metaphorical wagon has not only lost it's wheels, but that it has been set on fire, shortly before blowing into thousands of tiny pieces. FACT: OSU has finished in the top 3 of the Pac-10, 3 out of the last 4 years. I'm kinda disappointed by the continual disrespect. We have probably the 2nd or 3rd best receiving core coming out of spring. The third best quarterback in the conference, who had a pretty darn good year considering his O-Line was trash. Our line looks better on both sides of the ball, and linebacker play is dramatically better. Let's not forget that while the Beavs finished 5-7 last year, they had the toughest schedule in the nation. IN THE NATION. I think many people have counted us out of the race, and we have the potential to be a VERY good team. I'm not saying we should be favored above Stanford, or Oregon, but can we get realistic about what's going on in Corvallis? Worse then 5-7? Come on Ted, you don't really believe that... do you?

Ted Miller: Not sure what you mean by "continual disrespect."

If you're frustrated that the so-called punditry doesn't seem to think Oregon State will be in the Pac-12 North Division mix next fall, well, there are plenty of reasons why.

For me, the Beavers' chief concerns are both lines. Unlike many folks, I'm more skeptical about the D-line than the O-line, which at least welcomes back four starters. The Beavers lost their two best defensive linemen to the NFL draft -- tackle Stephen Paea and end Gabe Miller -- and the unit didn't play particularly well in 2010.

As for your assertions: second or third best group of receivers? With a healthy, James Rodgers the Beavers have a good group of receivers -- indeed, maybe the second or third best in the conference. But Rodgers status after a severe knee injury is unclear. Without Rodgers, the Beavers would rank in the middle of the conference at the position.

Third best quarterback? Er, no. Ryan Katz has plenty of potential, but he falls behind Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, Darron Thomas, Nick Foles and Jeff Tuel in terms of what he's actually accomplished on the field. Keep in mind: Katz was seventh in the conference in passing efficiency in 2010.

You write: "Our line looks better on both sides of the ball, and linebacker play is dramatically better." I didn't see the Beavers practice this spring, but the coverage I read didn't include the same level of optimism. For one, the Beavers are replacing two starters at OLB, and the pecking order at MLB is still uncertain. I know folks are excited about Michael Doctor and Cameron Collins, but they haven't done anything in a real game to support your level of certainty.

Based what we know today, I'd say six or seven wins is a realistic projection for Oregon State. Wouldn't be shocked with eight wins. Or five.

That said: Through the years, I've learned to never write off Oregon State, even after a slow start, which is practically an annual event in Corvallis.

Last season, in fact, I was among the folks projecting the Beavers as a nationally ranked team that would finish in the top-three of the conference.

Further, some of you Beavers fans might recall that I've seem to have some sort of odd, reverse predictive power with Oregon State: I pick the Beavers to win; they lose. I pick them to lose; they win.

So if my expectations for Oregon State aren't terribly high in 2011, well, maybe that's a good thing.

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Bob from Raleigh, N.C., writes: There was some talk over spring ball that the Cats might redshirt QB Matt Scott to save him for next year, barring an injury to Foles. Any new word on that?

Ted Miller: That's the plan: If Nick Foles stays healthy, the Wildcats will try to redshirt Matt Scott this season so he can come back in 2012 and compete with Rutgers transfer Tom Savage for the starting job.

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Derek from Pullman writes: If a team has a strong passing game and weak run game, should they be more worried about a strong secondary or strong rushing defense?For example, my Cougs should have no problem moving the ball through the air. And while I have a lot of hope in Galvin and Mitz, our running game is definitely the much larger question.Will our offense fair better as a one dimensional assault against a strong rushing defense but weak secondary? Or will not being able to move the ball at all on the ground hurt our aerial attack too much?

Ted Miller: If I were to advise you what you should most worry about, it would be a team with a great pass rush more than a good secondary.

Nothing is more critical for the Cougars this year than keeping Jeff Tuel healthy. He was sacked 51 times last year, so you know he's tough. But it's hard to imagine he can survive another 50 sack season intact.

Tuel has a strong group of receivers. If he gets time to throw, it won't matter how good the secondary is.

But here's the thing: If the Cougars can run at all -- say 120 or so yards per game -- that will make life much easier for an O-line trying to slow down a pass rush. And life much more difficult for a secondary that has to pay attention to run support.

