ILLINOIS (6-5) vs. EAST CAROLINA (7-4)
Site: Memphis, Tenn.
Time: 1 p.m. today
TV: ESPN
Outlook: Illinois jumped to a 21-0 lead against Penn State, but lost, 35-31, when the Nittany Lions drove 96 yards for the winning score. Illinois ranks fifth nationally in scoring defense, allowing 14.2 points per game. On offense, Johnny Johnson has thrown for 2,245 yards and 15 touchdowns. Dana Howard of Illinois is the winner of the Butkus Award, presented to the best linebacker in college football. The last bowl appearance for the Pirates was a win over North Carolina State in the 1992 Peach Bowl. Junior Smith of East Carolina averages 109.4 rushing yards. Quarterback Mark Crandell threw for 2,687 yards and 21 touchdowns, but is prone to mistakes (15 interceptions), which could be costly against a strong Illinois defense. Illinois lost five games by a total of 22 points, and four were to bowl teams (Penn State, Michigan, Washington State and Wisconsin).