All 2008 Rose Bowl Stories
Illini fans show up at airport to greet football squad
Thursday, January 03, 2008
SAVOY – Never mind that the Illini were outmatched 49-17 in the Rose Bowl.
Never mind that the temperature barely made it into double digits Wednesday.
Tate: Illini learn a painful lesson
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
PASADENA, Calif. – Every turnaround isn't straight up. It can be two steps forward and an awkward step back.
For Illinois, Tuesday's bump in the road was a reminder that full football acceptance is still a ways off, that wading in the shallow Big Ten isn't the same as the deep end of the BCS pool.
Illini are bowled over by USC
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
PASADENA, Calif. – Lesson learned. Courtesy of the Southern Cal Trojans.
Sometime today, maybe on the long flight home to Willard Airport, Juice Williams will start to cheer up. He'll start to think, "Next time, we'll be on the right end of a lopsided bowl score."
Despite the outcome, Illini fans found trip worthwhile
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
PASADENA, Calif. – The outcome was far from what they had hoped for, but the Illinois fans that traveled so far to see their favorite team play on one of college football's biggest stages say they have no regrets about making the trek west.
"Absolutely not," said Diane Rice of Bloomington. "Coming out here and doing this was so much fun."
On the scene
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
The scoop from Bob Asmussen and Marcus Jackson
In the spotlight
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Bob Asmussen caught up with four key Illini from Tuesday's game. A look:
Postcard from Pasadena
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
I'm looking out at the Rose Bowl field right now. It's 10:45 back home and most of you are probably already in bed.
My fun in the sun is about to end. It ended at about 2:10 local time for Illinois. Sure, there was a comeback feeling early in the second half, but a fumble ended the momentum and Illinois' chances.
A Rose Bowl review
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Tony Bleill's quarter-by-quarter review of the Rose Bowl:
USC proves to be a thorn in their sighs
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Hope, contrary to what you have been told, does not spring eternal.
But it does spring in the first quarter of a Rose Bowl where your team is already down 14-0 with 4:59 to go.
Trojan dominance
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Tuesday's win was the latest for USC against a Big Ten opponent in the Rose Bowl. A look at the five-game winning streak:
Upon further review
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Staff writer Marcus Jackson's take on Tuesday's game:
Will the underdog Illini be able? They can't wait to find out
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
PASADENA, Calif. – They will look around in wonder. They will think back to being 10 years old and pretending to suit up.
But today, it's real. For the first time in 24 years. For the first time in their lives.
Tale of the tape
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Though we won't know how the University of Illinois and the University of Southern California will match up on the field until New Year's Day, we put the two schools – and their surrounding communities – in a head-to-head comparison.
Let the CU-L.A. smackdown begin.
Tate: Fun just beginning at Illinois
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
LOS ANGELES – Illinois strides onto the national stage today. It's one game. It's not the end of the world. But this Rose Bowl showdown with mighty Southern Cal offers a steppingstone, win or lose, toward a quest for consistent success that has forever slipped through the Illini's hands.
There is no better example of winning through the years than the Trojans. They reek with class. They drip with tradition. Their talent overflows. Coach Pete Carroll, 75-14 in seven seasons at the helm, is bringing the Trojans to the Rose Bowl for the fourth time in five seasons.
The wait is over for UI team, others
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Today, he finally takes the field. All the pep rallies, parades and appearances have led to this moment.
At last, Justin Ahlberg fulfills his dream at the Rose Bowl.
But he's not worrying about how to stop Chauncey Washington or taking a tackle from Keith Rivers. Ahlberg, a bass drummer in the Marching Illini, just wants to make sure he stays on beat and in rhythm with his teammates.
Storylines
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Storylines from today's Rose Bowl game:
A Rose Bowl chat with Bob Asmussen
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Today's guest: Quarterback Juice Williams.
The final word: Illinois
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
News and notes from Monday:
The final word: USC
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
News and notes from Monday:
Point, Illinois
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Staff writer Bob Asmussen breaks down today's game:
On the scene
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
He's no Perez Hilton, but our resident gossip columnist offers his report on the sights and sounds from California:
Tale of the tape
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
We asked Tony Bleill to compare and contrast today's Rose Bowl foes:/p>
Chips, remote, action!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
The proper New Year's Day is all about planning. So we asked staff writer Paul Klee for a play-by-play on the best way to get ready for today's Rose Bowl:
What you need to know
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
A look at today's festivities:
Postcard from Pasadena
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
When it comes to eating, I'm a plainatarian. Burgers without ketchup or pickles. Cheese pizza. Dry cereal.
