If you ask any typical coach of any typical sport “what’s the most important game?”, they’ll give you typical coach answers. They’ll say “the next one”, or “every game matters”, or some other nonsense that doesn’t really mean anything.

But, if you ask me, or if the Utah and Oregon coaches would give an honest answer, this is the most important game of the season.

The Pac-12 Championship Game will decide who gets to go to Pasadena and play in the Granddaddy Of Them All, the Rose Bowl, and who will end up in Texas, playing in the Alamo Bowl.

Now, you might say “isn’t the Rose Bowl the most important game, then?”, and you could say that, but you’d be wrong. A chance to play in a Rose Bowl would be huge for each of these programs.

For Oregon, it might be their last chance to play under current Head Coach Mario Cristobal, as rumors circulate about the coach moving programs. For Utah, it would mean the team’s first Pac-12 championship in three trips and their first Rose Bowl appearance.

Both teams have all the motivation they need to come out and win this game. Utah is currently favored by 2.5 points, but that is a slim, slim margin. This game should be a clash between two great programs that are desperate for a win.

Who Has the Edge?

Someone’s first instinct may be to say that since Utah smacked down Oregon the first time, that they’ll at least win this time. That person’s second instinct might be to say, well, Utah caught Oregon slacking, so Oregon will use the experience and come out and win.

The third instinct might be the most correct. The third instinct would be to assume that there are reasons that Utah beat Oregon in the first place, and, even despite the added knowledge and motivation that the first game gave to the Ducks, it also will give the Utes a similar amount of knowledge and motivation.

You see, the key for the Utes’ victory over the Ducks wasn’t reliant on trick plays or confusing coverages. It depended on running the ball effectively and getting to the quarterback with only four down linemen. That means that the same formula is very repeatable.

Pounding the Ground

Utah’s rushing game is elite, one of the best in the country. I could pull up all sorts of stats to prove that, but, if you’ve heard anything about Utah this year, you’ve probably heard about their rushing game.

Star RB Tavion Thomas has set the school’s record for rushing touchdowns in a year, and tied, twice, the record for rushing touchdowns in a game. Thomas is a difference-maker, and I expect to see him at the height of his powers in this game.

In their last meeting, the Utes ran for 208 yards on an Oregon defense that had allowed 120 yards rushing a game. In this meeting, they’ll look to win at the line of scrimmage again.

A Familiar Defense

After getting off to a shaky start for the season, the Utah defense has rounded into form, led by star LB Devin Lloyd. Lloyd has become a household name for many draft-watchers, as the linebacker will certainly be snagged by some team eager to shore up their defense.

What makes Lloyd so special is his IQ. He recognizes where a play is going, then shows off his incredible speed and power to get to the ball, or plug a hole, or do whatever he needs to do to get the stop. In their first matchup against the Ducks, Lloyd was amazing. In this game, he’ll be better.

DT Mika Tafua has quietly become one of the best players on this Utah team, leading the Pac-12 in sacks and holding down the middle of the line. Tafua can cause havoc all throughout the offensive line, going off of stunts and different moves. Ultimately, though, it’s his ability to stand his ground that has helped Utah stifle opposing teams. Tafua doesn’t give an inch to opposing linemen, even splitting double teams in his pursuit of the ball.

The QB Battle 

Much speculation has been given on Utah’s potential record if Cam Rising had been named the starter from training camp. The sophomore has shone this season, astounding viewers with accuracy and power. He can even scoot when he needs to, getting first downs with his legs as well as with his arms. This is the biggest game of Rising’s career, but if anyone can be calm under that pressure, he can.

Oregon QB Anthony Brown struggled mightily against the Utes the first time around. Brown looked rattled after taking hit after hit, but I would be surprised if he didn’t show more composure. He played well in a big game against Oregon State, and I’m willing to believe he will play well against Utah this week.

Predictions from the Crystal Ball

This happens every week. I ask the ball what’s going to happen in a game, it tells me lies, and I publish these lies, denying responsibility the whole time. I tell you this, so you know I’m not going to change it.

  • Tavion Thomas rushes for 150+ yards. Thomas is a workhorse for the Utes, and I don’t think that’ll change.
  • Anthony Brown throws two or more touchdowns. Brown is going to make a much bigger difference in this game than he did last game. Two touchdowns would be acceptable by the Utes, but the idea of ‘or more’ is scary.
  • Devin Lloyd has 13 total tackles. 13 total tackles would be the highest of the season for Lloyd, but he’s going to be all over the Ducks this week.
  • Cam Rising doesn’t throw an interception. Having some time to study the Ducks’ defense will do good for the young quarterback, and allow him to avoid interceptions.
  • Utah takes the game 31-17. Not a smackdown like last game, but an impressive victory for the Utes nonetheless.

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