Will Northwestern win its bowl game? Who experts are picking to win the Las Vegas Bowl

The Northwestern Wildcats football team faces the Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 23, the school’s 17th bowl appearance and its first since 2020.

Northwestern has had a tumultuous few months. In July, the school suspended and eventually fired 17-year coach Pat Fitzgerald after an investigation revealed hazing within the football program. Defensive coordinator David Braun took over as interim coach and was elevated last month.

What we know: Northwestern athletics hazing scandal

Meanwhile, Utah and coach Kyle Whittingham are dealing with adversity of their own. The Utes lost multiple players to injury throughout the season and recently had other top players hit the transfer portal.

As of Thursday morning, Northwestern (7-5) is about a touchdown underdog against Utah (8-4) in the 6:30 p.m. game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a matchup of Big Ten and Pac-12 conference teams. Northwestern has won five consecutive bowl games, while Utah has lost four in a row.

Here is a look at which team college football experts are picking to win the matchup:

What they say: “Northwestern could hang in a defensive game here … (but) this time, the Utes break a four-game bowl losing streak.”

Pick: Utah 27, Northwestern 17

What they say: “You can’t give enough accolades to David Braun, who won the Big Ten Coach of the Year for what he’s done with Northwestern this year. This will be a big challenge for Braun, though, which makes me want to go with Utah.”

Pick: Utah 23, Northwestern 10

What they say: “Utes were ravaged by injuries. Wildcats had their coach fired a few weeks before preseason practice. Two of the more resilient teams in the country.”

Pick: Northwestern 23, Utah 20

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What they say: Of the 18 CFN experts…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/northwestern-win-bowl-game-experts-102828225.html

Author : Journal Star

Publish date : 2023-12-18 10:28:28

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