New Utah law restricts people with extreme DUI convictions from buying alcohol

A new Utah law aims to prevent repeat drunk driving offenses by limiting access to alcohol for those with serious DUI convictions. Under the law, judges will have discretion to place someone in an …

A new Utah law aims to prevent repeat drunk driving offenses by limiting access to alcohol for those with serious DUI convictions. Under the law, judges will have discretion to place someone in an interdicted category. That means the person’s driver’s license will be marked with “no alcohol sales,” alerting sellers that alcohol cannot be sold to them.

Source: Utah News

Red-hot Utah State improves to 11-1 with road victory over Fresno State

Utah State took the lead for good with 14:49 to go in the first half. The score was 35-26 at halftime, with Collins racking up 10 points. Utah State turned a six-point second-half lead into a 13-point …

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Michael Collins Jr.’s 18 points helped Utah State defeat Fresno State 72-63 on Tuesday.

Collins went 9 of 16 from the field (0 for 4 from 3-point range) for the Aggies (11-1, 2-0 Mountain West Conference). Mason Falslev scored 16 points and added eight rebounds and four steals. Kolby King shot 4 of 6 from the field, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 6 from the line to finish with 13 points.

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Jake Heidbreder led the way for the Bulldogs (6-7, 0-2) with 21 points and three steals. Fresno State also got 15 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks from Wilson Jacques. Bastien Rieber had 12 points.

Utah State took the lead for good with 14:49 to go in the first half. The score was 35-26 at halftime, with Collins racking up 10 points. Utah State turned a six-point second-half lead into a 13-point advantage with a 7-0 run to make it a 46-33 lead with 15:53 left in the half. Falslev scored nine second-half points in the win.

Source: Utah News

Who is Morgan Scalley? What to know of Utah coach replacing Kyle Whittingham

Who is Morgan Scalley? Here’s what to know of Utah’s new head coach replacing Kyle Whittingham, beginning with the Las Vegas Bowl: …

Dec. 31, 2025, 6:08 a.m. ET

Source: Utah News

What channel is Utah vs Nebraska today? Time, TV schedule for Las Vegas Bowl

Utah and Nebraska will face off in the Las Vegas Bowl. How to watch, including time, TV schedule, streaming information and game odds: …

Dec. 31, 2025, 6:05 a.m. ET

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Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose.  While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.  We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site.  Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.

Source: Utah News

How Utah Gov. Spencer Cox stood out on the top political stories of 2025

But the topic on which Cox has been the most intentional about changing his tone in 2025 is that of religion, and the essential role it plays in Utah’s success, and in sustaining the soul of the …

But the topic on which Cox has been the most intentional about changing his tone in 2025 is that of religion, and the essential role it plays in Utah’s success, and in sustaining the soul of the …

Source: Utah News

Amidst program changes, Utah’s focus is on getting Morgan Scalley win No. 1 in Las Vegas Bowl vs. Nebraska

The tone of the game has changed from Kyle Whittingham’s final game at Utah to Morgan Scalley’s first, but motivation remains the same for the Utes.

With so much going on around the Utah football program, it would have been easy for the Las Vegas Bowl to fade into the background.

Last Friday, former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham took the head coaching position at Michigan, throwing a wrench into the transition between Whittingham and new head coach Morgan Scalley.

Whittingham is reportedly targeting a number of Utah assistant coaches to join his staff, including offensive coordinator Jason Beck and offensive line coach Jim Harding. While Scalley is putting together his staff at Utah, he’s also preparing for the transfer portal to open on Jan. 2, just two days after the Las Vegas Bowl.

It could be easy for game preparation to take a back seat to the future of the program, but Scalley and the Utes are full steam ahead for New Year’s Eve’s Las Vegas Bowl vs. Nebraska.

After acknowledging the other work he is doing this week, Scalley made it clear that sending Utah’s seniors out with a win is the priority.

“My job is to sell Utah and to prepare for the future of this program, and that’s what we’re doing. But the priority, priority No. 1, is sending these guys out the right way,” Scalley said.

Even with the changes of the past two weeks, the expectation is that the majority of Utah’s available two-deep will play. The Utes have had just three confirmed opt-outs — offensive tackle Spencer Fano, offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and defensive end Logan Fano — all of whom have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Utah will also have a mostly full coaching staff for the Las Vegas Bowl — Beck is in Sin City — with the only change being that Scalley will handle head coaching and defensive coordinator duties.

