1. OREGON- The league’s two-time defending champ is the Empire’s top ranked program in the North and favorite to be crowned the first Pac 12 king. The Ducks return 11 starters from a team that played for the national championship a year ago and finished with an overall record of 12-1. Chip Kelly lost two playmakers in linebacker Casey Matthews and wide receiver Jeff Maehl, but key components remain intact. Running back LaMichael James is poised for another run at the Heisman Trophy, and quarterback Darron Thomas now has a year of experience under his belt. The team loses Cliff Harris for the opener against LSU, but based on disciplinary actions under Kelly’s watch, we should expect to see the corner back on the field for Pac 12 play.

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