The 2023 Las Vegas Bowl features a matchup between two Power Five schools, with the (8-4) Utah Utes set to face the (7-5) Northwestern Wildcats. Utah enters this game with four wins in their last seven overall contests. The Utes have a rich bowl history, having participated in 25 bowl games, boasting a 17-8 record in those matchups. On the other side, Northwestern heads into the game on a high note, winning their last three games. The Wildcats have been part of 16 bowl games in their program’s history, holding a 6-10 record in those appearances.

Utah is favored by 6.5 points in this matchup, with the over/under set at 41.5. Now, let’s delve into the preview of the 2023 Las Vegas Bowl.

Utah Utes

Throughout the season, the Utah Utes defied expectations, even in the absence of Cameron Rising. Averaging 24.5 points per game and 372.9 total yards of offense per game, the Utes have demonstrated resilience. Although quarterback Bryson Barnes, who played a significant role in the majority of the season, is entering the transfer portal, he will participate in the bowl game. Barnes threw for 1,517 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, while also contributing 267 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Unfortunately, two of their top three receivers, including leading receiver Devaugh Vele, won’t play in the game. However, the Utes receive a boost with running back Ja’Quinden Jackson set to play, having rushed for 742 yards on 4.8 yards per carry and adding four touchdowns. Utah will need some players to step up in the absence of these key contributors.

On the defensive front, Utah has been a standout in 2023, allowing under 20 points per game and giving up 330.8 total yards of offense per game. They excel in stopping the run, ranking in the top ten in rushing yards allowed per game, and opponents convert on under 30 percent of their third-down attempts. Despite missing two starting safeties in Sione Vaki and Cole Bishop, along with key defensive starters in DL Jonah Elliss, EDGE Logan Fano, and LB Lander Barton, the Utes have a formidable defense. They allowed 30+ points in four games this season, resulting in a 1-3 record in those matchups. To secure a victory in the bowl game, the Utes need their defense to perform at its best, as it did in the early part of November.

Northwestern Wildcats

With everything that happened with Pat Fitzgerald in the offseason. I will be the first one to say that I am surprised that Northwestern is here in this bowl game. Offensively, the Wildcats average 22.8 points per game and 328.3 total yards of offense per game. The offense is running through the play of quarterback Ben Bryant. He threw for 1,585 passing yards to go along with 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Northwestern has their top three receivers for the bowl game which is a big advantage for them. If the Wildcats want to succeed offensively, they need to get their rushing attack going. It is going to be a tough feature against a good Utah rush defense. However, I think running back Cam Porter is up for the challenge. Look for him to be a key factor in this gameplan. 

Defensively, the Wildcats have been good. They allow 23.8 points per game to go along with allowing 364 total yards of offense per game as well. Northwestern has given up 30+ points in four games in 2023. In those four games they have a 2-2 record in those games. In their last five games they have only allowed 21 points per game and have only given up 359.8 which is lower than their season totals. The Wildcats defense has been great the last five games and I expect the same success to come in this bowl matchup. 

Betting Trends

-The over is 5-2 in Utah’s last 7 games.

-Utah is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against a Big Ten opponent.

-Northwestern is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games.

-The under is 5-2 in Northwestern’s last 7 games.

The Don’s Best Bet

I have two official plays for this game here. We did something similar the other night in the South Florida game and I am ready to cash in on this double winner here. I am taking Northwestern +6.5 -110 and Northwestern +198 for one unit each. They have the advantage as they aren’t losing any of their skill players. Utah is losing too much talent on defense for me to trust them in this one. Northwestern is going to win this game outright and we are going to cash a double winner right before the holiday party on Sunday.