Quarterback Devon Dampier wanted to finish the season the right way.

“We’re just excited for the opportunity to be here,” he said. “One last ride for the boys. Our team is built off of love. Very rare in the way college football is going now, it’s rare to see a team that they want to go out there and play this last game for each other. Just the number of seniors that want to continue to play, not sitting out.

“It sparks my heart. It’s like, man, this is real love that we got going on here. So I’m excited to get one more with those guys.”

Utah (10-2) is a 14-point favorite over Nebraska (7-5). The lack of opt-outs gives the Utes an advantage, as the Cornhuskers are missing starting quarterback Dylan Raiola and star running back Emmett Johnson, who rushed for 120.9 yards per game, fourth in the nation. Meanwhile, starting safety DeShon Singleton, one of Nebraska’s top defense players, is out with an injury.

“We entered this game knowing that probably a lot of people don’t give us much of a chance, but that has nothing to do with us, how people see us,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said. “… So we’re not going to take the field, walking on the field like underdogs.”

Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will use a “running back by committee” approach in the Las Vegas Bowl with Johnson’s absence. Isaiah Mozee (19 carries for 83 yards) and freshman Mekhi Nelson (15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdowns) are the two Husker running backs to watch.

The Utes’ run defense has not been up to par to close the season, ranking No. 111 in the nation after giving up an average of 182.8 yards per game. Can they reestablish the classic Utah run D against Nebraska’s backup running backs?

With Raiola injured in early November — he plans to transfer from Nebraska this offseason — the Cornhuskers turned to freshman TJ Lateef. Lateef has thrown for 461 yards and three touchdowns on 57% completion in three games as the starter. He’s also added 48 yards and a score on the ground.

Lateef suffered a hamstring injury in the regular-season finale against Iowa, but Rhule said he’s 100% for the game against Utah.

Defensively, Nebraska has allowed just 141.1 passing yards per game (No. 2 in the country) and 312.3 total yards per game (No. 23).

Where the Huskers’ defense has been vulnerable is on the ground. They’ve given up an average of 171.2 rushing yards per game this season, and in the last two games against Penn State and Iowa, Nebraska allowed 231 and 213 yards, respectively. The Huskers have struggled against mobile quarterbacks this season and will face another one in Dampier.

Can the Utes’ run game, featuring Wayshawn Parker and Dampier, play to the level it has all season with their two star tackles missing? Keith Olsen and Zereoue Williams will fill in for Fano and Lomu in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Utah has rushed for 269.8 yards this season, second in the nation, and has an opportunity to add to that against Nebraska.

The tone of the game has changed from Whittingham’s final game at Utah to Scalley’s first game, but the motivation remains the same for the Utes: to finish off the season with a win.

“I’m really happy for Coach Whitt, honestly, and I’m really happy for him to have this opportunity, but I’m also excited to be coached by Morgan Scalley and I’m going to tell our team ‘Let’s go get Coach Scalley’s first win on Wednesday,’” said senior Jaren Kump.

Source: Utah News

Nebraska vs. Utah prediction, picks, odds, spread: Huskers, Utes conclude season in Las Vegas Bowl

Utah underwent a resurgence with veteran coach Kyle Whittingham leading the way. The Utes were in the playoff conversation all season long and just missed out on the Big 12 Championship Game while …

No. 15 Utah and Nebraska are set to cap their respective seasons Wednesday in the Las Vegas Bowl. Though Nebraska and Utah are two of the most successful programs, historically, west of the Mississippi River, this will be just the fifth time the two have met on the football field and the first time since 1992. 

Nebraska is 4-0 in previous meetings, though the Huskers are significant underdogs entering this year’s iteration. They looked like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender with a 5-1 record through the first half of the season. Then things unraveled, as the Huskers lost four of their last six games — including three of their last four — to plummet out of the rankings and the national race. 

Still, Nebraska’s 7-5 regular season effort is the best it’s had under third-year coach Matt Rhule. Nebraska also has a chance to win back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2009. 

