Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech: 5 Things You Need To Know For The Heart of Dallas Bowl

By Matt Johnson

Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech: 5 Things You Need To Know For The Heart of Dallas Bowl

Heart of Dallas Bowl — This year’s Heart of Dallas Bowl offers some intriguing storylines as Illinois and Louisiana Tech enter the contest looking to build off strong conclusions to the regular season. One of three Dec. 26 bowl games, expect plenty of fireworks with the two teams playing some of their best football late in the campaign. Here are five things fans should know for the Illini and Bulldogs’ meeting at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

5. Illinois won three of their last four games to become bowl-eligible

Illinois Fighting Illini

5. Illinois won three of their last four games to become bowl-eligible

Illinois Fighting Illini — The Illini appeared dead in the water after starting the Big 10 conference campaign 0-4. But Illinois dusted itself off and picked up wins over Minnesota, Penn State and Northwestern in the final four weeks to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2011.

4. Louisiana Tech doubled their victory total from 2013

Louisiana Tech

4. Louisiana Tech doubled their victory total from 2013

Louisiana Tech — The Bulldogs went just 4-8 in 2013, but rebounded to post an 8-5 mark this season under the direction of coach Skip Holtz. Louisiana Tech is hoping to pick up its ninth win of the campaign against Illinois, which would give the Bulldogs their most victories in a single season since 2012.

3. Wes Lunt had an impressive campaign for Illinois

Wes Lunt

3. Wes Lunt had an impressive campaign for Illinois

Wes Lunt — Despite missing five games due to injury, the 6-foot-5 signal caller still passed for 14 touchdowns with just three interceptions, and averaged 247 yards passing per game for the Illini in 2014. Illinois will count on him to be the trigger man on offense against a stout Louisiana Tech defense.

2. Cody Sokol put together a huge year for the Bulldogs

Cody Sokol

2. Cody Sokol put together a huge year for the Bulldogs

Cody Sokol — The Phoenix native enjoyed a big junior campaign for the Bulldogs at quarterback, piling up more than 3,000 yards through the air along with 29 touchdowns. Behind Sokol’s efficient passing, Louisiana Tech had four players haul in at least four scores during the regular season.

1. Kenneth Dixon is one of the nation’s most underrated running backs

Kenneth Dixon

1. Kenneth Dixon is one of the nation’s most underrated running backs

Kenneth Dixon — The Bulldogs’ top ball carrier is a load for opposing defenses. Dixon finished with 1,236 yards on the ground to go along with an impressive 21 touchdowns on 240 carries this season. With Illinois giving up an average of nearly 250 rushing yards per game, the stage appears set for Dixon to have a big day against the Illini on Dec. 26.

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Illinois Fighting Illini

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