Forecasts for the Las Vegas Bowl are starting to become clear, but a lot can change before the end of the season.

This year’s game takes place on New Year’s Eve at Allegiant Stadium and will match a school from the Big Ten against a current or former member of the Pac-12.

Projection: Illinois vs. Arizona State

This is the consensus matchup among college football bowl prognosticators for the second time this season.

The Fighting Illini were the pick by ESPN.com, CBS Sportsline, Sports Illustrated and Athlon Sports. Illinois (5-2) dropped out of the rankings following a 34-16 loss to Ohio State.

Coach Bret Bielema’s team is averaging 34 points per game despite lacking a true star playmaker on offense. The Illini have a bye this week before traveling to play Washington on Oct. 25.

The S

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