The 2021 Pac-12 Football Championship Game, also known as the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game presented by 76®, was played on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. It was the 13th edition of the Pac-12 Championship Game and determined the champion of the Pac-12 Conference for the 2021 season.
The game featured the No. 10 Utah Utes, who won the South Division, against the No. 19 Oregon Ducks, who won the North Division. Oregon defeated Utah 38-10.
The following is a detailed summary of the game.
Pac-12 Championship Game 2021
The 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game was a memorable event with several key highlights:
- Utah's Undefeated Regular Season
- Oregon's Dominating Performance
- Travis Dye's Record-Breaking Day
- Anthony Brown's Efficient Passing
- Utah's Struggles on Offense
- Oregon's Stifling Defense
- Lavonte Thompson's Interception Return
- Oregon's First Pac-12 Title Since 2014
- Mario Cristobal's Coaching Success
- Pac-12's Playoff Implications
These points summarize the key aspects of the game, providing a concise overview of the significant moments and storylines.
Utah's Undefeated Regular Season
Entering the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game, the Utah Utes were riding high on an undefeated regular season, boasting a perfect 10-0 record.
The Utes' success was built on a strong defense that allowed only 14.4 points per game, ranking among the top defenses in the nation. Led by All-American linebacker Devin Lloyd, Utah's defense forced 26 turnovers during the regular season, creating numerous opportunities for their offense.
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Cameron Rising led a balanced attack that averaged over 35 points per game. Rising threw for 2,209 yards and 20 touchdowns with just five interceptions, while also contributing 415 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Utah's undefeated regular season was a testament to the team's consistent performance and ability to overcome adversity. They faced several tough challenges throughout the season, including a narrow 24-21 victory over San Diego State in their season opener and a hard-fought 35-21 win over rival BYU. However, the Utes remained undefeated, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup with Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Despite their impressive regular season, Utah's undefeated streak came to an end in the Pac-12 Championship Game, as they fell to Oregon 38-10.
Oregon's Dominating Performance
In the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game, the Oregon Ducks put on a dominating performance, defeating the previously undefeated Utah Utes 38-10.
Oregon's offense was unstoppable, racking up 516 total yards, including 259 rushing yards and 257 passing yards. Quarterback Anthony Brown was efficient, completing 19 of 24 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 30 yards and a touchdown.
The Ducks' running game was equally impressive, led by Travis Dye, who rushed for a Pac-12 Championship Game record 211 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Dye's performance was a major factor in Oregon's ability to control the tempo of the game and keep Utah's offense off the field.
Oregon's defense was just as dominant, holding Utah to a season-low 10 points and only 281 total yards. The Ducks forced three turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown by Lavonte Thompson, and sacked Utah quarterback Cameron Rising four times.
Overall, Oregon's dominating performance in the Pac-12 Championship Game was a testament to the team's talent and preparation. They executed their game plan to perfection, controlling the game from start to finish and earning a convincing victory.
Travis Dye's Record-Breaking Day
Oregon running back Travis Dye had a record-breaking performance in the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah.
Dye rushed for 211 yards on 17 carries, setting a new record for rushing yards in a Pac-12 Championship Game. He also scored two touchdowns, including a 55-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that gave Oregon a 14-3 lead.
Dye's performance was crucial to Oregon's victory, as he helped the Ducks control the tempo of the game and keep Utah's offense off the field. He averaged 12.4 yards per carry and consistently gained yards after contact.
Dye's record-breaking day was a culmination of his breakout season for Oregon. He finished the regular season with 1,271 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, earning All-Pac-12 First Team honors.
Dye's performance in the Pac-12 Championship Game showcased his talent and versatility as a running back. He is a key part of Oregon's offense and will be a major factor in their success going forward.
Anthony Brown's Efficient Passing
Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown had an efficient passing performance in the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah.
- High Completion Percentage: Brown completed 19 of 24 passes for 257 yards, giving him a completion percentage of 79.2%. His accuracy was crucial to Oregon's success, as it allowed them to move the ball effectively and sustain drives.
- Low Interceptions: Brown did not throw any interceptions in the game, minimizing the risk of turnovers for Oregon. His ability to protect the ball was important, especially against a strong Utah defense that had forced 26 turnovers during the regular season.
- Efficient Yardage: Brown averaged 10.7 yards per completion, indicating his ability to make big plays through the air. He connected with several receivers, including Devon Williams, Kris Hutson, and Troy Franklin, to spread the ball around and keep Utah's defense guessing.
- Clutch Plays: Brown made several clutch throws throughout the game, including a 32-yard completion to Williams on a 3rd and 10 in the second quarter that set up Oregon's second touchdown. His ability to deliver in key situations was a major factor in Oregon's victory.
Overall, Brown's efficient passing performance was a key component of Oregon's offensive success in the Pac-12 Championship Game. His accuracy, decision-making, and ability to make big plays helped the Ducks move the ball consistently and put points on the board.
zásepsfigepsfigepsfig.Oregon's Stifling Defense
The Oregon Ducks' defense put on a stifling performance in the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game, holding the Utah Utes to a season-low 10 points and only 281 total yards.
- Relentless Pass Rush: Oregon's defensive line and linebackers generated consistent pressure on Utah quarterback Cameron Rising, sacking him four times and forcing him to make several hurried throws. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brandon Dorlus were particularly disruptive, combining for three sacks.
