A matchup of title game losers is going the way of the Pac-12 so far in the Holiday Bowl. Pac-12 runner-up Utah holds a 20-3 lead over Big Ten runner-up Northwestern at the break in San Diego.
The Utes jumped out to a 14-0 lead through one quarter on a pair of Jason Shelley touchdown passes, the first a 27-yarder to Jaylen Dixon and the second a 4-yarder to Jake Jackson. Shelley led both teams in passing and rushing in the half, hitting 13-of-20 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns while rushing seven times for 52 yards.
Dixon seemingly allowed Northwestern back in the game when he fumbled away a 6-yard completion at his own 42-yard line, but the Wildcats wound up punting from midfield.
Northwestern got on the board on its next possession with a 21-yard Charlie Kuhbander field goal, but Utah matched that with a 32-yard Matt Gay boot.
Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson then returned Dixon’s favor by tossing an interception at his own 35. After trying and failing on six chances -- thanks to a third down pass interference by Northwestern -- from the 10-yard line and in, Utah settled for a 20-yard Gay field goal to close the half.
The Utes will receive to open the second half.