Illini know they'll face a pro-Baylor crowd in Texas Bowl

"This ain't neutral," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "Nor is it close. But it's an unbelievable venue. Our guys are going to love this. Illini Nation is going to love it. I hope ... Illini Nation can support us like they did for the Rose Bowl (after the 2007 season)."

Baylor's campus in Waco, Texas, is about a three-hour drive from Reliant Stadium, where the Bears face the Illini on Dec. 29.

Shannon Ryan