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Conference championship weekend kicks off with a heavyweight showdown on Friday night in the Pac-12 when the No. 5 Oregon Ducks take on the No. 3 Washington Huskies.
This will be the final conference championship in the Pac-12 with the format we currently know. Not only will fans be saying goodbye to the Pac-12, but this matchup will serve as a College Football Playoff eliminator.
To prepare for arguably the most important conference title game of the weekend, let’s take a closer look at the matchup.
No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 3 Washington
The stage is set 🍿 pic.twitter.com/SKAm4vvJOJ
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) November 25, 2023
Date: Friday, December 1, 2023
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
TV Channel: ABC
Betting Odds: Oregon -10 | ML: Oregon -380, Washington +300 | O/U: 65.5
The stage is set, and fans have to expect fireworks in this one. The top two teams in the conference will meet for the second time this season.
Nearly two months ago, the Huskies outlasted the Ducks in a 36-33 shootout in Seattle. However, since that matchup in October, both teams have been on opposite trajectories.
Since the loss, Oregon has gone on a six-game winning streak, outscoring their opponents 252-96. Washington, meanwhile, has won their last three games by a combined 12 points.
But Washington finishing the season undefeated was no small feat.
Heisman Hopefuls Final Audition
Here's how Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr compare in stats this season 📊👀
Who's going to have the bigger game this weekend? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/UXj0fwRQ9g
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2023
Talented quarterbacks lead both teams. Oregon’s Bo Nix found a career resurrection after transferring from Auburn to Eugene. Nix has been nearly perfect, having thrown only two interceptions on the season.
At the same time, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been no slouch himself. In the team’s first matchup, it was Penix’s performance that proved to be the edge for the Huskies. The Heisman hopeful tossed four touchdowns, which included an 18-yard dime with under two minutes to play, sealing the game for Washington.
Friday night could prove to be the final audition for the Heisman Trophy for two talents who will be in New York for the trophy’s presentation.
Prediction
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Even though Washington took the first matchup, ESPNBet has the Ducks as massive 10.5-point favorites for the rematch. The Ducks’ recent performances have most of the mindset that they are not the same team they were back in October.
It feels like this game will be decided by which defense can make the most stops. In the first meeting, Washington had the lone turnover of the game, which ended up not being the deal breaker for a Huskies victory.
Ten points may seem like a huge spread in this one. Expect an instant classic from both offenses, as a playoff spot will be on the line.
However, in the end, it will be the Ducks who strike back.
