Have you ever felt the urge to cheer for Oregon State? This might be the week to do so. Following a frustrating loss to Oregon last week, the Utes will now need to rely on several scenarios outside of its control to still have a shot at playing for the PAC-12 title.
How the Utes Get Into the PAC-12 Championship
Step #1 – Beat Colorado
This might be the easiest step. However, even the lowly Buffaloes should not be overlooked. Just look back to 2011, when all Utah had to do was beat a 2-9 Colorado team to lock up its first trip to the championship, only to lose 17-14 in front of the home crowd.
In this year’s matchup, the Utes are currently a 29.5-point favorite, so the odds of another upset are low. This Colorado team is dreadful. They have the 5th worse scoring offense in the nation, averaging just 14.9 points per game.
Believe it or not, the defense is even worse. That’s because the Buffaloes defense allows more points per game to opponents than any other team in the nation. That’s right, the worst scoring defense in the nation, handing over 42.8 points per game.
While Utah’s offense, and particularly Cam Rising, appeared to be out-of-synch last against Oregon, don’t be surprised if they score more than 50 against Colorado. The only reason this may not happen is if Whittingham decides to spread playing time around to prepare younger players for next season.
My Straight Up Utes prediction for this game is Utah 52 – Colorado 10.
Step #2 – Oregon State Needs to Beat Oregon in the Civil War
Anything can happen in a rivalry, right? Lucky for Utah, Oregon State has played very well this season, especially over the past two weeks. Also, this game will be played in Corvallis, so they have home-field advantage on their side.
The Ducks are currently only a 3-point favorite and may have trouble putting points up against a stingy Beaver defense. Oregon State is #1 in the PAC-12 in rushing defense, and #2 in passing defense. Powered by the home crowd and the energy of the rivalry, it may just be enough for the 8-3 Beavers to come away with the victory.
Step #3 – Washington Needs to Beat Washington State in the Apple Cup
The Utes will also need things to go their way in the Apple Cup, and in this case, need the favored Huskies to be able to beat the Cougars in Pullman. Right now, Washington is only a 2-point favorite, so this game could go either way.
The #13 Huskies enter this game with tons of momentum, with five straight wins, including victories over Oregon and Oregon State. However, Washington State is also hitting its stride, winning three straight.
Washington’s Micheal Penix Jr. has thrown for more yards than any other FBS quarterback this season, and it’s likely the Huskies will rely on its top-ranked passing attack to knock out their rival. On paper, Washington should win this one easily, but as I said before, anything can happen in a rivalry game.
Step #4 – UCLA Needs to Beat California
This one should happen…but then again…even a 10-point favorite could lose, especially on the road. Cal has lost six of its last seven, but it won its last game against Stanford last week and was within a touchdown of Oregon, USC, and Notre Dame this season. In other words, this 4-7 team is dangerous.
Statistically, UCLA is better than Cal in every major category. Cal has the PAC-12’s worst pass defense and rushing offense, while UCLA has the best rushing offense and a solid passing attack. UCLA should win.
If the Utes Don’t Get into the PAC-12 Championship, Then What?
If one of those four steps fails to happen, then the Utes will rest up and most likely play in either the Sun, Holiday, or Las Vegas Bowl. With such high pre-season expectations, any of those bowls would likely be a tough pill to swallow for Utah fans, but there are some intriguing opponents that might be chosen to face the Utes. Here are a few predictions:
CBS Sports: Utah vs Wake Forest in the Holiday Bowl
Yahoo! Sports: Utah vs Mississippi State in the Las Vegas Bowl
Sports Illustrated: Utah vs Florida State in the Sun Bowl
247 Sports & The Athletic: Utah vs North Carolina in the Holiday Bowl
Athlon Sports: Utah vs Florida State in the Holiday Bowl
A trip to San Diego or Las Vegas wouldn’t be too bad, would it? Florida State has bounced back this season and North Carolina had a Heisman candidate for most of the season. If Mississippi State is the team, then another game against The Pirate can’t be bad, right?
Straight Up Utes 