STARKVILLE — As expected, Mississippi State football is headed to Florida.
The Bulldogs (8-4, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) will take on Illinois (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Mississippi State confirmed the matchup Sunday afternoon.
“We are excited to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against a quality, well-coached Illinois team,” coach Mike Leach said in a press release. “We look forward to continue competing, improving and building on the positive momentum surrounding our program. Our players and coaches are excited for the practices and preparation ahead.”
The game — formerly the Outback Bowl — kicks off at 11 a.m. Jan. 2.
Mississippi State is playing in its 13th consecutive bowl game. The Bulldogs have gone bowling every season since 2010.
“Mississippi State is thrilled to be a part of the ReliaQuest Bowl and compete in a bowl game for the 13th consecutive season,” interim athletic director Bracky Brett said. “Coach Leach and his program have built a ton of momentum over the past month, and we look forward to seeing a strong contingent of Bulldog fans throughout the city of Tampa to close the year.”
MSU and Illinois have met twice before, most recently a 28-21 MSU victory in 1980 in Champaign, Illinois. The teams also met on the Illini’s home turf back in 1923.
Mississippi State beat Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl on Nov. 24 to leapfrog the Rebels in bowl standing. The Bulldogs came in at No. 22 in Sunday’s College Football Playoff rankings.
The ReliaQuest Bowl carries a $6.4 million payout.
MSU previously traveled to Tampa after the 2018 season for the Outback Bowl, losing 27-22 to Iowa.
The game is played at the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bulldogs lost their most recent bowl game, a 34-7 defeat to Texas Tech in the 2021 Liberty Bowl.
MSU is 14-11 all time in bowl games.
Illinois rebounded from an early loss to Indiana to win six straight games, beating Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota in consecutive weeks amid a 7-1 start. Coach Bret Bielema led his team to a ranking as high as No. 14 in the AP Top 25.
But the Illini struggled down the stretch, losing three straight games to Michigan State, Purdue and Michigan.
Illinois is led by running back Chase Brown, who has totaled 1,643 rushing yards this season, second in FBS.
The Illini are second best in the nation in total defense.
Theo DeRosa reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.
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