Utah Utes (8-4) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (7-5)
Utah vs. Northwestern December 23, 2023 – The Utah Utes and the Northwestern Wildcats are set for a intriguing matchup in the 68 Ventures Bowl on December 23rd. This game features two teams looking to end their seasons on a high note and gain momentum going into 2024. With odds and picks provided by USA legal betting sites, let’s break down the game and provide our predictions and picks.
Utah vs. Northwestern December 23, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Bryson Barnes QB vs Ben Bryant QB
Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes took over midseason and has put up solid numbers, completing 134 of 229 passes for 1,517 yards with 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He struggles with accuracy at times with a completion rate of just 58.5%, but he protects the ball well and limits mistakes. Barnes is an inconsistent passer but makes good decisions and will look to exploit a Northwestern secondary that has been vulnerable.
For Northwestern, quarterback Ben Bryant emerged as a key leader this year, completing 150 of 243 passes for 1,585 yards, 11 touchdowns and 6 picks. Bryant displays good accuracy and arm strength but has a tendency to force throws into coverage leading to turnovers. He handles pressure well and has the ability to stretch the field when given time. Bryant will need to avoid mistakes against a tough Utah defense.
Potent Utah Ground Game
The Utes sport a powerful rushing attack led by running back Ja’Quinden Jackson, who has 742 yards on 4.8 yards per carry this season. Jackson is a physical back who barrels through contact and keeps his legs churning. Utah will look to control the game on the ground and set up play action shots downfield. If Jackson gets rolling, it could be a long day for the Northwestern front seven.
Stingy Northwestern Defense
Despite their 7-5 record, the Wildcats feature a disciplined defense that doesn’t give up big plays. They are allowing just 21 points per game this season, thanks to a veteran secondary and aggressive pass rush. Northwestern has forced timely turnovers as well, recording 12 interceptions on the year. For them to pull the upset, players like defensive end must disrupt Barnes and get him out of rhythm.
NCAAF Betting Odds: Utah Utes -350, Over/Under: 42.5
According to the latest odds, Utah enters as 9.5 point favorites with the total set at 42.5 points. The Utes moneyline sits at -350 while Northwestern comes in as heavy underdogs at +275. Based on the trends and personnel, expect Utah to cover the spread in a low scoring, grind-it-out affair.
Utah Utes Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah’s last 7 games.
Utah are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games.
Utah are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.
Utes are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games played in December.
Utah are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games played on a Saturday.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Utah’s last 11 games when playing as the favourite.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends
Northwestern are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northwestern’s last 7 games.
Northwestern are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Northwestern are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games against an opponent in the Pac-12 conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Northwestern’s last 8 games played in December.
Northwestern are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games played on a Saturday.
Utah Utes vs. Northwestern Wildcats Betting Picks
When analyzing this matchup, Utah appears to have a clear edge at most positions outside of quarterback where Bryant holds a slight advantage. However, the Utes physical rushing attack combined with a defense that clamps down in big spots gives them the overall talent advantage.
For our betting pick, lay the points and take Utah to cover the 9.5 spread in a lower scoring affair that hits the under at 42.5. Cameron Porter struggles against Utah’s stout defensive front, forcing Bryant into tough 3rd down situations. This leads to multiple sacks and turnovers which Barnes and the Utes take advantage of. Utah wins but doesn’t pull too far away given Northwestern’s solid defense.
Some good prop play is Ja’Quinden Jackson over 74.5 rushing yards as he shoulders the load on the ground. Overall for your NCAAF bowl picks today, Utah covering the spread seems the savvy play.
Receiving Yards Prop: Utah 24, Northwestern 13.
