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Pac-12 Football: Way too early Pac-12 bowl predictions

By David Rosenthal

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: An exterior view of the Rose Bowl efore the game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the UCLA Bruins on September 21, 2013 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: An exterior view of the Rose Bowl efore the game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the UCLA Bruins on September 21, 2013 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Alex Delton #5 of the Kansas State Wildcats avoids a tackle from defensive lineman Marcus Moore #95 of the UCLA Bruins in the second half of the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field on December 26, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Alex Delton #5 of the Kansas State Wildcats avoids a tackle from defensive lineman Marcus Moore #95 of the UCLA Bruins in the second half of the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field on December 26, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

6. Las Vegas Bowl vs. Mountain West

UCLA vs Boise State

The Broncos are once again the pre-season favorites to win Mountain West Conference. But their hopes of cracking the New Year’s Six seems unlikely as their most difficult non-conference game is Oklahoma State. This comes after hosting UConn and visiting Troy. Even going undefeated in the Mountain West wouldn’t give the Broncos a good enough strength of schedule to crack into the Big Six. So, like last year, the Broncos will probably be headed to the Las Vegas Bowl.

A lot of eyes will be on the Bruins this year with Chip Kelly taking over as head coach. After a dominating run at Oregon followed by a not so great time in the NFL, Kelly returns to the college ranks. In doing so he will try to lead UCLA to their first PAC-12 title since 1998. The Bruins’ biggest concern is who will take over at quarterback for Josh Rosen.

That spot is looking like it will be a three-player battle. Devon Modster made a few starts last year while Rosen was injured and has the most pass attempts by any returning Bruin. Graduate transfer Wilton Speight comes from Michigan with more on-field experience than any other QB on the roster. He was the Wolverines’ starting quarterback two seasons ago throwing for over 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. Also in the mix will be true freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson. As a true dual-threat quarterback, many think that DTR will be the best fit for a Chip Kelly style offense.