Despite losing Carson Palmer, Jason Gesser and Kyle Boller, the conference still has two of the nation's top quarterbacks in Cody Pickett and Andrew Walter. And it still has two of the best receivers in Reggie Williams and Mike Williams. Offense has never been a problem in the Pac-10, which is why it is consistently the most exciting and unpredictable conference in America. Defense still wins championships, however, and that's what has USC and Washington State feeling good about their chances to remain on top.

Arizona Wildcats

2003 Schedule 8-30 UTEP 9-6 LSU 9-13 Oregon 9-20 at Purdue 9-27 TCU 10-4 at Washington State 10-11 UCLA 10-25 at California 11-1 at Oregon State 11-8 Washington 11-15 USC 11-28 Arizona State 2002 overall record: 4-8 Conference record: 1-7 Returning starters Offense: 7 Defense: 6 Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Mike Bell* (341 yds) Passing: Jason Johnson (3,327 yds) Receiving: Bobby Wade (1,389 yds) Tackles: Lance Briggs (93) Sacks: Joe Siofele* (5.5) Interceptions: Ray Wells (3) Spring Answers: After 11 seasons with the double-eagle flex defense, the Wildcats switched to a 3-4 alignment in the spring. The change moved defensive end Joe Siofele to an inside linebacker position, and overall, the defense seemed improved. … Cornerback Michael Jolivette looked good after returning from a knee injury that cost him most of last season. … The offensive line even stayed healthy throughout the spring and showed progress as a unit after an unstable 2002. … Andrae Thurman's performance inspired confidence that he will be able to handle the role of the go-to receiver this fall. Fall Questions: The QB candidates are young and inexperienced. Sophomore Nic Costa and redshirt freshman Ryan O'Hara battled for the job during the spring, but neither separated himself. In August, true freshman Richard Kovalecheck could join the competition. … Like Jolivette, top running back Clarence Farmer missed most of last season with injury, and the team needs him to return to his old form. … The displeasure the players had with head coach John Mackovic last year seems to have been resolved, but if the team struggles again (10 games this season vs. '02 bowl teams), will it return in some form?

Arizona State Sun Devils

2003 Schedule 9-6 Northern Arizona 9-13 Utah State 9-20 at Iowa 9-27 at Oregon State 10-4 USC 10-11 Oregon 10-18 at North Carolina 10-25 at UCLA 11-1 California 11-8 at Stanford 11-15 at Washington State 11-22 Arizona 2002 overall record: 8-6 Conference record: 5-3 Returning starters Offense: 9 Defense: 7 Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Cornell Canidate* (493 yds) Passing: Andrew Walter* (3,877 yds) Receiving: Shaun McDonald (1,405 yds) Tackles: Jason Shivers* (121) Sacks: Terrell Suggs (24) Interceptions: Brett Hudson* and R.J. Oliver* (4 each) Spring Answers: Coaches gave QB Andrew Walter some things to work on during the spring, and he accomplished everything asked of him plus some. After throwing for more than 400 yards in 4 of his 10 starts last year, he could be on the verge of a special season. … Another thing in Walter's favor is that the Sun Devils returned all 16 offensive linemen from last year's roster. Some of the reserves, like Andrew Carnahan and Grayling Love, are playing well enough to challenge the starters for their jobs. … There is also great depth in the secondary, where Brett Hudson solidified his role as a safety after playing both corner and safety last year. Fall Questions: The shining star on ASU's defense last year was obviously Terrell Suggs, and sophomore Nick Johnson will take his spot at DE. There will be a dropoff, but how much of one is the crucial question. … There is also an unknown element at linebacker, where three experienced players will be likely be replaced by Jamar Williams, Justin Burks and Jordan Hill. … Coaches are anxious to identify a backup QB as soon as possible, and Chad Christensen and Kellen Bradley are the leading candidates. Recruits Mike Affleck and Sam Keller, however, could also challenge in the fall.

