Dec. 25--TV/radio: Noon Friday at Cotton Bowl; ESPN, WSCR-AM 670.
Line: Louisiana Tech by 6.
Records: Illinois 6-6, Louisiana Tech 8-5.
Last meeting: Illinois lost 52-24 on Sept. 22, 2012 in Champaign.
On the offensive: Quarterback Reilly O'Toole led fourth-quarter comebacks against Minnesota and Penn State, which could help if the Illini find themselves in a close game. He can't be careless with the ball against Louisiana Tech's defense that first nationally with 40 turnovers, including 25 interceptions. O'Toole has thrown just one pick in the last two games.
Getting defensive: Louisiana Tech quarterback Cody Sokol, a transfer from Iowa, was named Conference USA newcomer of the year after throwing for 29 touchdowns to rank fourth nationally. Running back Kenneth Dixon rushed for 1,238 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. The Illini are coming off their two best performances of the season, including one that produced five turnovers against Northwestern.
The number: 1. The Illini are just 1-4 in games in Texas, the lone victory coming in the 2010 Texas Bowl against Baylor.
The talk: Could it be the Illini are turning things around? A victory against Louisiana Tech certainly would make it harder to argue coach Tim Beckman had deserved to be fired.
Shannon Ryan's pick: Louisiana Tech's opportunistic defense could come up with key turnovers to make the difference. Expect the game to be decided in the fourth quarter.
Louisiana Tech 34, Illinois 27.
