Nebraska vs Utah Odds, Predictions & Picks  – Las Vegas Bowl (Dec. 31)

• New coach Morgan Scalley leads No. 15 Utah against Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve.
• Utah is two-touchdown favorites, with the line dropping 2.5 points in the last two weeks.
• I’m rolling into 2026 with my pick, prediction and look at the odds for Nebraska vs Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Utah (10-2, 8-4 ATS) takes on Nebraska (7-5; 4-7-1 ATS) in Wednesday’s Las Vegas Bowl with the storyline not what was originally expected.

It was supposed to be the send-off for Utes coach Kyle Whittingham, but he jumped on the chance to take over Michigan last week, much to most of the state of Utah’s surprise. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who was slated to replace Whittingham, now takes over.

Nebraska is just 1-4 as underdogs this season against the spread, but is Utah shaken by the late coaching swap? I’ve got your guidance on the best Nebraska vs Utah odds and my prediction below.

Nebraska vs Utah Odds

The Nebraska vs Utah odds have the Utes as 14-point favorites with a total of 51.5 points. Utah opened as 16.5-point favorites, but that number has dropped to 14 after some opt outs and the sudden departure of Whittingham.

Nebraska has lost 29 in a row to ranked teams, but they have covered six of their last seven games against non-conference opponents. The Huskers have lost six of their last nine against the number.

Utah has been favored in every game they have played this season, but they haven’t won a bowl game since 2017. I found the best moneyline value on Nebraska is +450 at Caesars, and you can get Utah -549 at FanDuel.

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Nebraska vs Utah Prediction

My Nebraska vs Utah prediction backs the Cornhuskers to cover the point spread in the Las Vegas Bowl.

I keep thinking about one of my picks earlier in bowl season with East Carolina and Pitt. All signs pointed to a Pitt rout, ECU had lost some coaches, had a bunch of opt outs, but then you know what? The game mattered a lot more to ECU than it did Pitt and they played like it.

I believe that Utah’s faith has to be shaken. They finished No. 15 in the CFP rankings, losing only to BYU and Texas Tech (both good teams). The Utes will be missing two starters on the offensive line and superstar running back Wayshawn Parker already seems to be leaning toward heading to Ann Arbor with his old coach.

Nebraska has some issues too. They started 6-2, but then quarterback Dylan Raiola got hurt. He’s transferring now. Freshman QB TJ Lateef has played OK, but he looks like he’s going to get ‘portaled’ out. (Yes, I am making up words, but Nebraska is definitely in the market for a QB).

Nebraska has hit the over in four of its last five games – same for Utah. I love the over in this one. Utah has the No. 5 scoring offense in the nation putting up 41.1 points a game and the No. 2 rushing offense at just under 270 yards. QB Devin Dampier is a one-man show with 2,867 yards of total offense and 29 touchdowns.

But I am sticking with Nebraska for all the reasons that are happening off the field. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule was asked 100 times (at least) about the Penn State job, but he’s staying put and seems committed to making Nebraska a college power again.

What we have learned during bowl season in the Portal Era is what matters is who still cares and who is still playing hard? I think Utah is brokenhearted. I’ve been there before in Las Vegas. Give me Nebraska.

Nebraska vs Utah Picks

• Nebraska +14 (-110 at DraftKings)
• Over 51.5 (-108 at DraftKings)

  

  

    

      
Darren Cooper
      

        Sports Betting Dime • 
        December 30, 2025 at 7:06pm
      
    
  
  

    

      
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AwayPointSpread +15.5
        
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CFB • Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Utah Utes
      
      

        
-122 on BetRivers
        
SCHEDULED • 12/31/2025 
      
    
  
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