If the Las Vegas Bowl were to happen right now, we might see a matchup that brings nostalgia for many football fans. Scheduled for New Year’s Eve at Allegiant Stadium, this thrilling game will pit a team from the Big Ten against either a current or former member of the Pac-12.
Current Projection: Nebraska vs. Utah
In an exciting turn of events, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1) have reemerged in the spotlight, having been selected by both ESPN.com and CBS Sportsline for this anticipated matchup. They recently celebrated their first victory in the Big Ten by defeating Michigan State with a score of 38-27, largely thanks to the remarkable performance of running back Emmett Johnson, who powered through the defense to score three touchdowns.
Additionally, quarterback Dylan Raiola is making waves with his impressive statistics, showcasing a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 12-2. The Cornhuskers are set to face off against Maryland this Saturday, which could further bolster their standing in the conference. Other contenders from the Big Ten include Illinois and Penn State, both of whom are looking to make their mark as well.
Switching gears to the Pac-12, the Utah Utes (4-1) are the projected choice, as indicated by Kyle Bonagura of ESPN.com and Sports Illustrated. Coming off a bye week, the Utes are preparing to take on the No. 21 ranked Arizona State this Saturday.
Utah’s offense is particularly noteworthy, as it boasts a well-rounded rushing attack that ranks 13th in the nation for yards per game. Quarterback Devin Dampier adds a compelling element to the team with his dual-threat capability, keeping defenses on their toes.
The Utes have made six appearances in the Las Vegas Bowl, tying with BYU for the most in the event's history. Their most recent participation came in 2023 when they faced off against Northwestern, though they fell short in a closely contested game, losing 14-7.
Other former Pac-12 teams that are under consideration include Arizona State and Cal, further adding to the intrigue surrounding this year’s Las Vegas Bowl.
So, as we look ahead to this exciting event, what are your thoughts? Do you think Nebraska has what it takes to advance further in the postseason, or can Utah turn the tide and reclaim their standing in the bowl competition? Join the conversation below!
For more insights, feel free to reach out to David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or connect with him on social media @DavidSchoenLVRJ on X.
