Countdown to Kickoff 2015 #7: Looking Forward to the Pac-12

Could the Pac-12 become the new SEC?  As college football begins to cycle around again, some think that the West Coast could start dominating again.

As usual, Power 5 non-conference games catch our eyes the quickest.

North
California - It's always interesting when it looks like one large state is visiting another.

California at Texas, September 19.

Oregon - Certainly one of the most anticipated rematches of the year, as the Spartans are looking to avenge the non-conference loss that knocked them out of the playoff picture.  Plus, it's the first real test in the post-Mariota era.

Oregon at Michigan State, September 12.

Oregon State - So, the entire state of Oregon travels to the state of Michigan in week 2?

Oregon State at Michigan, September 12.

Stanford - After a bit of a down year, the Cardinal have an early chance to show that they've still got it.

Stanford at USC, September 19.

Washington - It's homecoming for Washington coach Chris Petersen, former coach of Boise State.  I don't think the blue turf will be too friendly, though.

Washington at Boise State, September 4.

Washington State - Another case of two lower level teams in Power 5 conferences facing off.

Washington State at Rutgers, September 12.

South
Arizona - Despite improving steadily under Rich Rod, the Wildcats haven't beaten Stanford in quite a while.  An early opportunity to right a wrong.

Stanford at Arizona, November 21.

Arizona State - Their opening game will be critical for the SEC and Pac-12 narratives.  Many think that the balance of power will be shifting to the Pac-12, and an early season matchup between two mid-tier teams could help shape that perception.

Texas A&M vs. Arizona State in Houston, September 5.

Colorado - The Buffs need to regain control of their State, and Squash CSU's New Year's Six - busting hopes right off the bat.

Colorado State vs. Colorado in Denver, September 19.

UCLA - Again, I'm hoping to see UVA get the beat down they deserved last year.

UVA at UCLA, September 5.

USC - After dropping 3 in a row, the Trojans want 2015 to be the year they win back Los Angeles.

UCLA at USC, November 28.

Utah - The Utes have always been a ho-hum team for me, just sort of there.  While they could potentially cause some upsets and make life interestin in the Pac-12, there's very little they do on their own.  But this year, they host Jim Harbaugh's return to college in week 1.

Michigan at Utah, September 3.