First off I would like to point out that ESPN is garbage, so be careful with whatever you read from them. Second, I don't think there are very many kids out there that wouldn't say they are happy to be in a bowl game. With that being said I like Illinois here for a couple reasons. First, La Tech is missing 5 starters who are suspended. Second, La Tech scores a ton off of turnovers, and Illinois has done a good job the last 3 games of limiting turnovers. Third is that it looked like Beckman was going to be fired before Illinois became bowl eligible, and how he is going to be back next year. I think this is the biggest motivating factor because Beckman should obviously feel more confident after receiving this good news. Additionaly the players know that they will have to deal with Beckman next year and that this game could very well determine spots for the spring roster next year. I'm not disagreeing with the idea Illinois is going to be motivated, I just think ESPN sucks and rarely do I use anything they produce as good info for handicapping.