Pac-12 expert picks 2022: Most overrated and underrated teams, projected order of finish, bold predictions

The Pac-12 is entering a season of transition. UCLA and USC are leaving for the Big Ten. Utah is a model of stability under coach Kyle Whittingham. The conference is trying to place a team in the College Football Playoff for first time since 2016. The divisional format is being eliminated for 2022 season. Teams playing in championship game will be the two teams with the best record in league games.

USC is rebuilding and is openly talking about winning the Pac-12. Dennis Dodd, Tom Fornelli and David Cobb predict the Trojans will not win the league.

Chip Patterson thinks Oregon's ranking is a little off. He thinks the team is talented but is unsure about their national ranking. He likes the new-look team but thinks they're a fringe top 25 team until they play.

UCLA went 6-4 last season. The Bruins have shown a Mendoza Line between good and bad teams under Chip Kelly.

Arizona State is in dire straits this season. The team has played in a bowl game only once since 2011. Coach Herm Edwards is on the hot seat.

Oregon State is coming off a 7-6 bowl season. The Beavers beat USC, Washington, Stanford and Utah. They have a young, talented team with a quarterback and tight end.

Mario Cristobal has moved on to Miami. Dan Lanning is the fifth different head coach to be in charge of Oregon over the last 11 seasons. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Anthony Brown and Travis Dye are gone. Bo Nix is expected to play for Oregon in 2022.

Washington finished 4-8 in 2021. Kalen DeBoer will coach the team in 2022.

Washington State is going to own the trenches on defense and have program continuity with Jake Dickert at the helm. Cameron Ward and Eric Morris will play for the Cougars.

Dennis Dodd, Tom Fornelli, Shehan Jeyarajah, Jerry Palm and Barrett Sallee make bold predictions about the Pac-12 football season. The winner of the championship game between Utah and USC will be chosen for the College Football Playoff. The loser will get revenge and knock the league out of college football. Oregon will beat Georgia in the first game of this season's season on Saturday.

Dennis Dodd predicts Utah will win the Pac-12 and make the CFP. Tom Fornelli believes the Utes will be the best team in the league. Shehan Jeyarajah predicts the game between Utah and USC on Oct. 15 will the most important of the season. Jerry Palm predicts multiple teams in New Year's Six games. David Cobb predicts Georgia will beat Ohio State in Week 1.

Pac-12 expert picks 2022.

Utah is the Pac-12 team to beat in 2022. Kyle Whittingham is coming off a Pac's title. Oregon and USC have more talent than Utah. College Football Pick'em is free to play and offers prizes up to $100,000.