Patrick Norton

One of the better stories of the college football season comes to an end today when the Illini (6-6) take on the Golden Bears (7-5) this afternoon in the 2019 Redbox Bowl. With bowl season in full swing, it’s a bragging rights game for the schools and conferences.

How They Got Here: California Golden Bears

Cal’s passing attack isn’t one to write home about, but if it hits the ground running, both figuratively and literally, it’s a difficult offense to stop. Led by Christopher Brown Jr, a sophomore out of Oceanside, California, the young back accrued close to eight-hundred yards out of the backfield, but fell just shy of one-thousand yards from scrimmage. While QB Chase Garbers gets the majority of the snaps, he shared the role with Devon Modster at various times throughout the season. They combined for 15 touchdowns through the air and eight interceptions, too.

But let’s be real: Cal took advantage of a bad Pac-12 conference, swept their non-conference opponents and finished strong in November. Beating Washington State, Stanford and UCLA in the final month of the season is no easy task, even if those opponents aren’t as daunting as they once were. Cal survived and achieved their record on the defense’s coattails. That’s how the Golden Bears expect to win today, too.

How They Got Here: Illinois Fighting Illini

Magic. Simple as that.

In all seriousness, Illinois gets turnovers and touchdowns. Any time your defense is near the top in turnovers, fumbles and touchdowns, you’re likely looking at a successful season. Maybe the way in which the Illini achieved 6-6 is unsustainable, however, its a much needed step in the right direction.

While the injury bug infected Illinois throughout the year, a relatively healthy offense made for a few tremendous moments. It only took… one of the greatest upsets in program history, a 24-23 victory over #8 Wisconsin, AND the greatest comeback win in program history, which included outscoring Michigan State, 27-3 in the final quarter, as well as a last-second touchdown… *take a deep breath* for bowl eligibility to return to Champaign. The first postseason action for the Illini since a loss in 2014, it’s a major day for a program looking for their first bowl triumph since a Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl victory over the UCLA Bruins in 2011.

Illinois wins today if the defense turns the ball over and if Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown open up the passing game for Brandon Peters. If that happens, Illinois should enjoy their first taste of postseason football under Lovie Smith and hope for more in the near future.

Player to Watch: Josh Imatorbhebhe, WR, Illinois

A USC transfer, Imatorbhebhe found himself as the Illini’s #1 receiver and the favorite target of Brandon Peters. Hauling in four catches for 178 yards against the Spartans earlier this season, Bhebhe cemented himself as a fan favorite. Of those four catches, one converted a 4th & 18, while another went for an 89 yard strike to the house. If the Illini and offensive coordinator Rod Smith decide passing is their best bet, the gameplay shifts to Imatorbhebhe. And if Cal can’t stop the deep threat, it’s game over for the Golden Bears.

But Bhebhe is a game-time decision, so if kept out of the action, look for Reggie Corbin to scorch Levi Stadium in San Francisco for one of his best performances of the season.

Talkin’ Bout My Degeneration

Illinois enters as six-point underdogs to Cal with the total set at 46.5.

Both teams pride themselves on defense, but Illinois still gives up plenty of yardage. It’s the classic Lovie Smith bend-don’t-break scheme, but it got the Illini this far. 46.5 might seem high low, but considering these teams haven’t played in a month, my bets are placed on the under. As for the spread, I, maybe foolishly, like the Illini to win outright, so covering six is a no-brainer. If you like to live dangerously, maybe take the Illinois money line (+192).

Illinois takes home the trophy and the bragging rights today, 24-13.