National Writer Predicts Oregon State To Reach Pac-12 Title Game

Oregon State running back Damien Martinez (6) runs with the ball and pushes off Washington cornerback Mishael Powell (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

By STEVEN VAUGHAN, 750 THE GAME

It’s the final season for the Pac-12 as we know it.

But the season is getting closer and it’s that time to start thinking about the actual games on the field.

The Pac-12 has a lot of storylines off the field. But on it, the conference could be in for one of its biggest and most competitive seasons ever.

John Canzano talked about it all with Chris Vannini, senior writer for The Athletic, on Monday’s radio show (afternoons 3-6 p.m. on 750 The Game).

“I think the Pac-12 will be the most fun conference in college football, by a lot,” Vannini said. “They have the quarterback play. Everything about this league is going to be exciting. And the league finally scheduled smart. Almost all the big games are in the second half of the season.”

The Pac-12 has six teams that are considered contenders in the conference. Oregon State is one of them, coming into the preseason AP poll at No. 18. The Beavers look poised for a big year and Vannini says because of their favorable schedule, the Beavers could be starting the season off really well.

“It’s very easy to see Oregon State start the year 9-1 with that schedule,” Vannini said. “And going into the Oregon and Washington games to end the year…I think the Pac-12 is going to be a lot of fun. It’s the last year we kind of get it and I hope everyone enjoys it for what it is.”

When asked who he has matching up in the Pac-12 title game, Vannini offered a tasty showdown that would not involve the favorite, USC.

“Washington,” Vannini started, before continuing, “…vs. Oregon State.”

You don’t say, Chris?

“It’s tough,” Vannini continued. “Is it going to be a combination of USC, Washington or Oregon? Maybe. But the field is so deep with Utah, Oregon State, and UCLA. It could be any collection.”

Vannini explained why he’s taking the Dawgs and the Beavs to reach Vegas.

“I’m really high on Washington. I’m really high on Kalen DeBoer as the coach and everything they’re bringing back. I think Oregon State’s schedule is favorable. You could see them starting off 9-1. If you split the last two games, you’ll be 10-2. That probably gets you in the championship game. So I’m going Washington, Oregon State.”

For what it’s worth, according to Betonline.ag, Washington has the second best odds to win the conference at +265. Oregon State has the sixth-best odds to win the Pac-12 at +1200. The odds think Oregon State is a long shot. But as we know, anything can happen.

How fitting would it be if Oregon State, One of the “other 4” Pac-12 schools who are still unsure about their conference future, made it to the Pac-12 conference championship in the conference’s final season?

It would be a great way to go out for the Beavers.

To listen to the full interview with The Athletic’s Chris Vannini, click the podcast below. Catch the Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano weekdays 3-6 pm exclusively in Portland on 750 The Game.