Holiday Bowl 2018: Utah vs. Northwestern live stream – Watch online

The Utah Utes and the Northwestern Wildcats have prepared for the 2018 Holiday Bowl. Here’s what you need to know.

Utah and Northwestern have only ever met twice. The first time the two teams met was all the way back in 1927. The second time came just over five decades later in 1981. Almost 54 years passed between the first two games featuring these two teams. Now, the third time the Utes and the Wildcats meet comes 37 years after the second meeting and 91 years after the first.

It’s safe to say that the two teams really aren’t all that familiar with each other. For those fans out there who will be watching this game that aren’t that familiar with either of these teams from this season, it’s time that you get to know them.

Let’s start with Northwestern.

The Wildcats had an interesting season. This team started 2018 with a 1-3 record and won 7 of 8 to win its division heading into the Big Ten Championship game where it ultimately fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Northwestern has been up and down all year and has, for the most part, played to the level of its competition.

The Wildcats only lost to then No. 14 Michigan by three points, beat then No. 20 Michigan State by 10 points, only beat one-win Rutgers by three points, knocked down then No. 20 Michigan by 14, and squeaked by four-win Illinois by eight points. Utah’s opponent is an interesting one.

And, to be fair, the Utes had an interesting season as well.

Despite the fact that Utah lost their first two conference games, the Utes played their way right back into the Pac-12 South picture, ultimately getting the opportunity to play for the conference championship. Kyle Wittingham’s team lost in a dull and controversially officiated game, but the Utes won seven of their final 10 games and are looking to bounce back from an infuriating loss to the Washington Huskies.

How to watch and bet on the 2018 Holiday Bowl

• Date: Monday, Dec. 31
• Start time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Stadium: SDCCU Stadium
• Spread: Utah -7
• Channel: FS1
• Stream: fuboTV

Prediction: This game should be a fairly close and low scoring one. The over/under is set at 46 and that seems to be fair. Both teams feature pretty good defenses and even though the Wildcats haven’t always appeared all that impressive, even in their wins, they’ve still found ways to challenge some of the better teams that they’ve played. Still, Utah is the better team in this bowl game. The Utes should come out on top of the 2018 Holiday Bowl.

Score: Utah 27, Northwestern 20