[yvonne]

I can make arguments for many teams being critical to the overall season next year:

• San Jose State — It's the opener. It's critical to set a rhythm and to come out healthy. It can set a tone for the whole year.
  
• USC — It's the conference opener against a team that will be primed to beat us. A win could propel us into the national scene
  
• Oregon — It's the defending Pac-12 North champion. A win would obviously shake things up. We haven't beaten them in two years.
  
• Washington — Is thought by some to be in position to challenge for the division's No. 2 spot.
  
• Cal — same as above, except that it's the Big Game
  

[yvonne]

I can make arguments for many teams being critical to the overall season next year:

• San Jose State — It's the opener. It's critical to set a rhythm and to come out healthy. It can set a tone for the whole year.
  
• USC — It's the conference opener against a team that will be primed to beat us. A win could propel us into the national scene
  
• Oregon — It's the defending Pac-12 North champion. A win would obviously shake things up. We haven't beaten them in two years.
  
• Washington — Is thought by some to be in position to challenge for the division's No. 2 spot.
  
• Cal — same as above, except that it's the Big Game