Utah quarterback Devon Dampier throws a pass against Kansas at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas.
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier throws a pass against Kansas at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas.
Key Points
Cornhuskers lost key players and coaching staff, while the Utes will miss two starting tackles.
The short history between Nebraska and Utah is rather lopsided in the former’s favor, but the Utes are heavy favorites against the Cornhuskers in the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Nebraska’s season fell apart down the stretch after quarterback Dylan Raiola was lost for the season in early November. The Huskers (7-5) started 6-2 and rewarded coach Matt Rhule with a contract extension, but they finished 1-3 the rest of the way. That led to turnover on the coaching staff, including the firing of defensive coordinator John Butler. TJ Lateef, who started Nebraska’s final three games, is set to start in the bowl game.
No. 15 Utah (10-2) finished on the College Football Playoff bubble, as its only losses were at the hands of BYU and Texas Tech, the two teams that made the Big 12 title game. The Utes enjoyed their best season since 2022 in coach Kyle Whittingham’s 22nd and final season at the helm. He stepped down at season’s end to give way to head-coach-in-waiting Morgan Scalley. However, Whittingham took the newly available Michigan job less than a week ago. Utah will be down its two starting tackles, both of whom are top NFL prospects, but quarterback Devon Dampier will play in the bowl.
The Cornhuskers lead the all-time series against the Utes, 4-0. None of those games, the most recent of which was played in 1992, were decided by less than two scores. This is Nebraska’s first time going bowling in back-to-back seasons since 2015-16 and the program’s first Las Vegas Bowl appearance. The Utes return to the postseason after a one-year absence and are playing in their eighth Las Vegas Bowl, where they are 5-2 all-time.
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Nebraska vs. No. 15 Utah Odds, Details
Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.
Kickoff: Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: Utah -14
Over/Under: 50.5
Announcers: Dave Flemming, Brock Osweiler
Nebraska vs. Utah: Keys to Victory
Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef passes against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 28, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska. — Source: © Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Why Nebraska Will Win The Las Vegas Bowl
Lateef has shown promise after being thrust into the starting role, specifically a 200-yard, three-touchdown game against UCLA. His two showings since then have not been nearly as efficient, but it’s worth noting he’s yet to record a turnover and is capable of making plays with his legs. Lateef will have to scramble early and often to give the Cornhuskers a chance since starting running back Emmett Johnson opted out.
After Johnson, the No. 3 rusher in the FBS, Kwinten Ives is the only player on the team to top 100 rushing yards. It will be running back by committee for Nebraska — perhaps a young player makes an impact against a susceptible run defense. Lateef will have his full fleet of receivers available, but Johnson’s absence will be felt in the passing game as well, as he leads the team in receptions. Perhaps Nyziah Hunter can beat the Utah defense deep.
Nebraska has been one of the best teams in the FBS against the pass, but run defense remains an issue — particularly in this matchup. Without the Utes’ NFL-bound tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, perhaps the Cornhuskers can put some pressure on Dampier and slow down one of the most efficient run games in the country to stay within striking distance.
Why Utah Will Win The Las Vegas Bowl
This is one of the most lopsided spreads of bowl season for a reason. Nebraska lost its last two games by three-plus scores, while the Utes have been blowing out teams by hefty margins all year. Despite the NFL talent Utah will be without — not to mention its longtime head coach — this game has all the makings of a rout.
Only Navy averaged more rushing yards per game than the Utes this season and no team averaged more yards per carry. Dampier routinely punishes opponents with his mobility, and he’s not even the most effective rusher on the team. Running back Wayshawn Parker is good for an even seven yards per carry, and he’s had 90-plus yards in five straight games. That’s just scratching the surface of this multifaceted attack, as backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin and running back NaQuari Rogers each have 10 touchdowns to their name. Dampier has improved as a passer, and he has a strong connection with receiver Ryan Davis that dates back to their time at New Mexico, but he might not even have to attempt 20 throws in this game.
The Utes are one of the worst run defenses in the Big 12, and they’re only a few games removed from surrendering close to 500 yards on the ground to Kansas State. Without Johnson in Nebraska’s backfield, Utah has one less weapon to worry about. And if Lateef is forced to air the ball out, this is a shutdown secondary that’s picked off 14 passes.
Las Vegas Bowl Prediction: Utah 34, Nebraska 13
This is a prime opportunity for Scalley to start his coaching tenure on a high note. Keeping the ball on the ground has been a recipe for success all season, and there’s no reason the Utes will go away from that approach. Utah has an advantage over the Cornhuskers under center and at the skill positions, and few programs are better situated to weather this kind of coaching turnover.
ATS: Utah -14
O/U: Under 50.5
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