Ever since joining the Pac-12 in 2011 it has been Utah's goal to win the Rose Bowl. The Utes came very close last season falling to Ohio State, 48-45, on a late field goal. Utah lost its star quarterback, Cam Rising, to a head injury early in the fourth quarter in that game.

Rising had another outstanding year this season passing for 2,939 yards with a 25-to-7 TD-to-interception ratio. I like Rising more than Penn State QB Sean Clifford, who will be without his top receiver, Parker Washington. He has a leg injury and also declared for the draft as did the Nittany Lions star cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

The Utes are 11-4 in bowl games under much respected coach Kyle Whittingham. Utah was impressive in its last game beating USC, 47-24, in the Pac-12 title game. I believe the Utes are the superior team and they have Rose Bowl experience. Their chance is here. And they will take advantage of it.