On Sunday, it was revealed that the Utah Utes (8-4, 5-4 Pac-12) were selected to play Northwestern (7-5, 5-4 Big Ten) in the 2023 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 23 (5:30 p.m. MST, ABC).
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham revealed his thoughts about the game itself, and their opponent in a statement according to KSL.
"We are looking forward to playing in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl," Whittingham said. "We have a lot of respect for the Big Ten and Northwestern, and we are excited to start preparing for a great atmosphere in Allegiant Stadium."
This marks just the fourth time these two programs have played one another, with Northwestern currently holding the series advantage, winning two of the first three. They won the most recent meeting in 2018, with Utah's lone victory coming in 1981.
This game has rock fight written all over it, as the Wildcats are home to one of the better defenses in the country, but are not the most stout on offense. For reference, Utah's offense which has been plagued by injury all year ranks No. 84 in total offense, while Northwestern ranks No. 121.
The Utes are 11-5 in bowl games under Whittingham, and are expecting quarterback Bryson Barnes to be healed up from his injury by the time the game rolls around.
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