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

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Dec 3, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) carries the ball on a 41-yard run against the Oregon Ducks in the third quarter during the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Utah primed for a tough Rose Bowl opponent

The Utes will celebrate tonight, and probably tomorrow. But, eventually will have to turn the page and set their sights on Pasadena and whoever the Big Ten sends as their representative. The options are down to two teams.

Should Michigan win tomorrow night, that would put them in the playoff and out of the Rose Bowl. This brings in the next highest-ranked Big Ten team which would be — oh man. Ohio State would be waiting in the wings in this scenario and would provide a fantastic Rose Bowl showdown.

The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense matching up against this strong Utah defense is a perfect mix of styles that should make for a fun game.

The other scenario is that Iowa wins tomorrow night and clinches a spot in the Rose Bowl, considering they are too far out of playoff contention. This matchup would bring in similar styles, both teams love to run the ball and win in the trenches. Iowa’s defense is not only as strong as Utah’s but maybe as strong as any unit in the FBS.

Either way, we as college football fans are set for a fantastic Rose Bowl. With Utah locked in, all eyes will now be on the Big Ten Championship to see who completes this Pasadena puzzle.

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