But not Sunday in Los Angeles. My eating inhibitions were pushed aside for a couple of hours by Illinois alums Mark and Bonnie Goldenberg, their son Mitch and daughter Sam.
Illini great Eddleman's wife recalls 1947 trip
Monday, December 31, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – Teddy Eddleman, wife of the late "Dike" Eddleman, said the 1947 Rose Bowl trip was a special one in many ways and is looking forward to a return to Pasadena.
Dike, a three-sport star with 11 letters in football, basketball and track, played halfback and punted for the Illini football team. But he did not fly out with the team for the game, playing with the UI basketball team in two games at Berkeley before joining the football team.
With Carroll leading charge, USC stampede will continue
Monday, December 31, 2007
LOS ANGELES – Seven first-round draft picks in the past five years. Three Heisman Trophy winners from 2002 to '05 and seven overall. Fourteen consensus All-Americans since 2000.
Oh, and did we mention the six consecutive BCS games?
Illini faithful turning Southern California orange
Monday, December 31, 2007
LOS ANGELES – If not for the 70-degree weather in late December, one would swear he was walking down Green Street and not Santa Monica Boulevard.
Illinois fans have infiltrated the Los Angeles area, from Santa Monica to the Hollywood Hills. The designer threads have given way to orange as Illini fans are trying to take away any advantage the Southern California football team might have.
Tate: Illinois offense vs. USC defense worth watching
Monday, December 31, 2007
LOS ANGELES – Junior Rashard Mendenhall, looking increasingly like a high NFL draft choice, surpassed the UI's most significant individual record this season. He hammered and bounced for 1,526 yards in 245 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He and Juice Williams turned it into hand-to-hand combat.
This productive ground offense is the most important on-field development of the Ron Zook era, the Illini changing from decades of pass-first football to an overland express. Favoring counters and options out of a spread formation, Illinois ran past the 3,000-yard mark for the first time. Sure, they're playing more games but, except for the breakaway season (275 yards per game) of J.C. Caroline and Mickey Bates in 1953, no Illini team came close to their 266-yard average.
Illini walk-on living a dream
Monday, December 31, 2007
LOS ANGELES – Children can have a tough time providing parents with memorable birthday presents. Often it's a tie, perfume or just a card.
But Shannon Reno will have a tough time forgetting her upcoming birthday present.
James willing to toss redshirt for chance to play in Rose Bowl
Monday, December 31, 2007
LOS ANGELES – Looking at No. 6 during practice, you can't tell anything is wrong. Chris James is able to run like he always has and catch passes like he always has.
But No. 6 won't play in the Rose Bowl. He wants to, asking coach Ron Zook to take the redshirt off for one game. Zook simply shakes his head, "No."
Eye on the Illini
Monday, December 31, 2007
Bob Asmussen's report from Sunday's media day:
Tracking the Trojans
Monday, December 31, 2007
Marcus Jackson's report from Sunday:
Survey says...
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sports editor Jim Rossow asked media members who cover the Illini for their Rose Bowl picks:
First and 10
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sports editor Jim Rossow's take on the Rose Bowl:
What a rush
Monday, December 31, 2007
USC's challenge is to slow an Illinois ground game – helped by offensive line coach Eric Wolford – ranked fifth nationally:
On the scene
Monday, December 31, 2007
He's no Perez Hilton, but our resident gossip columnist offers his report on the sights and sounds from California:
Postcard from Pasadena
Monday, December 31, 2007
Some folks get starry eyed when they see actors, musicians or models. For me, it's college football announcers. One specifically, Lee Corso.
The former Indiana coach and current ESPN studio analyst is what's right with college football. He's got the enthusiasm without the polish. He's got the energy without the phoniness.
Illini allotment of 26,000 seats goes quickly
Sunday, December 30, 2007
So a friend of your brother-in-law's old college roommate works, or once worked, at the University of Illinois:
a. in the athletics department;
b. as a temporary clerical worker; or
c. in the president's office.
It's 11 on a weeknight, and you've called everyone else you and your friends know with a UI connection. What's the chance this guy's got a couple of extra Rose Bowl tickets?
Tate: This tradition is more than just football
Sunday, December 30, 2007
LOS ANGELES – There are lots of auto races, but only one Indianapolis 500. There are golf tournaments, but none quite like the Masters. Nothing in horse racing approaches the Kentucky Derby.
Each is an American institution based on tradition and perception. And so it is with the Rose Bowl. The other 31 bowl games grew up as copies. So strong is the influence and acceptance of this Jan. 1 game in Pasadena that a widely desired and wildly preferred football playoff can't get traction.
