UTAH (8-4) vs. NAVY (8-4)
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Utah by 8 1/2
The buzz: Both teams are in bowl games for the fifth consecutive season, but Navy enters this one with a new coach. Paul Johnson left to become the new coach at Georgia Tech and the Midshipmen quickly promoted assistant Ken Niumatalolo because of his familiarity with the option offense. Navy has led the nation in rushing each of the past three seasons. Navy is riding a four-game winning streak that started with a thrilling 46-44 win over Notre Dame on Nov. 3. Utah has won its last six bowl games, the second-longest streak in the nation. The Utes can win nine games in a season for the first time since former coach Urban Meyer’s team went undefeated in 2004. Utah has the nation’s third-ranked defense in points allowed and is 2-0 in bowls under Kyle Whittingham.
Orlando Sentinel
