Wilson, the fan, keeps up with UI
Tuesday January 3, 1984
PASADENA, Calif. — A beer in hand and his feet dangling over the edge of the tailgate, former Illinois quarterback Dave Wilson chatted with friends and watched the festive atmosphere surrounding the Rose Bowl.
Wilson, now playing in the National Football League with the New Orleans Saints, came to Illinois from California with head coach Mike White in 1980.
A messy eligibility fight, Big Ten probation, a Liberty Bowl berth and conference championship later, Wilson is as proud as any Illini fan.
"It's been exciting keeping up with them," said Wilson, whose game records of 69 attempts, 43 completions, six touchdowns and 621 yards passing still stand.
"I really think they had enough talent to do it last year," Wilson said of the 1982 Illini who went to the Liberty Bowl and lost to Alabama.
"They were in games last year. They could have beaten Michigan and were in the game with Ohio State until the end. It was that close to them being here last year."
Wilson has been in his home state since just before Christmas.
"I checked out (Illinois') practice and said hello to everybody," Wilson said. "I was at the hotel with the team for New Year's."
Wilson watched the Illinois battle with UCLA from the sideline with another ex-Illini quarterback, Tony Eason, and former Illini recruiting director Gary Horton.
Horton works in the player personnel department for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Eason is a quarterback with the New England Patriots.
Prior to the 45-9 Illini setback, Wilson predicted, "I don't think (UCLA's Bruins) have a chance at all, I think Illinois is going to romp. The four points is a pretty good bet."
Wilson also likes his chances at the starting quarterback job with the Saints, currently held by the aging Kenny Stabler.
He (Stabler) played well, but he played hurt," Wilson said. "They need to let me get the experience."
Wilson compared his college coach with current coach Bum Phillips. "They are complete opposites. White is very energetic and intense. Bum is more laid back. Bum is more hard-nosed, while White is more finesse."
Reflecting on the eligibility battle with the Big Ten, Wilson sees some good that came out of the fight that overshadowed his one season with the Illini.
"I think it was (worth it)," said Wilson. "We had a point to prove. Unfortunately, it was blown out the way it was.
"It was a big deal and it got the people behind Illinois. I think it (the support) has carried over. I have no regrets."
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