Rivalry renewal could affect bowl picture

The Illini (5-6, 3-4), who nearly 11 months ago were in the Rose Bowl, will be trying to put themselves in position for any postseason game -- something that is not guaranteed, even if they win the game at Ryan Field.

"Any bowl in my eyes is a good bowl, especially being my senior year," Illini linebacker Brit Miller said. "Going to any bowl is exactly what you shoot for at the beginning of the year. We're in a position to do that. Unfortunately we're in a position to depend on some other teams."

chicagotribune.com