Pac-12’s media days kick off on Thursday, and there will be questions. Lots and lots and lots of questions -- some good, some bad. Each Pac-12 team has a Captain Obvious-esque question. But looking beyond the obvious, what’s the bigger-picture question that should be asked for each team?
We start with teams from the South and, later today, we'll take a look at the North:
Arizona, Rich Rodriguez
What will be asked: Is QB Anu Solomon's job really in jeopardy?
He started as a freshman and a sophomore and ranks third in school history with 48 passing touchdowns, but Rodriguez maintained in the spring that Solomon needs to beat out Brandon Dawkins.
What should be asked: Was 2015 a minor setback, or does it represent the direction of the program?
Aside from a 37-30 win against then-No. 10 Utah, the Wildcats had an otherwise-forgettable 7-6 season and failed miserably to build off their South Division title and Fiesta Bowl berth a year prior. They have 14 returning starters, but few project the Wildcats to contend in the division.
Arizona State, Todd Graham
What will be asked: How will the offense evolve under first-year offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey?
After being hired, Lindsey told ESPN the scheme won’t change. “It’s the same identical deal,” he said.
What should be asked: What did you make of athletic director Ray Anderson’s comments about toning down the all the preseason talk?
Last year, Graham made his team’s expectations for a championship run very clear at media day. They didn’t happen, which led Anderson to tell Fox Sports 910 AM: "One of the things, very frankly, that we're trying to do better around here is to talk less and deliver more. We'll be minimum on the bravado and all the predictions about greatness and just let our play speak for us."
Colorado, Mike MacIntyre
What will be asked: Is this going to be the breakthrough year Colorado fans have waited for?
What should be asked: The bodies weren’t there when you arrived, but now, after going 2-26 in the conference over the past three years, is Colorado in a place where it can match up physically with the rest of the conference?
UCLA, Jim Mora
What will be asked: Josh Rosen had an outstanding true freshman year. How do you expect him to evolve in new offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu’s scheme?
Mora doesn’t like calling the shift in offensive philosophy one to a “pro-style” system, but that's how most people will describe what they see when Rosen lines up with a fullback in the backfield and a tight end on the field.
What should be asked: Rosen has gotten into the news a few times as a result of his social media presence. Are you at all concerned that, as he further cements himself as a star, additional distractions may pop up?
USC, Clay Helton
What will be asked: With Alabama, Utah State, Stanford and Utah to start the season (and only Utah State at home), what is a reasonable expectation? 2-2? 3-1?
Helton went 0-2 after being named the permanent head coach. Imagine how restless USC fans would be if the Trojans were to stumble to a 1-3 start.
What should be asked: Lane Kiffin hired you; Steve Sarkisian retained you. What about those guys’ tenures didn’t work, and why is the program better off in your hands?
Utah, Kyle Whittingham
What will be asked: Having to replace a four-year starter at quarterback and all the noteworthy skill guys, how can the offense -- which was a clear weakness a year ago -- possibly improve?
What should be asked: After 11 years as the head coach at Utah, what type of situation would be an appealing alternative?
