Utah vs. Northwestern odds, line: 2023 Las Vegas Bowl picks, college football predictions by proven model

The 2023 Las Vegas Bowl is set for Saturday evening at Allegiant Stadium. The matchup is part of a seven-game bowl slate on Saturday, and the matchup pits the Utah Utes against the Northwestern Wildcats. Utah is 8-4 overall this season and representing the Pac-12 in this matchup. Northwestern is 7-5 overall from the Big Ten, and the Wildcats arrive on a three-game winning streak.

SportsLine consensus lists the Utes as 6.5-point favorites for this 7:30 p.m. ET kick. The total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, or the over/under, is 42.5 in the latest Utah vs. Northwestern odds. Before making any Northwestern vs. Utah picks, be sure to see the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, it has generated a strong profit of well over $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. The model enters bowl season a profitable 13-9 on top-rated spread picks. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Utah vs. Northwestern and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several college football odds and betting lines for Northwestern vs. Utah:

• Utah vs. Northwestern spread: Utah -6.5
• Utah vs. Northwestern over/under: 42.5 points
• Utah vs. Northwestern money line: Utah -257, Northwestern +206
• UTAH: The Utes are 6-5-1 against the spread this season
• NW: The Wildcats are 8-4 against the spread this season
• Utah vs. Northwestern picks: See picks at SportsLine
• Utah vs. Northwestern live stream: fubo (try for free)

Why Utah can cover

Though Utah is dealing with opt-outs, transfers and injuries, Bryson Barnes is expected to get the start at quarterback despite the fact that he’s exploring portal options himself. He finished with eight passing touchdowns in his final three games in 2023, including a 320-yard output against Arizona. Barnes is also a dual-threat option, rushing for at least 39 yards in five of his past six games and racking up three rushing touchdowns this season. Utah produced 186.3 rushing yards per game this season, No. 2 in the Pac-12, and the Utes have a pair of 500-yard rushers at running back in Ja’Quinden Jackson and Jaylon Glover. Jackson had three 100-yards games this season, and Glover produced 107 rushing yards in the finale against Colorado. 

Utah is also facing a vulnerable Northwestern defense that ranked dead-last in the Big Ten with 159.5 rushing yards allowed per game. Northwestern was also second-worst in the conference in allowing 19 rushing touchdowns, and the Wildcats ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten in completion rate allowed (64.8%) and third down efficiency allowed (40.0%) this season. See which team to pick here.

Why Northwestern can cover

Northwestern’s defense has allowed 17 points or fewer in five different games this season, and the Wildcats ended the year on a high note with three straight wins to conclude the regular season. Northwestern is allowing only 192.1 passing yards per game and 6.7 yards per pass attempt this season, with opponents generating only 15 passing touchdowns against the Wildcats in 12 games. Northwestern also forced 11 fumbles and produced 11 interceptions this season, and the Wildcats project to take advantage of a vulnerable Utah passing attack. 

The Utes have key opt-outs and injuries on offense, and Utah finished last in the Pac-12 with 173.6 passing yards per game this season. Utah completed only 57.3% of its passes for 6.6 yards per pass attempt and only 15 passing touchdowns in 2023. On offense, Northwestern converts more than 41% of third down attempts this season, and Big Ten Coach of the Year David Braun should have his team prepared at the highest level. See which team to pick here.

How to make Northwestern vs. Utah picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 43 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in nearly 70% of simulations. You can only get the pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Utah vs. Northwestern, and which side of the spread hits in nearly 70% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that’s up over $2,000 on its top-rated college football picks, and find out.