For one, it may simply be a question of eligibility. The Big East doesn't have another team eligible for consideration (the only way the BE would have gotten 2 teams in is if UConn had beaten WV). The ACC won't have a great option after the championship game for an at-large spot. That leaves 3 at-large spots (after you give Hawaii it's spot) for 4 conferences. The SEC and Big 12 look like they'll get their maximum of 1 at-large spot. That leaves the Pac 10 and Big 10. The Pac 10 would have gotten 2 in if Dixon hadn't gotten hurt for Oregon. Since he did, Oregon is no longer a possibility. That only leaves Arizona State, and Illinois is simply a more attractive option for most of the bowls than a 2 loss Sun Devil team, and that's assuming ASU gets past Arizona this weekend. Plus, if Washington beats Hawaii, then suddenly there pretty much are no choices. A SEC team, a Big 12 team, Illinois, and Arizona State will be the 4 at-larges/