Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid. (Rob Gray – USA Today Sport)
One point separated Utah and USC when they first met in 2022. It’s only fitting that they meet again to prove who deserves the Pac-12 championship.
One of the biggest complaints about the Pac-12 Championship Game over recent years is how out of touch it is with the broader College Football Playoff picture.
This year, that has been corrected.
The Pac-12 title game has huge ramifications as USC seeks a conference championship and a playoff berth while Utah aims to please the Trojans for a second time with a repeat trophy and Rose Bowl at stake.
What should fans expect from this?
3 bold predictions for Utah vs. USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game
Dalton Kincaid will have less than 75 yards
Dalton Kincaid completely demolished USC the last time around. He caught 16 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown while the Trojans had no way of stopping him.
This performance for the ages is clearly not repeatable. But this time the Trojans will have actual answers for him. He will never have more than 75 yards.
First of all, Kincaid suffered an injury against Colorado. Kyle Whittingham told reporters this week that he will play against USC, but there is a possibility that an injury could hold him back.
At the same time, USC will be very focused on limiting its impact. Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer ended up with eight catches for 98 yards in an impressive performance last week, but even then, the Trojans showed signs they could handle tight end better now than before.
Kincaid destroyed USC by being wide open and meddling in YAC yards. Meyer eats by catching contested passes. If the Trojans cover Kincaid like they did Meyer, especially with his injury, they’ll limit him.
[ad_2]
