SALT LAKE CITY — When Utah matches up with Oregon on Friday in the Pac-12 championship game, it will be one of the most important games in school history. With a win, the Utes have a real shot to make the College Football Playoff or, worst-case, ending up with their first-ever trip to the Rose Bowl.
Beating Oregon will be no easy task for the Utes. The Ducks are the most complete team that Utah has faced so far.
“They’re running the football well; they’re defending it well — as far as defending the run. They have a great quarterback in (Herbert), he’s big, strong, big arm and big talent. Defense, they’re playing exceptionally well in the red zone, only 33% touchdowns allowed in the red zone defensively, which is really good — that’s got to be among the best in the country, if not the best,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said. “Special teams as well, the return game is very good.”
The key matchup in Friday’s game will be Oregon’s offensive line against Utah’s defensive line. Both groups are regarded as some of the best in the country. The Ducks’ offensive line is one of the most experienced in the country, with four seniors and sophomore star Penei Sewell anchoring it.
“This week, they’ve got the most experience that we’ve seen all year, and we’re excited for the challenge,” defensive line coach Lewis Powell said.
“They’re really good; they’ve got a really good D-line, some quick guys on there. Their linebacker core is really pretty nice with Troy Dye leading the way. It’s going to be a fun matchup, so not just myself, but our O-line and our coaching.” — Utah running back Zack Moss
The matchup to watch in the trenches will be left end Bradlee Anae against left tackle Sewell. Just a sophomore, Sewell is considered to be one of the best offensive linemen in football.
“Extremely smart, super high football IQ. Plays with tremendous power, balance and body control. Great body quickness, awareness. I can honestly say he’s the best one I’ve been around,” Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal said of Sewell.
Anae was also complimentary of Sewell. He’ll be trying to break the all-time Utah sack record while going against the sophomore phenom. Whittingham said that Mika Tafua and Maxs Tupai, along with Anae, will be matching up against Sewell.
“Sewell’s a great player. He has great feet and he’s a big kid. He’s big; he can move. I think he will be the best left tackle that I will go against this season. I’m excited to go against their offense and Sewell, as well,” Anae said.
Having one of the best lines in football is a luxury for Cristobal.
“We’re fortunate we have five guys we really feel great about. They allow you to execute at a relatively high level; you’re able to make adjustments a lot quicker than if you had some guys that were a little bit more green, didn’t have much experience,” Cristobal said.
How do the Utes break through Oregon’s great wall and get to the quarterback? Whittingham says that it will come down to whoever is the more physical team.
“It’s mainly physicality up front. There’s only so much you can do scheme-wise, and it’s really who’s more physical; who gets the push; and who does a better job of getting off blocks, using your hands, separation — all that stuff. It’s just fundamentals and technique, rather than scheme,” Whittingham said.
Anae said the key to winning the matchup is to do his job and execute what defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley has planned.
Behind Oregon’s strong offensive line is Justin Herbert, who is projected to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board in the upcoming NFL draft. Herbert has thrown for 3,140 yards, 31 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. His favorite receiver target is Johnny Johnson III, who has 49 receptions for 731 yards.
“He’s been excellent all season. He continues to grow and develop as a player, as a person, as a leader. He’s certainly done some incredible things for us. We have the entire team, entire organization have always had complete, full trust and confidence in Justin Herbert,” Cristobal said of Herbert.
CJ Verdell has had the majority of carries at running back, rushing for 963 yards and five touchdowns. The Ducks are scoring 35.8 points per game.
Oregon’s defense is also stout, allowing just 15.8 points per game. Linebacker Troy Dye leads the team in tackles. Cornerback Verone McKinley III and safety Jevon Holland both have four interceptions on the year, and Kayvon Thibodeaux leads the team in sacks with 6.5.
“Their D-line is physical. Linebackers jump to the ball, and their secondary is more of a coverage team, but they have really good run defense, and it’s going to be a tough team to play,” Utah tight end Brant Kuithe said.
Oregon’s rush defense is 10th in the NCAA, allowing just 106 yards per game.
“They’re really good; they’ve got a really good D-line, some quick guys on there. Their linebacker core is really pretty nice with Troy Dye leading the way. It’s going to be a fun matchup, so not just myself, but our O-line and our coaching,” Utah running back Zack Moss said.