NCAA Football BETTING PREVIEW - Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Utah Utes

NCAA Football

2025-12-31 - Nebraska Cornhuskers at Utah Utes

A Sports Betting Preview by FirstDown

Utah Utes vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
United States : College Football Las Vegas Bowl
Wednesday 31st December 2025 - Scheduled 3:30pm
8:30pm (British Time)

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Preview

This was supposed to be the last game under Head Coach Kyle Whittingham as far as the Utah Utes (10-2) are concerned, but things can change dramatically in College Football. Instead of finishing up with the Utes, Kyle Whittingham has taken over as Head Coach of the Michigan Wolverines and it has been decided that he will not be taking charge of this Utah team that have won at least ten games again.

They are still considered big favourites when taking on the Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-5) who are in a period of transition as they try and become relevant in the very tough Big Ten.

There is also little doubt that the Utah Utes come into this Bowl Game with a lot more momentum than the Cornhuskers when you note how each team concluded the regular season.

You have to believe the Cornhuskers are going to try to pound the ball against the Utah Defensive Line who had been struggling up front at the end of the regular season. However, leading Big Ten Running Back Emmett Johnson has opted out of this Bowl Game and those numbers may be hard for Nebraska to replace, even if the Offensive Line is capable of opening up significant holes up front.

Nebraska are going to need to have success on the ground- there has been an inconsistency in the passing game with TJ Lateef having to come in for an injured Dylan Raiola. They will note that this Utah Secondary have been very keen at stepping in front of any loose throws and Lateef may have issues keeping the chains moving without a lot of support from the Offensive Line and the rushing attack.

Running the ball is also going to be key on the other side of the ball and the Cornhuskers will struggle to stop this Utah Offensive Line from dictating terms.

A couple of key performers are missing on the Utah Offensive Line, which is always going to be a concern, but the Utes have tended to fill those gaps year after year and they should still be able to impose themselves on this game.

The biggest difference between the teams is likely going to be the play out of the Quarter Back position.

While the Cornhuskers have had some issues with a backup Quarter Back, Utah will have Devon Dampier operating under Center and his dual-threat ability makes him vey difficult to stop.

At the end of the season, Nebraska's Secondary were playing well, but that may have been partly down to the inability to stop the run and teams not needing to throw against them. Devon Dampier will test the Cornhuskers both through the air and on the ground and you have to believe he is going to keep Nebraska out of sync, which is key to opening up a big lead and ultimately producing a big win.

The spread is a big one for Bowl season, but Utah may be more prepared to move forward without the long-term Head Coach with the consistency within the program. However, the Cornhuskers are going through some change and this may play out in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Prediction

Lay the points with the favourite, even at this wide spread.

The Pick :

Utah Utes 33-17 Nebraska Cornhuskers

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Utah Utes - 14 Points at -110 with BetOnline