PAC-10 CONFERENCE PREVIEW: ASU, WASHINGTON AMONG CONFERENCE CONTENDERS : ARIZONA WILDCATS.

Byline: Scott Wolf 

Overview: Aside from the uniforms and that silly ``Bear Down'' logo at midfield of Arizona Stadium, these Wildcats will have little resemblance to their predecessors. After years of sputtering offense and stingy defense, Arizona has one of the Pac-10's best collection of skill players: two quarterbacks (Ortege Jenkins and Newbury Park's Keith Smith), three tailbacks and several talented receivers. The defense is replacing six starters and lacks a dominant lineman.

Key Players: A Jenkins-Smith platoon won't work. One must win the job. Tailbacks Trung Canidate and Leon Callen are a superb duo. Defensively, cornerback Chris McAlister is as good as they get.

Potential Problems: Both lines are questionable, especially the defensive front, where Joe Salave'a left a hole befitting his 280-pound frame. The kicking game, futile last year, must improve. And how will Dino Babers fare as offensive coordinator? He replaces Homer Smith, who retired for health reasons.

Fast Fact: Arizona averaged 402 yards per game in 1997, the most since it joined the Pac-10 in 1978.

Schedule Status: It's favorable. The Wildcats open with four of five on the road, but three (Hawaii, Stanford, San Diego State) are very winnable. They get UCLA, Oregon and Arizona State in Tucson, and they miss USC.

Outlook: Arizona coach Dick Tomey is in the final year of his contract and needs seven wins (perhaps eight) to secure a longer deal. He should hit the mark with his most talented offensive team ever. In fact, don't be surprised if the Wildcats, picked fifth in the Pac-10 in many preseason polls, challenge for their first Rose Bowl berth.

ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS 

Overview: With its facilities, home-grown talent pool and low-end admissions, Arizona State has long been considered a sleeping giant by Pac-10 coaches. Six years into his tenure, coach Bruce Snyder finally has built the Sun Devils into a perennial title contender. They've won 24 of their last 29 and should continue that success this season. Eight returning starters, plus tailback J.R. Redmond, give ASU the conference's best offense. Defensively, there's enough talent to contain opponents.

Key Players: Sophomore quarterback Ryan Kealy must minimize mistakes and get the ball to Redmond and a stellar receiver corps. Center Grey Ruegamer may be the Pac-10's top lineman. Defensively, safety Mitchell ``Fright Night'' Freedman has the game to match his nickname.

Potential Problems: Kealy is recovering from a serious knee injury which limited his spring practice repetitions. The defense, which lost five members of its front seven, will depend on several junior college transfers - and that's always risky. Also, the Sun Devils don't have an established punter or placekicker.

Fast Fact: The Sun Devils are the only team with a chance to play for the national title on its home turf: in the Fiesta Bowl, in Sun Devil Stadium, on Jan. 4.

Schedule Status: The opener will help shape the Pac-10 race: against Washington in Tempe. It doesn't get much easier. Although they don't face UCLA, the Sun Devils have USC, Oregon and Arizona on the road.

Outlook: ASU is talented and deep - deep enough to handle injuries, deep enough to contend for a major bowl. If the Sun Devils miss the Rose Bowl, it won't be by much. And they'll run circles around Notre Dame in an Oct. 10 matchup.

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS 

Overview: The big news in Berkeley is that Cal did not make a coaching change. Tom Holmoe is back, and with him are 16 returning starters. Whether that translates into more victories depends, in large part, on the defense's ability to prevent big plays. In 1997, the Bears allowed 66 big plays (six per game) that covered an average of 34.4 yards. Sophomore tailback Marcus Fields should give Cal fans reason for optimism - for one of the few times in recent years.

Key Players: Fields enables the Bears to move Deltha O'Neal to cornerback, where he'll join linebacker Matt Beck and end Andre Carter to anchor the defense. Without departed star Bobby Shaw, Cal needs a breakout year from Dameane Douglas to take the pressure off quarterback Justin Vedder.

Potential Problems: The Bears must replace center Jeremy Newberry, who surprised the coaching staff by entering the NFL a year early. Vedder lacks arm strength, and his penchant for interceptions (14 last year) are also a concern. The defense must improve on its yards (381) and points (31) allowed.

Fast fact: Cal was second in the conference in first downs last year (241), but seventh in scoring, averaging 26.8 points.

Schedule Status: As if Holmoe doesn't have enough problems, he gets Nebraska on Sept. 12, followed by a trip to Oklahoma. The Bears also have USC, Washington and Arizona State on the road.

Outlook: The experience and coaching stability alone should translate into better play. But the Bears have little chance to finish .500 in the conference - something they haven't done since 1993 - and they must avoid debilitating injuries against Nebraska.

