College Football Playoff 2019: 16-team bracket simulation

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers talks with Joe Burrow #9 in the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: CJ Verdell #7 of the Oregon Ducks breaks free for a 70 yard touchdown run in the middle of the fourth quarter during the Pac-12 Championship football game against the Utah Utes at Levi’s Stadium on December 6, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Oregon Ducks won 37-15. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

6. Oregon vs. 11. Utah

This matchup would undoubtedly bring back the ghost of missed opportunities for the Utah Utes, at least as it pertains to the four-team College Football Playoff field currently in place. Had Utah been able to handle their business in the Pac-12 Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks, they would’ve been in the top four without question. Instead, they got lambasted by the Ducks in a game that was truly not that close.

Considering how talented both teams are and how good of a coach Kyle Whittingham has proven to be throughout his time on the sidelines, it’s safe to assume that the result of a rematch would not be a 22-point game in either team’s favor. However, in terms of Oregon being able to replicate what they did against Utah, that seems very much in play.

Of the two things that Oregon did extremely, the first was to use their speed and elite offensive line to neutralize the stout Utah defense. Star offensive tackle Penei Sewell eliminated Bradley Anai from the equation while C.J. Verdell and Johnny Johnson simply ran past defenders consistently. That’s not something that’s going to change just based on physical tools.

More importantly, though, the Ducks defense dared Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley to beat them with his arm. Yes, Zack Moss still had a productive game but he was not allowed to be the driving force that he’s been for so long simply because Oregon put Huntley in a position to be a playmaker he’s not totally capable of being. And again, that’s not something that seems likely to change.

Subsequently, the Ducks just present a bad matchup for the Utes, meaning Oregon would advance in the CFP bracket.

Winner: Oregon Ducks