2021 Pac-12 Football Odds Preview
According to the oddsmakers the Pac-12 is the toughest to call among the power conferences in college football this season.
At the Bovada Sportsbook the current favorite on the Pac-12 championship futures odds are the Oregon Ducks at +250. They’re followed closely by the Washington Huskies at +350, and the USC Trojans and Utah Utes both at +400.
Oregon is the defending Pac-12 champ after defeating USC 31-24 in last year's title game. They’ll be looking for a third straight title after also winning in 2019. The Ducks will have a new starting quarterback this season following the transfer of Tyler Slough. In the running for the job are Anthony Brown, Jay Butterfield, and Ty Thompson. Whoever inherits the job will have a sold receiving corps to rely on again led by Devon Williams.
Ducks could get challenge from their schedule
The Ducks' biggest challenge this season might be their schedule. They’re in tough early with a Week 2 road game against Big Ten favorites the Ohio State Buckeyes. Oregon also has road games against Washington, Utah, and UCLA this season.
Washington is coming off a difficult season in which they only played four games due to COVID complications. Dylan Morris returns at quarterback, but he could get some pressure with Patrick O’Brien waiting in the wings. The Huskies offense should have nine starters returning including five on the offensive line, giving them tons of experience to draw from. In Week 2 the Huskies get a road game against the Michigan Wolverines, but they do face Oregon, UCLA and Washington State at home this season.
Trojans looking for revenge in the season ahead
USC was undefeated at 5-0 last season before falling to Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Trojans have a Heisman Trophy contender at QB in Kedon Slovis, so big things are expected out of him and the USC offense. Getting No. 1 wideout Drake London and Bru McCoy back will only make Slovis better. The Trojans got a gift from the schedule maker this season as they avoid both Oregon and Washington. They do get a tough road game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Utah brought in transfer Charlies Brewer to play QB this season, but he’s currently battling Cam Rising for the starting gig. Whoever does end up starting will get to play behind one of the top offensive lines in the conference led by center Nick Ford and guard Sataoa Laumea. It was a tough offseason for Utah as the team dealt with the death of running back Ty Jordan just after Christmas. Looking at the Utes schedule their toughest test this season will probably come in early October when they visit USC.