Utah vs. Penn State prediction: FrontPageBets picks the Rose Bowl
Both No. 8 Utah and No. 11 Penn State enter this year’s Rose Bowl with plenty of momentum.
The Utes (10-3), fresh off a Pac-12 championship, have won six out of their last seven, while the Nittany Lions (10-2) have won five in a row.
Utah is making its second consecutive Rose Bowl appearance, while Penn State is playing in Pasadena, Calif., for the first time since the 2016 season.
This is setting up to be a game that is pretty evenly matched, with Utah holding a slight advantage as 2.5-point favorites.
The Utes are eighth in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 40 points per game; and 17th in total offense, coming in at a 472.7-yards-per-game clip.
Penn State has a stingy defense that is giving up 18 points per game (tied for ninth) and 317.8 yards per game (15th).
As it often does, quarterback play will dictate this New Year’s Six bowl game.
Penn State sixth-year senior quarterback Sean Clifford has been a staple in Happy Valley over his career, holding the school record for completion percentage (61.2%), completions (817), passing yards (10,382), passing touchdowns (84) and pass attempts (1,335). His 31 wins are second in school history.
Utah junior quarterback Cameron Rising has been a playmaker this season, throwing for 2,939 yards and 25 touchdowns. He’s led the Utes to the Pac-12 championship, beating USC (for the second time). Penn State’s defense, which is ninth in the nation with 37 sacks, will need to contain Rising.
The Utes also like to run the ball, ranking 10th in the nation in rushing offense with 220.2 yards per game. However, they’ll be without top running back Tavion Thomas, who missed the last two games and is skipping the Rose Bowl.
FrontPageBets picks the winner against the spread.
Rose Bowl: No. 8 Utah vs. No. 11 Penn State
- When: 5 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 2
- Where: Pasadena, Calif.
- TV: ESPN
- Spread: Utah -2.5 (-110); Penn State +2.5 (-110)
- Money line: Utah -130; Penn State +110
- O/U: 52.5 (-110)
- The pick: Penn State, 35-34
Gambling problem? There is help. Call 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for help.
