Northwestern Wildcats (7-5) vs Utah Utes (8-4)
Game Info: Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 7:30 pm (Allegiant Stadium)
Betting Odds: Northwestern Wildcats +6.5 -- Over/Under: 41.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Utah Utes will play the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday night in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Utah has lost three of their last five games, while Northwestern comes into this game on a three game winning streak. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Utah vs Northwestern prediction.
Utah Preview
The Utah Utes are 8-4 (5-4) this year and they finished tied for fourth in the PAC-12 standings. Utah started the season with four straight wins and they were 6-1 through seven games, but they lost three of their last five games to end the season. The Utes lost to Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, while defeating Arizona State and Colorado in those last five games. The Utah offense is scoring 24.5 points per game with 173.6 passing yards per game and 186.3 rushing yards per game. Bryson Barnes has thrown for 1,517 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions for the Utes this season. Ja’Quinden Jackson has rushed for 742 yards and four touchdowns, while Devaughn Vele has caught 43 passes for 593 yards and three scores. The Utah defense is allowing 19.8 points against per game this season.
Northwestern Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 7-5 (5-4) this season and they finished tied for second in the Big Ten West Division standings. Northwestern alternated wins and losses over their first 10 games of the season, but they were able to finish the season on a three game winning streak. The Wildcats defeated Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin in those last three games. The Northwestern offense is averaging 22.8 points per game with 200.1 passing yards per game and 105 rushing yards per game. Ben Bryant has thrown for 1,585 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions for the Wildcats this season. Cam Porter has rushed for 618 yards and four touchdowns, while Cam Johnson has caught 50 passes for 684 yards and five scores. The Northwestern defense is giving up 23.8 points against per game this year.
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Northwestern Wildcats Team Facts
- Northwestern has won three of its last four games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Northwestern has covered the spread in each of its last six games.
- Northwestern has won the first half in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
- Three of Northwestern's last four games against opponents from the Pac-12 Conference have gone UNDER the total points line.
Utah Utes Team Facts
- Utah has won 18 of its last 19 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Utah has covered the spread in each of its last three December games as a favorite.
- Four of Utah's last five games in December have gone OVER the total points line.
Utah vs Northwestern Betting Prediction
Northwestern comes into this game after a very surprising season, where they did much better than people thought they would. The Wildcats are on a three game winning streak and will look to finish the season with a huge win here. Utah dealt with injuries all season long, but they were able to still have a very respectable year. Utah is dealing with quite a few opt outs for this game and you have to question how motivated they will be. On the other side, this game means the world to Northwestern and I think they are going to keep it close. Take the points with the Wildcats.
David’s Pick Northwestern +6.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
