PAC 10 Power Poll – Your Guide to the Best Betting Teams

The Pac-10 has been USC’s conference for years, but will things change in ’09? Here’s a look at the top ATS teams on the West Coast as BetOnline Sportsbook gets you revved up for the ’09 NCAA Football Betting Season…

1: Oregon State Beavers (9-3 ATS, 9-4 SU in 2008) It’s easy to forget, but Oregon State was the only team that separated USC from another shot at a National Championship last season. The Beavers had an explosive offense that averaged 30.5 points per game a year ago, and now that the Rodgers brothers, James and Jacquizz are back along with QB Lyle Moevao, the unit may be even better in ’09.

Up Next: Home vs. Portland State

2: California Golden Bears (9-4 ATS, 9-4 SU in 2008) Many prognosticators are expecting the Golden Bears to be one of the surprise teams of 2009. RB Jahvid Best rumbled for nearly 1,600 yards last season, and he could be a Heisman candidate by the end of the season. The schedule plays out well, drawing USC early and at home, and a win in that game may send California to the Rose Bowl.

Up Next: Home vs. Maryland

3: Stanford Cardinal (7-5 ATS, 5-7 SU in 2008) HC Jim Harbaugh is probably still basking in the joy of upsetting USC in LA two seasons ago. His team’s football bettors had plenty to rejoice about last season, as the Cardinal covered six of its L/9 games. However, Stanford ultimately fell one win short of bowl eligibility. Once again, that’s the task this season, but a difficult non-conference schedule may make that feat impossible to accomplish.

Up Next: Away @ Washington State

4: UCLA Bruins (7-5 ATS, 4-8 SU in 2008) The Rick Neuheisel era got off to a lousy start last season in LA, as the Bruins went just 4-8. His defense had a lot of strong points, as the unit ranked ninth in the country against the pass, allowing just 168 yards per game. When push came to shove though, the offense just wasn’t good enough. In order to post a winning season, the Bruins will need to do far better than rank 113 th in total offense (283 yards per game) and 109 th in points per game (17.7).

Up Next: Home vs. San Diego State

5: Arizona Wildcats (7-5 ATS, 8-5 SU in 2008) The Wildcats have taken plenty of steps in the right direction, but it’s time for HC Mike Stoops to step up and lead this Arizona program to the next level. Road games at Cal and USC are going to be nearly impossible, but the team absolutely has to do better than 5-4 in conference this season to improve. QB Willie Tuitama will be sorely missed now that he has graduated.

And the rest…

6: USC Trojans (7-6 ATS, 12-1 SU in 2008)

7: Oregon Ducks (7-6 ATS, 10-3 SU in 2008)

8: Arizona State Sun Devils (4-6 ATS, 5-7 SU in 2008)

9: Washington State Cougars (4-8 ATS, 2-11 SU in 2008)

10: Washington Huskies (1-11 ATS, 0-12 SU in 2008)