Here’s what they’re saying about Utah-BYU matchup in Las Vegas Bowl

The Las Vegas Bowl got just the matchup they were hoping for — BYU vs. Utah.

While the resumption of the state of Utah's "Holy War" in Vegas has a sex appeal to it, what are regional and national media outlets saying about the Dec. 19 game at Sam Boyd Stadium?

The Salt Lake Tribune's Kurt Kragthorpe said the Las Vegas Bowl was a letdown for Utah, but the matchup is a good one.

"Here's the thing, though: The Las Vegas Bowl will be a good football game. And what could be more fun for the Utes than denying BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall his 100th career victory, in his final appearance with the Cougars?

… My advice — even though I know better — is for everyone to treat the Las Vegas Bowl not as some kind of referendum about the programs, but just as a very interesting ending of the 2015 season. The winner will finish with 10 victories, and that will be a nice achievement for either program.

And the loser can look forward to Sept. 10 at Rice-Eccles Stadium."

Lafe Peavler of the Deseret News called it the best bowl outside of the New Year's Six.

"Besides, this rivalry has delivered some of the most exciting finishes in recent memory. Seven of the last nine games between these two rivals were decided by seven points or less. Two of those games went to overtime, and several were decided on the last play of the game."

Yahoo! Sports' Dr. Saturday tagged it as the ninth best bowl matchup for this season."

A Holy War showdown for Bronco Mendenhall's last game as BYU head coach? Sign us up. Both of these teams had some shine in the national spotlight this year, too. It should be a good one, though the Utes will be without star running back Devontae Booker due to a knee injury."

ESPN's Adam Rittenburg predicted it will be low-scoring game."

The Holy War resumes in Sin City of all places, and Utah wins a defensive struggle behind Gionni Paul and others to spoil Bronco Mendenhall's BYU finale. Utah 20, BYU 17"

The Bleacher Report forecasted a BYU victory."

The Holy War is back for another go, y'all, despite some apparent opposition. It'll be the final game for BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall, who last week accepted the head coaching job at Virginia. One would think the Cougars will want to send Mendenhall out on the right note.

Utah's success might depend on whether star running back Devontae Booker will be healthy enough to play after injuring his knee in November. The timeline for his return was about four to six weeks, according to Dirk Facer of the Deseret News.

With Booker's availability in question, the Cougars are the safer bet."

Bill Bradley is Sports Editor of the Review-Journal. He can be reached at bbradley@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2909. Follow on Twitter: @billbradleyLV