Exciting Quarterback Play and Pac-12 Predictions: USC, Oregon, and UCLA in Focus

In what seems to mark the possibly final year of the Pac-12 in its current form, this season is shaping up to be a standout period of action. The conference is buzzing with remarkable quarterback prowess, setting the stage for a dynamic competition on the field. Notable names such as Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, Michael Penix, and Cam Rising are just a few of the stars shining bright in this gridiron spectacle. Even the likes of D.J. Uiagalelei and Jayden De Laura are adding to the impressive roster, promising thrilling showdowns ahead.

While USC and Oregon command much of the spotlight, other teams are also making their presence felt. The likes of Washington, Oregon State, and Utah are all gaining solid ground as projected Top-20 teams as the season kicks off. Yet, among them, a contender seems to be lying low – the UCLA Bruins. Underestimated by many, the unranked Bruins are catching the attention of experts, including analyst Josh Pate.

“I think Oregon’s the most underrated team in the Pac-12. I’m putting Oregon in the pac-12 championship game, and I’m putting the UCLA in the Pac-12 Championship game. I think Oregon and Dan Lanning will take it over Chip Kelly and the UCLA Bruins when the dust settles in Las Vegas.”

– Josh Pate per The Late Kick With Josh Pate

During a recent episode of The Late Kick With Josh Pate, he expressed remarkable optimism for Chip Kelly’s UCLA squad. Pate’s projections carry weight as he delves into the dynamics of the Pac-12. Notably, UCLA’s schedule might just work in their favor. Avoiding tough matches against Oregon and Washington this year, the Bruins seem to have lucked out. While challenging games against the Utes and the Trojans await on the road, the rest of their schedule appears manageable. Additionally, a relatively softer non-conference lineup adds to their advantage.

Pate didn’t stop there – he boldly laid out his reasoning for a potential clash between the Ducks and the Bruins in the Pac-12 Title Game. His predictions come from careful analysis and a strong understanding of the teams’ dynamics. Moreover, he dove into UCLA’s intriguing quarterback competition, offering insights into a crucial aspect of the Bruins’ strategy.

As the Pac-12 season unfolds, the excitement levels are on the rise. With a landscape rich in quarterback talent and surprising projections for UCLA, football fans are in for a thrilling journey. The stage is set for epic battles, unexpected turns, and the exhilaration that only college football can deliver. Stay tuned for all the action and drama that the Pac-12 spectacle is poised to provide.

“UCLA is going to raise some eyebrows here. They keep getting better, they have their quarterback situation worked out. They have all of the insurance they need with [Ethan] Garbers. Garbers…he’ll probably start at the beginning of the year. If he goes wire-to-wire, that means he played well enough. If he doesn’t, it means Dante Moore had what it took to overtake QB1 — which is all the better for them. They have fortified their lines of scrimmage. They went and got really good, high-level help in the portal at the RB position. By the end of the year, you’ll look at UCLA and say ‘Hmmm, they’re a lot better than I thought they’d be.'”

– Josh Pate per The Late Kick