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Utah Football: 3 takeaways from dominant Pac-12 title win over Oregon

By James Costanz

Dec 3, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) is defended by Oregon Ducks linebacker Noah Sewell (1) in the first half during the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) is defended by Oregon Ducks linebacker Noah Sewell (1) in the first half during the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal walks the field before a game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal walks the field before a game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Massive letdown for Mario Cristobal and his Ducks

Mario Cristobal has put out a fantastic resume in just four seasons as head coach of Oregon. They had won back-to-back conference titles, won a Rose Bowl in 2020, and have built this program into the class of the Pac-12.

On Friday night, and the surrounding chatter will definitely have fans wondering if this run for the Ducks is over. Rumors are amuck on the status of Cristobal and if he has interest in taking the Miami job if it becomes available. While this is far from confirmed, this loss will do no favors in quieting that noise.

Both of these performances against Utah in the past few weeks have been arguably the most devastating losses since Cristobal was named head coach.

Nevertheless, Anthony Brown could not string together an effective drive for the majority of the night. Travis Dye had just 17 yards in the second half and was not able to affect this game once he started to heat up.

While the defense did not play great, a lot of their performance had to do with mistakes by the offense. Utah scored 17 of their 38 points on either a defensive touchdown or an offensive drive that went for less than 50 yards.

If Cristobal stays with the Ducks, that would instill confidence in Oregon fans that this program will continue in its ascent. If the noise gets louder and Cristobal heads home to Miami, Oregon will join the long list of great programs that had to find a new head coach in 2021.

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