College football summer reading list: Pac-12 edition

“The 8 Habits of Highly Effective Teams” by Chris Petersen 

In college football, the only habit that matters is winning, and Washington has mastered that under fifth-year head coach Chris Petersen. This season has all the makings of being one of the greatest Seattle has ever seen: UW returns 16 starters that won 10 games last year, the offensive line is the most experienced in the Pac-12, and the Huskies have the best running back tandem in the country with Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed. 

A loaded secondary that allowed just five touchdowns passes in nine conference games last fall (the fewest of any Pac-12 defense since USC in 2008) is just icing on the cake. Add veteran quarterback Jake Browning to the mix, and all Washington has to do to make a playoff appearance is stay healthy.

“Endless Love” by David Shaw

Stanford has seen its fair share of love affairs over the years — from Andrew Luck to Toby Gerhart to Christian McCaffrey, the Cardinal’s head coaches are known for their affinity for standout players and their fondness of the end zone fade, of course. Sadly, it has been a while since Stanford has captured the heart of the Heisman. That could change this year with the return of Bryce Love, the speedy, sneaky running back who stole Stanford fans' hearts with his 2,118 yards off of 263 carries and 19 touchdowns. 

The Cardinal will be balanced on offense with returning quarterback K.J. Costello and an arsenal of experienced wide receivers. But for the first time in a long time, Stanford will struggle defensively from a diminished secondary — 20 of Stanford’s 32 sacks last year were produced by players no longer on the roster. The defense will rely heavily on Bobby Okereke (88 tackles, four sacks) for game-changing plays. A tough September schedule against USC, at Oregon and at Notre Dame will force the Cardinal to settle in early.

“Always Forward, Never Back” by Mario Cristobal

The past few years have not been particularly kind to the Oregon Ducks. They finished 4-5 in the Pac-12 last year (four^th), they haven’t won a bowl game since the 2014 College Football Playoff Semifinal and they have had three head coaches in the last three years. But all that badness is behind them, and new head coach Mario Cristobal is determined to show the Pac-12 North just how strong Oregon is. 

With prolific passer Justin Herbert playing behind a veteran offensive line and the best defensive line yet for defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt to lean on, the Ducks will be a force in the North. The offense will put up points, and the defense can only get better. Add in a favorable schedule, and the lack of depth at wide receiver and cornerback doesn’t feel that crippling. It will be fun to see the Ducks fly again.

“Close Only Counts” by Justin Wilcox

The Sonny Dykes days feel like a distant dream now that second-year head coach Justin Wilcox has the program moving in the right direction. The quarterback battle is the biggest question for Cal. Will it be the returning man Ross Bowers or the newbie transfer Brandon McIlwain? Whoever wins the job will have a plethora of receivers to throw to, including Demetris Robertson, Kanawai Noa and Vic Wharton, who combined for 123 catches and nine touchdowns last year. Plus all of the offensive line starters are back, and with Patrick Laird at running back, the offense is golden. 

Defensively, the Bears have been getting better and better with the secondary the strength this season. Cal lost three games by a total of seven points last season, so winning close games will be a focus heading into September.

“Metamorphosis" by Mike Leach

Washington State has a lot of rebuilding to do this year, both physically and emotionally. Quarterback has always been a stable position for the Cougars, but this season it has the biggest question mark surrounding it. Not one of the QB contenders has taken a game snap, but at least WSU will have strong slot receivers and an athletic sophomore with solid hands in Tay Martin. 

New defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys will have his hands full, particularly with a thin secondary. With the massive amount of turnover on the field and on the coaching staff, Cougar fans will need to temper expectations and wait a little longer for the school’s first Pac-12 Championship Game appearance.

“The Prodigal Passer Returns” by Jonathan Smith

First-year head coaches always make people nervous, but a first-year head coach who was part of the winningest team in school history is exactly what Oregon State needs this season. Jonathan Smith knows what it takes to win in Corvallis, and having Mike Riley back as his assistant only strengthens that sentiment. 

Quarterback Jake Luton has a strong arm and enough size to hold his own, and his experienced offensive line will be an added bonus. Running back Artavis Pierce adds another layer to the Beavers, making them more dynamic. The biggest question mark is the defensive line, which is easily the thinnest position group. If the defense can find a way to pressure opposing QBs, Oregon State might be able to begin closing the gap between it and the rest of the Pac-12.

