The middle of summer is when college football fans and bloggers study the schedule and see which teams and conferences have tougher or easier rides. July is a month made for schedule analysis, and that’s precisely what Don Smalley of Ducks Wire did in his article on the most important games for each Pac-12 football program in 2023.
Because some rivalry games are the most important game for both teams, there will be some repeat selections in Smalley’s list. Because of that replication, we’re adding some of our own selections which differ from Smalley — not because we think he is wrong (this is all opinion and personal viewpoint), but because there are other games which need to be spotlighted.
We’ll start with Ducks Wire’s selections and then move into our own (added) choices for the biggest games of Pac-12 football in 2023, the last fully year in which USC and UCLA will be members of the Pac-12 Conference:
DUCKS WIRE BIGGEST GAME FOR WASHINGTON STATE: VS. WISCONSIN, SEPT. 9
Luke Fickell at his new program goes up against Jake Dickert and Washington State, coming off a 2022 campaign in which WSU won at Wisconsin. It will be interesting to see how good the Badgers are with their new head coach, but Dickert getting a win would be a huge boost of momentum for the Cougars.
Get more Wisconsin news, analysis and opinions at Badgers Wire.
BIGGEST GAME FOR WASHINGTON: VS. OREGON, OCT. 14
Nov 12, 2022; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Washington versus Oregon once again is a game that could decide who heads to the Pac-12 title game.
BIGGEST GAME FOR UTAH: VS. FLORIDA, AUG. 31
Cam Rising and Utah against Anthony Richardson and Florida was sensational a year ago….
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