- Effective Run Defense: The Ducks' defense limited Utah's running game to just 2.8 yards per carry. They were able to clog up the running lanes and prevent Utah from establishing any rhythm on the ground. Linebacker Noah Sewell led the team with 11 tackles, including several tackles for loss.
- Opportunistic Takeaways: Oregon's defense forced three turnovers in the game, including an interception returned for a touchdown by Lavonte Thompson. These turnovers gave Oregon great field position and helped swing the momentum in their favor.
- Bend but Don't Break: While Utah was able to move the ball at times, Oregon's defense was able to bend but not break. They made several key stops on third and fourth down, preventing Utah from extending drives and scoring points.
Overall, Oregon's stifling defense was a major factor in their victory over Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game. They were able to generate pressure, stop the run, force turnovers, and make key stops when they needed them most.
Monte Thompson's Interception Return
One of the key plays in the 2021 Pac-12 title game was Monte
Thompson's 61-interception return in the second quarter.
With the Ducks up 14-3 and facing a third and 10 from their own 39-interception return, Vernon Randall was looking to throw a quick pass to his right.
Thompson jumped and intercepted the pass at the 40-interception return and rum bled down the sideline for a touchdown.
The score gave the Ducks a 21-3 lead and helped put the Utes on their heels.
Oregon's First Pac-12 Title Since 2014
The 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game victory marked Oregon's first Pac-12 title since 2014.
The Ducks had come close in the intervening years, reaching the Pac-12 Championship Game in 2019, but they had not been able to secure the title.
This victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication from the Oregon program.
It was also a special moment for head coach Mario Cristobal, who had led the Ducks to new heights in his four seasons at the helm.
Mario Cristobal's Coaching Success
Mario Cristobal has been a key figure in Oregon's recent success, leading the Ducks to their first Pac-12 title since 2014.
- Player Development: Cristobal has a proven track record of developing players, both on and off the field. Under his leadership, Oregon has seen several players earn All-Pac-12 and All-American honors.
- Scheme Implementation: Cristobal has implemented a successful offensive and defensive scheme at Oregon. The Ducks' offense is known for its up-tempo style and explosive playmakers, while the defense is known for its physicality and ability to generate turnovers.
- Culture Change: Cristobal has instilled a winning culture at Oregon, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and hard work. This culture has been a major factor in the Ducks' recent success.
- Recruiting Success: Cristobal has been very successful in recruiting top talent to Oregon. He has brought in several highly-rated recruits, including five-star quarterback Dante Moore and five-star edge rusher Kelvin Banks.
Overall, Mario Cristobal has been a major factor in Oregon's resurgence as a national power. His coaching success is a result of his player development, scheme implementation, culture change, and recruiting success.
Pac-12's Playoff Implications
The 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game had significant implications for the Pac-12's chances of making the College Football Playoff.
With Utah entering the game undefeated, a Utah victory would have likely secured them a spot in the Playoff. However, Oregon's victory knocked Utah out of Playoff contention and opened the door for another Pac-12 team to make the Playoff.
Ultimately, the Pac-12 did not have a team make the College Football Playoff in 2021. However, Oregon's victory over Utah kept the Pac-12 in the Playoff conversation until the end of the season.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game:
Question 1: Who won the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game?
Answer 1: Oregon Ducks
Question 2: What was the score of the game?
Answer 2: Oregon 38, Utah 10
Question 3: Who was the MVP of the game?
Answer 3: Travis Dye, Oregon running back
Question 4: Did Utah make the College Football Playoff?
Answer 4: No, Utah's loss to Oregon knocked them out of Playoff contention.
Question 5: Did any Pac-12 teams make the College Football Playoff?
Answer 5: No, the Pac-12 did not have any teams make the Playoff in 2021.
Question 6: Where was the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game played?
Answer 6: Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada
Question 7: Who was the head coach of Oregon in the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game?
Answer 7: Mario Cristobal
Question 8: Who was the head coach of Utah in the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game?
Answer 8: Kyle Whittingham
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game. For more information, please visit the official Pac-12 website.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for watching the Pac-12 Championship Game:
Tips
Here are a few tips for watching the Pac-12 Championship Game:
Tip 1: Be prepared for a high-scoring game. The Pac-12 is known for its high-scoring offenses, and the championship game is no exception. Be prepared for a lot of points and excitement.
Tip 2: Pay attention to the key matchups. There are several key matchups to watch in the Pac-12 Championship Game, including the battle between Oregon's offense and Utah's defense, and the matchup between Utah's running game and Oregon's pass rush.
Tip 3: Don't forget about the special teams. Special teams can play a major role in the outcome of a game, so don't forget to pay attention to the kicking game and the return game.
Tip 4: Enjoy the atmosphere. The Pac-12 Championship Game is a big event, so soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the experience.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
These are just a few tips for watching the Pac-12 Championship Game. By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a great time watching the game.
I hope this article has been helpful in providing you with information about the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game. Enjoy the game!
Conclusion
The 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game was a memorable event, featuring two of the top teams in the conference. Oregon's dominating performance was a testament to the team's talent and preparation, while Utah's undefeated regular season was a remarkable achievement.
In the end, Oregon's victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The Ducks' success is a credit to the players, coaches, and fans who have supported the program.
The Pac-12 Championship Game is always a special event, and the 2021 game was no exception. It was a great showcase for the conference and its talented teams.