Pac-12 Football Power Rankings, Week 12: The end of the Mike Leach era?

The top 2

Both of the top two contenders had their final bye weeks of the regular season this past week, so I’ll touch on them together, as their paths are seemingly intertwined from here on out.

Both teams moved up one spot in the CFP rankings this week, with the Ducks up to five and the Utes now at six. The path for one of these teams to make the playoffs is still crystal clear in my eyes, and the goal for this season is to avoid complacency.

Utah has been one of the most impressive teams since Zack Moss and Tyler Huntley have come back healthy. Since Moss’ return, the Utes have outscored teams 141-38 in their last four games, and have one of the most complete teams in the country.

Oregon has been one of the three best teams in college football this season, minus one-quarter against Auburn. Justin Herbert is talented, and that defensive line and offensive line can compete against any team in the country. Kayvon Thibodeaux is a menace as a freshman, Troy Dye makes every tackle, and the Ducks are an SEC team in the Pacific Northwest with the amount of talent they have.

Both teams just have to take care of business and dominate the teams in front of them. In all likelihood, the spot will be there. Minnesota likely loses to Ohio State and Wisconsin, Penn State still has the Buckeyes as well. LSU may wipe out Georgia in the SEC Championship and Oklahoma and Baylor may have to play each other twice.

If it comes down to one of these teams making it out of a Pac-12 Championship in a battle of top ten teams, and an Alabama team with only one marquee win if they win out against Auburn, the committee should take the conference champion.

Like the great Bill Belichick always says, it comes down to doing your job, and that is all Oregon and Utah have to do to make a playoff berth.