The day is here. It's the final day of the Nebraska football season as they prepare to play a New Year's Eve afternoon game against the Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl.
After an up-and-down season for the Huskers, they end the year hoping to officially turn the corner. Of course, if they do that, they'll do it without several opening week starters, including Dylan Raiola and Emmett Johnson. They'll also do it as massive underdogs to the Utes.
Both teams will be out some key personnel. Utah will even be without its head coach and offensive coordinator as both are in Ann Arbor trying to get a jump on 2026 as they make the jump to the Big Ten. There is a bit of good news for Nebraska as TJ Lateef, who took over the final three games after Raiola went down, is healthy and "full go."
Nebraska vs Utah Las Vegas Bowl final odds
The Huskers have always been double-digit dogs to the Utes, and as New Year's Eve is upon us, they are now full 14.5-point underdogs according to FanDuel Sportsbook. It's not surprising why. The NU defense got worse as the season went on.
Utah, meanwhile, came within 3 points of the Big 12 title game and a possible College Football Playoff berth. Add in that the Huskers don't have their best offensive weapon in running back Emmett Johnson, and it's not hard to figure out why Matt Rhule's club isn't given much of a chance.
Nebraska football vs Utah Las Vegas Bowl final prediction
It would be great to say the Huskers will finish Year 3 of the Matt Rhule era on a good note. However, it's hard to imagine they have enough horses to hang with a Top 15 team, even if the Utes have a few opt-outs.
Utah beats the Nebraska football team 38-14.