It’s championship week in the 2023 college football season, and the action kicks off with a monster matchup tonight, as No. 5 Oregon takes on No. 3 Washington in the Pac-12 title game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Heisman Trophy hopefuls Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. will have a prime-time stage to leave one last impressive on voters.
But that’s not all that’s at stake, as the Huskies (12-0) and Ducks (11-1), two of the four conference teams ranked in the AP Top 25, will battle for an almost certain spot in the College Football Playoff. The Pac-12 has not placed a team in the playoffs since the Huskies made it in the 2016 season.
And the backdrop to all of this is the fact that this is the last Pac-12 game as we know it, as while the name of the conference might live on in some fashion, every school in the league — other than Oregon State and Washington State — is heading to other conferences next year. Washington and Oregon will be Big Ten Conference rivals, while their respective state rivals try to keep the Pac-12 going in some form with the help of an alliance with the Mountain West.
A victory for Washington would cap a perfect season — which would include beating Oregon twice — that will continue into the CFP.
A win for Oregon means the Ducks are Pac-12 champs, but a final-four spot is not guaranteed.
Here are the top moments!
No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 3 Washington
9:30 1Q: Troy Franklin sets a record
Oregon has put together a nice drive, with Troy Franklin making plays, including an 11-yard gain off a short pass in which he danced away from multiple defenders. That play was his 78th catch of the season, an Oregon record.
End of 1Q: Washington leads 10-0
There is a lot of football left, but the Huskies have dominated so far. Washington leads in time of possession (13:13-1:47), total plays (25-6) and total yards (117-9).
2:31: Oregon’s offense in slow motion so far
Oregon has run six offensive plays so far and has yet to earn a first down. Another drive, another punt for the Ducks.
3:46 1Q: TOUCHDOWN, HUSKIES!
A fine punt return set Washington up with a short field, and the Huskies took advantage with a six-play scoring drive. Dillon Johnson punched it in with a 6-yard run around the left end. Johnson already has 53 rushing yards on nine carries, an average of 5.8 yards per carry.
7:24 1Q: Three-and-out
The prowess of Oregon’s offense is well-documented, but Washington’s defense had a strong start. The Huskies even got a little help from an (un)official extra defender.
7:38 1Q: Huskies strike first
The Huskies put together a 15-play drive for 54 yards before Oregon came up with the stop. A 38-yard field goal put Washington up 3-0.
11:10 1Q: Close call!
Michael Penix almost tossed an interception on Washington’s opening drive, due to a miscommunication with receiver Rome Odunze.
Pregame scene
The Pac-12 is taking over Las Vegas.
The quarterbacks arrived in style ahead of a huge moment for both of them.
Both schools released hype videos — of course — and they brought chills.
Joel Klatt offered a special goodbye message to the Pac-12.
Both teams received well-wishes ahead of the game from notable alumni Warren Moon, Kayvon Thibodeaux and more.
Stay tuned for updates!
College Football
Oregon Ducks
Washington Huskies
[Do you want more great stories delivered right to you? Here’s how you can create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow your favorite leagues, teams and players and receive a personalized newsletter in your inbox daily.]
COLLEGE FOOTBALL trending
Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
