Posted on November 28, 2022
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In previous years, the answers have been fairly clear-cut, with the top two divisional teams meeting in the Championship Game.
But with divisions dead and three teams tied for second place, a set of convoluted tie-breakers dictated the contestants.
The postseason possibilities for the winner and loser of Friday’s matchup range from the CFP to the Rose Bowl or a much lesser bowl.
Here are my latest predictions on where Conference teams will land in the postseason.
Peach Bowl – USC vs Georgia
1:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m., PT, ESPN, December 31, 2022, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
The Trojans have taken care of business all season and only lost once, on the road, by one point. And now they can avenge that loss.
Their reward…playing Georgia in Atlanta.
Rose Bowl – Washington vs. Ohio State
2:00 p.m., PT, ESPN, Jan. 2, 2023, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
It’s amazing to think Washington gets to Pasadena after their loss to Arizona State earlier this year.
Their reward…facing Ohio State’s passing attack with their struggling pass defense.
Alamo Bowl – Oregon vs. Texas
6:00 p.m., PT, ESPN, December 29, 2022, Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
The Ducks had a rough end of their season against their two biggest rivals.
They’re still the most appealing nine-win team in the conference to me, though.
Holiday Bowl – Utah vs. Duke
5:00 p.m., PT, FOX, December 28, 2022, Petco Park, San Diego, CA
I don’t think the Utes can get the upset in their rematch with USC, landing them in San Diego.
Las Vegas Bowl – Oregon State vs. Florida
4:30 p.m., PT, ABC, December 17, 2022, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
The Beavers finished the season strong and played their way into Las Vegas.
A huge bowl for them to cap off a really good season.
Sun Bowl – UCLA vs. Louisville
11:00 a.m., PT, CBS, December 30, 2022, Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX
UCLA’s late-season slide sends them all the way to El Paso as the bottom of the nine-win Pac-12 teams.
Los Angeles Bowl – Washington State vs. Boise State
12:30 p.m., PT, ABC, December 17, 2022, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
The Cougars can finish off a good second season under Jake Dickert with a win over a Mountain West power in the Pac-12’s last bowl slot.
—More from Jack Follman—
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- Jack Follman’s 2022 SuperWest Pac-12 Annual Awards
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Jack Follman’s 2023 Pac-12 Football Trap Games
Marquee showdowns get the most attention but trap games frequently decide the season - March 25, 2023 -
Jack Follman’s 2022-23 Pac-12 All-NFL Team
There’s been a slight changing of the guard as some veterans age out and new stars emerge - February 17, 2023 -
Jack Follman’s Updated Two-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft
A picture of where Pac-12 players might go in the first couple of rounds is starting to take shape - February 13, 2023