The Las Vegas Bowl is gearing up for an exciting matchup featuring a team from the Big Ten against either a current or former member of the Pac-12. This year’s game is scheduled for December 31, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The official teams will be announced on Sunday, but projections suggest a likely clash between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Utah Utes.
Illinois Fighting Illini on a Winning Streak
The Illinois Fighting Illini, with a record of 8-4, secured their spot in the anticipated bowl game following a victory over in-state rival Northwestern on Saturday. This win marked their third triumph in the last four games, showcasing a strong finish to the season. According to both ESPN.com and Sports Illustrated, Illinois is a frontrunner for the Las Vegas Bowl.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer has been instrumental in the Illini’s success. He completed 68.1 percent of his passes this season, amassing 2,811 yards with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions. The defense, anchored by senior Gabe Jacas, who has recorded 11 sacks, adds to the team’s competitive edge. Other Big Ten teams that might also be considered for the matchup include Iowa and Nebraska.
Utah Utes Ready for Challenge
On the other side of the projected matchup, the Utah Utes boast a strong record of 10-2 and currently rank No. 15 in the latest Associated Press Top 25. They solidified their playoff positioning with a 31-21 victory over Kansas on Saturday. Major sports outlets, including ESPN.com, CBS Sportsline, Athlon Sports, and The Athletic, have all indicated Utah as a likely participant in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Utah’s offense has been particularly impressive, averaging 41.1 points per game, ranking sixth in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Quarterback Devon Dampier has thrown for 2,180 yards and 22 touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capability. He is also a key player on the ground, second on the team in rushing behind Wayshawn Parker, who averages an impressive 7.0 yards per carry.
The Utes have a rich history in the Las Vegas Bowl, having participated in the game six times, tied with BYU for the most appearances. Their last outing in the bowl ended in a narrow 14-7 defeat to Northwestern in 2023, adding motivation to perform better this time around.
As the college football season draws to a close, fans eagerly anticipate the official announcement of the teams competing in the Las Vegas Bowl. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two strong programs, each vying for a memorable victory to cap off their seasons.
