Dec. 23--DALLAS -- Quarterback Reilly O'Toole received the official nod as the Heart of Dallas Bowl game starter from coach Tim Beckman.
"He deserves it," Beckman said on Tuesday.
O'Toole led Illinois to all three Big Ten victories, starting the last two games in place of Wes Lunt who struggled after his return from a knee injury.
Beckman said he expects Lunt to see some game action and said he has fully recovered from his injury.
"We expect him to be in the game at some point," Beckman said.
He mentioned third-string quarterback Aaron Bailey could also be inserted into the game.
O'Toole, a three-year backup at Illinois, helped the Illini beat Minnesota, Penn State and Northwestern for three wins in the final five games to secure bowl eligibility. He connected on 66.2 percent of passes for 422 yards and five touchdowns in those victories, while also rushing for 71.3 yards per game.
"When his time came, he provided leadership, provided the winning," Beckman said at news conference at the Cotton Bowl. "I've been around football my whole life. I haven't been around a young man like this."
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