Predicting the Pac-12 in 2017: USC proves itself, UCLA rebounds

The Pac-12 is shaping up to be a tale of two divisions when it comes to predicting this year's results, with one divisional champion primed to repeat, and the other division poised to see two big resurgences.

Prior to last year, only Stanford and Oregon were able to call themselves Pac-12 champions. Washington changed that in a big way, taking the conference by storm and marching all the way to the College Football Playoff. Colorado was able to have a similar standout season, propelling itself from the depths of obscurity to turn in its first winning campaign since 2005.

Which of these two teams is best suited to turn in a successful sequel to 2016? When it comes to the north division, it looks to be the year of the Husky once again.

NORTH DIVISION

All records were compiled based on predictions and cross-referenced across all Power 5 conferences.

After years of impressive results at Boise State, Chris Petersen was finally able to find similar success in his third year at Washington, and more should be on the way in 2017.

The Huskies have a relaxed non-conference schedule, and with teams like Colorado expected to take a step back, there's very little reason to believe Washington can't post double-digit wins. Stanford is also a threat to contend and is arguably Washington's greatest impediment to a perfect season. The Cardinal has one date on their schedule that the Huskies do not, however, that being with USC, which may end up being the difference maker in the divisional race.

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One team that fans may do well not to sleep on this season is Oregon. Last year's dismal 4-8 finish will be put in the rearview mirror, with a new head coach signaling a culture change. Royce Freeman has one more chance to regain the stellar form that had some associating the running back with Heisman Trophy potential, and if he can perform at his best, the Ducks could surprise a lot of teams.

SOUTH DIVISION

The top of the Pac-12 south division couldn't be more different than that of its counterpart, with two California teams set to battle for supremacy.

USC found a diamond in the rough last season when Clay Helton finally gave Sam Darnold the ball for good, and the current Heisman favorite made his head coach look like a genius in last year's Rose Bowl. The Trojans showed no signs of slowing down through the end of last season, and while a perfect season may be a lot to expect, a berth in the Pac-12 championship is anything but.

After a Cinderella season in 2016, the team most likely to crash back down to earth this season is Colorado. Sefo Liufau is no longer the team leader at quarterback, and while running back Phillip Lindsay still poses a threat, the presence of game-changing quarterbacks elsewhere in the division is something the Buffaloes don't appear to be able to match in their quest to repeat.

One of those game-changing quarterbacks is Josh Rosen at UCLA, who, when healthy, immediately turns his team into a contender. The Bruins were on pace to have a respectable season before losing Rosen to a shoulder injury, and the rest of the season became a write-off. Much like Oregon in the north division, UCLA could be a stunner if given a full season of Rosen under center.

With the results in, here is your early matchup for the 2017 Pac-12 championship.

Washington Huskies vs. USC Trojans

Washington still has enough of its roster from last season to remain a viable threat to repeat, but as the career of Sam Darnold unfolds and matures, so will a championship era for USC.

Predicted Pac-12 champion: USC Trojans (first since 2008 Pac-10 championship)