Utah underwent a resurgence with veteran coach Kyle Whittingham leading the way. The Utes were in the playoff conversation all season long and just missed out on the Big 12 Championship Game while securing their first 10-win campaign since 2022. Utah won a combined 13 games in the two seasons between 2022 and 2025. 

Nebraska vs. Utah: Need to know for Las Vegas Bowl

A new era at Utah:  For the first time since 2004, Utah is preparing for a bowl appearance without Kyle Whittingham leading the way as its full-time coach. Whittingham announced shortly after the regular season ended that he was stepping down as Utah’s coach and, after Michigan fired Sherrone Moore, he was tabbed as Moore’s successor with the Wolverines. That transition means that Whittingham will not be present at the Las Vegas Bowl. Instead, defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who has long been head coach in waiting, will officially take the reins against Nebraska. 

Big spot for Lateef: Freshman quarterback TJ Lateef emerged as Nebraska’s starter in the wake of Dylan Raiola’s injury. He had an impressive starting debut against UCLA when he tossed three touchdowns but has struggled since. He threw for just 256 yards combined in losses to Penn State and Iowa. Lateef completed nine of his 24 pass attempts versus the Hawkeyes. The Las Vegas Bowl presents one final chance for Lateef to impress Nebraska’s new staff as it assesses its personnel with an eye towards the transfer portal. 

Utah trying to stop the skid: Utah has had plenty of postseason success since the turn of the century. With standout coaches like Urban Meyer and Whittingham leading the way, the Utes amassed an impressive 12-1 record in bowl games from 2003-17. Since then, though, the Utes are on a five-bowl losing streak. That includes a loss to Northwestern in the 2023 Las Vegas Bowl. 

Where to watch Nebraska vs. Utah live

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: ESPN | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)

Nebraska vs. Utah prediction, picks

Both of these programs are in a state of flux. Utah is having to deal with an unexpected coaching transition, though it has had a plan in place for a while. Nebraska has had some significant departures hit the transfer portal, including quarterback Dylan Raiola. This is a game that Utah should win, but the final score will be closer than Vegas seems to think. Pick: Nebraska +14.5 

Who will win and cover in each college football bowl and playoff game? SportsLine’s computer model just simulated each matchup 10,000 times and has revealed its picks. Visit SportsLine now to see all its college football picks.

Source: Utah News

Boston Celtics at Utah Jazz odds, picks and predictions

The Boston Celtics face the Utah Jazz Tuesday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with tip-off set for 9 p.m. ET.

Dec. 30, 2025, 7:50 a.m. MT

The Boston Celtics (19-12) face the Utah Jazz (12-19) Tuesday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with tip-off set for 9 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Jazz odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Jazz lead 1-0 with 105-103 victory on Nov. 3, covering as 10.5 point road underdog as the Under (233) cashed

Boston saw its 4-game winning streak end Sunday with a 114-108 loss at the Portland Trail Blazers. The Celtics failed to cover as 9.5-point road favorites, and the Under (231.5) hit. G Jaylen Brown poured in 37 points on 14-of-23 shooting, extending his streak to 9 straight games with 30 or more points and tying Larry Bird for the franchise record.

Utah kept rolling Saturday with a second straight upset, knocking off the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 on the road. The Jazz won outright as 13-point underdogs, and the Under (243.5) cashed. F Lauri Markkanen poured in 29 points while G Keyonte George added 28. Utah has now beaten 2 of the NBA’s top 3 teams on back-to-back nights, snapping San Antonio’s 8-game winning streak after beating the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons 131-129.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!

Celtics vs. Jazz odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 9:48 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Celtics -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Jazz +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -8.5 (-105) | Jazz +8.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 241.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics vs. Jazz key injuries

Celtics

  • Chris Boucher (personal) out
  • Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out

Jazz

  • Ace Bailey (hip) out
  • Keyonte George (illness) questionable
  • Walker Kessler (shoulder) out
  • Kevin Love (rest) out
  • Georges Niang (foot) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Celtics vs. Jazz picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 120, Jazz 115

PASS.

If you want to live on the edge, I don’t hate taking the Jazz (+260) on the moneyline but I’ll take those points.

BET JAZZ +8.5 (-115).

This Jazz team has been a different animal in Salt Lake City, covering in 12 of 18 home games. With a sample size so large, that is not a fluke. The energy is better, the defense travels and role players tend to shoot with more confidence in that building. The upsets of Detroit and San Antonio on back-to-back nights, which tells me the effort level is there.

