SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Larry Scott came to his pregame press conference armed with stats. The fifth-ranked Utah Utes were about to face 13th-ranked Oregon in their conference championship game — a Chris Fowler/Kirk Herbstreit ABC primetime showcase — with the chance to state their case to the College Football Playoff selection committee. The Pac-12’s commissioner figured reporters might want to know Utah’s victory margin over its previous eight games (308-76). Or how many opponents the Utes’ defense had held below 100 yards rushing (11).



“If they are to win tonight, to go on to the Playoff … I think this could forever change (Utah’s reputation),” said Scott. “They will be seen more as a blueblood rather than an up-and-comer.”



Unfortunately for Utah and its conference, the 11-1 Utes then went and played a 13th football game. And it could not have been more different than their entire season...