Pac 12 Conference Football Preview For 2012

The biggest storyline coming into the 2012 college football season for the Pac 12 conference is Matt Barkley and the USC Trojans. For the first time in three seasons, the Trojans will be eligible to compete in postseason games. That means the Pac 12 championship game and a potential bowl game are on the table. And it comes at the perfect time for the Trojan program, as they top the list of favorites to win the BCS National Championship this season. Barkley is the Heisman Trophy favorite as well, so things are looking pretty good for Lane Kiffin and his program.

As far as the rest of the Pac 12 is concerned, it looks to be the Oregon Ducks who have the best chance at challenging USC for the conference crown. Chip Kelly and his high-flying offense are once again expected to be a preseason top-five team. And it also helps that the Ducks don't open up against the LSU Tigers this season.

Outside of Oregon and USC though this season, it's difficult to see a team rising to over throw these two powers. Stanford lost Andrew Luck to the NFL, and that program looks to be in a big time rebuilding phase. The rest of the conference seem to be some wildcards, as the Pac 12 appears to be a bit weak this season.