Photographer: John Dixon

Illinois football coach Ron Zook talk to the crowd at the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally in Universal City on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

A Marching Illini bass drum is decorated for the Rose Bowl at the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally in Universal City on Sunday Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

A member of the Universal Studios City Walk production staff posts a sign before the Illinois Pep Rally at the City Walk in Universal City on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Nick Kowalczyk, an incoming UI freshman, carries an Illinois flag through Universal Studios City Walk as he and his dad, Jerry, shout out to other Illini fans on their way to the Illinois Pep Rally in Universal City on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Illinois football players Arrelious Benn, left, and Juice Williams (7) capture some memories as they photograph the crowd at the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally in Universal City on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Illinois' J Leman slaps hands with fans at the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally.

Photographer: John Dixon

The Fighting Illini Marching Band color guard performs in front of hundreds of UI fans at the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally in Universal City on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

The Marching Illini dance as they exit the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally in Universal City on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

The Marching Illini drum line plays a cadence as they march through the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

The Marching Illini head back to the buses after marching through the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

The Marching Illini drum line wraps up their performance in front of the entrance to Universal Studios theme park after the pep rally on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: John Dixon

Justin Bruns, a UI alum, adjusts his sunglasses over his Illinois mask the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally.

Photographer: John Dixon

Fighting Illini fans cheer for their team at the Universal Studios City Walk pep rally in Universal City on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Illinois defensive lineman Chris Norwell Is interviewed while Kevin Mitchell does interviews at a "popsicle stand" in back at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Kyle Hudson videotapes a fake interview of Illinois wide receiver DaJuan Warren (8) by Illinois wide receiver Jacob Willis (83) at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Illinois linebacker Brit Miller talks to an interviewer while Illinois offensive lineman Martin O'Donnell does an interview at the table behind him at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

USC's John David Booty is interviewed at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Illini players pose with the Leishman Trophy after their turn at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Illini players do their own interviews to relieve the boredom at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Illini coach Ron Zook talks with reporters as the interview time clock ticks down at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Illinois defensive lineman Mike Ware (76) shares a photo he took of Illinois tight end Tom Sullivan (89) as Illinois defensive lineman David Lindquist (94) looks on at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

Illinois defensive lineman Mike Ware (76) takes a photo of Illinois defensive lineman Will Davis (81) being interviewed at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.

Photographer: Darrell Hoemann

The Leishman trophy at the Rose Bowl media day at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly HIlls, Calif., on Dec. 30, 2007.