The Pac-12 Championship Game will have major Playoff implications, like most people figured at the beginning of the season. The participants, however, are a bit of a surprise. Washington was a hot preseason pick, so it’s not shocking that the Huskies won the Pac-12 North, but not everyone thought they would control their Playoff destiny after an 11-1 regular season. The Huskies’ opponent is a total shock. Colorado was the worst team in the Pac-12 two years ago, and Mike MacIntyre has turned the Buffaloes completely around, leading them to a 10-2 season and the Pac-12 South crown.
Colorado vs. Washington, Pac-12 Championship 2016: Time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Washington and Colorado should put on a show in Santa Clara.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Another thing people wouldn't expect from a Pac-12 title game: This one should have plenty of defense. Washington and Colorado are both top-12 teams in terms of Defensive S&P+, and they're tied for eighth in the nation, allowing only 4.67 yards per play. That's the challenge that lies ahead for Jake Browning and Sefo Liufau.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Fox
Radio: Colorado | Washington
Online streaming: Fox Sports GO
Spread: Washington is favored by 7.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at The Ralphie Report for Colorado fans and UW Dawg Pound for Washington fans.
Three big things to know
1. No matter which team wins this game, the new Pac-12 champion will be a school that hasn’t climbed the mountain in a long time. Colorado’s last conference title came in the Big 12 in 2001, and Washington’s last Pac-12 title came in 2000. Separate out the Playoff implications, and this is an incredible moment for two programs and fan bases that have wandered the proverbial desert.
2. When you look at the two teams, both have great defenses, but Washington’s offense is statistically a good step better than Colorado’s. The Huskies are gaining 7.35 yards per play this year, which is fifth in the nation, while Colorado is 68th with 5.74 yards per play.
3. If Lamar Jackson’s Heisman campaign is now on shaky ground thanks to Louisville’s poor finish, a huge game here by Jake Browning could get him an invitation to New York. He’s third in the nation with 40 passing touchdowns, fourth in passer rating (181.64), and sixth in yards per attempt (9.6).
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