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2016 Pac-12 Bowl Preview: Washington Leads Five Teams Into Postseason

By Justin Phillips

Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Pac-12 logo during a NCAA football game between the Utah State Aggies and the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Pac-12 logo during a NCAA football game between the Utah State Aggies and the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pac-12 Conference will send five teams ‘Bowling’ in 2016, with one game meaning more than the rest.

Washington faces Alabama and the rest is pretty much trickle down. So much so that Star Players have decided to not play including Christian McCaffrey from Stanford. The key benefit is still pushing toward being better in 2017 with the extra practices, and chemistry building before Spring Practice.

With Minnesota now confirmed to play in the National Funding Holiday Bowl, all PAC-12 match-ups can go about their business. The annual game in San Diego will kick-off action for the league when it’s played.

Here’s a look at the slate for all six games involving the conference of champions.

Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach looks on against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach looks on against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

National Funding Holiday Bowl (December 27): Minnesota Golden Gophers/B1G (8-4) v. Washington State Cougars (8-4), 4 pm/ESPN

This will be an interesting contrast between these teams, as the Gophers want to shorten the game with their rushing attack. Wazzu will spread you out, however unlike the past Mike Leach teams they can run the ball. Interested to see how this game plays out due to the Minnesota suspensions and how Washington State bounces back from getting blown out in the Apple Cup.

Minnesota grabbed early headlines for this one – following a brief 10 player suspension. In the end, they decided playing was better for everyone. The Golden Gophers see their fifth straight bowl game and first in California since 1961. The Gophers are powered by a solid ground game and Running Back Rodney Smith who ran for over 1000 yards during the regular season.

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