The losers of the Big Ten and Pac 12 title games meet for the loser bowl. Kidding. This is actually a really fun match-up in the Holiday Bowl because of how well coached these teams are and how fundamental their defenses play. Additionally, despite losing their respective title games, a few different bounces in those games – or in Utah’s case some better officiating – these two could have met a few hours north in the Rose Bowl.
How did Northwestern get here?
Dominating the Big Ten west. The Cats went 6-0 against their division mates and won two of their three crossover games (Michigan State and Rutgers). Their only league loss was a narrow three point defeat to Michigan. Those eight league wins were critical as Northwestern inexplicably lost all three non-conference games. Sure losing to Notre Dame made some sense but they were were dominated by Duke and suffered an upset to Akron of all teams. So was Northwestern good? Lucky? A team of destiny? In many ways it was all three.
In terms of destiny, winning eight games wasn’t a shock for this Northwestern team but having all eight be league games, including a clean sweep of the west, was a little shocking. As for luck, NU won five league games by eight points or less. Winning close games requires skill and timely plays but to sweep all five in league? That feels like some luck. Lastly, but most importantly, the good. Northwestern’s defense is very talented, especially with Paddy Fisher and Blake Gallagher rocking their linebacker positions. Offensively NU managed to ride a still recovering Clayton Thorson (ACL in last year’s bowl) to wins but also found a late spark with Isaiah Bowser at running back and he was supremely important in wins against Illinois and Iowa. So the talent is there but undeniably Northwestern caught some lightning in a bottle this year and took advantage of every opportunity given to them by some sloppy Big Ten foes.
How did Utah get here?
The Utes rode a stifling defense all year and it bailed them out many times, including a key narrow victory over Northern Illinois. It took about four games for the O to really get going but once they did it was pretty damn good putting up 40+ in four straight games. Utah looked like the class of the Pac 12 before injuries took their toll. Running back Zach Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley both went down with season-ending injuries. Utah managed to beat Oregon and Colorado to secure the Pac 12 South but the depleted Utes couldn’t do much against Washington in the Pac 12 title game, losing 10-7. This game should be noted for its terrible officiating, especially late when a poor no call ended Utah’s late drive to try and tie or win the game.
Who will win…and why?
I think healthy, Utah has a big advantage over Northwestern. They went 9-3 but their regular season losses were Washington, Washington State, and Arizona State. All three made bowls, one was the league champ and two of those games were on the road. Northwestern had more losses, lost at home more, and had uneven games like the loss to Akron or the three point win over awful Rutgers. The problem is Utah isn’t healthy and Northwestern has one of the best coaching staffs in the nation. Getting a month to prepare is great news for Northwestern and it has shown as Fitz’s program has won two straight bowls.
On the flip side, Utah won three games and scored 30 or more in all of them just before the title game so it isn’t like they fell off a cliff with those injuries. Kyle Wittingham is also 11-1 in bowls and has won four straight after missing bowls in 2012 and 2013. With both teams having some issues on the actual field and the coaching staffs being two of the best in the nation, the best thing is to take the eye test. The offense seemed to come easier for Utah down the stretch than Northwestern. Maybe Thorson or Bowser go off with a monster day but Utah’s defense was in tip top shape the last time we saw them against Washington so I expect Utah to win one of the best bowls of the season by a very slim margin.
How to watch
- Date: December 31
- Time: 6:00 pm, central
- TV: FS1
- Location: SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, California
Gambling Guide
- Utah -7.0, Over / Under 43.0
I’m a tad surprised the spread is still this big. Like I said I think Utah wins but I’m expecting an extremely close game. Northwestern is a really good team that does not beat themselves and has an outstanding coaching staff. Utah has those traits as well but their injury situation is still worse than NU’s. I’ll take those points because I see this being a nail-biter.
Lightning Round for Non-Readers:
Northwestern/Utah – Points
Big Ten and Counting 