Pac-12 Bowl Projections: Which Games Will Your Team Play In?
With the 2023 regular season drawing to a close, the dust is settling on what was once the Pac-12 Conference. Despite its dissolution, the conference’s legacy continues through its bowl game lineup, which remains unchanged at least through the 2025-26 season.
But where will each former Pac-12 team end up? Let’s dive into the possibilities based on current standings and projections.
Undefeated Oregon, a surefire College Football Playoff contender, has already punched its ticket to postseason glory. “Undefeated Oregon is going to the College Football Playoff regardless of the result of the B1G Championship Game," says one projection. If they defeat Penn State, they’ll likely land a coveted spot in the Rose Bowl on January 1st. However, a loss sends them into the playoff’s first round, where they’ll host a game in Autzen on December 20th or 21st.
Arizona State, meanwhile, holds a wildcard spot in the playoff conversation. If they triumph in the Big 12 Championship this Saturday against Iowa State, they’ll join Oregon in vying for the national title. But a loss shakes things up, likely dropping them into the standard Pac-12 bowl order.
Here’s a look at those bowl projections:
Alamo Bowl vs Big 12: BYUs is the current favorite, but an Arizona State loss opens the door for Colorado, who could be the first team off the board.
Holiday Bowl vs. ACC: Washington State, despite a late-season slump, looked poised for this slot. However, "the Cougars faded down the stretch though, and are now without quarterback John Mateer (in the portal) and both coordinators," potentially prompting the Holiday Bowl to look elsewhere. Arizona State’s loss in the Big 12 Championship could land them in San Diego.
Las Vegas Bowl vs. SEC: USC’s star power and previous appearance in Las Vegas could make them a tempting choice for the Vegas Bowl. That said, a loss for Arizona State could create a scramble for this spot, leaving anywhere from Cal to Washington to Washington State in the running.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl vs. ACC: Washington holds the likely spot here if Arizona State wins, while USC’s chances rise if ASU falls.Washington will definitely be rooting hard for Arizona State on Saturday, hoping to avoid a trip to Shreveport.
LA Bowl vs. Mountain West: All signs point to Cal heading to the LA Bowl. It’s not the most ideal situation logistically, considering final exams loom, but it allows their sizable Southern California fan base to witness their team in person.
Independence Bowl vs. Big 12:
If Arizona State wins, this bowl slot either goes to Washington or Washington State. However, a Stately loss could leave the bowl unfilled.
The final bowl picture remains fluid, but one thing is certain: these postseason matchups will provide exciting duels between Pac-12 teams and their opponents. For Cal fans, the LA Bowl seems like the most likely destination, but which bowl are you hoping for?
