I don't think we'll see a similar game to the first meeting, when Utah jumped on Oregon early and pummeled it into submission. These are both physical teams that like to take care of the football and play good defense, and I think that'll show as they compete for a conference title. Both of these coaches tend to get more conservative in the big games. The final margin will be much closer this time, though the total shouldn't change much.

Pac-12 title game from Las Vegas. On games like this I read each team's beat writers and their picks to get an idea of what they are thinking ... usually, the beat writers are homers but in this case several Oregon writers are backing Utah. Remember, the Utes smacked the Ducks 38-7 two weeks ago. That will not happen again as it was in Salt Lake City and the Utes were utterly dominant there this year. Oregon was utterly dominant in Eugene. I'm taking Utah as it is playing better over the past month-plus. The Ducks have had a handful of close calls this season and are really thin at receiver and down a couple of defensive starters. The Utes also are making it very clear they want to play in the Rose Bowl for the first time.

Utah lost three road games, the last at Oregon State before the Utes reeled off wins in their final five (3-2 ATS). Utah road wins include visits to Arizona, Stanford and USC. The edge Utah had at home two weeks ago against Oregon is gone. This game is on the fast track in Las Vegas and the Ducks have less pressure than when they played at Salt Lake while in the playoff chase. Oregon wants revenge, too. Take the Ducks to win.