In a defensively dominated game, Northwestern and Utah struggled to put points on the board, with the score remaining 0-0 until halftime. Northwestern's defense forced Utah into a three-and-out and nearly blocked a punt, while Utah's defense responded with sacks and a corner blitz by Zemaiah Vaughn. Northwestern missed two field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder, and failed to convert on fourth and goal from the 1-yard line. Utah's quarterback Bryson Barnes threw two interceptions, both caught by Northwestern's Joseph, and Jaylon Glover fumbled the ball, contributing to the scoreless first half. In the third quarter, Northwestern managed to take a 7-0 lead, but Utah responded with Barnes, who had returned to the game after being temporarily replaced by Luke Bottari and talking to trainers, leading a drive that resulted in a 6-yard touchdown by Micah Bernard to tie the game at 7-7. Northwestern regained the lead with a 14-7 score after a touchdown pass from Ben Bryant, who was hit hard by three Utah defenders, to Kirtz. The game continued to be a close affair with both teams' defenses making crucial stops, including a key fourth-down stop by Northwestern's defense with just over seven minutes remaining, and Northwestern's Hollis breaking up a pass from Barnes with 1:55 left to secure the Wildcats' possession and lead.
Great D by Northwestern secondary as Hollis breaks up the pass and Wildcats take over with 1:55 to go.
Welp ... Barnes' pass is broken up and Northwestern has the ball with 1:55 left.
Northwestern retakes the lead 14-7 as Bryant to Kirtz for 17 yards with 6:19 left. A nice catch by Kirtz even though he was held by Vaughn en route to the end zone. This has turned into a pretty interesting affair at @AllegiantStadm.
4th and 2 at NW 47 and Whittingham goes for it. Glover tries to run for first down and he's stopped cold by the Wildcats' D. Northwestern 1st and 10 with 7:10 remaining from own 47.
Northwestern goes for it on 4th down at the backup QB overthrows it
Northwestern goes for it on 4th down at the backup QB overthrows is.
Northwestern QB Ben Bryant is down on the field after a run for a near first down. He got hit hard by 3 Utah defenders on the stop.
Barnes back in at QB and Utes tie it as Micah Bernard scores from 6 yards out. 7-7 w/12:38 to go. Suddenly, a little excitement here at @AllegiantStadm.
Northwestern 7, Utah 0, end third quarter. Utes go to backup QB Luke Bottari after Barnes had to leave the game following his helmet coming off. Barnes was seen talking to team's trainers/medical staff on sideline.
Northwestern is giving WRs a lot of space, but Barnes doesn't see them. Luke Bottari comes out for a play because Barnes' helmet comes off.
Jaylon Glover breaks off on a run, but is stripped of the ball and Northwestern recovers. This is something to behold
Barnes sacked on 3rd down (and Utah called for holding), so now the Utes punt.
Northwestern has missed two field goals and failed to convert a 4th and goal from the 1. Good thing failing to put teams away when you had the chance never comes back to bite you. https://t.co/8dn9dTJYue
A golden opportunity for Northwestern to score is squandered after interception by Joseph at the NU 45 to the Utah 7 (his second of the game). 4th and goal at 1 and the pass goes incomplete. Still 0-0 w/9:13 left until halftime. #LVBowl
Vegas bowl is electric. Northwestern fails to get a yard in two tries from the 1 … so it’s 0-0 with 9 minutes left in the first half
Its had a good sustained drive going and then decided to go for it all as the pass to the end zone is picked off by Northwestern's Joseph with 23 seconds eft in the first Q. Big play for the Wildcats. #LVBowl
Utah goes with a strong run game and crosses midfield, and then Bryson Barnes throws a pick at the goal line 😬
Utah - Northwestern is everything we thought and feared it might be.
Northwestern attempts a 51-yard field goal attempt but it's wide right. We remain scoreless in a defensive game.
Wildcats' defense impresses on first series. Forces Utah into 3 and out and nearly blocks punt. Northwestern starts from Utah 45.
And another sack on third down. Great showing by the defense to start for Utah.
Utah with a big sack on second down. Zemaiah Vaughn with the corner blitz to help