The Utah Utes and the Northwestern Wildcats meet Saturday in Las Vegas Bowl college football action from Allegiant Stadium. Utah stands at 8-4 this year. The Utes have lost three of their last five games but managed to take out Colorado in their latest outing. As for Northwestern, they’re riding a three-game win streak at 7-5 overall after a victory versus Illinois on November 25. Let’s get into our Utah vs. Northwestern prediction. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Utah Utes 

The Utes managed to win seven of their first nine games this year, falling to only Oregon State and Oregon in that time. Utah’s offense carried the team adequately well for most of the season, averaging 24.5 points per game. The passing attack wasn’t spectacular though, with just 173.6 yards per game, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions through the air. 

In their latest matchup versus Colorado, the Utes were able to finish off the regular-season campaign with a victory. Utah scored points in every quarter on the way to a 23-17 result. QB Luke Bottari posted just 61 yards but scored twice on the ground. Jaylon Glover was the lead rusher with 107 yards on 17 carries. 

Utah Utes Team Facts

• Utah has won each of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Utah has covered the spread in each of its last four games in December.
• Utah has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
• Four of Utah’s last five games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

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Northwestern Wildcats 

Over on the Wildcats’ side, they started out the year at a shaky 4-5 overall. Northwestern closed strong though, beating Wisconsin, Purdue and Illinois in their final three outings. The Wildcats ended up with an average of 22.8 points per game, scoring 18 touchdowns (and eight picks) alongside an average of 200.1 yards per game through the air. 

In their last matchup versus Illinois, the Wildcats were ahead 28-23 going into the final quarter. After the dust settled, Northwestern ended up with a 45-43 victory to squash the Illini’s bowl hopes. Wildcats QB Ben Bryant finished with 234 yards, two scores and two picks. Cam Porter rushed for 69 yards, and Cam Johnson caught seven balls for 124 yards and a TD. 

Northwestern Wildcats Team Facts

• Northwestern has won three of its last four games as an underdog.
• Northwestern has covered the spread in each of its last six games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Northwestern has lost the first half in three of its last four games against opponents from the Pac-12 Conference.
• Three of Northwestern’s last four games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Northwestern has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (2).
• Utah rank T22nd among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (19.8).

ANDREW’S FREE UTAH VS NORTHWESTERN PREDICTION

I’ll stick with Northwestern. This should be a pretty interesting matchup featuring a pair of defense-heavy teams, though. The Wildcats need to tighten things up on that side of the ball following 455 yards allowed versus Illinois, but the offense ended up coming through with 379 yards of their own in the tight win. Northwestern has scored 23 or more points in every win this year, so it’ll be important to reach that threshold in this one. 

As for Utah, they held the Buffaloes to just 262 total yards (225 passing) and 13 first downs in their last outing. The Utes followed their normal game plan in that victory, posting 268 of their 329 total yards on the ground. Utah probably won’t stray from their run-heavy identity in this bowl matchup, however they may have a few tricks up their sleeve in the passing game. Still, I’m leaning toward Northwestern to cover in what should be a pretty competitive matchup. It’ll be a fun one to watch.