Illinois vs. UCLA: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and More For Hunger Bowl

The Illinois Fighting Illini (6-6) will take on the Pac-12 runner-up UCLA Bruins (6-7) in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on New Year's Eve.

Illinois has lost six straight games after starting the season 6-0 and cracking the Top 25 midseason, while the Bruins will look to finish .500 after a disappointing season. Both teams will be coached by interim coaches since Illinois' Ron Zook and UCLA's Rick Neuheisel were both fired. 

Where: AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA

When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, 3:30 PM ET

Watch: ESPN

Listen: Illinois—WDWS-AM 1400; UCLA—KLAC-AM 570

Betting Line

Illinois -3 over UCLA, according to bovada.lv. It's tough to agree with this line given that the Illini haven't won a football game since Oct. 8 at Indiana. But considering the Bruins have lost by a combined score of 99-31 in their last two games, Illinois is equally as deserving of the favorite tag.

The over/under for this matchup is 46.5, according to bovada.lv. Neither team boasts a high-scoring offense, but bowl season usually produces one of two results, a blowout or a high-scoring shootout between two bad defensive teams. Over is the way to go here.

Key Storyline

The biggest story surrounding the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl this New Year's Eve is the uncertain future of both football programs. Both play in power conferences and are in danger of falling off the national map.

Interim coach Mike Johnson will take the reins for UCLA while Vic Koenning takes over bowl-game duty for Illinois. Both programs will welcome new head coaches in 2012. Jim Mora Jr. will coach the Bruins and Toledo's Tim Beckman will join the Illini. 

Who Might Not Play for Illinois

RB Jason Ford (ineligible) is questionable. Illini's leading rusher could be ruled ineligible for academic issues, according to USA Today.

QB Nathan Scheelhaase (unknown) is questionable. Illini's starting quarterback suffered an undisclosed injury against Minnesota and is questionable for Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, according to USA Today. 

Who Might Not Play for UCLA

The Bruins will be without three defensive players because of academic issues and backup quarterback Richard Brehaut because of suspension, according to USA Today.

What It Means for Illinois

For interim head coach Vic Koenning and the Illini, New Year's Eve's battle in San Francisco provides an opportunity to capitalize on a 6-6 season that has been a nightmare as of late. Illinois will try to end a six-game skid and do it far from home in front of a national audience.

What It Means for UCLA

Much like Illinois, the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl gives the Bruins a chance to redeem themselves after an ugly season that included two beatdowns late, a 50-0 loss to rival USC and an 18-point loss at Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game. 

What They're Saying

UCLA interim head coach Mike Johnson wraps up the New Year's Eve matchup in one short thought.

"

I think it's going to be a good matchup, it's two teams that have gone down similar paths.

"

A UCLA fan adds some depth to Johnson's comment and highlights the two struggling programs' fitting matchup. 

Illinois Player To Watch: WR A.J. Jenkins

The senior led the Illini in receiving this season with 84 catches for 1,196 yards and seven touchdowns. He hasn't caught a TD since he scored two in Illinois' last win at Indiana on Oct. 8, and he'll need at least one for Illinois to win on New Year's Eve.

UCLA Player To Watch: QB Kevin Prince

UCLA's junior quarterback has only thrown one interception in his four wins for the Bruins this season. During those four games he has accumulated seven touchdowns. His play under center will be critical for the Bruins on Saturday. 

Key Matchup: Illinois' scoring D vs. UCLA's rushing attack

The Bruins rank 29th nationally in rushing offense by yardage, racking up nearly 191 yards on the ground on average. But the Illini rank 21st in the country in scoring defense, allowing just over 20 points per game in 2011. Whichever unit shows up and is more productive in San Francisco will likely be victorious.

Prediction: Illinois 34, UCLA 28