Boston comes in shorthanded with Tatum sidelined and that’s a massive hit to both scoring and shot creation. Without him this season, the Celtics’ margin for error is smaller than in previous seasons. Utah already has one win against the Celtics with George leading the way. If he suits up in this one, his recent scoring surge gives Utah a legitimate closer.

This feels like a classic spot where the market still leans on Boston’s name, but the matchup and situation favor the Jazz. At home, with confidence and momentum, Utah is the side I want — and I’ll take the points.

BET UNDER 241.5 (-110).

The Under is 4-0-1 in the last 5 head-to-head meetings between these teams. Boston has been Under in 5 of its last 7 games, still defending at an elite level and controlling tempo. I don’t see them getting into a fast-paced shootout in Utah, which makes the Under the cleaner play.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose.  While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.  We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site.  Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.

Source: Utah News

Nebraska vs Utah Prediction: What to Know for the 2025 Las Vegas Bowl

It’s an interesting time for both Nebraska and Utah as they try to use the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl to build for next season. Here’s the CFN prediction with what to know.

It was a good season for Utah and Nebraska in different ways, but the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl narratives for both teams have been hijacked.

But start with this – the Las Vegas Bowl has recently been great. Last season was a 35-31 USC win over Texas A&M, and three of the last four were decided by one score.

Nebraska vs Utah Matchup, Odds, and Pick

Sep 6, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley watches the team warm up before a game against the Cal Poly Mustangs at Rice-Eccles Stadium. © Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Sep 6, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley watches the team warm up before a game against the Cal Poly Mustangs at Rice-Eccles Stadium. © Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Nebraska’s days of the Big Red Machine are well in the past, but as the program tries to keep pushing forward, this is a shot for the first season with more than seven wins since 2016.

But the transfers and high-profile opt-out – following a season-ending injury – by star quarterback Dylan Raiola, and the absence of heart-and-soul running back Emmett Johnson, matter.

That, along with the idea that winning eight games at Nebraska is a positive, is contributing to the impatience of a die-hard fan base ready for way more than also-ran status.

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Meanwhile, not only did Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham leave after the regular season, but he’s now the main man at Michigan.

But it was a ten-win season, Utah was the third-best team in the Big 12, and now it really is the Morgan Scalley era about to get going.

How To Watch Nebraska vs Utah

Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
@PeteFiutak
Bowl Schedule, Predictions, Lines
2026 Early Heisman Top 10

Why Nebraska Will Win

Oct 11, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks on the field during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium.© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Oct 11, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks on the field during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium.© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Of course there’s always something to lose, but no one is thinking Nebraska is going to win this. So yeah, this team really can have the “nobody believes in us” chip on its shoulder, because it’s true.

No, Emmett Johnson won’t be around, and there’s no Raiola, but for the most part, the Huskers are relatively close to the version at the end of the regular season.

And the offense is going to run.

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No, quarterback TJ Lateef isn’t Raiola, but he can take off a little bit more, and he will.

This isn’t the normal Utah team of past years defensively. It gives up close to five yards per carry, and it only shut down the truly mediocre. Again, this isn’t the Nebraska of old running the ball, but it can do it. If it gets to well over 150 yards on the ground, it’ll be in this.

On the other side, the Husker pass defense has been terrific all year. 

Maryland is the only team to get 200 yards through the air. The Nebraska secondary should be fine, and yes, it is possible to slow down this Utah ground game by getting to quarterback Devon Dampier before he can get moving.

Future NFL tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu are out – the Huskers have to keep fighting the good fight up front.

Nebraska is 6-0 when allowing fewer than 185 rushing yards, but …

Why Utah Will Win

Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) scores a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. © Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) scores a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. © Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Utah won’t do anything crazy. 

It’ll run more than 40 times, it’ll get Dampier on the move, and it’ll get its 200 yards. As long as Dampier isn’t forcing anything and doesn’t have any interception issues – he threw five on the season, three in the two losses – everything else should work.

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Almost no one will bring more energy and fight this bowl season than Nebraska. It’s never a question of want-to, but it simply doesn’t have the guys.

