The Utah Utes pose the last significant challenge to a colorful Oregon Ducks team that’s headed for the college football playoffs. The No. 20 Utes really like playing in Salt Lake City–it’s one of the toughest places in the country to play–and they’ll need every bit of the home field advantage against an Oregon team that’s firing on all cylinders, coming off a 45-16 obliteration of Stanford last week.
One of those cylinders is named Thomas Tyner, once believed to be the freewheeling future of the Ducks offense. Tyner’s just a sophomore, but the emergence and dominance of fellow running back Royce Freeman had stolen some of Tyner’s fire. Last week though Tyner looked refreshed and renewed, the injuries that have hampered him all seemingly in the rearview mirror. Tyner looked like he was having a coming out party in the Stanford game, scoring two touchdowns–and if that continues the Oregon Ducks will duck right into the playoffs tonight. They’ll have far too much punch for the Utes, even if the home crowd sends an extra missionary onto the field. No. 4 Oregon (8-1) @ No. 17 Utah (6-2) 10:00 PM ESPN