The Rose Bowl is a very prestigious game that we all look forward to every single season. It goes national title game, Rose Bowl and then every other game. We get the Pac 12 champion going up against the Big Ten. Utah won the Pac 12 title and has been a force all season long. Penn State has won four straight and their only two losses this season came against two college football playoff teams (Michigan Ohio State). The Utes are a 1.5 point favorite with the over/under set at 53. With that being said here is my betting preview for the Rose Bowl.
Penn State Nittany Lions
The Penn State Nittany Lions come in with some confidence. They averaged 35.8 points per game (19th) to go along with 441.8 total yards of offense (53rd). Penn State is led by quarterback Sean Clifford. Clifford threw for 2,543 passing yards to go along with 7 interceptions. As well as Clifford played he has to give credit to his running game as well. Penn State averages 182.1 rushing yards per game. The leader behind that is running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. Singleton rushed for 941 rushing yards to go along with 6.3 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns. Allen rushed for 830 rushing yards on 5.3 yards per carry and 9 touchdowns. If Penn State wants to be successful, these two running backs need to get the ball moving early on so that they can keep this Utah defense on their toes.
Defensively, the Penn State Nittany Lions allow 18 points per game and 338.1 total yards of offense per game as well. One good thing for Penn State is their front seven. Their run defense gives up 105.1 rushing yards per game (21st). Penn State has their hands full with Utah’s offense. Utah has a good running game and Penn State is going to have to make the Utes beat them through the air. Look for Penn State to have some serious fight in this one.
Utah Utes
The Pac 12 Champions are hungry. They want to win the Rose Bowl so badly after last year’s finish. Utah averages 40 points per game (7th) and averages 477.9 total yards of offense per game (28th). The Utes also rank 22nd in the country in rushing yards per game (220.2). One loss for Utah is running back Tavion Thomas left to prepare for the NFL Draft. However, they didn’t miss a beat with Ja’Quinden Jackson. Jackson rushed for 105 rushing yards on 8.1 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns during the Pac 12 title game. On the season Jackson rushed for 450 rushing yards on 6.9 yards per carry and 9 rushing touchdowns. As well as Jackson played, we all know that this offense runs through quarterback Cameron Rising. Rising threw for 2,939 passing yards to go along with 25 passing touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He also adds 409 rushing yards on 6 yards per carry and 6 rushing touchdowns. Rising is key to this offense’s success and if they want to bring the Rose Bowl trophy back to Utah he will need to be at his best.
Defensivelty, the Utes have been very good in the Pac 12. They allow 20.4 points per game and they give up 347.8 total yards of offense per game as well. Utah also ranks 24th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (107). This Utes defense is going to want it more than ever to bounce back after last season’s ending. If Utah wants to win their defense has to be a big reason why.
Betting Trends
-Nittany Lions are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
-Over is 4-1 in the Nittany Lions last 5 bowl games.
-Over is 4-1 in Utah’s last 5 non-conference games.
-Utah is 7-2 in their last 9 games against the Big Ten.
The Don’s Rose Bowl Best Bet
My official plays in this one is Utah ML and over 53. Another double play and I can’t be happier about this one. The Utes are hungry and they are going to come ready to play to bounce back from last season’s disappointing ending. I am riding with the team that I think wants it more and if this Rose Bowl game is anything like last year, the over is going to hit so easily it won’t be funny. I am ready to cash this double winner Monday night.
