December 31st, 2025
Las Vegas Bowl, Allegiant Stadium
Nebraska 7-5 vs (15) Utah 10-2
ESPN 2:30pm
Nebraska versus Utah in Las Vegas. It’s a good matchup and an even better destination for Husker fans. Any other year I might be excited about this matchup, but Utah may be the best team Nebraska faces this season. What worries me is the late season collapse by the Huskers, if that’s the team that shows up in Vegas, this one could end up being uglier than Bugsy Siegel’s living room after the mob got done putting holes in him.
Early on Nebraska was considered over a two-touchdown underdog. There were multiple reasons for that, one being the Utes are a good football team with a record of 10-2 and ranked 15th in the polls. The other reason was the announcement that this would be head coach Kyle Whittingham’s last game. The thought there was that you would see a motivated Utah team attempt to send the winningest coach in Utah football history out on a high note.
The announcement of Whittingham hanging it up wasn’t necessarily unexpected since DC Morgan Scalley had already been named the head coach in waiting. However, what was odd was Whittingham stating he wasn’t retiring but stepping away. That occurred on December 12th, two days after Michigan fired Sherrone Moore. Now it seems the timing of Whittingham’s announcement wasn’t so coincidental after all. On Friday we learned that Whittingham had been named the new head coach at Michigan and won’t be coaching in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Immediately Husker fans anticipated a letdown by Utah because they lost their head coach for the game. But I don’t see it. For me it doesn’t change a whole lot. It may level the playing field slightly due to the upheaval of what assistants and players will be going with Whittingham to Ann Arbor, but it doesn’t change the fact Utah is still the better team.
The Ute’s only losses were to the two teams who played in the Big XII Championship, Texas Tech 34-10 and BYU 24-21. Yes, it’s the Big XII and not the Big Ten, but if you put Utah up against the teams Nebraska lost to this season how would they have fared? I believe the Utes beat Michigan, Minnesota, USC, and Penn State. Iowa would have been a coin flip. So, although it seems like a good matchup for Nebraska, it isn’t.
Let’s compare numbers and some key matchups.
Utah’s Offense vs Nebraska’s Defense Head-to-Head
Utah – 478.6 total yards and 40.9 points per game.
Nebraska – allows 312.3 yards and 23.0 points per game.
Utah – 208.1 yards passing per game and 25 TDs on the season.
Nebraska – allows 171.3 yards passing per game and 7 TDs on the season.
Utah – 269.8 yards rushing with a 6.1 yard per carry average and 37 TDs on the season.
Nebraska – allows 141.1 yards per game rushing, 4.8 per carry, and 26 TDs on the season.
Utah – 25.4 first downs a game, 9.3 by pass, 14 by rush, 2.2 by penalty. 53.13% 3rd down efficiency, 63.64% 4th down.
Nebraska – allows 17.3 first downs a game, 5.8 by passing, 9.5 by rushing, 4.8 by penalty. On the season the Blackshirts logged, 61 TFLs, 19 sacks, 6 INTs, 7 FR, 4 FF.
Key Utah Offensive Players Out
There are two things that give me encouragement when talking about Utah’s offense against the Blackshirts. In today’s bowl world you are going to deal with players both entering the portal and opting out to prepare for the NFL draft. Utah will be without both starting offensive tackles for this game as they are both considered top NFL prospects.
Right Tackle, first team All-American and 2025 Outland Trophy Winner Spencer Fano started 12 games for the Utes this season. The 6’6” 302lbs Fano didn’t allow a single sack and only allowed 5 pressures on 382 pass blocking snaps.
Left Tackle Caleb Lomu started all 12 games for Utah over the last two seasons and was an All-Big XII selection. Playing the coveted left tackle position the 6’6” 3010lbs Lomu caught the NFL’s attention last season. He has not allowed a sack in his last 357 pass blocking opportunities. He’s considered one of the top three left tackles in the draft.
Both players were a huge part of Utah’s offense being the second leading rushing team in the nation. While their production will be missed, Utah does have talented players who will attempt to fill in. But experience counts.
Utah’s Offensive Players to Know
QB – Devon Dampier 5’11” 204lbs. passed for 2,180 yards, 63.7%, 7.2 average, 22 TDs, 5 INTs, 11 sacks. 2nd leading rusher on the team with 133 carries for 931 yards, 5.4 average, 6 TDs.
