Illinitalk

That was painful. But, Illini fans know how to handle painful. We have plenty recent experience with ugly losses.

The Illini made critical mistakes, but they also played well. As one USC fan said to me after the game, “The final score doesn’t reflect how well you played.” Once on track, the D held USC scoreless for a long stretch in the first half. And as Juice’s arm warmed up, our offense showed it’s explosive potential.

Here are a few of my thoughts based on my perspective from the Illini end zone…

• Rust. Most of the first half, Illinois looked like a team that hadn’t played since Nov. 17. It took too long for the passing game to get going, and most of the first quarter for the defense to stand up.
• Turnovers. They generate and kill momentum quickly. Early in the game, when the ball was ruled down before we picked it up, the Illini were fired up, but the call on the field was discouraging. But the fumbles and interceptions killed the momentum that was building in the third quarter to the point where some SC fans admitted being concerned
• USC defense. It’s good. Illinois has done very well in the red zone this season, and after the first interception, not getting any points really hurt. And once their defense figured out the Juice/Mendenhall option plays, drives stalled quickly. This unit showed they really are one of the nation’s top defenses.
• Mendenhall. He’s good. Yes, he can be stopped, but it took the Trojan defense a bit of time to figure out how to stop him, and he still had some great runs. He will be missed.
• Tough calls and lucky breaks. Sometimes they go your way, sometimes they don’t. Most everything went well for the Trojans, from a ball bouncing off one player and into the arms of another, to a questionable pass interference call that negated what appeared to be an interception by J Leman.
• Poor sportsmanship. Both teams disappointed me here, with unnecessary taunting and late hits as emotions ran high. USC reinforced their obnoxious image, but unfortunately the Illini played that game too. That behavior really takes away from the game.
• Illinois loyalty. The chant from the student section of “Thank you, seniors” during the final minutes of the game helped me remember just how far we’ve come this season. From 2 wins to 9 wins and a BCS Bowl invitation in one year? That’s impressive. Thank you, seniors.
• Atmosphere. A Bowl game is lots of fun.
• Bright future. The Rose Bowl wasn’t as competitive as hoped, but the Illini have a lot of talent returning next year, and a very strong recruiting class coming in. And we will go into the season with Bowl experience.

2007 was a year to remember. We beat Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin. We won 9 games. And we had a great scouting trip to Pasadena so that players, coaches and the Illini Nation know how to do this next time. Because I firmly believe this is just the beginning. A few notes:

• The coaches saw how the team reacted to all the hype, distraction and pressure of this game – what seemed to make sense, and what didn’t, so that next year will go more smoothly.
• When in an unfamiliar environment, the cheerleaders and Marching Illini really need to help organize the Illini section so we can support our team with unity. It was hard to hear ourselves in the Rose Bowl, so we needed more leadership from the field to help us cheer.
• The L.A. area hosted us graciously, even though we were playing a “home” team. This trip raised my respect for the USC program and it’s fans. Overall, the USC fans are passionate about their team, but they are also pretty good sports (at least compared to the LSU Tiger fans in New Orleans a few years ago).
• Orange looks great in any city! I'll gladly check out the Illini scene in Orlando, San Antonio, Pasadena, etc., next year.

Finally, I refuse to allow this disappointing end spoil a wonderful season. We still had a season that exceeded expectations. And as I watched a team of very disappointed young men walk off the field, I choked up with pride in this team and their accomplishments. I am proud to be a loyal Illini.

Note: Please forgive the length of this post and it's redundancy with Chief's comments. After watching live, I had lots of thoughts to share...

Labels: Illini football, Rose Bowl

Many college football experts believe that USC ended the year playing the best football of any D1 team. And their last 4 games of the season were impressive. But Illinois was playing the best football in the Big Ten at the end of the season -- as seen in the Ohio State and Northwestern games.