California Golden Bears

2003 Schedule 8-23 Kansas State (Kansas City) 8-30 Southern Mississippi 9-6 Colorado State 9-11 at Utah 9-20 at Illinois 9-27 USC 10-4 Oregon State 10-18 at UCLA 10-25 Arizona 11-1 at Arizona State 11-8 at Oregon 11-15 Washington 11-22 at Stanford 2002 overall record: 7-5 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 6 Defense: 2 Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Joe Igber (1,130 yds) Passing: Kyle Boller (2,815 yds) Receiving: Lashaun Ward (709 yds) Tackles: Bert Watts (80) Sacks: Tully Banta-Cain (13) Interceptions: Jemeel Powell (5) Spring Answers: There is a whole lot left to determine on the defensive side of the ball, but it appears there is not a lack of speed at linebacker. Junior college transfers Joe Maningo and Ryan Estes are big additions in that department, joining the returning Wendell Hunter. … Another question may have been answered in the secondary, where Tim Mixon played very well at cornerback this spring after redshirting as a true freshman last year. … The underclassmen on the offensive line also showed progress, and the belief is that group will be solid despite replacing two starters. Left tackle Mark Wilson will make life easier for the new QB. Fall Questions: The quarterback picture is still a little fuzzy. Backups saw very little action last year, so Reggie Robertson and Richard Schwartz basically started from scratch in the spring. The competition will also be open to Aaron Rodgers, who enters from JuCo in August. … Another concern is how the secondary, which replaces three starters, will hold up against the strong passing offenses in the Pac-10. … Will the secondary get enough support from the pass rush? The top four defensive ends from last year have all departed, and coaches will take a long look at some incoming guys like Ryan Riddle and Ray Tago.

Oregon Ducks

2003 Schedule 8-30 at Mississippi State 9-6 Nevada 9-13 at Arizona 9-20 Michigan 9-27 Washington State 10-3 at Utah 10-11 at Arizona State 10-25 Stanford 11-1 at Washington 11-8 California 11-15 at UCLA 11-22 at Oregon State 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 3-5 Returning starters Offense: 8 Defense: 6 Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Onterrio Smith (1,141 yds) Passing: Jason Fife* (2,752 yds) Receiving: Keenan Howry (784 yds) Tackles: David Moretti (121) Sacks: Kevin Mitchell* (6) Interceptions: Steven Moore* and Keith Lewis* (5 each) Spring Answers: The Ducks had to replace Onterrio Smith at tailback, but they have become accustomed to reloading at that position (5 of last 6 years with a 1,000-yard rusher). Terrence Whitehead and LSU transfer Chris Vincent came out of the spring as the top two, but up to three players could share the load this fall. … The line of scrimmage should be the strength of the team on both sides of the ball. All five starters are back on offense, and the defense has as many as eight guys who should contribute. Junior Siavii showed great improvement in the spring at DT, creating the flexibility to move Igor Olshansky to an end. Fall Questions: Jason Fife started 13 games at quarterback last season, but his numbers dropped off significantly at end of the season. Therefore, Kellen Clemens is now back in the mix to earn the starting job this fall. … New secondary coach John Neal faces a challenge, even though he has three returning starters. Keith Lewis is a talented safety, but only one team in Division I-A football (San Jose State) allowed more passing yards than Oregon last year, and no team allowed more TD passes. The hope is that reinforcements will arrive from the incoming class of signees and give the unit more depth to utilize.

Oregon State Beavers

2003 Schedule 8-28 Sacramento State 9-6 at Fresno State 9-13 New Mexico State 9-20 Boise State 9-27 Arizona State 10-4 at California 10-18 Washington 10-25 at Washington State 11-1 Arizona 11-15 Stanford 11-22 at Oregon 12-6 at USC 2002 overall record: 8-5 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 9 Defense: 6 Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Steven Jackson* (1,690 yds) Passing: Derek Anderson* (3,313 yds) Receiving: James Newson* (1,284 yds) Tackles: Nick Barnett (121) Sacks: Bill Swancutt* (11.5) Interceptions: Mitch Meeuwsen* (5) Spring Answers: Head coach Mike Riley inherited a veteran team (although he helped elevate the program to this status, so "inherited" might not do him justice) that didn't have many questions to answer. The defensive backfield already had experience, but its depth was further solidified in the spring when redshirt freshman Brandon Browner emerged as a strong contender for the job at right cornerback. … Another emergence came on the offensive line, where the left guard battle has gotten interesting. Jason Fyda, who was the backup center last year, is currently ahead of David Lose, who started eight games in 2002. Fall Questions: James Newson has established himself as one of the elite receivers in the Pac-10, but the offense needs another potent wideout in order to reach its potential. Kenny Farley and Jayson Boyd seem to be the best options as a second receiver, but they must improve on their number of dropped balls. … About the only other unknown commodity is backup quarterback. Three players didn't exactly distinguish themselves in the spring, leaving the door open for recruit Ryan Gunderson to enter the competition when he arrives on campus in August.

