5 Things That Need To Happen For Utah Utes to Win Pac-12 South

By Alex Drude

How Utah Utes Can Still Win Pac-12 South

The Utah Utes take the field prior to the game against the Oregon Ducks at Rice-Eccles Stadium — USC beating Cal on Thursday night means that five things need to happen for the Utah Utes, with three conference losses already, to actually win the Pac-12 South. No. 1 is virtually impossible, but as Harry and Lloyd know, "you’re saying there’s a chance." And there is.

5. The Utes Win Out

utah utes travis wilson

5. The Utes Win Out

utah utes travis wilson — The only chance Utah has to win the division begins with the Utes beating Stanford, No. 14 Arizona and Colorado. That would put Utah at 6-3 with a 4-1 division record, the only loss being to Arizona State.

4. USC Loses To UCLA

Southern California Trojans receiver Nelson Agholor

4. USC Loses To UCLA

Southern California Trojans receiver Nelson Agholor — After beating Cal on Thursday, the Trojans are now 6-2 in the South. Because the Utes beat the Trojans early in the season, Utah holds the tiebreaker. But the only way that tiebreaker comes into play is if the Trojans and Utes finish 6-3. So, USC has to lose to UCLA.

3. After Beating USC, UCLA Then Loses To Stanford

UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora

3. After Beating USC, UCLA Then Loses To Stanford

UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora during — The Utes were the first team to beat UCLA this season. So if UCLA beats USC at the Rose Bowl and then loses to an up-and-down Stanford team in Palo Alto AND the Utes win out, Utah takes the tiebreak over both LA schools. As the Bruins have also been a little streaky this season, this is plausible.

2. Arizona Loses To Utah But Beats Arizona State

Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson (28)

2. Arizona Loses To Utah But Beats Arizona State

Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson (28) — In addition to the USC/UCLA scenario, Arizona would have to lose to Utah so the Utes have the tiebreak there as mentioned in scenario No. 5. But the Wildcats would also have to beat No. 6 ASU in the Territorial Cup. Arizona would then finish at 6-3 (at best) and lose the tiebreak to Utah.

1. Arizona State Somehow Loses The Next Three Games

Arizona State Sun Devils place kicker Alex Garoutte

1. Arizona State Somehow Loses The Next Three Games

Arizona State Sun Devils place kicker Alex Garoutte — The Sun Devils losing to Arizona is possible. The Sun Devils losing to Oregon State and Washington State would have to involve the best games the Beavs and Cougs have played all year and two of ASU’s worst. Or the Sun Devils going to the wrong stadium. The last possibility is more likely. ASU wins the head-to-head tiebreak with Utah, so the Utes would need to finish 6-3 while the Sun Devils finish 5-4. Not likely at all, but... there's a chance.

Alex Drude is a Pac-12 writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Alex_Drude. “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.

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