Trip's expenses are far outweighed by benefits
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The University of Illinois could bring in about $2.3 million from participating in the Rose Bowl, but it's not cheap to fly the players, coaches, band members and others out to Pasadena.
The UI will spend upwards of $2 million to go to the Rose Bowl, officials estimate.
Well-traveled Musburger has simple message: Stay in school
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sports fans ages 35 and older remember Brent Musburger from his days announcing professional sports, mostly through his association with the NFL and the NBA.
But if you're looking for an advocate for college living and the importance it holds in a person's life, look no further than the veteran announcer who will call Tuesday's Rose Bowl on ABC.
Zooks' dedication to each other mirrors coach's determination
Sunday, December 30, 2007
LOS ANGELES – When it was announced that Illinois was playing in the Rose Bowl, perhaps no one was more excited than Jacquelyn Zook.
The oldest daughter of Illinois coach Ron Zook, Jacquelyn had been waiting for the day when her father's hectic schedule would provide him the chance to head to southern California and check out her apartment.
Eye on the Illini
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Bob Asmussen's report from Saturday:
Icy practices don't stop excitement as band prepares for bowl
Sunday, December 30, 2007
They battled wind, rain and cold, but the Marching Illini managed to bring a little piece of the Rose Bowl to the University of Illinois campus.
Fans gathered Friday afternoon near the Harding Band Building to follow a parade route down Sixth Street, east on Pennsylvania, up Dorner Drive and around the quad. Cymbals clashed, drums boomed and horns blared as fans marched alongside the band.
Tracking the Trojans
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Marcus Jackson's report from Saturday:
Alumni center plans Rose Bowl event
Sunday, December 30, 2007
In California, Illini fans will gather at the Brookside Golf Course near the Rose Bowl stadium for a pregame tailgate.
In Urbana, fans can join in the excitement by visiting the University of Illinois Alice Campbell Alumni Center, 601 S. Lincoln Ave., U, beginning at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
On the scene
Sunday, December 30, 2007
He's no Perez Hilton, but our resident gossip columnist offers his report on the sights and sounds from California:
Some in C-U would prefer Rose by any other name
Sunday, December 30, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – Melissa Mitchell of Champaign said the realization hit her about 22 years ago.
She had watched football games through the years – mostly to please boyfriends – but one day she realized she just didn't care about football or spectator sports. At all.
First and 10
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sports editor Jim Rossow's take on the Rose Bowl:
Postcard from Pasadena
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The bulk of the Illinois fans coming to the Rose Bowl arrived today. Good timing. Again.
The sun sparkled from the moment we woke up (by the way, Mr. Rossow, that was at 6 a.m.) The temperature is warming up enough that you might even be able to take a dip in the ocean.
Hall of Famer Butkus leaves Illini team buzzing
Saturday, December 29, 2007
LOS ANGELES – In his prime, no one wanted anything to do with Dick Butkus on the football field. The former Illini and football legend was as fierce a competitor as there was.
Apparently that aura has carried over to today where, as Butkus tells it, Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther wants nothing to do with him on the golf course.
Zook wants star tailback to pay close attention to NFL draft spot
Saturday, December 29, 2007
LOS ANGELES – The bottom line for the guy with the big decision might need to be the bottom line.
That's part of Ron Zook's advice as Rashard Mendenhall weighs his options: stay at Illinois for his senior season or enter the NFL draft.
A cheap trip? No. Worth it? Definitely
Saturday, December 29, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – Ticket to the game: $135. Tour package: $2,200.
A chance to see the Tournament of Roses parade in person after watching it on TV all her life: Well, let's just say it's worth an awful lot to Betty Sappenfield.
Tate: UI linebacker sure can talka good game
Saturday, December 29, 2007
LOS ANGELES – It is an admired, film-repeated American trait for the hero to smile in the face of danger, to crack jokes when the hammer is about to fall.
Such is the personality of Brit Miller, a grizzled Decatur junior who makes light in the face of Student Body Right and the hordes of Southern California who trample linebackers in their wake. Miller wasn't allowed to do his quick-witted schtick when the Illini team attended Hollywood's Improv comedy show Thursday night, but he certainly could have.
Team effort suits Disch, Mallory
Saturday, December 29, 2007
LOS ANGELES – At the time, it seemed like a problem. One that a 2-10 football team didn't particularly need.
Vince Okruch, part of the positive turnaround by the Illinois defense, was taking an indefinite leave of absence as coordinator. In his place, on an interim basis, stepped in Dan Disch and Curt Mallory.
