jillcarlson's Blog

So the Rose Bowl didn't quite go as hoped for Illini Nation, myself included.  I think the outcome would have been very different had the Illini not had three straight possessions in the third quarter in which they were moving the ball, only to turn the ball over.  You can't make mistakes like that against a strong team like USC.  The Trojans took advantage converting all three turnovers into touchdowns.   But I thought the defense did a great job of regrouping in the second half and were hitting hard and making the Trojans react to them.  Illinois' offense never could accomplish that against the USC defense.  In fact, in the first half alone, the offensive line gave up four sacks.  It gave up a total of only 11 all season.  USC was clearly the better team, but it would have been a much better game had the Illini actually played to their capabilities.  We didn't see anything close to that today.  
The most disappointing thing was the unsportsmanlike conduct on both sides, though mostly USC.  Chauncey Washington's flip into the endzone for a touchdown was classless.  Benn's chuck of the football at a USC band member was equally as rude.  And there were plenty more awful incidents I don't have the space to detail.  Neither school represented itself well.  
But all in all, it was a pleasant experience.  And the Illini will learn from it and the seniors can take pride in turning around this program.  I remain proud to be an alum and will proudly wear my Illini Rose Bowl gear.  
And by the way, USC does NOT have the best band in the land.  University of Illinois far outperformed the Trojans marching band in pregame and at halftime...not even close.  So take that Trojans fans!