The term "Pac-12" has generated significant buzz recently due to major shifts in the landscape of college football. Once a powerhouse conference in the NCAA, the Pac-12 is now undergoing a transformation that has left fans and analysts speculating about the future of its member schools. The recent surge in attention stems from conference realignment, bowl game projections, and the evolving status of teams within the Pac-12. The question on everyone’s mind: what lies ahead for these schools as the college football season progresses?
Why is Pac-12 Trending?
The Pac-12 is currently trending due to several important developments. First, the conference has experienced a wave of realignment, with key member schools leaving for other conferences. This has led to the dissolution of what was once one of the most competitive conferences in the NCAA. As a result, football fans are closely watching where former Pac-12 teams will land in the postseason, particularly in bowl games.
Given that this is a pivotal season for many schools, bowl projections are a hot topic. Several former Pac-12 teams are consistently performing well, making their postseason futures an intriguing discussion point. Furthermore, with the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture taking shape, fans are eager to see how teams like Oregon, Utah, and Arizona will fare.
Context: A Conference in Disarray
The Pac-12 Conference was established as a major collegiate athletic conference, known for its competitive football programs. However, recent events, including realignment and the departure of several key schools, have thrown its future into question. Schools like USC, UCLA, and others have announced their moves to other conferences, leaving the Pac-12 in a state of flux. Presently, fans are watching to see how the remaining teams will perform in their final years under the Pac-12 banner, especially regarding potential bowl game appearances.
The Pac-12's uncertain future has made this football season particularly compelling, with many teams aiming to finish strong before transitioning to new conferences. This has put added emphasis on postseason projections, including the possibility of some teams reaching the prestigious CFP.
Bowl Projections: Which Former Pac-12 Teams Will Make It?
With the season nearing its conclusion, the question of which former Pac-12 teams will earn spots in bowl games is a major talking point. According to a recent article in the Seattle Times, several former Pac-12 schools are in strong contention for bowl appearances. The University of Washington (UW) is among those projected to secure a significant bowl berth, with analysts predicting a spot in one of the New Year’s Six bowl games. This comes as no surprise, given UW's strong season and national ranking.
Other schools that left the Pac-12 are also expected to make bowl appearances. Oregon and Utah, two of the conference's strongest teams, are not only expected to secure bowl spots but are also in the running for the College Football Playoff. Their performances this season have positioned them as favorites to reach the CFP, with Tucson.com projecting that both schools could make it to the playoff if they continue their stellar play. Arizona is another team to watch, with projections placing them in the Holiday Bowl.
California's Bowl Chances: A Consensus
California (Cal) is also in the mix for a bowl game, and experts seem to agree that the Golden Bears will land a postseason berth. In a Sports Illustrated article, it was noted that all nine experts consulted have Cal projected to appear in a bowl game, reflecting a consensus that the team has done enough to secure a spot. While Cal has faced challenges this season, their overall performance has been solid enough to warrant postseason play.
The Future of Pac-12 Teams in the College Football Landscape
While bowl projections are exciting, the larger story here is the future of Pac-12 teams in the college football landscape. With many schools already committed to other conferences, the end of the Pac-12 as a major football conference seems imminent. Oregon and Utah have shown that they remain forces to be reckoned with, and their potential inclusion in the CFP could have lasting implications for their new conference alignments.
For fans and analysts alike, the 2023-2024 college football season is a bittersweet moment for the Pac-12. On one hand, it’s a celebration of the conference’s storied history and the potential of its remaining teams to reach prestigious bowl games. On the other hand, it’s a time of uncertainty, as the conference undergoes dramatic changes that will likely alter the landscape of college football for years to come.
Conclusion
The Pac-12 is trending not just because of the ongoing football season, but also due to the significant shifts in its structure. As major schools leave the conference and bowl game projections come into focus, fans are paying close attention to which teams will earn postseason berths. With schools like Oregon, Utah, and Arizona looking to make deep runs, and Cal seemingly set for a bowl appearance, it’s clear that the Pac-12’s influence will be felt even as the conference transitions into a new era.