Rose Bowl: Utah Vs. Penn State New Year's Six Preview, Prediction

The Utah Utes (10-3) take on the Penn State Nittany Lions ( 10-2) in the Rose Bowl on Monday, Jan. 2 at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Utah had a difficult start to the season, but they rebounded nicely. They won all their games on the road and beat USC twice. In the Pac-12 Championship Game, they knocked their rival out of the College Football Playoff and secured their second-straight Rose Bowl berth. Running back Tavion Thomas is injured, while transfer Ja'Quinden Jackson is a strong runner. Quarterback Cameron Rising had another outstanding season. Tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Brant Kuithe are injured.

Sean Clifford is retiring after a long and successful career at Penn State. The team's quarterback is highlighted by gritty toughness and a nose for making plays. Their ground game was inefficient, but freshman Nicholas Singleton emerged as a star. They ranked inside the top 10 in yards per rush allowed and scoring.

Utah is without CB Clark Phillips, RB Tavion Thomas and TE Dalton Kincaid.

Joey Porter Jr. and Parker Washington are in the Rose Bowl.

Utah almost upset Ohio State in last year's Rose Bowl. Rising won the Pac-12 Championship Game. Kyle Whittingham is one of the best coaches in the nation. Utah has the superior offense and a decent enough defense.

Penn State is the healthier and deeper team at this juncture. Utah's absences are greater in both number and importance. Sean Clifford needs to avoid mistakes and make the right decisions.

James Franklin has been criticized for poor performances in big time games. He's 3-4 in bowl games at Penn State, with his wins coming against Memphis, Washington, and Boston College. His team has a combined record of 5-15 against rivals Ohio State and Michigan and 2-5 against top-10 teams. Utah came close to glory last year.

Utah will play Penn State in the Rose Bowl.