The University of Utah has had a party this season known as college football. The popular ESPN show College Gameday visited Salt Lake City on October 29th to feature the matchup between the Utes and the undefeated Huskies. The close loss didn’t completely dash their title hopes but it is now crucial that they control their own destiny.
If the Utes win the rest of the regular season they are guaranteed a spot in the PAC 12 title game and possibly earn a rematch against Washington. They are currently one game behind Colorado in the PAC 12 South division race but the two face off in the last regular game of the season. They own the tiebreaker with USC after beating them in a comeback on September 23rd so they can still earn the trip to Levi’s stadium even if the Trojans win out.
The Utes have achieved success this season by their stingy defense and impeccable special teams play. They are definitely the favorite to win the South but what happens if they pull off an upset verse the north in the championship?
The Rose Bowl traditionally selects the PAC 12 champion and the Big 10 champion. The Utes would be guaranteed at least the Rose Bowl if they won out. Could they get into the four team college football playoff though?
Last year two loss PAC 12 champion Stanford was the best team to not make the playoff. So the Utes would need some help from other two loss conference champions.
The Big 12 is currently regarded as the weakest of the Power 5 conferences as they are the only one to not currently have an undefeated team. A two loss PAC 12 champion would most certainly make the CFP over a two loss Big 12 team.
The only thing that hurts the resume of Utah is their weak non conference schedule. San Jose State, BYU and SUU aren’t impressive teams as none of them are members of a Power 5 conference.
The month of November will be full of speculation. With Kyle Whittingham at the coaching helm and speed demon Troy Williams leading the rushing game, Ute fans can only hope that their season will end by at least smelling roses to match their school colors.
BYU is not impressive? That is their best win with the possible exception of USC. 🙂
BYU is their best non conference win for sure.