Eye on the Illini
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Bob Asmussen's report from Friday's practice in Carson, Calif.
Tracking the Trojans
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Marcus Jackson's report from Friday's practice in Los Angeles:
On the scene
Saturday, December 29, 2007
He's no Perez Hilton, but our resident gossip columnist offers his report on the sights and sounds from California:
Rose Bowl 101
Saturday, December 29, 2007
We asked Tony Bleill, who watched his first Rose Bowl in 1979, to break down the game's illustrious history – including games that were played before Loren Tate was born. Here's his 10 most memorable games, performances and moments:
First and 10
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Sports editor Jim Rossow's take on the Rose Bowl:
Postcard from Pasadena
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Ace sports editor Jim Rossow will tell you I'm the worst driver in the world. Well, I survived a day in LA traffic, Mr. Big Shot, without a single fender bender. So, take that.
Really, it's like driving on the Autobahn and it's kind of fun. We're in a two-cylinder Suzuki and we're still managing to get it going to about 90.
Tate: Illini mixing business with pleasure
Friday, December 28, 2007
LOS ANGELES – The trick in these specialty events is finding the perfect mix of fun and preparation in an athlete's trip of a lifetime.
Unsupported rumors have it that the late Woody Hayes, who lost six of his last eight bowl outings, sought the seclusion of a monastery. But attempts to shield Ohio State squads from the evils of California didn't always pay off on the field.
California Illini looking for sunny end to season
Friday, December 28, 2007
It's been 24 years since the orange-and-blue faithful filled the Rose Bowl, only to suffer a humiliating defeat by UCLA.
After two decades of waiting, University of Illinois alumni in Southern California are hungry for redemption on Jan. 1 – especially with all those fans from that other Southern California school around.
Locksley denies report he interviewed at West Virginia
Friday, December 28, 2007
LOS ANGELES – Contrary to a published report, Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley said he has not interviewed for the vacant West Virginia coaching position.
"Having not been contacted about interviewing for the West Virginia job, I can't even entertain the question," Locksley said. "There is no job opportunity for me at West Virginia."
California scheming
Friday, December 28, 2007
Rumors of KYLE HUDSON's imminent departure from the Illinois football team have been greatly exaggerated. Just ask the source.
"I don't know where all that stuff is coming from," the junior receiver said. "I've actually heard it and I'd like to know where these people are coming from. They're not talking to me.
On the scene
Friday, December 28, 2007
Every few years a receiver comes to Illinois billed as the next great thing. The one that will break all of former Illini DAVID WILLIAMS' records. And still, the College Football Hall of Famer holds 10 Illinois receiving records.
First and 10
Friday, December 28, 2007
Sports editor Jim Rossow's take on the Rose Bowl:
News-Gazette to publish mini-edition in Pasadena area
Friday, December 28, 2007
Following the Illini to Pasadena?
Fans on the road won't have to miss a day of award-winning sports coverage from The News-Gazette. Starting Dec. 29, The News-Gazette is publishing a morning Rose Bowl Edition that will be available at five Pasadena-area hotels. This free mini-edition will keep fans in the loop with the latest sports news from Illinois AND the coast.
Postcard from Pasadena
Friday, December 28, 2007
The News-Gazette's football beat writer is not the world's greatest flier. Or is it flyer? I can never keep that straight. Either way, not loving going up in a flying bus. Don't understand the technology.
This time, I decided not to be such a wuss. Ace reporter Marcus Jackson, who enjoys the friendly skies, made it easier. So did the friendly stewards and stewardesses (they prefer "flight attendant." Southern Cal prefers USC. I prefer less pickiness).
For Zook, it's been a long journey
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Driving into Loudonville, Ohio, there is no mistaking the favorite son. It's written there in orange and blue on every major road coming into town:
"Home of HEAD COACH RON ZOOK University of Illinois Fighting Illini."
Comments about Ron Zook
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Here are comments from people who have known Ron Zook through the years:
Momentum swing
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Ron Zook isn't the only one who saw a rebirth this season. Staff writer Bob Asmussen offers five others:
Tate: Can they keep it going?
Thursday, December 27, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois, as one of 10 or 11 conference members in the modern era, has enjoyed a fair share of Big Ten football championship runs.
Just since 2000, for all the Illini problems, they've reached the Sugar Bowl and now the Rose Bowl. Looking back, they've managed to win or share the Big Ten title in every decade since the 1940s except the 1970s ... winning outright titles in 1946, 1951, 1963, 1983 and 2001, and sharing championship in 1953 and 1990.
