Las Vegas Bowl Projections Feature New Big Ten Contender
As the college football season heats up, a fresh contender from the Big Ten has emerged in the projections for the upcoming Las Vegas Bowl. This year, the much-anticipated game, set for New Year’s Eve, will take place at Allegiant Stadium and promises to showcase a thrilling matchup: a team from the Big Ten going head-to-head with either a current or former member of the Pac-12.
A Surprising Upset: Illinois Makes Headlines
The spotlight recently shone brightly on the No. 22 Fighting Illini, who pulled off a stunning upset against the prestigious USC Trojans, clinching the victory with a last-second field goal by David Olano. The final score of 34-32 not only secured their fourth win of the season but also propelled them into the national conversation regarding potential bowl game participants. This performance has caught the attention of major sports outlets, including ESPN.com and Athlon Sports, who have earmarked Illinois as a strong contender for the Las Vegas Bowl.
Luke Altmyer’s Stellar Performance
At the heart of Illinois’ success was quarterback Luke Altmyer, who delivered an exceptional performance against USC. He amassed an astonishing 359 all-purpose yards, contributing to four touchdowns and making history in the process. Altmyer became the first player in a Big Ten game since 2011 to achieve a trifecta of rushing, receiving, and passing touchdowns. With his impressive skills and rising confidence, he is sure to be a crucial asset as Illinois prepares for their next matchup against Purdue.
The Competition Heating Up: Other Big Ten Teams
While the Fighting Illini have made a strong case for Las Vegas, they are not the only Big Ten teams in the conversation. Other schools such as Iowa, Michigan, and Nebraska have also garnered attention in recent bowl projections. Each of these programs brings its own strengths and unique narratives, creating an exciting landscape for bowl game selections in the coming weeks.
Arizona State: A Strong Pac-12 Contender
On the other side of the potential Las Vegas Bowl matchup is the Arizona State Sun Devils, who have also made their mark this season. Following a hard-fought 27-24 victory over TCU, Arizona State climbed back into the rankings, currently sitting at No. 25. Athlon, CBS Sportsline, and Sports Illustrated have all positioned Arizona State as a favored opponent for the Illini.
Led by an explosive offense featuring quarterback Sam Leavitt and talented wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the Sun Devils are formidable contenders. Having reached the College Football Playoff last season, they are eager to build on that success and make a significant impact as they prepare to face Utah on October 11, effectively bridging two highly competitive conferences.
Looking Ahead
With other former Pac-12 programs like Cal and Utah also vying for bowl game appearances, the landscape is increasingly competitive. As these teams continue to jockey for position, fans can expect exciting football action leading up to the New Year’s Eve clash in Las Vegas.
For more updates on the Las Vegas Bowl and the teams involved, stay tuned to local sports coverage and analyses from seasoned experts like David Schoen, who can be contacted for more insights. The drama and anticipation surrounding this season’s bowl games promise to deliver exhilarating matchups and thrilling storylines as college football approaches its climax.