Stanford Cardinal

2003 Schedule 9-6 San Jose State 9-20 at BYU 9-27 at Washington 10-11 at USC 10-18 Washington State 10-25 at Oregon 11-1 UCLA 11-8 Arizona State 11-15 at Oregon State 11-22 California 11-29 Notre Dame 2002 overall record: 2-9 Conference record: 1-7 Returning starters Offense: 3 Defense: 8 Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Kerry Carter (524 yds) Passing: Kyle Matter* (1,219 yds) Receiving: Teyo Johnson (467 yds) Tackles: Oshiomogho Otagwe* (71) Sacks: Amon Gordon* (4) Interceptions: Leigh Torrence* and Oshiomogho Otagwe* (3 each) Spring Answers: Despite losing starters, the Cardinal might have improved its speed and athleticism on the interior defensive line. The move of Amon Gordon from end to tackle is a big reason why. … Behind them might be the strongest position on the team. All of the two-deep is back at linebacker, and David Bergeron looked like a budding star in the spring. … A replacement needed to be found for Kerry Carter at running back, and a quality duo has emerged. Kenneth Tolon has breakaway speed, and that complements the strong inside running of J.R. Lemon. Fall Questions: Kirk Chambers returns as a three-year starter, but the other four members of last year's O-line are gone. Of the 16 linemen who will arrive at fall camp, only Chambers owns significant playing time. There's a possibility the other starters could all be redshirt freshmen. … The quality of play at QB is another concern. Chris Lewis and Kyle Matter both played last year, but neither was spectacular. Redshirt freshman Trent Edwards is also an option as the starter. … Luke Powell is the only returning wideout with double-digit catches last season, since Grant Mason was moved to CB. The offense desperately needs another target to step up.

UCLA Bruins

2003 Schedule 9-6 at Colorado 9-13 Illinois 9-20 at Oklahoma 9-27 San Diego State 10-4 Washington 10-11 at Arizona 10-18 California 10-25 Arizona State 11-1 at Stanford 11-8 at Washington State 11-15 Oregon 11-22 at USC 2002 overall record: 8-5 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 7 Defense: 7 Kicker/Punter: 0 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Tyler Ebell* (858 yds) Passing: Cory Paus (1,647 yds) Receiving: Craig Bragg* (738 yds) Tackles: Spencer Havner* (78) Sacks: Dave Ball* (10.5) Interceptions: Ricky Manning (4) Spring Answers: The defense dominated spring drills, and it wasn't a surprise. There are four senior starters on the D-line, two returning starters at LB and three starters back in the secondary. Sophomore Justin London came out and took over the middle linebacker spot in the spring. Matt Clark also emerged with a slight edge over two or three others to take Ricky Manning's cornerback spot. … One noteworthy position switch was the move of Manuel White from tailback to fullback. He's up to nearly 250 pounds, and he adds both another running threat and receiving threat in the backfield with tailback Tyler Ebell. Fall Questions: A starter has not been named at quarterback between Drew Olson and Matt Moore. New head coach Karl Dorrell has stated that he is open to the possibility of playing both if neither distinguishes himself in fall practices. … Steven Vieira moved from right guard to left tackle, so the right side of the offensive line will be new and relatively inexperienced. … There are plenty of concerns on special teams. Kicker Justin Medlock is a redshirt freshman, Chris Kluwe has punted only two times in his career and the long snapper will also be new to the lineup.