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Ted from Secretville, USA writes: I know that USC isn't eligible for the post season for this following season, and I'm not gonna bring it up. But the question I have is that do they still get the BCS Money cut?Last year Oregon, and Stanford both made BSC bowl games. Did USC still get the money from both teams making the BCS bowls? Or did they get left out because they weren't eligible?

Ted Miller: The NCAA penalties haven't -- and won't -- affect USC's football revenue. The Trojans will get a full share of BCS cash, as well as TV money, this year just as they did last year.

The truth is a two-year bowl ban likely will end up saving USC money because most teams run a deficit when they play in bowl games.

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Liberal Duck from Eugene, Ore., writes: When I look at your picture I have to wonder why you aren't more tanned. For crying out loud, you live in Scottsdale. It's not like you're from Eugene or something.

Ted Miller: Many have noted the same thing.

I'm a vampire. The sun is not an option.

Here's an old mugshot.

Please, no stakes through the chest if you see me this fall.

Every team has hope heading into the offseason. And every team has concerns.

Ergo, we're going to run through the conference and look at the chief matters -- on the up and downside -- for each Pac-12 team.

Next up:

Oregon State

Biggest reason for hope: If everybody shows up, the Beavers will be OK.

If Oregon State heads to Wisconsin on Sept. 10 with QB Ryan Katz, WR James Rodgers, WR Jordan Bishop, TE Joe Halahuni and RB Jordan Jenkins at 100 percent, it has a chance to win. And to keep winning and to become a factor in the North Division. Rodgers, Bishop and Halahuni would combine with WR Markus Wheaton to give Katz an outstanding array of options in the passing game -- one of the strongest in the conference, in fact. When healthy, Rodgers is one of the nation's best receivers and return men. That's a huge thing for the Beavers. Not to mention Rodgers' return would be uplifting emotionally for the team and in terms of leadership. Assuming that the line improves -- four starters are back from last year's underwhelming crew -- then the offense could thrive with the big-armed Katz taking the lead.

Biggest reason for concern: If everybody doesn't, the Beavers won't be OK. Especially with this defensive line.

All hands on-deck is not very likely, though. While Katz and Jenkins are expected back before fall camp, things have been murky for a while with Rodgers' knee issues. Bishop's ankle injury also shouldn't cause him to miss a game, but Halahuni's shoulder problem may keep him out until mid-September. Losing one guy for a few games is a hit but not an in surmountable obstacle. Losing more than one for a lot of games is a problem for a team that isn't terribly loaded with offensive playmakers. And the Beavers are going to have to score with what might be the Pac-12's most questionable defensive line, one that lost two NFL draft picks -- tackle Stephen Paea and end Gabe Miller -- and yet didn't do very well in 2010.

Hey, when's the Pac-12 beach party? Us landlocked Big 12ers could use a vacation.

• Mike Stoops is happy with Arizona's recent run of NFL talents, but there are more coming down the line.
• An Oregon offensive lineman has been gone on a mission for two years. His expected return this summer is a welcome sign for the Ducks.
• Jon Embree got a commit from a blue-chip quarterback prospect for his 2012 class.
• A former Colorado player is loving his new role: opera singer.
• He can't play yet, thanks to the lockout, but the Bears sound excited about Stephen Paea.
• An incident over the weekend at a McDonald's has an Oregon State player facing a variety of charges.
• Cal named its quarterback, but here's a look at where each Pac-12 team sits at the position.
• Washington coach Steve Sarkisian attended the funeral for a middle school coach in Washington.

Last year, Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea was the Pac-10's Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year. His numbers weren't eye-popping, but he was the guy who required the most attention from opposing offenses.

No defensive player who earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2010 is back -- Arizona State cornerback Omar Bolden blew out his knee this spring. But that doesn't mean there aren't a plethora of returning defensive stars. Expect at least a couple of Pac-12 players to earn All-American honors.

The first question is who's the best inside linebacker? Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict might be the most fearsome defensive player in the nation, but by the end of the 2010 season few were better than Stanford's Shayne Skov.

Of course, neither matched the numbers put up by California's Mychal Kendricks -- 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss -- last year.

While he USC safety T.J. McDonald was a bit under the radar because the Trojans defense struggled in 2010, that defense is expected to dramatically improve and McDonald is a big reason why.

