Bowl Season Preview: Duke Faces Arizona State, Utah Battles Nebraska in New Year’s Eve Showdowns
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As the College Football Playoff picture has settled, bowl season offers a final stage for teams to showcase their talent and build momentum for the future. With several intriguing matchups on the horizon, this preview focuses on the Sun Bowl and the Las Vegas Bowl, both scheduled for New Year’s Eve, offering compelling narratives as programs navigate transitions and strive for a strong finish to the 2025 season.
Sun Bowl: Duke vs. Arizona State – A Battle of Momentum
The Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, will host a clash between the Duke Blue Devils and the Arizona State Sun Devils on Wednesday, December 31st, at 11:00 a.m. PT, broadcast on CBS. For Arizona State, the game arrives amidst a period of significant change. Head coach Kenny Dillingham was recently linked to the vacant Michigan position, and key player Sam Leavitt entered the transfer portal. However, Dillingham ultimately signed an extension to remain with the Sun Devils, signaling a commitment to building a competitive program.
“With an eye toward next season, this game feels more like an obligation than a reward,” one analyst noted, highlighting the forward-looking perspective for Arizona State. Despite the limited stakes for the 2026 season, the game presents an opportunity for quarterback Jeff Sims to redeem himself after a disappointing performance in the Territorial Cup. A victory over the ACC Champion Duke could significantly reshape his legacy in Tempe.
Duke, however, presents a challenging opponent. While the Blue Devils’ defense is statistically vulnerable, allowing 28.7 points per game (ranking 91st nationally), they excel at creating turnovers, having forced 21 this season, including 13 interceptions. Sims will need to protect the ball to avoid costly mistakes. The Vegas oddsmakers currently favor Duke by approximately three points, but the historical dominance of the Big 12 over the ACC this season suggests Arizona State possesses the personnel to compete. The team that wins the turnover battle will likely emerge victorious.
Las Vegas Bowl: No. 15 Utah Faces Nebraska in Whittingham’s Farewell
Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Texas, will be the setting for a poignant matchup between the No. 15 Utah Utes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Wednesday, December 31st, at 12:30 p.m. PT, televised on ESPN. This game marks the end of an era for Utah, as legendary head coach Kyle Whittingham departs for Michigan after a remarkable 21-year tenure leading the program through multiple conference affiliations.
New Utah head coach Morgan Scalley will take the helm in this game, fortunate to have key players Devon Dampier and Lander Barton available despite the opt-outs of several starters. Nebraska, conversely, enters the contest without their starting quarterback, Dylan Raiola, who sustained an injury earlier in the season. Backup TJ Lateef, a moderate dual-threat, has filled in, achieving a 1-2 record with modest passing and rushing statistics (722 passing yards, 4 TDs, 3.6 yards per rush, 3 rushing TDs). Analysts predict Lateef will face significant challenges against Utah’s stout defense.
Nebraska’s defense is reasonably strong, allowing 23.0 points per game, ranking seventh in the Big Ten. However, they struggle against the run, conceding 171.3 yards per game (No. 95 nationally). This weakness presents a significant opportunity for Utah, boasting the No. 2 rushing offense in the country. “Look for Utah to pound the ball and take advantage of Nebraska’s flaw,” a senior official stated. If the Utes can maintain efficiency in their running game and minimize turnovers, they are well-positioned to secure a victory and send Coach Whittingham off with a win.
Dane Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports. Latest posts by Dane Miller (see all).
