11-15-2015, 08:02 AM
I think that it's mostly that the Pac-12 doesn't have any truly elite teams. We're good, but this defense is just not good enough to get it done every week. No one ever believed in Utah as elite, UCLA was too banged up, Oregon forgot how to defense (remember, we don't make a bunch of horrible mistakes and we put up 45+ and win that game), and USC can't seem to find a coach that can use their talent.
It's also probably going to be the same story next year. Maybe USC makes a great hire, but how many coaches figure it all out in year 1? UCLA loses some of their best injured talent anyway, Oregon is going to need another rent-a-QB, and we're losing half our already terrible DL depth (plus Hogan, though our backfield might be loaded enough for Chryst to be good). Maybe someone puts it together, but I wouldn't be shocked if the Pac-12 misses the playoff next year too.
It's also probably going to be the same story next year. Maybe USC makes a great hire, but how many coaches figure it all out in year 1? UCLA loses some of their best injured talent anyway, Oregon is going to need another rent-a-QB, and we're losing half our already terrible DL depth (plus Hogan, though our backfield might be loaded enough for Chryst to be good). Maybe someone puts it together, but I wouldn't be shocked if the Pac-12 misses the playoff next year too.