“Adapt, React, Readapt, Apt” by Clay Helton

The Pac-12 South race isn’t quite as tight as the North; in fact it’s pretty wide open. The preseason favorite is USC despite the fact that for the first time since 1980, the Trojans replace a starting quarterback, leading rusher and No. 1 wide receiver in the same offseason. USC may lack star power this season, but the remaining talent boasts depth and experience. 

Offensively, the lack of experience at QB coupled with a running back by committee approach and an offensive line that allowed 30 sacks last season is troubling, but the Trojans are pretty good at stopping opposing QBs. USC tied Clemson for most sacks in the nation last season with 46. A tough September slate at Stanford, Texas and Arizona will sort things out pretty quickly.

“Consistency Is the Key” by Kyle Whittingham

Utah was the only Pac-12 team to win a bowl game last season. Let that sink in for a second. The more things change in the Pac-12, the more they stay exactly the same, a tenant that head coach Kyle Whittingham takes to heart. 

Utah returns every assistant coach and plenty of veteran players making the Utes the most steadfast team in the Pac-12. Dual-threat quarterback Tyler Huntley is back and will finally be able to throw to receiver Britain Covey, who returns from a two-year church mission, bringing his capable hands with him. Add in running back Zack Moss, who rushed for 1,173 yards last year, and the offense is set. 

Utah boasts one of the best kicking and punting teams in the country, giving the squad a definitive special teams edge. Plus, Salt Lake is a sneaky-hard place to play, which will be nice when the Utes host Washington, USC and Oregon this year, but with road games at Washington State, Stanford and UCLA, the path to the Pac-12 Championship won’t necessarily be an easy one.

“It Is the Neglect of Timely Repair that Makes Repair Necessary” by Chip Kelly

The biggest thing that UCLA has going for it besides hiring Chip Kelly is that the South doesn’t have a dominant team. That means the transition on offense won’t hold the Bruins back too much. 

True freshman quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a dual threat and fits perfectly into Kelly’s offensive scheme. UCLA also boasts solid running backs, and the rebuild on the offensive line will be aided by the quick tempo Kelly employs. 

The defense has potential, and there is plenty of experience in the secondary. The rebuild is likely to take longer than a year so Bruins fans will need to be patient.

“Balancing the Bear Down” by Kevin Sumlin

The Wildcats were runnin’ rebels under Rich Rodriguez, but this season under new head coach Kevin Sumlin, Arizona will be much more balanced on offense. Junior quarterback Khalil Tate will stay in the pocket more, in an attempt to avoid injury, as depth is an issue at QB (an every other offensive position). Defensively, nine returning starters bring experience and stability as well as some size and depth up front. Plus, Cal transfer punter Dylan Klumph will help solve some of the special teams issues the Wildcats suffered last year. 

Arizona also has a forgiving schedule — no bouts with Washington or Stanford. All signs point to a possible South title run if Sumlin can hit the ground running.

“Moving Out of the Basement” by Mike MacIntyre

Quarterback Steven Montez returns with a talented receiving corps to work with and a mentor who guided the likes of Eli Manning. This bodes well for Montez’s developing decision-making ability and maturity. Replacing Phillip Lindsay won’t be easy, but Virginia Tech transfer Travon McMillian, who racked up 2,153 yards at VT, should prove to be an excellent runner. 

The offensive line isn’t exactly stable — only two full-time starters return to a line that allowed 39 sacks last year, eighth most in the FBS. The Buffs also desperately need to improve defensively against the run. Colorado allowed 5.2 yards per attempt last year. There is pressure on MacIntyre to get back to postseason play, which doesn’t leave much margin for error.

“How to Put Points on the Scoreboard of Life” by Herm Edwards

Todd Graham’s departure from Arizona State sent shockwaves through the college football community, but hiring Herm Edwards created more than just shock — it blew people's minds. However, it guaranteed all eyes on Tempe this season. 

Quarterback Manny Wilkins returns with top target N’Keal Harry back at wide receiver behind one of the most experienced offensive lines in the conference. Edwards will likely reduce run-game concepts in favor of run-pass options with quick-hitting screens and more throws to backs. The emphasis offensively will be on execution. 

Defensively, the Sun Devils will be thin at linebacker, but they will have potential star power and a deep defensive line. Unfortunately, there is uncertainty at safety. Edwards has experience in spades but hasn’t coached in 30 years. This should be fun to watch.