After a standout 7-5 season and a commendable second-place finish in the Big Ten West, Northwestern football is poised to carry its success into the Las Vegas Bowl.
The exciting news was revealed on Sunday afternoon, declaring that the Wildcats are set to square off against Utah in the upcoming 2023 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on December 23rd. The game will unfold at Allegiant Stadium, and the kickoff is set for 6:30 PM Central Time.
See below the odds for the Las Vegas Bowl from three of the best online betting sites.
| Las Vegas Bowl 2023 Betting |  | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | -275 | +225 | Northwestern |
| Spread -7.0 | -110 | -110 | Spread +7.0 |
| Over 42.0 | -110 | -110 | Under 42.0 |
The Wildcats’ journey out west marks the program’s first bowl appearance since the 2020 season, during which they secured a triumphant 35-19 victory over Auburn in the Citrus Bowl. Northwestern carries a notable four-game bowl winning streak into the upcoming clash, ranking as the second-longest in the Big Ten and the fourth in the nation.
In their recent outing, the Wildcats secured a thrilling 45-43 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini. Ben Bryant led the charge with a total of 234 passing yards, completing 24 of 32 attempts with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Bryant also contributed on the ground with six carries for 15 yards and one touchdown. Cam Porter played a crucial role, carrying the ball 16 times for 69 yards at an average of 4.3 yards per attempt, and adding two receptions for 13 yards in the passing game. Cam Johnson showcased his receiving prowess, hauling in seven passes on eight targets for an impressive 124 yards, averaging 17.7 yards per reception, and scoring one touchdown.
Before their final regular-season matchup against Colorado, the Utah Utes (8-4, 5-4 PAC-12) maintained a consistent presence in the AP Top-25 throughout the entire year, reaching as high as No. 10. Their noteworthy accomplishments include securing back-to-back PAC-12 titles in 2021 and 2022.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham, now in his 19th season at the helm, has steered the Utes to 15 bowl games during his tenure. In the previous year, they faced a setback in the Rose Bowl, succumbing to Penn State with a score of 35-21.
Facing the Buffaloes, Luke Bottari emerged as a key player for the Utes. He ammassed 61 yards on 6-of-10 passing (60.0%) with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Bottari also showcased his versatility with five carries for 11 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Jaylon Glover contributed significantly with 107 rushing yards on 17 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Mikey Matthews led the receiving efforts against the Buffaloes, hauling in two passes for 19 yards.
The Utes are 7 point favorites in their matchup against the Wildcats. The over/under is set at 42 points.
Check out our Bovada sportsbook review to determine if this is the best site for your Las Vegas Bowl bets.
Check out the top Vegas college football betting sites to find the best option for your Las Vegas Bowl bets.
