Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) walks off the field after being sacked as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oops!
Something went wrong.
Please try again later.
A defensive struggle ended in Utah’s fifth straight bowl loss on Saturday as the Utes fell 14-7 to Northwestern in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium.
Here are three takeaways from a loss that dropped the Utes to 8-5:
For quarterback Bryson Barnes, one of the heroes against USC and Florida earlier this season who entered the NCAA transfer portal but chose to play in the bowl, it was a long night.
Barnes completed just 8 of 13 passes for 55 yards and threw two first-half interceptions. At halftime, he had thrown for 10 yards and had a 10.5 QB rating. He also had minus-2 rushing yards on 16 carries as Northwestern sacked him five times.
Utah turned the ball over three times, including a Jaylon Glover fumble in the third quarter, and put up only 211 yards of total offense.
The Utes managed to tie the game early in the fourth when they drove 60 yards in eight plays and Micah Bernard scored on a 6-yard run but they just never got on track offensively.
The Utes were 5 of 15 on third down and failed to convert two critical fourth downs in the fourth quarter, the last of which ended their final drive when Barnes’ pass on fourth-and-3 was knocked away.
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) reacts in pain after a hit as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Utah Utes fan takes photos as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes Sidney Mbanasor and other players gets ready as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham talks with a couple of the officials as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes players run onto the field as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) warms up as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham, walks the field as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) warms up as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Northwestern Wildcats defensive lineman Jaylen Pate (41) watches warmups as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes cheerleaders pose for photos as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) and other players run onto the field as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes gather on the field as they and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) warms up as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes offensive lineman Kolinu’u Faaiu (61) and Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) hug as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes cheerleaders talk and laugh as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks the field as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans get set as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes tight end Dallen Bentley (88) makes a catch as Utah and Northwestern prepare to play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) walks off the field after being sacked as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes wide receiver Money Parks (10) reaches out to take the punt as Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Evan Smith (22) defends as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes cheerleaders perform during a timeout as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes wide receiver Money Parks (10) can’t hold onto the ball as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Cam Johnson (14) stretches out as he tries to make a catch with Utah Utes cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) defending as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah players try to block an extra point as they and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) tries to avoid Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Bryce Gallagher (32) as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) gets ready for the hit by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Bryce Gallagher (32) as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah fans watch the game as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Northwestern Wildcats players celebrate their win over Utah in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Ja’Quinden Jackson (3) leaves the field as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Utah Utes fan looks up at the scoreboard as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) winds up for a long pass that was intercepted as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Ja’Quinden Jackson (3) looks to stiff arm Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Rod Heard II (24) as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) brings down Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (20) as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes cheerleaders and fans stand in honor of late players Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Reggie Russell and Scott Nielson pose for a photo before Utah and Northwestern playing in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes players and fans stand in honor of late players Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) scores a touchdown with Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Jaheem Joseph (3) hanging onto his foot as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes players and coaches sing their fight song after losing the Northwestern in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes wide receiver Emery Simmons (18) shows some emotion after Utah lost to Northwestern in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) watches the game from the sideline as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) is sacked by Northwestern Wildcats defensive lineman Carmine Bastone (90) as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes fans talk as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A cameraman works the game dressed as a reindeer as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes fans dance as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) has his helmet torn off by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Xander Mueller (34) as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) is hit by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Xander Mueller (34) Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes fans stand in honor of late players Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) gets up after his helmet was torn off by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Xander Mueller (34) as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) tries to pass as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Jaylon Glover (1) celebrates after a run as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes wide receiver Munir McClain (4) falls after being hit as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes fans cheer after a touchdown as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) is tackled by Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Rod Heard II (24) as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) dumps a pass over the line as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. (35) brings down Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches the game from the sideline as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Utah fan watches the game as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Utah fan watches the game as Utah and Northwestern play in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Northwestern won 14-7. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah’s defense did make some plays, but not the ones it needed late
Utah gave up 291 yards to Northwestern and never trailed by more than a score thanks to its defense.
The Utes made a goal-line stand in the second quarter after Barnes’ second interception — and a long return — gave Northwestern possession inside the Utah 10.
Utah also held after Northwestern recovered a fumble in Utes territory in the third quarter — Utah’s D allowed only one yard and forced a Wildcats punt.
On Northwestern’s final two drives, though, the Wildcats made the plays to win.
After Ben Bryant returned to the game after going through concussion protocol, he completed a 34-yard pass to a diving A.J. Henning, setting up the game-winner — an impressive 19-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Kirtz with 6:19 to play to put Northwestern ahead 14-7.
After Utah’s failed fourth-down attempt with 1:55 to play, Bryant — who threw for 222 yards and two scores — picked up 10 yards on the ground on a third-and-7, allowing Northwestern to run out the clock.
A long and frustrating season is now over
Injuries defined much of the 2023 season for Utah. Cam Rising and Brant Kuithe were forced to miss the entire year and various ailments caused both sides of the ball to deal with a long list of missing players.
Utah was also down guys such as Sione Vaki and Cole Bishop in the bowl game after both safeties declared for the NFL draft, and had several players enter the transfer portal.
On Saturday, all of that left an already shorthanded Utah team digging even deeper into its lineup, and the Utes simply didn’t have the horses to make enough plays for a win.
The ray of hope is that Rising has announced he will return for the 2024 season, giving something for Utah fans to watch for as the program enters the Big 12 next year.
Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab join forces to recap the draft in the best way they know how: letter grades! Fitz and Frank discuss all 32 teams division by division as they give a snapshot of how fans should be feeling heading into the 2024 season. The duo have key debates on the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and more.
