Following an impressive finish to its season, which saw Northwestern win four of its last five games, the Wildcats have been rewarded with a matchup against Texas A&M in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. The Aggies will be an interesting opponent, as they are looking for a new head coach after the dismissal of Mike Sherman.
The Meineke Car Care Bowl has been around since 2006 and this will be the second straight year in which a Big 10 team will face a Big 12 opponent. The Big 12 has been affiliated with the bowl since 2006, while the Big 10 became affiliated in 2010.
Last season, Illinois cruised to a 38-14 victory over the Baylor Bears. Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure dominated in his final college game, rushing for 184 yards and earning Most Valuable Player.
Game Time, Date: 11 a.m. CST, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011
Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas.
Television Channel: ESPN
2010 Winner And Loser: Illinois 38, Baylor 14
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