The Rose Bowl will be a tough game -- no question. USC is a talented football team with 6 years of BCS bowl experience. And the Illini have some big challenges. They haven't played a game since November 17. A month and a half is a very long break. And, they have no bowl experience. Most of the team was still in junior high or high school the last time the Illini played in January. They weren't even born the last time Illinois played in the Rose Bowl, and many of their parents hadn't been born the last time Illinois won the Rose Bowl.

But, as we've learned this season -- and with this team -- anything can happen. I expect a competitve game. One that, regardless of the final score, will let the PAC-10, the Big Ten and college football fans know that the Illini football program is for real. Our boys may be rusty and inexperienced, but they are talented and passionate.

But no matter what happens here in Pasadena, note that we already have a major victory. The Illini football team is playing in January. After winning an underwhelming 2 games last year, these overachievers have put themselves in the national spotlight, and they deserve it. And we get to watch them play on New Year's Day!

Go Illini!

Labels: Illini football, Rose Bowl

The Illini football team left for southern California Christmas night. They clearly need time to settle in and develop a routine for the week -- not an issue for the local Trojans. They've seen the sites, met legends, eaten a ridiculous amount of prime rib, made classy impressions, and buckled down in practice.

College football fans around the nation have questions about the Fighting Illini and how they got to the Rose Bowl. They are 13.5 point underdogs -- the biggest spread in any post-season event. Do they have the speed to play USC? The strength? The coaches? Will Mendenhall go pro? When will Mike Locksley get a head coaching job?

We don't have all those answers yet, but with the Zooker, senior leaders like All-American Martin O'Donnell and J Leman, and the freshman confidence of Arrelious Benn, there is plenty of reason for optimism within Illini nation. Benn believes in the Illini -- and he clearly is comfortable that he choose the 9-3 Illini over the 3-9 Irish. And after all, will the Rose Bowl be any tougher than the Ohio State game? What we do know is that Ron Zook never stops coaching or recruiting. Since the Ohio State game, the 2008 recruiting class has improved significantly, so the Illini are gearing up for much more than just one Rose Bowl appearance to cap off an unbelievable season.

I'm gearing up, as well. My tickets are in hand, travel arrangements confirmed, and bag (almost) packed. I look forward to ringing in the Illini New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood with my Illini family. And I can't wait to watch the Illini play in January! See you in Pasadena...

Go Illini!

Labels: Arrelious Benn, Illini football, J Leman, Martin O'Donnell, Ron Zook, Rose Bowl

It has been 23 years since Illinois last played in the Rose Bowl. With tonight's announcement of the pairings for the five BCS games, we can officially say that the drought has ended! With West Virginia and Missouri both losing over the weekend, it guaranteed Ohio State would move into the title game, opening the door for our Illini. I am sure the Rose Bowl folks considered taking Georgia to fill their open slot but I am very glad to see that they decided to keep the traditional Pac 10 - Big 10 matchup.

Since the Illini haven't been to the Rose Bowl in quite some time Terry Bannon of the Tribune put together a little history lesson for everyone. Also, the Sun-Times has an AP article with quotes from Coach Zook as well as Juice that I think you might enjoy.

Congratulations to Coach Zook and all of the players--this is an honor that is well-deserved. USC is going to be a very tough team but if Illinois can play like it did against Ohio State and Northwestern to close the season, it should be fun to watch what happens. It is great to be playing on New Year's Day again in the Granddaddy of them all! I would love to make the trip to Pasadena (I am sure every Illini fan is saying that right now) but don't know yet if that will happen. If you are looking for travel options, check out the University of Illinois Alumni website or click here to go straight to the alumni tour provider. FOR TICKET INFORMATION, which is separate from the travel arrangements, you need to CLICK HERE.

Until later, GO ILLINI!

P.S. I just got done watching the Final Word on Fox 32 in Chicago. Thank you to them for using the Chief emblem when showing the Rose Bowl pairings. This Illini Fan appreciates it!

Labels: Chief, Illini football, Rose Bowl, USC