OREGON DUCKS

Overview: Much like Arizona, Oregon has talented skill players, especially on offense, but seemingly lacks the mammoth linemen needed to seriously contend for the conference title. Such is the reality of playing in Eugene (or Tucson), where there aren't many 6-5, 300-pounders at the local Stop 'N Shop. But Mike Bellotti is one of the most underrated coaches in the Pac-10, and he returns seven starters from an offense that scored 380 points and gained over 5,000 yards in 1997.

Key Players: Quarterbacks Akili Smith and Jason Maas will contend for the starting job. Smith is the better athlete, Maas the better passer. Someone must replace tailback Saladin McCullough, and Derien Latimer is the best bet. Peter Sirmon is one of the league's top linebackers, but he must get help from nose guard Leie Sualua and transfer linemen Faiva Talaeai.

Potential Problems: The defense returns eight starters, but is that good? It was last in the Pac-10 in total defense and ninth in scoring last year. The emphasis is on stopping the run: the undersized line allowed 188.8 yards a game in '97.

Fast Fact: The Ducks have won 31 games in the last four seasons - more than USC and UCLA.

Schedule Status: The opener, Michigan State in Eugene, is crucial. A win could catapult the Dicks to a 5-0 start. But their season depends on gainst UCLA, USC, Arizona, Washington and ASU.

Outlook: It's typical Oregon. The Ducks lack the defense, especially on the line, to survive their tough Oct.-Nov. stretch. But they'll score enough to win the games they should and perhaps pull one upset. Six wins is realistic. If they get seven, give Bellotti a raise.

OREGON STATE BEAVERS 

Overview: Nine starters return on offense, nine on defense. There's enough depth to move the starting quarterback to receiver. The defensive end is one of the best in the Pac-10, and the schedule includes Utah State, Nevada and Baylor. For any other Pac-10 team, this combination would translate to a bowl bid. But not at Oregon State, where Mike Riley's rebuilding project enters its second season.

Key Players: Tim Alexander, the best athlete, has moved from quarterback to receiver, leaving Tyler Tomich and JC transfer Terrence Bryant to compete for the job. Defensive end Inoke Breckterfield is a star. The top-four rushers and top-five receivers return, but if no quarterback emerges it won't matter.

Potential Problems: What the Beavers have in experience they make up for with a lack of talent and size. The starting defensive line returns intact, but only one player is bigger than 245 pounds. The greatest threat is teetering morale. Because the players are not used to winning, they're more likely to accept losing. Riley must be coach and psychologist.

Fast Fact: Six Pac-10 tailbacks averaged more rushing yards per game in '97 than the Oregon State team (85.4).

Schedule Status: The Beavers had best beat Nevada in the season opener. If they don't, Oct. 31 becomes a critical date. That's when OSU hosts Cal in what could be the Beavers' first (and only) victory.

Outlook: Oregon State has not posted a winning season since the Nixon administration, and that ignominy doesn't figure to end soon. Yes, Riley is making progress, but in Corvallis progress is measured in geologic time. Call this the end of the Pathetic-olithic Age.

STANFORD CARDINAL

Overview: It's Tyrone Willingham's team, but the effects of Bill Walsh's tenure have not dissipated. Walsh's decision to play his freshmen, coupled with Willingham's desire to redshirt his freshmen, has created a roster gap that took several years to materialize. This season the Cardinal will have just seven seniors, thanks to Walsh's impatience. The defection of quarterback Chad Hutchinson to pro baseball created yet another problem for Willingham, who has eight returning starters.

Key Players: Calling all quarterbacks: junior Todd Husak and sophomore Randy Fasani will compete for the starting job. Husak has the experience, Fasani the talent. Receiver Troy Walters is the primary scoring threat, and one of thr best playmakers in the league. Linebacker Donnie Spragan is a future star.

Potential Problems: They're numerous: no proven passer, no proven runner - junior Juan Carlos-Lacey is the only running back with college experience - and just three returning starters on defense. And the schedule? Oh, boy.

Fast Fact: Current Cardinal tailbacks accounted for just four carries out of the 303 planned running plays last year.

Schedule Status: Arizona visits Sept. 12, then comes North Carolina, Oregon, Notre Dame, ASU, UCLA and USC in a seven-game span. Ouch. If the Cardinal doesn't beat San Jose State in the opener, it could be staring at a 1-8 start.

Outlook: It's bleak, with the dreaded combination of inexperience, a new quarterback and a difficult schedule. But Willingham thrives in such circumstances. He has known all along that Stanford eventually would pay for Walsh's impatience. Count '98 as a sacrifice to the program's long-term health.

WASHINGTON HUSKIES

Overview: The Huskies won eight games last season, including the Aloha Bowl, and finished with a No. 18 ranking. But those accomplishments fell well short of the programs' lofty standards, and coach Jim Lambright heard the critics loud and clear. Improvement is essential to his job survival, but it may be difficult. The Huskies return quarterback Brock Huard and a solid offensive line. But the big play threats are gone.

