Despite not being favored in the Pac-12 Championship game, the College Football Matrix says consistency will be the key Friday night.
Oregon Football enters the Pac-12 Championship on a downward trend following a loss vs Arizona State and beating Oregon State. On the other side is Utah who have become a complete team following a win streak after their loss to the USC Trojans.
According to Dave Bartoo, the margin of victory is less then ten points for the Utah Utes on Friday night over Oregon. Utah enters as the third best Offense in the country with the Ducks just outside the top ten, “t’s going to be a very defensive game. Will Oregon’s offense show up?”
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Of course the team that has been more consistent is better. Oregon over the last month has not been consistent. Bartoo still sees Oregon as the more talented team, but the Matrix gives more credit to the Utah Utes, “Utah has been on a win streak the last few weeks. Talent edge to Oregon, coaching edge to Utah. Defense is even. If Oregon’s Offense takes their chances they can win the game. “
For Oregon Football it may not seem there is much on the line. Win or lose, they could end up in the Rose Bowl, but I is better to get to the Rose Bowl as the Pac-12 Champion. Regardless of the opponent, you want to go in showing you deserved to be there rather than having backed into the game on a technicality and a low ranked USC Trojans team in the polls this week, ranked 22nd in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.
The Oregon Defense will need to play with consistency and the Offense will need to find their rhythm early against Utah.
Oregon Football and Utah kickoff Championship Week Friday night from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Kickoff of the Pac-12 Championship game is set for 5 pm Pacific Time on ABC.
Quotes obtained in conversation with Dave Bartoo, College Football Matrix