December 29, 2010 6:00 PM ET
Stadium: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
Payout: $612,500
Played: 2006-present
Once known as: N/A
Broadcasters: Dave Pasch, Bob Griese, Chris Spielman
Sideline Reporter: Holly Rowe
Storyline: Illinois makes its first bowl appearance since losing the 2008 Rose Bowl. The Illini have not won a bowl game since 1999. Illinois is led by tailback Mikel Leshoure who tallied 1,513 yards during twelve games. Ron Zook’s job may be in jeopardy with the outcome of this game. Zook will have his fifth losing season in five years and be 0-2 in bowls should the Illini not be able to stop Baylor’s balanced attack. Baylor is led by dual-threat quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin passed for 3,195 yards and rushed for 591 yards. The rushing load is split with running back Jay Finley who has ran for 1,155 yards this season. Illinois is heavily reliant on the run; Baylor's lackluster run defense needs to step up. Baylor is appearing in its first bowl game since 1996. A win over Illinois can put Baylor football back on the map with its first postseason victory since the 1992 Sun Bowl. Baylor and Illinois have only met once before: a Baylor 34-19 win in 1976.
All-time Series: 1-0 Baylor
Line: Pick
| Illinois | Baylor | |||
| Overall Record | 6-6 | Overall Record | 7-5 | |
| Conference Record | 4-4 | Conference Record | 4-4 | |
| Bowl Record | 6-8 | Bowl Record | 8-8 | |
| Last Bowl Win | 1999 MicronPC.com | Last Bowl Win | 1992 Sun |
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