The backfield will be fine, but it’s asking a whole lot of Lateef to take over as a passer to open things up. And yes, the Huskers have a few backs ready to show what they can do, but Johnson was special this season.

The Huskers weren’t even close in their last two games of the season. Penn State and Iowa allowed Nebraska to run a bit, closed down almost everything through the air, and most importantly, both hammered away up front.

Nebraska allowed more than 200 rushing yards in three of the last four games, Utah won’t take any major chances, and …

Nebraska vs Utah Prediction, Betting Lines

It’ll take a little while, but eventually Utah will break through.

Nebraska will come up with a few early scoring drives, and it’ll look like Utah won’t have the same power and consistency, and then it’ll start to kick in.

The Utes will start to control the clock a little more, the defensive front will start to get into the backfield on third downs, and the momentum will turn before halftime.

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Nebraska was hanging with Iowa down 17-16 late in the first half with under a minute to play. The Huskers lost 40-16.

It was 10-3 Penn State deep into the first half. It was 30-3 before Nebraska got back on the board in a 37-10 Nittany Lion win.

Give it 20 minutes, and then Utah will get the Morgan Scalley era off and rolling.

Utah 38, Nebraska 17 
Line: Utah -14, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Rating: 3.5
Las Vegas Bowl: CFN Expert Picks

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Related: 2025 Alamo Bowl Prediction: USC vs TCU

This story was originally published by College Football News on Dec 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Utah News

Nebraska vs. Utah: Time, Date, TV Channel, 2025 Las Vegas Bowl Preview

It’s bowl season, which means we have a lot of football to watch between Dec. 13 and Jan. 19! Ohio State, Utah, Georgia Southern, Army, Texas A&M — and just about everyone in between — will take part …

It’s bowl season, which means we have a lot of football to watch between Dec. 13 and Jan. 19! Ohio State, Utah, Georgia Southern, Army, Texas A&M — and just about everyone in between — will take part in a total of 47 games that will ultimately conclude with the 2026 CFP National Championship.

NESN has you covered with previews for each and every game — with our next contest sending us back to the desert:

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2025 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

Matchup: Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Utah Utes
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
Stadium: Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, Nev.
TV: ESPN

Game Overview

The Las Vegas Bowl is surrounded by two extremely interesting storylines: Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham leaving his program to take the opening at Michigan, and Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola leaving his program and entering the transfer portal.

Team Overviews

Nebraska Cornhuskers
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Matt Rhule
Record: 7–5

Nebraska is the definition of a middle-of-the-road program, ranking 54th of 136 in total offense (29.2 points scored per game) and 53rd in total defense (23.0 points allowed per game) in 2025.

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The Cornhuskers won’t have everything at their disposal, however.

Raiola, running back Emmett Johnson and offensive lineman Rocco Spindler will all miss the matchup after opting out earlier in the month.

Utah Utes
Conference: Big 12
Head Coach: Morgan Scalley
Record: 10–2

Utah is as good as it gets with regards to non-playoff teams, ranking 5th of 136 in total offense (41.1 points scored per game) and 17th in total defense (18.7 points allowed per game) in 2025.

Morgan Scalley, the club’s new head coach, will have his work cut out for him trying to keep the club on the right track, though.

The Utes will be without offensive lineman Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano, as well as defensive linemen Logan Fano and John Henry Daley.

Players to Watch

Nebraska
QB TJ Lateef
WR Jacory Barney Jr.
WR Nyziah Hunter
WR Dane Key
LB Javin Wright
LB Vincent Shavers Jr.
DB DeShon Singleton

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Utah
QB Devon Dampier
QB Byrd Ficklin
RB Wayshawn Parker
WR Ryan Davis
TE Dallan Bentley
DL Kash Dillon
LB Trey Reynolds
DB Jackson Bennee

Key Notes

Nebraska defensive coordinator Jon Butler was fired earlier this month. Phil Snow will serve as the interim in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Betting Lines

DraftKings Sportsbook: Utah -14 | O/U 50.5
FanDuel Sportsbook: Utah -14.5 | O/U 50.5
BetMGM Sportsbook: Utah -14 | O/U 50.5

The Pick: Over 50.5

More:

Ohio State vs. Miami: Time, Date, TV Channel, 2026 CFP Cotton Bowl Preview

Source: Utah News