UPDATE: As the college football bowl season heats up, experts are predicting a decisive victory for the Utah Utes over the Nebraska Cornhuskers on December 31, 2025. NFL analyst Geoff Schwartz highlights the Utes as a strong pick, emphasizing their motivation to secure a win for retiring head coach Kyle Whittingham.
With a powerful ground game set to exploit Nebraska’s struggling run defense, Utah aims to dominate this matchup. Schwartz notes that the Utes rank first in rushing expected points added (EPA), while Nebraska is positioned at a dismal 118th in run defense efficiency. This stark contrast could lead to a significant scoreline, with Schwartz projecting Utah to win by more than 15.5 points.
The urgency of this game is amplified by Nebraska’s internal turmoil. Following a series of recent coaching changes, including the dismissal of offensive and defensive line coaches, the team appears to be looking ahead to the next season rather than focusing on this bowl game. Their morale is further diminished after heavy losses to ranked teams, including a 37-10 defeat against Penn State and a 40-16 blowout by Iowa.
In addition to the Utah-Nebraska clash, other bowl games are also generating buzz. On December 27, San Diego State is set to face North Texas in a game where the emotional stakes are high for both teams. North Texas recently suffered a crushing loss in the American Conference Championship game, leading to concerns about their focus and motivation as they transition to a new coaching staff.
Meanwhile, on December 23, Toledo takes on Louisville. Toledo’s interim coaching situation raises questions about player motivation, particularly as many may look to enter the transfer portal. Schwartz believes Louisville is poised to cover the spread of more than 8 points and finish the season strong.
As the bowl season progresses, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely. The outcomes of these games could have lasting impacts on the teams involved and their futures. Stay tuned for updates and insights as the excitement unfolds!
