University of Washington Sports Information Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo of the Washington Huskies was honored as the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year for 2000.

By Joshua Mason

Daily Bruin Contributor To say that the Pac-10 is one of the nation’s toughest conferences this year is an understatement. In 31 games played outside the conference, Pac-10 teams posted an impressive 23-8 record, the best nonconference record in college football. Opponents beaten by the mighty Pac-10 include storied programs such as Miami, Michigan, Alabama, Penn State, and Texas. Within the conference, competition was even tougher. This season, there were a conference-record seven overtime games, and 22 of the 40 Pac-10 games played were decided by seven points or less. The conference title was decided in one of the closest finishes in years. The race for the Rose Bowl wasn’t determined until the season’s final week, when then-first-place Oregon was knocked of by the cross-state Beavers in a classic installment of the Civil War rivalry. By way of a three-way tie, Washington earned a trip to the Rose Bowl to take on Big-10 champ Purdue. Oregon State also profited from its success and was selected to the Fiesta Bowl, making the Pac-10 the only conference with two BCS selections. Washington (10-1 overall, 7-1 Pac-10)

The Husky option attack led by Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo, proved successful during the season as Washington tallied 182.7 yards per contest. Headed to the Rose Bowl, Washington’s only taint is a narrow 23-16 loss at Oregon early in the season. The Huskies’ biggest highlight was being the only team to beat the explosive Miami Hurricanes in their second game of the season, 34-29. Oregon State (10-1, 7-1)

The Beavers’ season may well be one of the finest stories of the 2000 campaign. Coming into the season unranked and considered little threat for the Pac-10 title, Oregon State overcame all odds and beat conference-leading Oregon 23-13 in their final game at Corvallis to claim a share of the Pac-10 title. Led by underrated running back Ken Simonton, the Beavers will continue their role as underdog when they take on one of the most storied football programs, Notre Dame, at the BCS Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1. Oregon (9-2, 7-1)

Oregon’s season seemed a huge success until they were toppled by the Beavers in their last game of the season. With only one conference loss, the Ducks were able to secure a three-way tie for the Pac-10 championship. But the loss to Oregon State, combined with a nonconference loss to Wisconsin knocked the talented Oregon squad out of contention for the Rose Bowl and into the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 29. Stanford (5-6, 4-4)

Despite having a better conference record than UCLA and Arizona State, the Cardinal fell one game short of being bowl-eligible because of nonconference losses to San Jose State and Notre Dame. Wideout DeRonnie Pitts closed out a stellar career at Stanford by leading the Pac-10 in receptions per game. A 27-24 victory over Texas is Stanford’s fondest memory of 2000. UCLA (6-5, 3-5)

For the second straight year, it was a season of mediocrity for Bob Toledo and his boys. With early-season wins against Alabama and Michigan, the Bruins started off as one of the most intimidating teams in college football. Injuries to Cory Paus and DeShaun Foster, as well as close losses in conference play, ruined a Bruin run at a Pac-10 title and left UCLA struggling to become bowl-eligible, though they made it and will head to the Sun Bowl. Arizona State (6-5, 3-5)

A second consecutive trip to Hawaii and the Aloha Bowl wasn’t enough for Arizona State coach Bruce Snyder to keep his job. The coach was fired after his Sun Devils defeated conference-rival Arizona 30-17 and became the fifth bowl-eligible Pac-10 team. Internal problems at quarterback as well as tough overtime losses (two in a row) explain why the Sun Devils didn’t play up to their potential. Arizona (5-6, 3-5)

Arizona concluded its disappointing finish with coach Dick Tomey unexpectedly resigning after the loss to Arizona State that knocked the ’Cats out of a bowl game. After beginning the season 5-1, the Wildcats lost their final five games. USC (5-7, 2-6)

The firing of head coach Paul Hackett marked the end of a disappointing three years for a Trojan squad that had been regarded as one of the most talented in the nation. Highly recruited quarterback Carson Palmer dealt with a sophomore slump, throwing more interceptions (18) than touchdown passes (16). One of the bright spots for the Trojans was a last minute victory over crosstown rival UCLA. Washington State (4-7, 2-6)

In an otherwise disappointing season, the Cougars were able to measure their talent for the upcoming season. Next year’s team looks like it’ll be a tough unit, considering three of the Cougars’ losses came in overtime. Even more promising is quarterback Jason Gesser, the sophomore who was second in the Pac-10 in passing efficiency. Gesser’s season was cut short after he broke his leg in a loss to Oregon. California (3-8, 2-6)

The most notable mark of Cal’s season was a 46-38 triple-overtime victory over the Bruins at home. The rest of the ride consisted of disappointment after disappointment for the young team. Senior defensive end Andre Carter became Cal’s all-time quarterback sack leader with 28.5 for his career and should be one of the most regarded players in the NFL draft.



PAC-10 CONFERENCE RANKINGS Daily Bruin preseason picks (predictions made 9/25-9/28)

1. UCLA

2. Washington

3. USC

4. Oregon

5. Oregon State

6. Arizona

7. Cal

8. Arizona State

9. Stanford

10. Washington State

Actual Pac-10 finish (conference record)

1. Washington (7-1)

2. Oregon State (7-1)

3. Oregon (7-1)

4. Stanford (4-4)

5. UCLA (3-5)

6. Arizona State (3-5)

7. Arizona (3-5)

8. Cal (2-6)

9. Washington State (2-6)

10. USC (2-6)

SOURCE:UCLA Sports Info

Original by JACOB LIAO/Daily Bruin

Web Adaptation by MONICA KWONG/Daily Bruin Senior Staff