Key Players: Someone - perhaps Compton Dominguez freshman tailback Willie Hurst - must fill the void left by Rashaan Shehee's departure. Linebackers Lester Towns and Marques Hairston form an imposing duo, and the secondary is one of the league's best.

Potential Problems:The defense is sound, with six returning starters. The concern is on offense. Washington struggled once Shehee went down (knee injury) late in the season, and without a ground game this year defenses will swarm Huard. In addition, the top-four receivers are gone.

Fast Fact: The Huskies had more players drafted by the NFL in April (10) than any team in the country.

Schedule Status: The opener at Arizona State is huge, but it doesn't get easier: BYU visits, then the Huskies head to Nebraska. The middle is soft, with Utah State a late replacement for Miami.

Outlook: The Huskies could play well and still start 1-2, or perhaps 0-3. Either way, Lambright probably needs eight wins to keep the critics away. This is a team on the brink. With a few breaks and decent tailback production, the Huskies could challenge for the league title. But they could just as easily finish out of the bowl picture.

WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS 

Overview: Mike Price has established himself as one of the top coaches in the league, but he has not elevated Washington State to the point it can survive the departure of 16 starters - including a quarterback for the ages, Ryan Leaf - and not feel the repercussions. Just two starters return on offense, and neither is a skill position player.

Key Players: Quarterback Steve Birnbaum was expected to replace Leaf, but a knee injury slowed his progress. The lone big-play threat is receiver Nian Taylor. Gary Holmes anchors a rebuilt defensive line.

Potential Problems: There are plenty. If Birnbaum can't do the job, watch for JC transfer Bryan Paul. Another transfer, Kevin Brown, is expected to replace Black in the backfield. Moving the ball won't be a problem - Price has one of the top offensive minds in the game - but scoring might be. And it's unlikely the defense will allow just 330 yards per game, as it did last year.

Fast Fact: The Cougars have never had back-to-back winning seasons during Price's nine-year tenure.

Schedule Status: The non-conference lineup is as soft as possible, with Illinois, Boise State and Idaho ready to help the young Cougars gain confidence. Cal follows, meaning Wazu could start 4-0. Then it gets tough. Since the Cougars do not play Oregon State, their final seven games will be gruelling.

Outlook: In the grand scheme, it doesn't matter whether the Cougars win two games or five. Price has secured his place in Palouse history, and the success last season gave his program a much-needed credibility boost with recruits. If the Cougars do win five, however, give Price his second-straight coach of the year award.

DAILY NEWS PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

Offensive Player of the Year: J.R. Redmond, Arizona State

Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Claiborne, USC

Newcomer of the Year: Kevin Brown, RB, Washington State

OFFENSE

Pos. Name School Yr.

WR R. Jay Soward  USC Jr.

Can only be stopped by himself.

WR Lenzie Jackson Arizona State Sr.

Go-to guy had 53 catches last season.

TE Antoine Harris USC So.

On verge of being dominating player.

OL Marvel Smith Arizona State So.

He's been simply Marvel-ous.

OL Tony Coats Washington Sr.

Steps out of Benji Olson's shadow.

OL Grey Ruegamer Arizona State Jr.

Needs to keep Kealy healthy.

OL Andy Meyers UCLA Sr.

Gives Bruins best line in Pac-10.

OL Kris Farris UCLA Sr.

From project to All-American.

QB Cade McNown UCLA Sr.

Heisman campaign in full swing.

RB J.R. Redmond Arizona State Jr.

Mr. Versatility could play defense.

RB Trung Canidate Arizona Jr.

Averaged 5.8 yards per carry.

K-P Chris Sailer  UCLA Sr.

Remember when he wanted to play soccer?

DEFENSE

Pos. Name School Yr.

DL Inoke Breckterfield Oregon State Sr.

Has 45 tackles for losses.

DL Gary Holmes Washington State Sr.

Huge, but needs to stay healthy.

DL Sultan Abdul-Malik USC So.

Will blow past tackles regularly.

LB Peter Sirmon Oregon Jr.

Who said Ducks don't play defense?

LB Chris Claiborne USC Jr.

This should be farewell season.

LB Lester Towns Washington Jr.

Injury could hinder start.

LB Matt Beck California Jr.

He's undersized but quick.

CB Chris McAlister Arizona Sr.

Delayed big bucks to help Wildcats.

CB Daylon McCutcheon USC Sr.

Needs to rebound for NFL scouts.

S Mitchell Freedman Arizona State Sr.

Always in academic hot water.

S Larry Atkins UCLA Sr.

Six interceptions last season.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, 2 Boxes

PHOTO (Color) Arizona State's do-it-all player, J.R. Redmond, is the Sun Devils' most valuable weapon on offense.

Associated Press

BOX: (1) DAILY NEWS PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM (see text)

(2) PACIFIC-10 CONFERENCE