On the scene
By: Bob Asmussen
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
PASADENA, Calif. – The scoop from Bob Asmussen and Marcus Jackson
Southern Cal was called for 130 yards worth of penalties Tuesday, many of the unsportsmanlike or personal foul variety. Illinois linebacker Brit Miller wasn't happy with the on-field attitude of the Trojans.
"I don't think (they) represented themselves as good as they could have tonight," Miller said. "Just the way they were acting. That's fine. I understand it's a bowl game and there really aren't any repercussions."
The Trojans added to the negative feeling by trying to score in the final seconds rather than taking a knee. No surprise to Miller.
"USC's always kind of been that way," Miller said. "It didn't throw me for a loop. That's fine. That's what they chose to do in that situation. Some day, the cards will be different.
"We definitely see ourselves at the University of Illinois as a classy bunch. We got sucked into a couple of their antics tonight."
Miller and the Illini were feeling like they had been overlooked going into the game. Or worse yet, criticized for getting the Rose Bowl invitation. Illinois was the biggest underdog (two touchdowns) of any bowl team.
"That's the worst feeling to prove everyone in America right," Miller said.
For just the second time all season, Jason Reda missed a field goal.
Late in the first quarter, with his team down 14-0, the senior kicker pushed the ball wide left on a 29-yard attempt.
"I think I was just really thinking about it too much," Reda said. "I was thinking about what I needed to do rather than just going out and doing what I do. I was just really trying to focus on it too much, instead of relaxing and swinging through it."
Reda hadn't kicked in a game since mid-November against Northwestern. Maybe that had a bit to do with the miss, Reda said.
"I just missed it," Reda said.
Given another chance late in the first half, Reda nailed a 28-yarder.
"I just did what I usually do," Reda said. "It was very helpful."
His postgame interview was the first of the season for Reda. Some had thought Reda was avoiding the press for superstitious reasons. Not so, the Rock Island native said.
"It's really just staying focused this year," Reda said. "This was my last semester of school, so it was just school and football. I didn't want any distractions, not that you guys are a distraction."
One of Illinois' few bright spots was Arrelious Benn's 56-yard touchdown reception from Eddie McGee in the fourth quarter. But Benn was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after he tossed the ball toward the USC marching band after reaching the end zone.
"I let my emotions get to me," Benn said. "I'm a young player and I'm still learning a lot, not just football. This is just something else that I have to learn from."
Upon reaching the sideline, Benn received a stern talking-to from Zook, who was less than pleased with the behavior of his freshman star.
"I want to apologize the Illini football team, my teammates, fans, the school, the program," Benn said.
USC coach Pete Carroll was most pleased with the play of reserve running back Hershel Dennis, who due to injuries is in his sixth season.
"Hershel has been through so many challenges physically, and he's endured it and had a great attitude about it," Carroll said. "He's always been tough and always hung in there and always passed the lessons on to the younger guys."
Dennis ran six times for 30 yards and scored a fourth-quarter touchdown, his first since 2004. After his touchdown, Dennis and his teammates celebrated too much and drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
"We had some penalties I didn't like tonight, but that one I didn't care about," Carroll said. "The celebration was worth it. That was a real moment. We owe a tremendous amount to Hershel for hanging in there and being with us."
USC running back Joe McKnight has drawn comparisons to former Trojans star and Heisman trophy winner Reggie Bush. The Illini found out why.
The freshman ran for 125 yards on 10 carries and had 45 yards on six receptions.
"You've got to be excited for Joe," Carroll said. "From the day we got Joe signed up and he was coming in this is what we thought he could become."
McKnight's carries were limited this season because USC has so many capable running backs. Carroll sees his role increasing in the coming years.
"There's no question that Joe can do similar stuff (as Bush) and he's a fantastic receiver," Carroll said.