Pac-12 football: Projections for 2016

Before we get started: I wouldn’t be the least bit to see Oregon, Stanford or Washington win the division and would only be mildly surprised if Washington State emerges. The uncertainty at quarterback in Eugene and Stanford makes for no clear favorite.

1. Washington: An unconventional pick, for sure, and one fraught with the possibility that I will look silly if the Ducks or Cardinal win the division going away and the Huskies are three or four games off the pace. But the combination of (older, more consistent) Jake Browning, a veteran offensive line and a top-tier defense gives UW a slight edge on the perennial powers.

2. Stanford: If the list of departed starters began and ended with Kevin Hogan, the Cardinal’s task would be tough enough — he won three league titles, after all. But Stanford must replace the awesome left side of its line and six defensive starters. Oh, and the even-year schedule is always MUCH tougher, with trips to Seattle, Eugene, Pasadena and Berkeley (plus South Bend).

3. Oregon: Lemme get this straight: Oregon goes to Montana to get Dakota in the hopes that he’ll lead the Ducks to Pasadena? Actually … let’s leave Oregon’s QB development issues for another time. Bottom line for ’16: If Prukop, the MSU transfer, is as good as, and healthier than, Vernon Adams, the EWU transfer, then the Ducks will win the division. I’m guessing he won’t be. Attrition on the front seven is also an issue.

4. Washington State: Don’t have a good reason for picking WSU behind the Huskies, Cardinal and Ducks — yes, the defense must be rebuilt, but everyone in the division is flawed — so Cougar fans: Feel free to slam me in the comments section below. (More ammo for Cougar fans: The schedule is as favorable as it gets.)

5. Cal: A team that couldn’t run the ball or defend consistently at a high level and went 4-5 in league play loses its star quarterback? In this division, that makes for a bleak outlook. best -case scenario: Fourth place. The Bears didn’t finish in the top half with Jared Goff. How can they manage it without him?

6. Oregon State: Could be the most improved team in the conference … and should still be the worst. Rebuilding in Corvallis is a long, long process.