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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First of all, congrats News-Gazette for getting this online so quickly. This is what an online publication should do.
As for the matchup itself, I think this is great. Shame on all those Illini fans who want to run away from a tough opponent. USC might very well be too much for the Illini to handle, but let's find out. If Zook can get his guys back to the same level they were at in November, this is going to be one heckuva game.
Great work on all your coverage, Bob.
Posted by on December 2, 2007 at 7:39 PM Suggest Removal
Even though I now live in Ypsilanti, MI, this is really cool! It is good to see the Illini go to a much deserved -also overdue- Rose Bowl game.
Posted by on December 2, 2007 at 9:57 PM Suggest Removal