But, really, what happens if Oregon's big-play cornerback Cliff Harris becomes consistent -- while still maintaining his ball hawking ways?

Lots of good choices. But who's going to be the best?

OREGON STATE

2010 overall record: 5-7

2010 conference record: 4-5

Returning starters

Offense: 7, Defense: 5, punter/kicker: punter

Top returners

QB Ryan Katz, WR James Rodgers, WR Markus Wheaton, TE Joe Halahuni, S Lance Mitchell

Key losses

RB Jacquizz Rodgers, C Alex Linnenkohl, DT Stephen Paea, DE Gabe Miller, CB James Dockery

2010 statistical leaders (*returning starter)

Rushing: Jacquizz Rodgers (1,184)

Passing: Ryan Katz (2,401)

Receiving: Markus Wheaton* (675)

Tackles: Dwight Roberson (88)

Sacks: Stephen Paea (6)

Interceptions: James Dockery (4)

Spring answers

1. Primary in the secondary: Safety Lance Mitchell leads a solid group in the defensive backfield. Brandon Hardin is back at one corner -- he struggled at times in 2010 but had a solid spring -- with talented Jordan Poyer on the other side and Rashaad Reynolds as an emerging option. Anthony Watkins is the other safety with Josh LaGrone supplying the depth.

2. Outside linebackers are fast: While things are still uncertain at middle linebacker, Michael Doctor and Cameron Collins are fast and aggressive on the outside. Doctor, a sophomore, looks poised for a star turn. Collins is a converted safety who is building a reputation as a big hitter.

3. Backup plan: While starting quarterback Ryan Katz sat out with a wrist injury, sophomore Cody Vaz asserted himself in the competition for the backup role with talented redshirt freshman Sean Mannion. Katz is expected to be full speed this summer, but Vaz eased concerns about potential "what if" plans.

Fall questions

1. Hurting playmakers: Four of the Beavers top five offensive playmakers missed all or some of spring -- Katz, receiver James Rodgers, receiver Jordan Bishop and tight end/H-back Joe Halahuni -- and Katz is the only one who is expected to be good to go for fall camp. Rodgers, of course, is the most worrisome. At 100 percent, he's one of the most dangerous players -- catching the ball or in the return game -- in the nation. But he suffered a severe knee injury in October, and his prognosis is uncertain.

2. Lines of fire? The offensive line welcomes back four starters, but it underperformed last season and wasn't terribly impressive this spring. Coaches are still looking for the right combination of players. The defensive line didn't play terribly well in 2010 either, and it lost its two best players -- tackle Stephen Paea and end Gabe Miller -- who were both NFL draft picks. Who's going to be the edge rusher? Who's going to anchor inside? Line play -- on both sides of the ball -- will tell the tale of the Beavers' season.

3. Taking a Quizz: You don't replace a running back like Jacquizz Rodgers easily, but Beavers fans probably recall hand-wringing in the past over how to replace previous 1,000-yard rushers. Seems like the program just finds a solution. This spring a committee of backs did fairly well. Still, among the group -- Ryan McCants, Jovan Stevenson, Terron Ward, Malcolm Marabel, Jordan Jenkins and the incoming freshmen -- the ultimate pecking order hasn't yet been worked out.

The Pac-12 provided 37 players to the NFL draft over the weekend, one fewer than the SEC, which led all conferences.

If the six combined picks from Colorado and Utah are taken away from the conference, the old Pac-10 provided NFL teams 3.1 draft picks per team, also just behind the SEC at 3.17.

Here's where the Pac-12 players went:

First round
No. 8 Jake Locker, QB, Washington: Tennessee
No. 9 Tyron Smith., OT, USC: Dallas
No. 17 Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: New England
No. 24 Cameron Jordan, DE, California: New Orleans
No. 27 Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado: Baltimore

Second round
7. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA: Tennessee
10. Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona: Houston
13. Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA: Denver
21. Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State: Chicago
24. Shane Vereen, RB, California: New England

Third round
13. Jurrell Casey, DT, USC: Tennessee
20. Mason Foster, LB, Washington: Tampa Bay
25. Shareece Wright, CB, USC: San Diego
29. Christopher Conte, S, California: Chicago
33. Sione Fua, DT, Stanford: Carolina

