In this article, we will formulate a Nebraska vs Utah Prediction for this College Football Las Vegas Bowl Game on Wednesday, December 31st. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Football matchup.
Utah Utes Preview
Utah has a 10-2 record this season and finished 7-2 in the Big 12. They are coming off a 31-21 road win against Kansas. Offensively, Utah averages 41.1 points per game, ranking 5th in the nation, while defensively, they allow 18.7 points per game, which is 16th. Utah averages 478.6 total yards per game (208.8 passing and 269.8 rushing), while allowing 360.3 total yards per game (182.8 rushing and 177.5 passing).
Devon Dampier leads Utah with 2,180 passing yards with 63.7% completed passes and 22 touchdowns. Wayshawn Parker leads the team in rushing yards with 931, while Ryan Davis has a team-high 57 receptions for 659 receiving yards. Defensively, Johnathan Hall has a team-high 65 total tackles (41 of them solo), while John Henry Daley leads the team in sacks, with 11.5, and Jackson Bennee leads the team with 4 interceptions.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview
Nebraska has a 7-5 record this season and finished 4-5 in the Big Ten. They are coming off a 16-40 home loss against Iowa. Offensively, Nebraska averages 29.2 points per game, ranking 54th in the nation, while defensively, they allow 23 points per game, which is 53rd. Nebraska averages 372.8 total yards per game (228.2 passing and 144.7 rushing), while allowing 312.3 total yards per game (171.3 rushing and 141.1 passing).
Dylan Raiola leads Nebraska with 2,000 passing yards with 72.4% completed passes and 18 touchdowns. Emmett Johnson leads the team in rushing yards with 1,451, while Emmett Johnson has a team-high 46 receptions for 370 receiving yards. Defensively, Javin Wright has a team-high 83 total tackles (38 of them solo), while Kade Pietrzak leads the team in sacks, with 2, and DeShon Singleton leads the team with 2 interceptions.
Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Utah Utes Betting Trends: Bowl
Why the Utah Utes will win
- Nebraska has lost each of its last 29 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Utah has won each of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Nebraska has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 12 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Utah has covered the spread in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
- Utah has won the first half in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
- Utah has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers will win
- Nebraska has won each of its last nine games against non-conference opponents.
- Utah has lost four of its last five games as a favorite at neutral venues.
- Nebraska has covered the spread in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
- Utah has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
- Nebraska has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Nebraska’s last four games in December have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Utah’s last five games have gone OVER the total points line.
Utah Utes Player Prop Facts
- Heading into the bowl games, John Henry Daley ranks T4th amongst FBS players for sacks (11.5) this season.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Player Prop Facts
- Emmett Johnson has recorded 100+ rushing yards in five consecutive games (including postseason) – equal-longest streak in the FBS, heading into the bowl games.
Matchup/League Facts
- Utah ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (11.9).
- Utah has averaged 47.0 points over its last five games – most in the FBS over that span.
- Nebraska ranks 2nd among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (141.1).
- Nebraska ranks 135th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (96.8).
Nebraska vs Utah Prediction
In this Nebraska vs Utah Prediction, Utah is coming as -14-point favorites. Utah has been the better team this season, as it has just two defeats in 12 games played and have been almost perfect on the road with a 5-1 record, as this game takes place in a neutral site. Nebraska is 1-3 in its last 4 games and 0-2 against the spread and have been inferior both offensively and defensively, as Utah has a dominating +22.4 point differential this season. I expect Utah to take care of business in a comfortable fashion in this game and cover the big spread.