By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports
November 1, 2022
There wasn’t much change at the top of the Pac-12 bowl picture after last week, but tonight’s CFP rankings release has the potential to shake things up a little.
Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Utah all look solid, and they don’t seem likely to lose except to each other.
Projections at this time of year are less speculative than in September and October, but there’s still a good chance that what we think will happen now won’t align with the actual bowl matchups come December.
Here are my latest predictions on where Conference teams will land in the postseason.
Rose Bowl – Oregon vs. Michigan
2:00 p.m., PT, ESPN, Jan. 2, 2023, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
I’m torn about the Ducks. I don’t think they’re a CFP team. I also don’t have a game I can call them losing now.
I’ll settle on a Rose Bowl trip.
Cotton Bowl – UCLA vs. Kansas State
10:00 a.m., PT, ESPN, January 2, 2023, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
I’m giving the Bruins the edge over the Trojans right now.
Could they beat Oregon in a rematch on a neutral field if given the chance? I’m not sure.
Alamo Bowl – USC vs. Baylor
6:00 p.m., PT, ESPN, December 29, 2022, Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
I don’t trust the Trojans.
I think two conference losses send them to San Antonio.
Holiday Bowl – Utah vs. Florida State
5:00 p.m., PT, FOX, December 28, 2022, Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Utah’s season now hinges on avoiding upsets and winning at Oregon.
I don’t think they can get the Ducks on the road.
Las Vegas Bowl – Washington vs. Florida
4:30 p.m., PT, ABC, December 17, 2022, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Washington is an interesting team.
They can be dangerous if they get any kind of defense. That might take another season to happen.
Sun Bowl – Oregon State vs. Louisville
11:00 a.m., PT, CBS, December 30, 2022, Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX
The Beavers have a major swing game at Washington on Friday.
Get the win and climb the ladder or lose and land in El Paso.
Los Angeles Bowl – Washington State vs. Boise State
12:30 p.m., PT, ABC, December 17, 2022, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
The Cougars are fading and just getting to a bowl is solid now.
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Jack Follman’s 10 Thoughts on 2023 Week 1 in the Pac-12
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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