Illinois has a little bit of work to do if the Illini are going to win their first bowl game since 2011. Illinois trails California at halftime of the Redbox Bowl, 21-13.
The Illini and Bears exchanged touchdown drives on three striaght possessions beginning with Cal’s second offensive series of the game. Chase Garbers completed a short pass to Collin Moore to give Cal a 7-3 lead midway through the first quarter. Brandon Peters answered for Illinois with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Barker on the ensuing possession, but Garbers came up with his own response with a short run on the goal line after the Bears moved down the field their next time out.
Garbers has completed 13 of 16 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He has also rushed for one touchdown.
Cal head coach Justin Wilcox and Illinois head coach Lovie Smith are each hoping to secure their first bowl victory as a head coach.