USC Trojans

2003 Schedule 8-30 at Auburn 9-6 BYU 9-13 Hawaii 9-27 at California 10-4 at @ Arizona State 10-11 Stanford 10-18 at Notre Dame 10-25 at Washington 11-1 Washington State 11-15 at Arizona 11-22 UCLA 12-6 Oregon State 2002 overall record: 11-2 Conference record: 7-1 Returning starters Offense: 6 Defense: 6 Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Sultan McCullough (814 yds) Passing: Carson Palmer (3,942 yds) Receiving: Mike Williams* (1,265 yds) Tackles: Matt Grootegoed* (81) Sacks: Matt Grootegoed* (8) Interceptions: Jason Leach* (4) Spring Answers: Somebody has to replace Troy Polamalu, and it looks like it will be Darnell Bing. The true freshman enrolled in January and showed so much during spring practice that he is listed ahead of Mike Ross at strong safety. … There is a lot of talent at middle linebacker, where returning starter Oscar Lua sat out spring ball with an injured knee, opening the door for Lofa Tatupu (son of Mosi) and Daniel Urquhart to make their first solid impressions after transferring into USC. Any of the three could start. … One of the big surprises of the spring was Justin Wyatt, who switched from CB to WR and made big plays in almost every practice. Fall Questions: The quarterback competition is still open, and as many as five guys might be still in contention. Matt Leinhart has a slight lead, but Matt Cassel, Brandon Hance and Billy Hart are all right there with him. Even John David Booty, who was a late addition to the incoming class, hasn't been discounted yet. … Other newcomers could make an immediate impact at tailback, where depth is needed behind Hershel Dennis. Reggie Bush, Chauncey Washington and LenDale White are all highly considered recruits. … If tackle Shaun Cody can return from a knee injury and regain his old form, the Trojans could have the most dominant D-line in the country.

Washington Huskies

2003 Schedule 8-30 at Ohio State 9-6 Indiana 9-20 Idaho 9-27 Stanford 10-4 at UCLA 10-11 Nevada 10-18 at Oregon State 10-25 USC 11-1 Oregon 11-8 at Arizona 11-15 at California 11-22 Washington State 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 8 Defense: 8 Kicker/Punter: 0 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Rich Alexis* (688 yds) Passing: Cody Pickett* (4,458 yds) Receiving: Reggie Williams* (1,454 yds) Tackles: Marquis Cooper* and Ben Mahdavi (100 each) Sacks: Kai Ellis and Manase Hopoi* (7 each) Interceptions: Derrick Johnson* (5) Spring Answers: We know the Huskies can score. The question is whether a veteran defense can make this team a title contender. That challenge starts up front, and tackle Jerome Stevens responded with seven tackles and two sacks in the spring game. … The defense was also upgraded by the move of Greg Carothers from safety to outside linebacker. He was in on a lot of tackles and even showed the ability to rush the passer. … Offseason workouts helped receiver Charles Frederick continue to improve, and that gives opposing defenses a reason to fear double-teaming Reggie Williams this fall. Frederick's big-play ability has only been displayed on a limited basis. Fall Questions: Washington couldn't establish the run last season and didn't make much progress in the spring without two of its top tailbacks. Rich Alexis sat out while recovering from shoulder surgery, and redshirt freshman Kenny James suffered a sprained knee in the first spring scrimmage. New offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto has placed major emphasis on adding intensity and toughness up front, which will make a big difference if he is successful. … UW is also staring at a worrisome special teams situation, with the possibility of a true freshman at both placekicker and punter to go with a brand new longsnapper.

Washington State Cougars

2003 Schedule 8-30 Idaho 9-6 at Notre Dame 9-13 at Colorado 9-20 New Mexico 9-27 at Oregon 10-4 Arizona 10-18 at Stanford 10-25 Oregon State 11-1 at USC 11-8 UCLA 11-15 Arizona State 11-22 at Washington 2002 overall record: 10-3 Conference record: 7-1 Returning starters Offense: 5 Defense: 7 Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Jermaine Green* (829 yds) Passing: Jason Gesser (3,408 yds) Receiving: Jerome Riley (939 yds) Tackles: Erik Coleman* (86) Sacks: Rien Long (13) Interceptions: Jason David* (7) Spring Answers: Tai Tupai, who played a lot in 2001 but had back trouble last year, looked very good in the spring while filling Rien Long's defensive tackle spot. It appears the Cougars have good depth on the interior defensive line, despite Long's early departure to the NFL. … The other key spot to fill on defense was Marcus Trufant's corner position. Karl Paymah already has experience as a starter from playing the other corner when Jason David was out for three games last year. … WSU also needed some new receivers to step up alongside Devard Darling, and Sammy Moore showed ability as both a wideout and a kick returner. Fall Questions: How will Matt Kegel do in filling the shoes of Jason Gesser at QB? After a shaky performance against Washington to end last season, he eased some concerns with a solid spring and was even chosen as an offensive captain by his teammates. … Talented linebacker Aaron Wagner returns from a two-year Mormon mission in June. Coaches are hoping he can get back into shape quickly and contribute this fall. … With defensive-minded Bill Doba now the head coach, we'll see if the offensive strategy might become less aggressive than it was under Mike Price.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.