LOS ANGELES _ As a conference known for wide-open offense, the Pac-12 has always been at its best when there is across-the-board experience at quarterback.
This could be one of those seasons.
Though Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen now play in the NFL, eight teams have returning starters under center this fall. The list of veterans includes Jake Browning of Washington, Justin Herbert of Oregon and Khalil Tate of Arizona, all of whom showed up Wednesday at Pac-12 media day in Hollywood.
"Some of the best talent in the country," Herbert said. "You'll definitely check ESPN from time-to-time to see how everyone's doing."
Not that other conferences don't have stars at the position. Jake Fromm of Georgia, Jarrett Stidham of Auburn and Drew Lock of Missouri highlight the Southeastern Conference. Trace McSorley of Penn State and Alex Hornibrook of Wisconsin figure to shine in the Big Ten.
But as the 2018 season approaches, Pac-12 passers bear particular responsibility for a league that has only two appearances _ and zero titles _ in the four-year history of the College Football Playoff.
Tate acknowledged the expectations, but said: "I mean, pressure makes diamonds."
