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Utah Football: 3 takeaways from crushing loss to Oregon in Pac-12 Championship

By Gavin Jernigan

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Running back Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Running back Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Oregon dominated the Utah football in the Pac-12 Championship Game and eliminated any possibility of Utah playing in the College Football Playoff.

The 2019 Pac-12 Championship Game featured the No. 5 Utah Utes and the No. 13 Oregon Ducks. During the entire week leading up to Championship Weekend, the discussion about whether or not Utah deserves to be ranked at No. 5, and their chances at the College Football Playoff, was incredibly controversial. Utah’s only loss came to an 8-4 USC team earlier in the year.

Oregon’s playoff chances were eliminated two weeks ago when they earned their second loss of the year to Arizona State, 31-28.

There was very little doubt heading into this game that Utah would win and would have solid shot at making the playoff with a Georgia loss to LSU in the SEC Championship Game. But, this game was all Oregon from start to finish.

The Ducks scored early, blocked a punt, and forced an interception all in the first half. This allowed Oregon to lead the Utes, 20-0 by halftime.

The Utes had a response coming out in the second half, scoring two quick touchdowns. However, the momentum eventually subsided and Oregon regained control. After a 70-yard touchdown run by CJ Verdell, the Ducks extended the lead. He scored again on a 31-yard run, which was the final score of the game.

The Oregon Ducks won the 2019 Pac-12 Championship Game, 37-15.

Let’s look at some of the bigger takeaways from the matchup.

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