Wildcats’ Resurgence on the Alamo Bowl Horizon
Ever since Arizona secured its bowl eligibility, the speculation surrounding the destination of the Wildcats’ first postseason appearance in six years has been a rollercoaster. However, as victories over AP Top 25 teams stacked up and the Pac-12 standings secured a no-worse-than-third finish, the predictions have grown more precise.
The Alamo Bowl Beckons
All major weekly bowl projection outlets unanimously forecast the 16th-ranked Arizona (8-3, 6-2 Pac-12) team making its way to the Alamo Bowl on December 28th, poised to face a formidable Big 12 Conference adversary. While five outlets predict a clash with No. 13 Oklahoma (9-2), another envisions a showdown against No. 21 Oklahoma State (8-3).
Flashback to 2010
Arizona’s sole appearance in the Alamo Bowl occurred in 2010, resulting in a 36-10 defeat to Oklahoma State, concluding the season with a 7-6 record after a promising 7-1 start. The Wildcats’ subsequent encounter with the Cowboys less than nine months later ended in a 37-14 OSU triumph, marking the beginning of a five-game losing streak that led to Mike Stoops’ dismissal.
Future Foes on the Horizon
Oklahoma State, a future Big 12 opponent for Arizona scheduled to clash in 2025 in Tucson, could potentially be their Alamo Bowl adversary. Notably, Oklahoma is set to depart for the SEC this offseason.
Territorial Cup Showdown: A Decisive Factor
The outcome of Saturday’s Territorial Cup clash holds significant weight. A victory would virtually secure Arizona’s spot in the Alamo Bowl, although a New Year’s Six bowl position remains plausible if they reach the Pac-12 title game. Conversely, a defeat against the Sun Devils could shuffle the Wildcats down the bowl selection hierarchy, potentially landing them in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego on December 27th or even the Sun Bowl in El Paso on December 29th.
Shifting Possibilities
The once-considered Las Vegas Bowl on December 23rd now appears less probable, disappointing Arizona fans who were anticipating a double-header with the men’s basketball game against Florida Atlantic.
Anticipation Builds
The official bowl pairings are set to be unveiled on December 3rd, a day following the completion of all conference title games. As the Wildcat Nation eagerly awaits, the likelihood of dominating the Alamo Bowl and making a resounding statement in the postseason seems increasingly promising.
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