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Utah played in the Las Vegas Bowl in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. They will not be playing in Las Vegas for the third straight year. However, Utah fans should still watch this game. The game is televised on ABC at 1:30 p.m. MDT.
The game features two excellent Group of 5 teams: Houston, who has defeated both Oklahoma and Louisville this season, and the Mountain West Conference champions San Diego State. Houston freshman defensive lineman Ed Oliver is the highest rated player ever to commit to a Group of 5 school. He was excellent this season for Houston as a true freshman. He will have to stop San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey. With 2,018 rushing yards, Pumphrey ranks second in the nation in rushing yards. If he can rush for 108 yards in the Las Vegas Bowl, he will break Ron Dayne’s record of 6,397 career rushing yards. The Houston defense ranks second in yards per carry (2.9) and third in rushing yards. This strength versus strength matchup, particularly Pumphrey versus Oliver, could decide this game. Many NFL scouts will also be interested to see how Pumphrey fares against an elite rushing defense.
Sit back, relax, enjoy a great Group of 5 matchup, and be thankful Utah is not playing in the Las Vegas Bowl for the third straight season.
Below is a complete bowl game schedule for today:
How to Watch Day 1 College Football Bowl Games
| Bowl | Team | Location | Time (ET) / TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl | Team | Location | Time (ET) / TV | Streaming |
| Gildan New Mexico Bowl | New Mexico vs. UTSA | Albuquerque, NM | 2 p.m. / ESPN | WatchESPN |
| Las Vegas Bowl | Houston vs. San Diego State | Las Vegas, NV | 3:30 p.m. / ABC | ESPN3 |
| Raycom Media Camellia Bowl | Appalachian State vs. Toledo | Montgomery, AL | 5:30 p.m. / ESPN | WatchESPN |
| AutoNation Cure Bowl | UCF vs. Arkansas State | Orlando, FL | 5:30 p.m. / CBSSN | CBSSports.com |
| R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | Southern Miss vs. UL Lafayette | New Orleans, LA | 9 p.m. / ESPN | WatchESPN |