Huskers Bowl Outlook: Will Las Vegas Host Nebraska?

The college football regular season has concluded, and while the Nebraska Huskers finished with a 5-7 record, their strong Academic Progress Rate (APR) has them firmly in the conversation for a bowl game bid. For us here in Las Vegas, the buzz is palpable: multiple projections point to Allegiant Stadium possibly hosting the Cornhuskers, potentially bringing a significant influx of fans and economic activity to our city.

The Path to Postseason Play for a 5-7 Team

Normally, a team needs at least six wins to qualify for a bowl game. However, if there aren’t enough six-win teams to fill all the bowl slots, teams with a 5-7 record can become eligible based on their Academic Progress Rate, with the highest-ranking teams getting priority. Nebraska’s impressive APR score places them high on this list, making them a strong candidate for one of these coveted spots despite their losing record on the field. This eligibility mechanism adds a unique layer of anticipation as we await the final selections.

Top Bowl Projections: Vegas or Nashville?

As bowl selection Sunday rapidly approaches, two main destinations are consistently appearing in the projections for the Nebraska Huskers: the Las Vegas Bowl and the Music City Bowl. Both offer distinct experiences and potential matchups, but for the local community here, one stands out significantly.

The Las Vegas Bowl: A Home Game Atmosphere?

For Las Vegas residents and businesses, the prospect of the Huskers playing in our city’s own Allegiant Stadium is incredibly exciting. Multiple major outlets, including ESPN, Action Network, and Bleacher Report, have projected Nebraska to the Las Vegas Bowl. This game is scheduled for Saturday, December 23rd, offering a pre-Christmas boost to local tourism and hospitality sectors. A Big Ten team like Nebraska, known for its passionate and travel-ready fan base, would undoubtedly fill hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the valley, providing a significant economic injection just before the holiday rush.

The Las Vegas Bowl typically features matchups between teams from the Big Ten and the Pac-12 (or Mountain West, depending on year and tie-ins). A potential opponent for the Huskers could be a Pac-12 team, offering an intriguing cross-conference contest. For locals, this means a chance to see a high-profile college football game right in our backyard, supporting our economy and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that only a major sporting event can bring to our city. Imagine the buzz around Allegiant Stadium, the packed Mandalay Bay Convention Center for fan events, and the energy on the Strip – it’s a tremendous opportunity for our community.

The Music City Bowl: An Alternative in Nashville

While Las Vegas holds considerable appeal, CBS Sports has projected Nebraska to the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee. This game is set for Saturday, December 30th. It typically pits a Big Ten team against an SEC opponent, potentially offering another compelling matchup against a formidable conference foe. While Nashville is a fantastic destination, for us here in Vegas, it wouldn’t offer the same direct local benefits in terms of economic impact or the convenience of attending the game.

Implications for Las Vegas and Beyond

Should the Las Vegas Bowl secure the Nebraska Huskers, the implications for our city are substantial. Beyond the immediate economic benefits from fan travel and spending, hosting a team with such a dedicated following enhances Las Vegas’s growing reputation as a premier sports destination. It showcases Allegiant Stadium, supports local businesses, and creates memorable experiences for both visiting fans and local residents. For the Huskers themselves, a bowl appearance—especially against a quality opponent—provides valuable extra practice time for younger players and an opportunity to finish the season on a high note, building momentum for the next year. It also gives their loyal fan base another reason to rally around their team, whether they travel or watch from afar.

What to Watch Next

Bowl selections are typically announced on Sunday, December 3rd, following the conference championship games. Until then, fans and locals alike will be closely watching the various projection updates and hoping for the best possible outcome. Key factors influencing the final decision will be the distribution of six-win teams, other available 5-7 teams by APR, and the preferences of the bowl committees and conferences. Keep an eye on sports news outlets this weekend for the definitive announcement, which will reveal whether Las Vegas will indeed be painted red for the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can a 5-7 team really go to a bowl game?
  Yes, if there aren’t enough 6-win teams to fill all bowl slots, teams with a 5-7 record can be selected based on their Academic Progress Rate (APR), with higher APR scores getting priority.
• What kind of teams typically play in the Las Vegas Bowl?
  The Las Vegas Bowl usually features matchups between teams from the Big Ten Conference and either the Pac-12 Conference or the Mountain West Conference, depending on the year’s specific tie-ins.
• When will the final bowl decisions be announced?
  Official bowl game selections are typically announced on the Sunday following conference championship games, which this year falls on December 3rd.
• What would a Nebraska bowl game mean for Las Vegas locals?
  Hosting a bowl game, especially with a team like Nebraska and its robust fan base, means significant economic activity for local businesses, increased tourism, and the excitement of a high-profile college football event at Allegiant Stadium right in our community.

As we head into bowl selection weekend, keeping an eye on the official announcements will be key for Las Vegas locals eager to welcome potential visitors and enjoy another exciting collegiate event in our world-class city.

Huskers Bowl Bid Possible APR Boost Las Vegas Host