Fourth round
5. Jordan Cameron, TE, USC: Cleveland
19. Casey Matthews, LB, Oregon: Philadelphia
21. Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado: Kansas City
27. Owen Marecic, FB, Stanford: Cleveland

Fifth round
8. Brandon Burton, CB, Utah: Minnesota
9. Gabe Miller, DE, Oregon State: Kansas City
14. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State: Atlanta
23. Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford: Seattle

Sixth round
2. Ryan Whalen, WR, Stanford: Cincinnati
14. Caleb Schlauderaff, OG, Utah: Green Bay
17. Ronald Johnson, WR, USC: San Francisco
19. David Carter, DT, UCLA: Arizona
22. Allen Bradford, RB, USC: Tampa Bay
24. Mike Mohamed, LB, California: Denver
32. Ricky Elmore, DE, Arizona: Green Bay
38. Zach Williams, C, Washington State: Carolina

Seventh round
12. D'Aundre Reed, DE, Arizona: Minnesota
24. Scotty McKnight, WR, Colorado: New York Jets
30. Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona State: Green Bay
37. Stanley Havili, FB, USC: Philadelphia
38. David Ausberry, WR, USC: Oakland
39. Malcolm Smith, LB, USC: Seattle

By Pac-12 school:
Arizona (3)
Arizona State (1)
California (4)
Colorado (4)
Oregon (1)
Oregon State (3)
Stanford (4)
UCLA (3)
USC (9)
Utah (2)
Washington (2)
Washington State (1)

The final tally by automatic qualifying conferences:
SEC... 38
Pac-12... 37
Big Ten... 36
ACC... 35
Big East 22
Big 12...19

Nebraska was a big swing to the Big Ten from the Big 12 with seven picks. With Colorado and Nebraska, the Big 12 provided 30 selections.

This was the tally through three rounds:
SEC: 20
ACC: 19
Pac-12: 15
Big Ten: 13
Big 12: 9
Big East: 4

Here's where things stand for the Pac-12 through three rounds of the NFL draft.

First round
No. 8 Jake Locker, QB, Washington: Tennessee
No. 9 Tyron Smith., OT, USC: Dallas
No. 17 Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: New England
No. 24 Cameron Jordan, DE, California: New Orleans
No. 27 Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado: Baltimore

Second round
7. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA: Tennessee
10. Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona: Houston
13. Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA: Denver
21. Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State: Chicago
24. Shane Vereen, RB, California: New England

Third round
13. Jurrell Casey, DT, USC: Tennessee
20. Mason Foster, LB, Washington: Tampa Bay
25. Shareece Wright, CB, USC: San Diego
29. Christopher Conte, S, California: Chicago
33. Sione Fua, DT, Stanforrd: Carolina

Through three rounds by conference (with Nebraska in the Big Ten and Colorado and Utah in the Pac-12):

SEC: 20
ACC: 19
Pac-12: 15
Big Ten: 13
Big 12: 9
Big East: 4

Note: The old Pac-10 has 13 without two first-round picks from Colorado. Big Ten has 12 without Nebraska. Big 12 has 12 if Colorado and Nebraska are included.

ESPN draft guru Todd McShay took a measure of specific qualities of defensive players expected to be selected in this week's NFL draft, which starts Thursday, and a number of Pac-12 players fall into interesting spots.

Here are some notes.

Defensive line
Defensive ends
McShay ranks Arizona's Brooks Reed No. 2 in pass-rush skills among all defensive ends and No. 3 in instincts/motor.

He ranks Cameron Jordan No. 2 versus the run and No. 2 in versatility.

He ranks Jordan No. 3 overall among defensive linemen and Reed 11th.

Defensive tackles
McShay ranks Oregon State's Stephen Paea No. 2 in toughness/motor.

He ranks Paea 17th overall among defensive linemen. He also has USC's Jurrell Casey at 19th.

Linebackers
McShay ranks Oregon's Casey Matthews No. 2 in instincts/recognition among inside linebackers.

He ranks Washington's Mason Foster No. 1 in range versus the run among inside linebackers.

He ranks UCLA's Akeem Ayers No. 2 in third-down capabilities among outside linebackers.

McShay ranks Ayers No. 2 overall among the linebackers. Foster is No. 4 and Matthews is 13th.

