By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports activities
The Large 12 groups from the West might have missed out on the School Soccer Playoff.
But it surely’s bowl season and the video games matter to the applications concerned.
With three extra matchups to absorb earlier than the lengthy offseason, these are the ultimate sendoffs we get for the 2025 season.
I preview the Solar Bowl and the Las Vegas Bowl right here.
Duke v. Arizona State
Wednesday, December 31
11:00 a.m. PT, CBS
Solar Bowl, El Paso, TX
It’s been a wild postseason for Arizona State.
Kenny Dillingham was closely linked to the Michigan job and Sam Leavitt hit the portal. However the worst-case state of affairs was averted when Dillingham signed an extension to remain in Tempe.
Now, it’s all about constructing for the longer term.
With a watch towards subsequent season, this recreation feels extra like an obligation than a reward. No matter occurs in El Paso, the result’s comparatively meaningless for the 2026 season.
Nonetheless, the sport presents a possibility for Jeff Sims to exit on a excessive notice. His efficiency within the Territorial Cup ruined his legacy as a Solar Satan.
But when Sims engineers a victory over the ACC Champion Duke, the narrative round him may change.
The Blue Devils aren’t good on protection. They enter the sport permitting 28.7 factors per recreation, which places them thirteenth within the ACC and 91st nationally.
Their main saving grace, nevertheless, is their skill to create turnovers. Duke has pressured 21 this season, together with 13 interceptions.
Sims can’t be free with the ball or throw picks in El Paso. It’s so simple as that.
The Vegas oddsmakers expect a detailed recreation, with the unfold hovering round three factors in favor of Duke. However the Large 12 has dominated the ACC this season and the Solar Devils ought to have superior personnel.
Nonetheless, the Blue Devils might really feel disrespected by the Playoff Committee and are available out with one thing to show.
Whichever staff wins the turnover margin most likely will get the victory.
Nebraska v. No. 15 Utah
Wednesday, December 31
12:30 p.m. PT, ESPN
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, TX
It’s the tip of an period for the Utes.
Kyle Whittingham is off to Michigan, constructing his employees and recruiting, as an alternative of teaching his final recreation for this system, ending a 21-year run throughout which he led Utah by way of the Mountain West, Pac-12, and Large 12.
Nevertheless you might really feel about him, there’s no denying Whittingham’s standing as a legend.
New Utah head coach Morgan Scalley will coach in his stead.
And luckily for Scalley, the Utes can have their star quarterback and star linebacker enjoying in Vegas.
Devon Dampier and Lander Barton have each introduced they’re suiting up after beginning offensive linemen Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano each opted out of the sport.
With a lot of the starters anticipated to play, Utah is in a very good place.
Nebraska, however, enters the matchup with out their greatest participant. Quarterback Dylan Raiola obtained damage earlier within the season, forcing backup TJ Lateef to step into the beginning position for the ultimate three video games of the common season.
A average dual-threat, Lateef is averaging 3.6 yards per rush with three touchdowns on the bottom to associate with 722 yards passing and 4 TDs by way of the air.
He went 1-2 because the starter, beating UCLA after which dropping in blowout style to Penn State and Iowa.
The true freshman may battle in opposition to Utah’s protection, which most likely explains the substantial unfold in favor of the Utes.
On the opposite aspect of the ball, Nebraska is fairly succesful. The Cornhuskers are seventh within the Large Ten in factors allowed per recreation, giving up 23.0 per contest. Their weak spot, nevertheless, is defending the run.
And that’s an issue dealing with Utah.
Nebraska permits 171.3 yards dashing per recreation, placing them No. 95 nationally. Matched up with the No. 2 dashing offense within the nation, the Cornhuskers are in bother.
Search for Utah to pound the ball and reap the benefits of Nebraska’s flaw.
If the Utes are environment friendly within the run recreation and restrict their turnovers, they shouldn’t miss their former coach on this recreation.
Miller covers School Basketball and School Soccer in addition to Components 1 racing as a Senior Author and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports activities.
