Pac-12 Championship Game 2016: 5 most important players

4. Shay Fields, WR, Colorado 

Liufau was a one-man wrecking crew in Colorado’s huge win over Washington State two weeks ago, piling up 345 passing yards, 108 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. While Liufau will probably do some damage on the ground again Friday night, he can’t beat the Huskies defense by himself.

Colorado has a solid and deep group of wide receivers that will need to show up in a big way in the title game. Fields will be Colorado’s best chance of generating some production through the air, particularly with Bryce Bobo listed as questionable due to a knee injury.

The junior has enjoyed easily the best season of his career with 50 catches for 819 yards and nine touchdowns. As Fields is averaging 16.4 yards per catch, he is the Buffaloes’ best big-play threat, which will be key if the game becomes a defensive struggle.

Last week’s division-clinching win over Utah showed Fields’ speed and ability to stretch the field, even against a strong secondary, Fields hauled in seven passes for 78 yards and a score, and also dropped a sure long touchdown pass in the first half.

Of course, nothing is going to come that easy against the Washington defense. The Huskies have arguably the best secondary in college football, as starting corners Sidney Jones and Kevin King both have the attention of NFL scouts.

One splash play from Fields could change the complexion of the game, so look for him to be a major factor in Colorado’s passing attack.