Defensive backs
McShay ranks UCLA's Rahim Moore No. 2 in instincts/recognition and No. 1 in cover skills and ball skills among safeties.

He ranks Colorado's Jimmy Smith No. 1 in cover skills and No. 2 in run support among cornerbacks.

McShay ranks Smith No. 3 overall among defensive backs. He ranks Moore seventh. Utah cornerback Brandon Burton is 13th and USC cornerback Shareece Wright is 14th. Colorado's other cornerback, Jalil Brown, is 17th.

Last year, more than a few of us believed Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea was the strongest person in college football. At the NFL combine, he proved that by setting a new bench press record.

ESPN.com's Bruce Feldman went looking for this year's Paea, and he found a few, including a new Pac-12 player from Colorado, who ranked No. 4 overall.

Here's what Feldman had to say:

4. Eric Richter, OL, Colorado Buffaloes

A transfer from Saddleback College in California, Richter wowed his new CU teammates when he arrived one day in the weight room last year and benched 500 pounds for three reps, according to Buffs receiver Scotty McKnight. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound former defensive lineman can bench press 405 pounds for sets of 6-to-8, reports new CU strength coach Malcolm Blacken, who adds that Richter also did 41 reps of 225 last month.

Eight reps at 405? One rep at 405 is an impressive max, even for an O-lineman. And three at 500? Golly. That's beastly.

Of course, a big bench press doesn't a great offensive lineman make. But this knowledge makes me not want to say that to Richter's face.

Happy Friday.

• Arizona running back Daniel Jenkins is trying to make his move. Alex Zendejas tries to bounce back. Chat with Ryan Finley today at noon or 3 p.m. ET.
• The Snake appeared at Arizona State practice. Notes from practice.
• California tight end Spencer Ladner "tweaked" his knee and other notes. It's time for the heralded 2010 linebacker recruits to make their mark.
• Colorado added a long-snapper.
• Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris talks big, plays big. And is this the most underrated Duck?
• Former Oregon State stars Jacquizz Rodgers and Stephen Paea get ready for the NFL draft.
• Quarterback Richard Brehaut surged when true freshman Brett Hundley struggled during UCLA's scrimmage. Is Brehaut making his move?
• It appears that USC has found a backup quarterback. And Jesse Scroggins is just one member of a strong 2010 recruiting class.
• Considering another candidate to be Jordan Wynn's backup at Utah. The search for an offensive identity is on-going, though there has been some progress.
• Where does Washington stand at safety? Defensive end Hau’oli Jamora needs to take a step forward after a strong debut.
• There were some bumps and bruises at Washington State's final practice before the spring game.
• The Pac-12 knows how to party.

ESPN NFL draft gurus Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have posted new mock drafts that include the first three rounds.

You can see Kiper's here and McShay's here .

Here are the Pac-12 players in Kiper's draft (he has the conference being shut out in the third round).

Round one
9. OT Tyron Smith, USC: Dallas
17. DE Cameron Jordan, California: New England
21. OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA: Kansas City
25. QB Jake Locker, Washington: Seattle
26. CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado: Baltimore
29. OT Nate Solder, Colorado: Chicago

Round 2
36. FS Rahim Moore, UCLA: Denver
38. DE Brooks Reed, Arizona: Arizona
43. DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State: Minnesota
54. CB Brandon Burton, Utah: Philadelphia

And here are the conference players in McShay's draft.

Round one
9. OT Tyron Smith, USC: Dallas
12. DE Cameron Jordan, California: Minnesota
22. OT Nate Solder, Colorado: Indianapolis
25. QB Jake Locker, Washington: Seattle
27. DE Brooks Reed, Arizona, Atlanta

Second round
37. DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State: Cleveland
38. OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA: Arizona
46. FS Rahim Moore, UCLA: Denver
48. CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado: Oakland
49. LB Mason Foster, Washington: Jacksonville
56. DT Jurrell Casey, USC: New Orleans

Third rond
84. RB Shane Vereen, California: Tampa Bay

Some interesting differences and similarity, including both having Tyron Smith going to Dallas at No. 9 overall Jake Locker going to the hometown Seahawks at No. 25.

Jimmy Smith lasting to the 48th pick in McShay's draft surprises me. McShay also has Mason Foster and Jurrell Casey going in the second round, while Kiper doesn't even have them picked at the end of his third round.

We shall see.