Oregon’s Loss To Auburn Helps Prepare For Clash With Utah

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Oregon Ducks didn’t get off to the best start to 2019, but after a tough loss to Oregon, they went on a run and are in the Pac-12 Championship game against Utah.

The Ducks lost to then-No. 16 Auburn 27-21 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It was a game that Oregon led for most of the time but allowed the Tigers to score 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

“That game was really valuable for us,” Oregon head coach Cristobal said at his weekly press conference. “Because you spend an entire off-season and you really don’t know but you want to know and your nerves are through the roof, trying to find a way to settle yourself. Once you settle down, you realize that you belong in this fight.”

Back up ‘cause we need space.

Pac-12 Championship game uniform combo for @OregonFootball. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/L4xT9ARNNh

— GoDucks (@GoDucks) December 6, 2019

Oregon didn’t lose again until they fell to Arizona State two weeks ago. Which is why that Auburn game was important for the Ducks regardless of result.

“That really helped launch our season in the direction that it went,” Cristobal said. “Our guys realized a lot about themselves and what they were capable of. We have applied and will continue to apply all of the lessons learned in that game and more.”

Many compare Auburn’s defensive line to the Utes, both units are among the best in the country. It will benefit Oregon’s offensive line to have played against the Tigers because it helps prepare them for Utah.

Utah will face No. 13 Oregon on Friday in the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The game will kickoff at 6 p.m. and will be televised on ABC.