Pac-12 Media is here. The time where all coaches and two players that accompany them answer questions from the media and the annual Larry Scott opening where he introduces something new to view the Pac-12 Network and improving the timing of games on TV. This is also the time where the media make their picks on the Pac-12 North, South, and the conference champion. If you’re USC then you’ll like the Pac-12 media poll, but you won’t love it.
USC was picked to win the Pac-12 South Division in the preseason media poll. Washington is the near-unanimous favorite to win the conference title.
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) July 25, 2018
The media selected the Trojans to repeat in the Pac-12 South. USC obtained 225 overall votes with 22 first place votes by the media. Utah was right behind the Trojans with 209 overall votes and 14 first place votes. A team that many consider a dangerous team in the Pac-12 South in the Arizona Wildcats were a distant third with 178 votes. Chip Kelly’s UCLA Bruins were 4th at 116 votes while Colorado and Herm Edwards Arizona State Sun Devils rounded out the polls with double digit votes. the Sun Devils did not receive a first place vote.
Despite an uncertain quarterback situation the media still views USC as the favorite to win the South division. The media do see the south open as every team with the exception of ASU, received a first place vote. USC will have a tougher road against the South, They’ll have to face Arizona, Utah, and UCLA on the road. All considered to be a threat to knock USC off as Pac-12 South leaders. Last season USC went a perfect 5-0 against the South with one conference loss.
While USC was picked to repeat in the South, the media went a different route for the conference champion. The Washington Huskies was a near unanimous pick to win the Pac-12 Championship. USC only obtained two votes from the media to win the championship. Washington was also a near unanimous pick to win the North division at 40 first place votes while Stanford and Oregon had 1 first place vote.
The USC Trojans will take the stage at media day at 3:30 PM PT today on the Pac-12 Network. Head Coach Clay Helton along with senior linebackers Porter Gustin and Cameron Smith will be representing the Trojans at media day.