QB – Byrd Ficklin 6’1” 181lbs, passed for 301 yards, 60%, 8.6 average, 3 TDs, 0 INTs. Rushed 56 times for 503 yards, 9.0 average, 10 TDs. Played in 11 games and was 3rd leading rusher on team.
RB Wayshawn Parker 5’10” 206lbs, 127 carries for 931 yards, 7.0 average, 6 TDs. 10 receptions for 132 yards, 13.2 average, 3 TDs.
WR – Ryan Davis 5’11” 181lbs. 57 receptions for 659 yards, 11.6 average, 4 TDs.
TE – Dallen Bentley 6’4” 264lbs, 42 receptions for 514 yards, 12.2 average, 5 TDs.
TE – JJ Buchanan 6’4” 208lbs, 22 receptions, 351 yards, 16.0 average, 4 TDs.
In reviewing the offensive sats it’s interesting to see how much playing time reserve QB Ficklin got. It isn’t unusual to see him come in at QB in running situations. It’s also worth knowing WR Nate Johnson had 23 carries for 222 yards, and 1 TD in the season while only having 1 reception for 16 yards. TE Hunter Andrews also had 13 carries for 113 yards and 1 TD on the season. Nebraska’s linebackers will need to identify and understand that while these two players aren’t a big part of the offense, anytime they are in the game they are threats of running the ball.
Nebraska’s Defensive Players to Watch
LB – Javin Wright 6’5” 230lbs, 38 solo, 83 total tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 3 PDs, 1 INT. Leading tackler on the team.
S – Justyn Rhett 6’1” 200lbs. Rhett’s stat numbers are low as he saw limited action this season, however with Singleton being out it’s expected he will start. A transfer from Georgia, he’s someone the coaches are excited about and a player to watch in this game.
DL – Willimas Nwaneri 6’7” 265lbs, 10 solo, 27 total tackles, 5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1 PD, 2 FR, 1 FTD. He is the Huskers’ sack leader on the season. At 2.5 sacks, it tell you just how much work there is to do with this defensive line.
LB – Vincent Shavers 6’1” 225lbs, 27 sols, 52 total tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 PD, 1 FF.
CB – Donavan Jones 6’1” 200lbs, 35 solos, 51 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 4 PDs.
It should be noted that both Desan McCullough and DeShon Singlton will not be playing for the Huskers due to injuries. There is a significant loss of production with Singleton.
‘Jack’ LB – Dasan McCullough, 11 sols, 21 total, 5 TFLs, and 2 sacks.
S – DeShon Singleton 44 solo, 70 total tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack, 4 PDs, 2 INTs, 1 FR. He is the 2nd leading tackler and interception leader for the 2025 Blackshirts as well.
If you’re a Husker fan and interim DC Phil Snow you’re searching for cracks in the Utah offense. It could very well be the absence of the two starting offensive tackles. That needs to be taken advantage of. Part of that was Snow’s asking fiery assistant coach Mike Ekeler to help coach the edge players for bowl practices. It also doesn’t hurt to have new Edge coach Roy Manning in the ears of the young pass rushers. I’m excited to see what Keona Davis, Williams Nwanaeri, Dylan Rogers, and Jordan Ochoa, can do with a fresh start. I anticipate this group playing much more aggressively. They will also need to contain the QB run as it’s a huge part of the Utes offense.
The wild card here is just how much influence the backwards cap Matt Rhule and new Defensive Coordinator Rob Aurich have on the defensive line.
Nebraska Interesting Defensive Stats – Nebraska’s losses were Michigan 30-27, Minnesota 24-6, USC 21-17, Penn State 37-10, and Iowa 40-16. Michigan totaled 286 yards rushing and had runs of 75, 54, and 37 yards. Minnesota totaled 186 yards rushing with a run of 71 yards. USC totaled 202 yards rushing. Penn State totaled 231 yards rushing with runs of 50 and 26 yards. Iowa totaled 213 yards rushing with runs of 34 and 29 yards.
It’s been common knowledge all season Nebraska was susceptible to the run and could be gashed for big gains. All of which led to the firing of DC John Bulter and defensive line coach Terry Bradden.
