
By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports
March 1, 2022
We’re settling into the offseason and starting to look ahead more to 2022.
The transfer portal and spring football will surely shuffle the Pac-12 a little more in the coming months but I’m pretty confident in how the conference should stack up at the end of the 2022 season as of now.
That means it’s time to think about how the 2022-23 Pac-12 bowl slate will look come December.
I’m pretty confident the Utes win the conference again.
They have stability at coach, a proven QB who should be the best or second-best in the Conference, my Offensive Player of the Year front runner at RB, and a proven ability to reload on defense along with a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Clark Phillips III.
Alamo Bowl — USC vs. Oklahoma
December 29, 2022, Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Think anyone will want to watch this game?
The Trojans won’t quite lift off in 2022 because of OL and defensive holes yet they should win plenty of games and reach a very good bowl game.
Las Vegas Bowl — Oregon vs. Ole Miss
December (Date TBD), 2022, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
There’s a lot to like with the Ducks in their first season under Dan Lanning. There’s also a lot to question.
It feels like at worst they should win the North and end up in Vegas or San Diego.
Holiday Bowl — UCLA vs. Florida State
December (Date TBD), 2022, Petco Park, San Diego, CA
The Bruins have a comfy schedule and it should push them up to a pretty good bowl.
Sun Bowl — Oregon State vs. Virginia Tech
December 30, 2022, Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX
I think the Beavers have turned a corner under Jonathan Smith and should play in a bowl game most years.
This is steady improvement.
Los Angeles Bowl — Cal vs. Air Force
December (Date TBD), 2022, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Justin Wilcox stayed in Berkeley and that’s great news for the Bears as I think he gets them bowling again.
New Mexico Bowl — Washington State vs. San Diego State
December (Date TBD), 2022 , University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
Jake Dickert shows he has what it takes at WSU by getting back to a bowl.
San Francisco Bowl (or Other) — Washington vs. TBD
December (Date TBD), 2022, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
This is a weird bowl situation, but let’s say the SF bowl (or a replacement) happens and they’re happy to get a Husky team that quickly improves under Kalen Deboer.
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Jack Follman’s 10 Thoughts on 2023 Week 1 in the Pac-12
> The Conference was at its best with every member team winning—most of them handily - September 5, 2023 -
Jack Follman’s 2023 Pac-12 Season Predictions: Weeks 9-13
> Scores for every game with commentary on top contests, plus projected standings and title game - August 17, 2023 -
Jack Follman’s 2023 Pac-12 Season Predictions: Weeks 5-8
> Early picks with scores for every game and commentary for top contests & projected standings - August 16, 2023