Oregon's walking into 'one of the toughest places to play' in Utah, Joel Klatt says

Oregon gets to take on the two-time defending Pac-12 champion Utah Utes on the road this weekend. It’s one of the toughest places to play, according to Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt.

Despite not having quarterback Cam Rising all season long, Utah shut down USC once again last week and kept its conference title and College Football Playoff hopes alive. Oregon is in the same boat and neither team can afford another loss with big time championship aspirations.

But the Ducks have quite the challenge this weekend at Utah.

“And by the way, it is the most underrated, not only program, atmosphere in college football and one of the toughest places to win,” Klatt said on The Herd. “In fact, in fact, folks this is what Oregon is going to deal with, with Bo Nix an experienced guy, 55th start by the way on Saturday, Utah has won their last 27 at home with fans in the stands. 

“The last time they lost was during COVID. I don’t count it. I don’t count that. When you actually talk about an environment at Rice Eccles stadium, they’ve won 27 in a row at home. That’s what Oregon’s walking into … And you’re right about Kyle Whittingham. Kyle Whittingham is one of the best coaches in America.”

Oregon has big challenge at Utah

Oregon won the matchup last season in Eugene, but that broke a two-game losing streak to the Utes. Overall, Oregon leads the series 24-12.

But this is set to be the last game for quite some time as Oregon goes to the Big Ten and Utah heads to the Big 12.

“Well this is certainly our biggest game, because it’s the next game,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said. “This is a team that I have a lot of respect for. How they’ve operated, what they do. Utah, always be our footprint, from a recruiting standpoint, to be able to go there and get the best and the brightest in our program. But it’s going to be a fun game.

“This is one that our players will get excited about. Our fans will be excited about. When we go down there and do well against these guys.”

Lanning was also very complimentary of the environment in Salt Lake. As Klatt pointed out, it’s one of the toughest places in America to play.

This could essentially be a Pac-12 title elimination game. Since the loser will have two losses, that team will certainly be out of the College Football Playoff mix.

No. 8 Oregon and No. 13 Utah square off Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET.