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.
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 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: