3 Bold Predictions for Utah vs Oregon in Pac-12 Championship Game

The Pac-12, while unfairly maligned often as a conference, will give us one of the absolute best conference championship games in the country, as Justin Herbert, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Oregon take on Tyler Huntley, Zack Moss, and Utah. A loss for the Utes would knock them out of the College Football Playoff picture, while a win gives them an inside track at the No. 4 spot. Kyle Whittingham's Utes are certainly battle tested, but some unexpected developments could end Utah's playoff push.

3. Utah's Defense Records Four Sacks

San Jose State v Utah / George Frey/Getty Images

Utah has at least five future pro players on their defense, but the defensive line is what sets the tone. Bradlee Anae and Leki Fotu will both be playing on Sundays next year, with the former chalking up 12.5 sacks to his name this season. Oregon might have the best offensive line in the country, as Penei Sewell and Calvin Throckmorton are consistently giving Justin Herbert clean pockets, but the depth Utah has on defense could be too much for that o-line to shut down for 60 minutes.

2. Justin Herbert Totals Four Touchdowns

Oregon State v Oregon / Steve Dykes/Getty Images

If you would believe Draft Twitter, the sky was falling in Eugene and Herbert couldn't do anything right because he had one bad game in the loss to Arizona State. He quickly restored order by taking down Oregon State. With 31 touchdowns against just five interceptions in an offense that doesn't always cater to his unique skillset, Herbert has a major challenge ahead of him in this Utes defense, but he has the arm talent and playmaking ability to test Jaylon Johnson, Julian Blackmon, and this standout Utah secondary.

1. Oregon Pulls off the Upset Late

Oregon v Arizona State / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Utah loves to beat you down on defense, let Moss chip away at you on the offensive end out of the backfield, and then, when you least expect it, go downfield on play action with Huntley. That formula gets disrupted when a team can match them stride for stride on offense. With Herbert behind center and CJ Verdell in the backfield, the Ducks have the horses to do just that. A win for Oregon would all but assure them a Rose Bowl berth, while a loss for the Utes will send them tumbling out of the playoff picture.