Preseason College Football Playoff and NY6 Bowl projections for 2022

Rose Bowl (Jan 2): Michigan vs Utah

The 2021 season was a breakthrough year for both Michigan and Utah. The Wolverines reached the College Football Playoff, while Utah won its first Power-5 conference championship since moving to the Pac-12.

With Cameron Rising back as the starting quarterback, plus Kyle Kyle Whittingham, who always has the Utes playing solid defense, Utah is the preseason favorite in the Pac-12. USC looms large with Lincoln Riley, Caleb Williams, Jordan Addison, and a number of other transfers.

It wouldn’t shock me if the Utes lost to the Trojans or Oregon during the regular season. But now that the Pac-12 isn’t deciding its champion based on division, Utah can earn a rematch, which it will win to earn a second straight trip to the Rose Bowl.

And Michigan football will await Utah. The Wolverines should be 10-1 or 11-0 heading to Columbus for “The Game” and while I don’t see Michigan beating Ohio State again, it will be good enough to play in Pasadena.