Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Utah Utes Prediction, Odds and Picks for Wednesday, 12/31/25

With head coach Kyle Whittingham being hired and moving on to coach Michigan, Utah will try to win its first game with defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as the interim head coach. The Utes’ opponent in the Las Vegas Bowl is Nebraska. Expectations were high this season for Nebraska, but following an injury to quarterback Dylan Raiola, the Cornhuskers finished the season 7-5 and in the middle of the Big Ten standings. The ‘Huskers finished their regular season losing 3 of their last 4 games, while Utah finished winning their last 5 games and 10 of 12 overall. 

Whittingham left the Utah after creating an impressive, long-term program that doesn’t get enough credit. He coached 21 seasons at Utah and posted a record of 177-88 as head coach. Scalley has also been with Utah for quite some time. He has been within the program since 2007, but has no previous head coaching experience. Scalley will have his quarterback, Devon Dampier, who finished the season with 2180 yards and 22 touchdowns, but will be without a pair of offensive linemen to protect him. Both Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano declared they will sit out this game in preparations for the NFL Draft. Despite falling below expectations this season, Nebraska should still consider this season a step forward. It will be the first time since 2016 that Nebraska will compete in a bowl game in back-to-back years. Head coach Matt Rhule will get another good opportunity to look at freshman quarterback TJ Lateef against a solid opponent. Lateef threw for 722 yards and 4 touchdowns in 6 games during the regular season. Overall, I believe there has been too much turnover in the roster and coaching staff to back Utah at this number. I’m looking for Nebraska to put forth a good effort as it takes a step forward next season.

Nebraska vs Utah prediction: Nebraska +14 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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