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Pac-12 Football: 5 most important Pac-12 South games for 2017

By Erich Hilkert

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans eludes the rush from defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley #98 and defensive lineman Boss Tagaloa #75 of the UCLA Bruins during a 36-14 Trojan win at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans eludes the rush from defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley #98 and defensive lineman Boss Tagaloa #75 of the UCLA Bruins during a 36-14 Trojan win at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 28: Tailback Phillip  Lindsay of the Colorado Buffaloes runs with the ball past Kylie  Fitts of the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 28: Tailback Phillip  Lindsay of the Colorado Buffaloes runs with the ball past Kylie  Fitts of the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

4. Colorado at Utah (Nov. 25)

Many see Colorado experiencing a significant drop-off this season after capturing the Pac-12 South crown in 2016. The Buffaloes only return three starters from one of the Pac-12’s best defenses. Colorado also starts over with new defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot. Eliot guided a similar defense at Kentucky the past four seasons.

While the premiere matchup of this game might be Colorado quarterback Steven Montez and his ability to find receivers quickly vs. Utah’s “Sack Lake City” defensive line, the more decisive battle will be Utah’s running game against Colorado’s defensive line. Both are areas of weaknesses for the teams.

Colorado lost all three starters on the defensive line. Utah lost starter Joe Williams, although Armand Shyne and Zack Moss earned snaps last year and showed potential. Colorado’s likely replacements include top reserve Leo Jackson, as well as junior college transfer nose guard Javier Edwards and senior Timothy Coleman.

The Colorado defensive line was critical to the team’s 27-22 win last season. Colorado’s defense recovered two pivotal Utah fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown.

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