Illinois took an early 7-0 lead on a 14 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jason Verduzco to John Wright. Hawaii responded with a 6 yard touchdown run from running back Travis Sims, tying the game at 7. 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 third quarter, Travis Sims scored on a 1 yard touchdown run putting Hawaii up 14-10. Jason Elam added a 45 yard field goal, to make the score 17-10 at the end of the third quarter. 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.