Nebraska’s Offense vs Utah’s Defense Head-to-Head
Nebraska – 372.8 yards and 29.2 points per game.
Utah – allows 360.3 yards and 18.6 points per game.
Nebraska – 228.2 passing per game and 22 TDs on the season.
Utah – allows 177.5 yards per game passing and 10 TDs on the season.
Nebraska – 144.7 rushing per game, 4.2-yard average, and 18 TDs on the season.
Utah – 182.9 yards per game rushing, 4.9 per carry, and 16 TDs on the season.
Nebraska – 20.6 first downs a game, 10.4 passing, 8.8 rushing, 1.4 penalty. 45.52% 3rd down efficiency, 36.00% 4th down efficiency.
Utah – allows 18.8 first downs in a game, 9.3 by rushing, 1.6 by penalty.
On the season the Utes logged 76 TFLs, 31 sacks, 14 INTs, 3 FR, 5 FF
Key Nebraska Offensive Players Out
All-American Emmett Johnson was voted Big Ten Running Back of the Year after rushing for 1,451 yards, a 5.8 yard per carry average, and 12 TDs. He also had 46 receptions for 370 yards and 3 TDs. Johnson had another year of eligibility but elected to enter the NFL draft. While Johnson won’t be playing, he said he would be on the sideline of the Las Vegas Bowl pushing his teammates on.
Former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola suffered a season ending leg injury in the ninth game of the season. The sophomore QB passed for 2,000 yards on the season with a 72.4% completion rate, an 8.0 per pass average, for 18 TDs, and 6 INTs. He was sacked 27 times on the season. After the season he elected to enter the transfer portal
Interior offensive lineman, Senior guard Rocco Spindler was a key part of the Husker offensive line throughout the season. He suffered a broken hand late in the season which required surgery. He has since opted out to prepare for the NFL draft. His loss is significant considering there were signs during the season of Utah’s defense being overwhelmed by teams like Kansas State and their physicality on the line of scrimmage.
Nebraska’s Offensive Players to Know
QB – TJ Lateef 6’1” 200lbs, passed for 722 yards, 62.1%, 7.6-yard average, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 3 sacks. He comes into this game as Nebraska’s 3rd leading rusher with 27 carries for 98 yards, a 3.6-yard average, and 2 TDs.
RB – Kwinten Ives 6’3” 215lbs, 16 carries, 119 yards, 7.4-yard average, 2 TDs.
RB – Isiah Mozee 6’0” 210lbs, 19 carries for 83 yards, 4.4-yad average, 0 TDs.
RB – Mekhi Nelson 6’0” 195lbs, 15 carried 59 yards, 3.9-yard average, 1 TD.
WR – Nyziah Hunter 6’1” 205lbs, 43 receptions, 617 yards, 14.3 average, 5 TDs.
WR – Jacory Barney 6’0” 170lbs, 43 receptions, 463 yards, 10.8-yard average, 4 TDs.
WR – Dane Key 6’3” 210lbs, 35 receptions, 424 yards, 12.1-yard average, 5 TDs.
TE – Luke Lindenmeyer 6’3” 250lbs, 28 receptions, 306 yards, 10.9-yard average, 2 TDs.
It would be easy to say offensively this will be a game of tryouts. It’s time for guys to prove themselves at QB, RB, and offensive line.
It’s a given that after the game Nebraska will look to the portal for QB depth, but they really want to see what freshman TJ Lateef can do. As of now Lateef says the hamstring is completely healed and the Utes will see a fully functional QB. Let’s just hope it stays that way throughout the game.
We also know whoever the next starting RB is, he won’t be 80% of the offensive production. I’m sure we’ll see more of a two-headed monster going forward, right now that’s Isiah Mozee and Mekhi Nelson. If this staff doesn’t see what they want from one or both in this game, they’ll go to the portal.
And finally, new offensive line coaches Geep Wade and Lonnie Teasley will be evaluating the offensive line. It’s a given they’ll hit the portal to find additional offensive tackle depth and experience, but will they see what they want from the young interior guys and determine they need additional depth there?
