- The Oregon Ducks are +250 favorites to win the PAC-12 in 2021-2022.
- The Washington Huskies are just behind them on the odds boards, and returned 18 starters.
- The two teams meet on November 6, and that game could determine the conference winner.
SEATTLE - The Washington Huskies are in a weird spot as a program. Under Chris Peterson, they were an elite team, winning 10 or more games three years in a row before the year of his departure, in which they went 8-5.
Their first year under Jimmy Lake was a success, but was also marred by COVID-19, and they went 3-1 in the four games they played - although they had an abysmal strength of schedule.
This has set them up to be one of the favorites to win the Pac-12 in 2021-2022 on the online sportsbooks, but can they overcome Oregon and USC?
PAC-12 Conference Winner 21/22 Odds
- Oregon +250
- Washington +350
- USC +400
- Utah +400
- Arizona State +500
- UCLA +1200
- California +2500
- Stanford +3000
- Colorado +3500
- Washington State +3500
- Oregon State +4400
- Arizona +8000
The online sportsbooks give them a very solid chance at doing so, and it’s clear that they’re a legitimate contender in the PAC-12.
The conference could come down to a matchup against Oregon on November 6, 2021, where the two preseason favorites will meet.
That game also has the potential to decide the divisional winner - and who goes to the PAC-12 championship game.
PAC-12 North Division Winner 21/22 Odds
- Oregon -110
- Washington +130
- California +1500
- Washington State +1600
- Stanford +1800
- Oregon State +2000
Washington will be at home for that game, and they’ll likely need every advantage they can get against what could be a tough Oregon squad.
Washington are going to have plenty of advantages, however. They’re returning 18 of their 22 starters from the 2020 season.
While those starters only played four games, it’s still a significant boost to their chances to win the conference - experience is experience, after all.
Three returning players were first team All-Pac-12: LB Zion Tupuola-Fetui, TE Cade Otton, and LT Jaxson Kirkland.
ZTF, however, suffered an injury to his achilles tendon that could keep him out for part of the season.
Under center will likely be sophomore QB Dylan Morris, although there is a serious amount of hype surrounding freshman Sam Huard, a five star recruit.
The real question for the Huskies is whether they can convert this level of returning talent into a win against Oregon, and hold their position as a top contender.
Online gambling fans have a lot to think about in the PAC-12 this year, and Washington should be at the top of the list.