UCLA @ Illinois preview

KRAFT FIGHT HUNGER BOWL STORYLINES:

1. With the firing of UCLA’s Rick Neuheisel and Illinois’ Ron Zook, this is a matchup of interim coaches. Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson leads the Bruins, while defensive coordinator Vic Koenning guides the Illini. UCLA has hired Jim Mora Jr. as coach, while Illinois has tabbed Tim Beckman, but neither will be on the sideline.

2. Illinois is the first team in FBS history to end a season 0-6 after starting 6-0. The Illini averaged 34.7 points in the first six games and 11 in the final six.

3. UCLA is the first team in a decade to reach a bowl with a losing record. To their credit, however, the Bruins put forth a solid effort in the Pac-12 championship game, falling 49-31 at Oregon.

4. UCLA linebacker Patrick Larimore has been ruled out of Saturday's bowl game against Illinois. Larimore, the team's leading tackler with 80 this season, underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb two weeks ago. Backup middle linebacker Isaiah Bowen also will miss the game after being declared academically ineligible. Jordan Zumwalt will start in place of Larimore.

5. The Bruins mustered only 13 sacks, one per game, and allowed an average of 43.5 points in road games.

TV: ESPN, ESPN3.com. LINE: Illinois -2.5

ABOUT UCLA (6-7, 5-5 Pac-12): Quarterback Kevin Prince had an up-and-down season but no one can quibble with the performance of wide receiver Nelson Rosario, who caught 61 balls for 1,106 yards, sixth-most in the Pac-12. UCLA features a dynamic running back duo of Johnathan Franklin (947 yards, five touchdowns) and Derrick Coleman (726, 11). But starting guard Alberto Sid won't make the trip after being ruled academically ineligible. Defense was a problem all season as the Bruins allowed 32.2 points per game (96th nationally).

ABOUT ILLINOIS (6-6, 2-6 Big Ten): You can’t blame the defense for Illinois’ embarrassing finish. The unit ranked seventh nationally in total defense (291.8), fourth against the pass (159.1) and tied for 11th with 36 sacks. All-American defensive end Whitney Mercilus led the country with 14.5 sacks and led the Big Ten with 19.5 tackles for loss. As the offensive line deteriorated, so did the play of quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. He averaged 122 passing yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions over the last half of the season. Illinois also took a hit when leading rusher Jason Ford (600 yards, seven touchdowns) was ruled academically ineligible.

PREDICTION: UCLA 24, Illinois 20 – The Bruins showed heart in the Pac-12 championship game and feel better about themselves than the sad-sack Illini.