OC Dana Holgorsen needs to exploit the outside edge of the defense since Utah is without their two starting defensive ends. Holgorsen also can’t forget that KSU put up over 400 yards rushing against the Utes. When looking for cracks, that could be one.
Utah’s Defensive Players to Know
Both of Utah’s starting defensive ends will be out for the game. John Daley is out with a season ending injury and Logan Fano has opted out for the NFL draft. Both players are big losses for the Utes.
Defensive end John Henry Daley 6’4” 247lbs was the Utes sack leader. On the season he had 24 solo, and 48 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, 17.5 TFLs, 1 PD, 2 FF.
Defensive end Logan Fano 6’5” 249lbs, started the last two seasons and was a Captain in 2025. On the season he registered 30 solo and 44 total tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and 2 PDs.
LB – Johnathan Hall 6’1” 230lbs, leading tackler on the team with 41 solo, 65 total, 2.5 sacks, 4 PDs, 1 INT. 1 FF.
S – Jackson Bennee 6’2” 189lbs. 2nd leading tackler and 1st in INTs, 41 solo, 61 total, 5 PDs, 4 INTs, 1 TD.
CB – Elijah Davis 6’0” 182lbs, 2 pick-sixes of 97 yards and 65 yards.
Utah’s Interesting Defensive Stats – Kansas State rushed for 472 yards, 11.2 average and 5 TDs with RB Joe Jackson having runs of 80 & 66 yards. The Utes have shown at different times during the season that they couldn’t stop the run.
Utah’s losses were to Texas Tech 34-10 and BYU 24-21. In both games they allowed 4.7 yards per rush. In both games they lost the turnover battle as well.
Kicking Game Comparison
Utah – PK, Dillon Curtis 6’2” 187lbs. 63/65 XP, 10/14 FGs. All misses over 40 yards. Longest 54 yards.
Nebraska – PK, Kyle Cunanan 5’10” 180lbs. 43/43 XP, 16/19 FGs. All misses over 40 yards. Longest 52 yards.
Utah – Kick return yardage, 14.2 yards per return. 69% touchback.
Nebraska – Kick return yardage, 26.3 yards per return. 47% touchback.
Utah – Punt return yardage, 14.9 yards per return.
Nebraska – Punt return yardage, 11.1 yards per return.
Utah – Punting, 40.4 yards per punt
Nebraska – Punting, 37.6 yards per punt
Penalties & Turnovers
Utah – 49 penalty yards per game.
Nebraska – 44 penalty yards per game.
Utah – Plus 5 turnover ratio on the season.
Nebraska – Plus 3 turnover ratio on the season. In the five games the Huskers lost, they were even in turnovers every game.
Keys to a Nebraska Win
How many times have you heard, the key to winning this game will be which team can run the ball and then stop the run.
We’ve seen during the season Utah struggles most when teams run the ball on them. And we know Utah is exceptional at running the ball. But other than the loss of Utah’s two starting offensive tackles, their running game is intact with a pair of QBs who have rushed for 1,434 yards on the season.
Nebraska is short their leading tackler, and the poorest part of Nebraska’s defense is defending the run. Nebraska looks to remedy that by being more physical and aggressive. There has also been a change in coaches, and those coaches have been working diligently to create a new mindset and get everyone in the right position.
We’ve watched the Husker’s offense fizzle this season when they couldn’t run the ball and Nebraska has lost their leading rusher in Johnson. The three running backs behind Johnson have a total of 50 carries for 261 yards and 3 TDs on the season. However, Nebraska has added a QB who can utilize his legs and give Utah looks they may not anticipate.
Overall the advantage in the running game goes to the Utes.
That means Nebraska will have to win this one through the air. If the Husker’s offensive line can give Lateef time, he has the arm and the receivers to make it happen. Nebraska has the better receiving corps in Key, Hunter, Barney, Mills, and Lindenmeyer. Mozee and Nelson are legitimate threats as receivers out of the backfield as well.
And, as we’ve seen all season long, the Blackshirts are solid against the pass. If Rhule, Aurich, Manning, and Ekeler have done enough with the defensive front to create pressure on the QB, this Husker team has a chance for the upset.
GO BIG RED!!
Artwork – Lyle Harmon
Stats gathered from ESPN – Serving Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere.
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