Illinois headed to Texas Bowl to face Baylor

CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois will face Baylor on Dec. 29 in the Texas Bowl in Houston.

Illini Athletic Director Ron Guenther said Sunday in a news release that the bowl is a great destination and a good reward for a season of improvement.

The Illini finished 6-6 (4-4 Big Ten) a year after going 3-9. Illinois closed its season Friday with a 25-23 loss to Fresno State.

The game will be Illinois' first bowl appearance since going to the Rose Bowl after the 2007 season.

Baylor (7-5, 4-4 Big 12) will be making its first bowl appearance in 16 seasons.