For years, the Pac-12 has had a perception problem. It could bet the influx of parity—especially in the South division—the multiple issues of its conference network or the fact that there have been only two out of 16 teams that have qualified for the College Football Playoff in its now five-year history.
The favorite this season to make the final four was Washington, who returned enough talent, including senior quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin, to be thought of as the Pac-12’s best chance to compete for a national title. But a season-opening loss to Auburn and losses to Cal and Oregon ended any hope of a playoff appearance.