Report: Illinois set to play in west coast bowl game
Illinois is still waiting for confirmation of its bowl game, but it is being reported that Lovie Smith’s squad is set to play in a California bowl.
According to Mark Tupper with WAND-TV, the Illini will be heading to Santa Clara, California to play in the Redbox Bowl. Their bowl opponent will be California.
Gordon Voit, also with WAND-TV, shared a video of Tupper’s report and explanation. According to Tupper, it really comes down to three bowls – the Redbox, Quick Lanes, and Pinstripe Bowls – and three teams – Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan State.
JUST IN: Illinois will be playing in the Redbox Bowl
Multiple authoritative sources tell @MarkTupper that the #Illini are headed west to play Cal.
🐻 Illinois vs. Cal
🏟️ Levi's Stadium
📍 Santa Clara, Calif.
📅 12/30 at 3 p.m. (Central) on FoxSTORY: https://t.co/OVINLATAH9 pic.twitter.com/TDrPfw1DlB
— Gordon Voit (@GordonVoit) December 6, 2019
Illinois previously appeared in this bowl back in 2011 when it was known as the Fight Hunger Bowl. The Illini knocked off UCLA that season by a score of 20-14. That win was also the last time Illinois finished a season with a winning record.
Can the Illini capture win No. 7 in a familiar environment?