The two most exciting first-year starters in the Pac-12 took very different paths to get to this point.

Oregon’s Vernon Adams arrived in Eugene later than expected after his transfer from FCS-level Eastern Washington was held up by a math class. Even with a late start, Adams was able to win the starting job over longtime Marcus Mariota back up Jeff Lockie.

UCLA's Josh Rosen, who even Jim Mora has called "The Chosen One" (though, mockingly) at certain points this fall, got to Westwood last winter, enrolling early so he could be around for spring practices. He finished high school as the No. 2 quarterback nationally and begins the season as the No. 1 quarterback on the Bruins' depth chart.

Chantel Jennings (on Adams) and Kyle Bonagura (on Rosen) sat around the water cooler to discuss the two already highly discussed starters.

What, if anything, surprised you about the starter announcements?

Bonagura: The fact that UCLA actually made an announcement might be the most surprising part. UCLA places a lot of value on secrecy, so it would have fit to go up until kickoff -- like Washington -- without a naming starter. Rosen always figured to be the guy, it was just a matter of when it would become official.

Jennings: Honestly, I saw it going differently. I saw the Ducks naming Lockie as the Week 1 starter and then having Lockie and Adams split reps against Eastern Washington, giving Michigan State more to think about and prepare for going into Week 2. I didn’t think that would necessarily mean Adams wasn’t as good, I just thought the Ducks would keep a bit more of a poker face (and yes, I know they still can) going into Week 2.

Quarterback Josh Rosen will have a strong supporting cast at UCLA. Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire

What can be expected of Rosen/Adams in Game 1?

Bonagura: Rosen landed in about as good a situation as any new starter could hope for -- a great running back, the country’s most experienced offensive line and a group of talented receivers. I’d imagine there will be a lot of basic play-calling to keep him within his comfort zone, but it would make sense for offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone to give his new toy a whirl with a couple deep shots. The Bruins are in win-now mode, but they still have incentive to develop him for the future.

Jennings: I think it’s fair to expect some first-quarter struggles. Even if he weren’t playing his former team, you would expect some of those nerves out of Adams. Add the whole Eastern Washington element and there is a lot going on. Once those nerves shake off I think it will be interesting to see how long it takes Adams to find his game.

How long is each respective player's leash in Game 1?

Bonagura: I wouldn’t expect any leash. Even if the game turns lopsided, there is more value for the team in letting Rosen take all the available game reps. If he struggles, well, that's a likely scenario the coaching staff is prepared to deal with in naming a true freshman. They will let him learn on the go.

Jennings: If it’s a matter of him needing to calm down because he’s overthinking or overstressing a situation, I could see the coaches going to Lockie. However, I think coordinator Scott Frost is going to want to give Adams substantial reps against Eastern Washington considering the Ducks' second week opponent. If he struggles, don’t expect them to pull him too quickly though, because they will want Adams to learn how to get out of those situations against Eastern Washington. If he can’t perform in Autzen against EWU, how will he do on the road against Sparty?

How much can really be gleaned based on their first games?

Bonagura: It will really depend on how the game plays out, but we can potentially learn a lot. I covered Jared Goff's first start against Northwestern two years ago -- also as a true freshman -- and even though Cal lost, I remember having a conversation with a colleague about how Cal will be set at quarterback for awhile. Anyone could see it. With Rosen, that's what UCLA will be looking for -- a solid foundation.

Jennings: A good amount. Watch how he reacts when things go well and when things go poorly -- if it’s exactly same, then he has taken a page from Mariota’s book. That was one thing I was always really impressed with, how constant Mariota was. The Ducks are going to want someone like that at the helm of the offense in 2015. As far as his play, it will be nice to finally see Adams working within the Oregon offense. The speed of the Eastern Washington defense won’t be the same as the speed of Michigan State, but his play will give everyone a good idea about whether he will be able to escape defenses and extend plays with Oregon as he did with Eastern Washington.