Oregon fancies itself the bully of the Pac-12, with former offensive lineman Mario Cristobal attempting to recruit an SEC team to the Pacific Northwest. But standing in the way of the Ducks achieving both a conference title and playoff berth are a couple of things.
One is Oregon State on rivalry weekend. But more pressingly is not just one, but probably two dates with the resurgent Utah Utes. The No. 3 Ducks will get them once in Salt Lake City on Saturday and could get them again in Las Vegas for the Pac-12 crown if both teams can win their divisions.