Utah @ Georgia Tech preview

SUN BOWL STORYLINES

1. Georgia Tech has lost six straight bowl games, while Utah had its nine-game bowl win streak snapped in last year’s 26-3 loss to Boise State in the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas.

2. With their spread option attack, the Yellow Jackets rank third nationally in rushing (316.8). The Utes rank seventh nationally in rush defense (98.3) and are familiar with the option from battling Air Force in the Moutain West.

3. The Utes are the hotter team, having won four of their last five. The Jackets lost four of six after a 6-0 start.

4. Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow is Hawaii's new head coach, but will coach in the Sun Bowl.

5. Tech starting CB Louis Young (52 tackles, INT) has been suspended for disciplinary reasons. Nickel CB Jemea Thomas will replace him, with Jamal Golden or Michael Peterson filling in for Thomas.

TV: CBS. LINE: Georgia Tech -3.

ABOUT UTAH (7-5, 4-5 Pac-12): Utah overcame a season-ending shoulder injury to starting QB Jordan Wynn on Oct. 1 as backup Jon Hays threw for 1,266 yards with nine TDs and seven interceptions. RB John White carried the offense, rushing for 1,404 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. After starting 3-4, the Utes reeled off four straight conference wins and had a chance to win the South Division, but they fell 17-14 to Colorado in the regular-season finale. Utah won the only previous meeting with Georgia Tech, 38-10 in the 2005 Emerald Bowl.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (8-4, 5-3 ACC): The Jackets raced to a 6-0 start thanks in part to a soft schedule. Against tougher competition, the offense was not as explosive. Still, the unit features dangerous playmakers in junior A-back Orwin Smith (10.3 yards per carry) and junior WR Stephen Hill (30.2 yards per catch). QB Tevin Washington ran for 890 yards and 14 TDs, but completed just 46.7 percent of his throws. The defense did not improve in the second year under coordinator Al Groh, allowing 25.8 points (60th nationally). OLB Jeremiah Attaochu (6.0 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss) is one of the few Jackets who can disrupt an offense.

PREDICTION -- Utah 27, Georgia Tech 24. White will have a big day against a Tech defense that ranks 67th nationally against the run, limiting the Jackets’ offensive possessions.