Pac-10 football

Staff writer Glenn Kasses briefly examines what to expect this year from USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Stanford and UCLA:

Last year: 12-1 (7-1 Pac-10, first place)

Preseason Pac-10 poll: First

What they have: It would be much easier to list what the Trojans don’t have going into 2004. Most polls released thus far have USC No. 1 in the nation and no poll with any legitimacy has it out of the top five. The easiest place to start is with quarterback Matt Leinart, who surprised many with a fantastic season in his first as a starter. But the Trojans’ greatest strength might be up the middle of the defense, where first-team All-Pac-10 selections Mike Patterson and Shaun Cody are back to wreak havoc on centers and guards on the West Coast. The not-so-secret weapon, should the offense sputter, is punter Tom Malone, the best collegiate punter in America.

What they say: “We’re faced with a real obvious challenge for the coaches and our players to deal with all that comes along with that accomplishment of having done it,” head coach Pete Carroll said. “I have no idea how it’s going to turn out. I didn’t have any idea how last year’s team was going to turn out. But we’ll take it very methodically.”

Last year: 2-10 (1-7 Pac-10, 10th place)

Preseason Pac-10 poll: 10th

What they have: Perhaps the best thing the Wildcats can bring to this season is a new attitude and work ethic following last season’s debacle with John Mackovic getting fired in midseason. Mike Stoops comes in from Oklahoma with a boatload of enthusiasm and a solid track record as an assistant coach under his brother, Bob. Tailback Mike Bell might be the conference’s best this year, and he’ll need to chew up clock with the defense allowing 36.4 points a game last season. Stoops has given the starting QB nod to sophomore Kris Heavner — for now.

What they say: “We have enough talent on this football team and we’ve worked hard enough to give ourselves an opportunity to have a chance, and that’s all you can want,” Stoops said. “We need to stay healthy, get some good quarterback play and shore up our defense. Those are three priorities so we can make sure we get the ball in Mike’s hands and get him some running space.”

Last year: 5-7 (2-6 Pac-10, T-eighth place)

Preseason Pac-10 poll: Sixth

What they have: Judging by the preseason media poll, the Sun Devils are the toughest team to figure out going into this season. The Sun Devils were picked anywhere from third to ninth in the poll coming off of a disappointing season. Quarterback Andrew Walter is one of seven starters back on offense, and seven more are back on defense. Arizona State will need some incoming junior college transfers to provide depth, especially on the defensive line as the Sun Devils switch from a nickel defense to a 4-3 base to simplify things.

What they say: “I can see why people would have those (questions): ‘Are they going to show up or not?’ ” head coach Dirk Koetter said. “We underachieved last year and overachieved the year before. If we play the way we’re capable of, we can be right there. … Let’s face it, we’re judged by five wins and seven losses last year.”

Last year: 4-7 (2-6 Pac-10, T-eighth place)

Preseason Pac-10 poll: Ninth

What they have: The Cardinal still field a young team this season, but coach Buddy Teevens notes that its one with experience beyond its years. Stanford has five starters returning on offense even though just one starter on that side of the ball is a senior. Stanford will depend on a senior-laden defense with six starters in their final year. The secondary will be a strength — safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and cornerback Leigh Torrence are both proven performers.

What they say: “We need to put up better numbers,” Teevens said. “We feel very, very solid with what we’re doing defensively. Offensively we had a strong spring. … We feel like we’ve progressed over the course of the off-season.”

Last year: 6-7 (4-4 Pac-10, T-fifth place)

Preseason Pac-10 poll: Eighth

What they have: The Bruins have brought in Tom Cable, most recently the head coach at Idaho, to be the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Head coach Karl Dorrell, entering his second year, stressed the impact that Cable will have with this year’s team, including starting quarterback Drew Olson. The running game could be interesting to follow, with the Bruins planning to feature both Manuel White and Maurice Drew. At 245 pounds, White is much bigger and could see the field more because the offensive line is a major question mark. Expect two or three of UCLA’s six incoming linemen to skip a redshirt year and see some time.

What they say: “We think we’re going to be pretty good this year, contrary to what people think,” Dorrell said. “I don’t think there’s anything in the world that can prepare anybody to be a first-time head coach. But I lived through it and I’m still standing. But it’s been an experience.”