Illini rebirth
Thursday, December 27, 2007
From the dark days following a Sugar Bowl loss to a remarkable run to the Rose Bowl, Illinois football has come a long way:
Outlook: Rosy
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Unsure where to give credit for a trip to Pasadena, Calif.? Staff writer Bob Asmussen hands out a dozen roses:
Five to watch
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Here are five Illini players and five Trojans to watch for in Tuesday's Rose Bowl:
Trip down memory lane
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday's Rose Bowl will be Illinois' 15th postseason appearance. Staff writer Fred Kroner looks back at the previous 14:
Illinois All-Bowl Team
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Illinois is playing in its 15th postseason game Tuesday, a Rose Bowl date with Southern Cal. Here are staff writer Bob Asmussen's picks for the best and brightest Illini from the first 14:
First things first
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Surprised Illinois is in the Rose Bowl? You have company. A look at the Big Ten preseason rankings handed out by five college football magazines:
Illini roster
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Illinois' roster for Tuesday's Rose Bowl game:
Pick 'em
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A look at what some area celebrities think about Tuesday's Rose Bowl game:
Rep. Black has a game plan
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, is the only local legislator headed to the Rose Bowl next week.
"I am really looking forward to this one," said Black, who traveled to see the University of Illinois team play in the 2002 Sugar Bowl and the 1984 Rose Bowl. "It was a little cheaper in '84, but I figure if we go once every 24 years, this could be my last opportunity."
No bet yet between governors
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A spokeswoman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich said she doesn't know whether he and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would make a friendly wager on the Rose Bowl game.
"We never solicit them," Rebecca Rausch said. "Governors usually come to us, so we'll see if their office calls. They usually do."
UI graduate uses Pepsi products to build Illini tribute
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
URBANA – Staff at the County Market on Philo Road in Urbana are expressing their love for the Illini three-dimensionally this year.
In preparation for the Rose Bowl – where the University of Illinois football team will play the University of Southern California – Andy Burwell decided to get creative with a Pepsi display.
Daily Illini to take road trip by Greyhound to Rose Bowl
Thursday, December 20, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – If all goes as planned – the glamour of riding 2,000 miles on a Greyhound bus, sleeping on a floor near a California beach, New Year's with hundreds of Illini, watching the Rose Bowl on press passes – seven college journalists will probably never forget their trip to Pasadena.
The journalists work for the Daily Illini and WPGU-FM, both part of the Illini Media Company. They leave Chicago the day after Christmas and come back Jan. 4.
Madigan issues Rose Bowl scam warning
Saturday, December 08, 2007
SPRINGFIELD – Fighting Illini fans hoping to see the Rose Bowl live need to make sure they are getting the real deal, Attorney General Lisa Madigan warned on Friday.
"Illinois fans should be on the lookout for fraudulent ticket and travel scams," she said. "As the bowl season approaches, there are con artists ready to take advantage of fans who want to join in the festivities."
Did you get your Rose Bowl gear?
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – People in the bookstore business pay attention to sports – very close attention.
"We started thinking Rose Bowl two weeks ago," said Greg Baumer, department manger for TIS Bookstore, Champaign. "It started looking like Ohio State might move up and Illinois could move into the Rose Bowl, and I'm thinking, 'I better order some stuff!'"
Bowl goes with classic Big Ten/Pac-10 battle
Monday, December 03, 2007
Ultimately, relationships made it happen. Relationships built starting in the 1940s. Relationships that have survived the BCS. Relationships that were reiterated during a week of conversations leading up to Sunday's announcement.
When the Rose Bowl needed to pick a team to replace Ohio State, it turned to one of its two favorite conferences. And it turned to Illinois.
Fans brave cold for shot at warm California sun
Monday, December 03, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – The announcement came around 7:15 p.m. Adam Pankowski didn't hear it. The University of Illinois junior had already been in line at the Assembly Hall for nearly two hours to get Rose Bowl tickets.
Within hours, dozens of tents and more than a hundred students were braving the chill to make sure they'd be there when the ticket office started selling at 9 this morning.
Illini return to Rose Bowl after 24 years
Sunday, December 02, 2007
PASADENA, Calif. – Illinois will make its first Rose Bowl appearance in 24 years on Jan. 1, meeting Pac-10 champion Southern Cal. The pairing was announced during tonight's BCS selection show.
The Illini earned an at-large berth into the bowl, gaining the spot when Ohio State moved into the BCS championship. Ohio State's only loss came at home to Illinois on Nov. 10.
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