Utah Dominates Nebraska in Las Vegas Bowl Pick Six Preview
Utah is set to face Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl following an impressive season. The Utes completed the regular season with a record of 10 wins and only 2 losses. Their last game saw them defeat Kansas 31-21, fueled by Devon Dampier’s three touchdown passes and a critical 97-yard pick-six by Scooby Davis. This marks coach Kyle Whittingham’s eighth season with at least 10 wins, with a notable five-game improvement from the previous year.
Coach Whittingham’s Departure
On December 12, Whittingham announced his resignation after 21 years as Utah’s head coach. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having claimed 177 victories and three national coach of the year honors. His tenure saw the Utes shift from the Mountain West to the Pac-12, capturing back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Morgan Scalley, a former safety and long-time assistant, will succeed him as head coach, starting with the Las Vegas Bowl.
Las Vegas Bowl Preview
The Las Vegas Bowl is scheduled for New Year’s Eve, kicking off at 1:30 p.m. MST. The matchup pits a strong Utah team against Nebraska, which finished the season with a disappointing 4-5 record in league play. The Game Grader, which evaluates statistical dominance, ranks Utah 11th in 2025 metrics, while Nebraska stands at 42nd.
Team Statistics
| Team | Offensive Rank | Defensive Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 9th (68 Power 4) | 37th (68 Power 4) |
| Nebraska | 45th (68 Power 4) | 39th (68 Power 4) |
Utah’s offense, ranked 9th overall, showcases both a strong rushing and passing attack. In contrast, Nebraska’s offense ranks 45th and is heavily reliant on their star running back who is currently unavailable due to an opt-out. Utah will feature dual-threat quarterbacks, Dampier and freshman Byrd Ficklin, both of whom have proved difficult to stop.
Defensive Strategies
Utah’s defense, directed by Scalley, remains formidable. Despite missing key players due to injuries and opt-outs, their consistency has held 36 teams to 15 points or fewer since 2019. In comparison, Nebraska’s defense has struggled, exacerbated by the recent departure of its defensive coordinator and the absence of key players.
Game Prediction
As both teams head into the bowl season, Utah appears as the favorite to win. With a dynamic rushing attack and a history of successful strategies, the Utes are positioned to capitalize on Nebraska’s vulnerabilities. The Game Grader anticipates a potential 14-point advantage for Utah, particularly given Nebraska’s recent struggles and losses. A projected final score sees Utah dominating Nebraska with a strong performance: Utah 41, Nebraska 17.
