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Editor’s note: The Deseret News is providing live coverage from Saturday’s game between the Utah Utes and Northwestern Wildcats in the Las Vegas Bowl. Check back for updates throughout the game.
Final score
Northwestern 14, Utah 7
The Utes’ final drive ended when Bryson Barnes’ pass on fourth-and-3 was batted down with 1:55 to play, then Ben Bryant picked up a first down with his legs on third-and-7, allowing Northwestern to run out the clock.
While Utah was able to tie the game midway through the fourth quarter, a pair of big pass plays led Northwestern to the game-winning drive late.
The Utes dropped to 8-5 on the season and lost their fifth straight bowl game.
Fourth quarter
Northwestern 14, Utah 7
6:19 — Northwestern is back out in front, scoring on a nice back-shoulder fade to Bryce Kirtz for a 19-yard touchdown. Northwestern 14, Utah 7.
That came one play after Ben Bryant connected with A.J. Henning on a 34-yard pass to get the Wildcats into scoring position.
7:10 — After Utah held on a fourth-down attempt, the Utes faced their own at Northwestern’s 47. Jaylon Glover was stuffed for no gain, though, on the fourth-and-2 play, given the Wildcats the ball back near midfield.
12:38 — Utah is finally on the board, as Micah Bernard — making his first appearance since the season opener — scored on a 6-yard touchdown run. Utah 7, Northwestern 7.
Bryson Barnes was briefly replaced by Luke Bottari on the 8-play, 60-yard drive as Barnes went through concussion protocol after a hard hit, though he returned after Bottari completed an 18-yard screen pass to convert a key third-and-7.
End of third quarter
Northwestern 7, Utah 0
A second quarter went by tonight without a score, as both offenses have struggled to get going.
Utah held Northwestern after a Utes fumble gave the Wildcats possession in Utah territory.
Northwestern had 198 yards of total offense, while Utah has 107.
Bryson Barnes left for a few plays at the end of the quarter after taking a hit that knocked his helmet off. He was replaced by Luke Bottari.
Halftime
Northwestern 7, Utah 0
The Utes have just 59 yards of total offense in the first half, while Bryson Barnes has thrown two interceptions, including one in the end zone that ended Utah’s most promising first drive of the half.
Northwestern, meanwhile, has 185 yards of total offense and scored a touchdown just before the half for the game’s only score. Ben Bryant completed 16 of 22 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown to lead the Utah offense.
Utah’s defense did come up with a goal-line stand to thwart one scoring opportunity, after Barnes’ second interception was returned inside the Utes’ 10.
Second quarter
Northwestern 7, Utah 0
0:00 — Northwestern missed the chance to make it a two-score game, missing a 40-yard field goal attempt as the half expired.
1:20 — The Wildcats put the first score of the game on the board just before halftime, as Cam Johnson scored on a 12-yard touchdown. Northwestern 7, Utah 0.
9:13 — The Utes’ defense came up with a goal line stand, holding twice on goal-to-go situations from the 1, to keep it a scoreless game.
That came after Northwestern started a drive at the Utah 7 off Bryson Barnes’ second interception of the night.
End of first quarter
Utah 0, Northwestern 0
Neither team scored in the bowl’s opening quarter. The Utes’ most promising drive ended when a Bryson Barnes pass was intercepted in the end zone.
Pregame prep
Here are a few stories to get you ready as Utah and Northwestern face off:
Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.
