It featured the unranked Illinois Fighting Illini, and the 25th ranked Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
[2] Illinois took an early 7–0 lead on a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jason Verduzco to John Wright.
At the end of the quarter, Illinois' Chris Richardson kicked a 19-yard field goal giving the Illini a 10–7 halftime lead.
In the fourth quarter, Elam added a 37-yard field goal, and Michael Carter threw a 53-yard bomb to Darrick Branch putting Hawaii up 27–10.
Verduzco and Wright connected for the second time of the game, as Illinois made the final score 27–17 Hawaii.