| 31 December 2011
The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl is unique in that it’s the only bowl sponsored by a cause. Played in AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, this bowl pits Illinois against the Bruins of UCLA.
Momentum will not be a factor in this game as neither team has any. Illinois earned the dubious distinction of becoming the first team in history to open the season with six straight wins and then follow that up with six straight losses. Despite that horrid finish the season, the Fighting Illini earned consecutive bowl berths for the first time since 1991-1992. Even so, the school fired Ron Zook after seven seasons as head coach. Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning was named interim coach for the game.
It would seem impossible for a team to enter its bowl game with less momentum, yet UCLA managed to accomplish that feat. The Bruins became the first team in a decade to make a bowl game despite having a losing record. Coach Rick Neuheisel has been on the hot seat for years and was fired despite winning the Pac-12 South Division. A 50-0 loss to crosstown rival USC after Neuheisel had earlier claimed UCLA had “closed the gap” was the last straw. USC’s postseason ban was the only reason the Bruins were able to play in the conference championship game, and the Bruins were crushed by Oregon 49-31. Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson will take over coaching duties against Illinois.
Key matchup: UCLA's defense vs. the Illinois offense
The UCLA defense (L) will look to make things difficult on QB Nathan Scheelhaase (R) and the struggling Illinois offense
This isn’t a matchup of strength on strength. UCLA is one of the worst defensive teams in the country, giving up over 30 points a game. They don’t get much pressure on the quarterback and have struggled against the run. The Bruins’ secondary is banged up, too, to make matters worse. Illinois has struggled to protect the passer, and quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has been inconsistent throwing the ball. He’s been particularly ineffective during the Illini’s losing streak, averaging a paltry 122.2 passing yards. He’s a talented, tough runner, though. If UCLA can bottle up the run, force Scheelhaase to pass, and take advantage of the Illini’s pass protection issues, it will go a long way towards a Bruin victory.
Why you should watch: Honestly, there isn’t really any reason to watch this game. These teams are dreadful. I suppose if you have nothing else to do or just really LOVE college football, then go for it. Illinois’ defense is actually pretty good; the Illini are seventh in total defense, fourth against the pass, and feature All-American defensive end Whitney Mercilus who tallied 14.5 sacks on the year, best in the country.
Why you shouldn’t watch: This is probably the worst bowl game of them all. Illinois hasn’t won in almost three months, and UCLA has lost its past two games by a combined score of 99-31 (and those 31 points came in one game). Both teams’ coaches have been fired, so who knows if the players will show up ready to play or just go through the motions. You should go donate some food to your local food bank instead.
Prediction: Oh gawd. Um… well it’s a battle of strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakness. UCLA has shown an ability to score points at times but will be facing a tough Illinois defense. The Bruins can’t stop anybody, but Illinois can’t score. It’s a matchup of the 91st-ranked scoring offense in Illinois against the nations’ 96th-best scoring defense. The pick is UCLA because they’re playing close to home.
