Champions of the Big Ten West Division in 2018, Northwestern finished the regular season 8-5 (and 8-1 in the Big Ten). The Wildcats notched victories against top-25 ranked teams Michigan State, Wisconsin and Iowa. The team is led by 13th-year Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald.

Champions of the Pac-12 South Division in 2018, Utah completed the regular season 9-4 (and 6-3 in the Pac-12), including a victory against 14th-ranked Stanford. Head Coach Kyle Whittingham is in his 14th year leading the program.

The Utes have an overall bowl game record of 17-4, including bowl game wins in each of the past five years.

Both teams feature strong defenses. Utah finished the regular season ranked 17th nationally in scoring defense, allowing an average of 19.3 points per game. Senior linebacker Chase Hansen ranks seventh nationally in tackles for loss with 22. Other standouts include junior defensive lineman Bradlee Anae (eight sacks) and sophomore defensive back Jaylon Johnson (four interceptions).

Northwestern’s defense finished ranked No. 29 in the nation in scoring defense, giving up an average of 21.7 points per game. The Wildcats are led by junior defensive lineman Joe Gaziano (six sacks) and sophomore linebacker Blake Gallagher (112 total tackles).

The Utes’ offense averaged 30.8 points per game and is led by redshirt freshman quarterback Jason Shelley, who took over last month for injured starter Tyler Huntley. The Wildcats’ offense averaged 21.7 points per game and is led by senior quarterback Clayton Thorson.

Northwestern led the nation in fewest penalties per game (average of 2.83), while Utah committed 5.2 per game (38th-fewest in the nation).

Utah and Northwestern have played head-to-head twice, with the series tied 1-1. The two teams last played in 1981.

2018 Holiday Bowl Festivities:

Kickoff Luncheon

When: Sunday, December 30
Time: 11:00 AM
Where: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Over 1,000 guests annually attend this can’t-miss bowl event and are treated to a great lunch, the heart-pounding sounds of the two university bands, video team highlight presentations and team interviews. Guests have the opportunity to sit and interact with the players and coaches of the participating schools. The event begins with the Carrier Johnson + Culture Battle of the Bands. At the end of the band concert, guests will make their way to the ballroom where they will have the chance to sit and eat with players from their favorite school. In addition to a fantastic lunch, they will be treated to a program featuring the head coaches, team captains and on-air personalities, as well as highlight reels from each team’s season.

Solar Turbines 5K Run/Walk

When: Monday, December 31
Time: 9:45 AM
Where: San Diego Harbor Front

The 25th annual Solar Turbines 5K at the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade will take place along San Diego’s beautiful harbor front, starting on the corner of Harbor Drive and Ash St. and finishing near Ruocco Park. Athletes will run past 100,000 cheering spectators. Runners, families and spectators can watch the remainder of the parade that features colorful floats, bands and huge inflatable characters.

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by National Funding

When: Monday, December 31
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Downtown San Diego

America’s Largest Balloon Parade. The scenic, bayside streets of downtown San Diego will come alive with world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons – more than any other parade! Over 100,000 street-side spectators will enjoy the parade along with a nationwide television audience.

Dexcom NYE Pregame Party

When: Monday, December 31
Time: 1:30 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium Concourse

Pregame like a pro! The San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl will again host the Dexcom NYE Pregame Party, the ultimate pregame fan experience. Fans can take part in interactive combine-style football skills challenges, from kicking a field goal to passing target practice. Watch a live bowl game or sports action in the sports lounge. Enjoy some of San Diego’s best local food trucks. This is all happening at the Dexcom NYE Pregame Party on the concourse level of SDCCU Stadium before the kickoff of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl.

Access to the Dexcom NYE Pregame Party is free with a SDCCU Holiday Bowl game ticket.

Technology Integration Group VIP Tailgate

When: Monday, December 31
Time: 1:30 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium Parking Lot Section F-1

Over 1,500 guests join the SDCCU Holiday Bowl Board of Directors/Committee, major sponsors, Civic/Military Officials and fans to kick-off their evening of football and fun at the Technology Integration Group VIP Tailgate. Guests will enjoy food, beer and wine as well as private performances by the college bands and cheerleaders. A limited number of tickets are available to the public. All ages welcome. All VIP tailgate ticket holders will have a private stadium entrance at Gate F.

San Diego International Airport Pregame Show

When: Monday, December 31
Time: 3:30 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium

The San Diego International Airport Pregame Show features heart-pounding performances by both university marching bands, spectacular pageantry, parachute jumpers and of course, it wouldn’t be the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl without The Big Flag, the football field size American Flag. Be sure to be in your seats 30 minutes before kickoff!

Dr Pepper Most Inspirational Player Award

When: Monday, December 31
Time: 4:00 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium

The San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl, in cooperation with Dr Pepper and the Kiwanis Club of San Diego, is proud to continue a program for the 2018 football season that will honor a student-athlete who is often overlooked. The program aims to recognize a San Diego County high school football player “who, through their presence, actions and words of encouragement, serves as an inspirational example to their teammates."

Dr Pepper/Stater Bros. Halftime Show

When: Monday, December 31
Time: 5:30 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium

You’ll want to stay in your seats for the Dr Pepper/Stater Bros. Halftime Show as the excitement continues with world-class pageantry, marching bands and an unbelievable fireworks display that you have to see to believe! This Band, Dance & Cheer Halftime Extravaganza is a production of WorldStrides Heritage Performance Programs.

Dr Pepper/Stater Bros. “Tuition Throw” Contest

When: Monday, December 31
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: SDCCU Stadium

Don’t miss the Dr Pepper/Stater Bros. “Tuition Throw” contest during the break between the 3rd and 4th quarter of the game. Three lucky fans will compete against each other to see who can throw the most successful passes into a giant Dr Pepper can and attempt to win $100,000 in tuition.