COL FB: Illinois 20, UCLA 14

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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Terry Hawthorne's 39-yard interception return for a touchdown Saturday sparked Illinois to a 20-14 win over UCLA in the Fight Hunger Bowl.

A.J. Jenkins finished the game with 81 yards on six receptions, including a 60-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter as the Fighting Illini (7-6) won back-to-back bowl games for the first time in school history.

The post-season triumph was Illinois' first win since Oct. 8 and first under interim Coach Vic Koenning, who took over after Ron Zook was fired following six straight losses to end the regular season.

Illinois has tapped Tim Beckman as its new coach starting next season.

UCLA (6-8) was led by Kevin Prince, who went 14-of-29 through the air for 202 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.