Upon further review
By: Marcus Jackson
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Staff writer Marcus Jackson's take on Tuesday's game:
First impressions
– Critics of the Rose Bowl matchup are saying, "I told you so" after USC's 49-17 thumping of the Illini on Tuesday. It was clear from the start the Illinois offense would struggle with the overall speed and athleticism of the Trojans when the Illini failed to get anything going with the option. The Illini adjusted and had some success through the air, but turnovers hurt Illinois as it was starting to make its move.
– The Trojans showed Illinois what it takes to play at an elite level. USC has been one of the best programs in the nation and if RON ZOOK has his way, Illinois is on its way to becoming New Year's Day regulars. The Illini tried to take it to USC early in the second half, but might be a few players away from reaching USC's level. You can't say enough about the experience the young players gained from playing on such a large stage. If they are to reach this stage again, they know what to expect.
– ANTHONY SANTELLA has been criticized most of the season, but the Illini punter might have had his best game. He averaged 44.7 yards per punt and even made a tackle on a long return by JOE McKNIGHT. It'll be interesting to see if that performance was enough for Santella to keep his job entering next season or if the Illini will bring in another punter.
Second guessing
– It took a while, but the Illini got things rolling with the passing game late in the first half. Illinois tried to establish the run early but couldn't break through against a stingy Trojans defense. Perhaps if they had gone to the air sooner and gotten JEFF CUMBERLAND involved earlier, they wouldn't have gone down 21-0.
– The Illini burned a timeout in the third quarter after a strange play that saw McKnight run 65 yards down the right sideline to set up a touchdown. On the play, it appeared JOHN DAVID BOOTY's pass to McKnight was incomplete, but the officials ruled it a lateral and a live ball. Illinois lost the challenge and a timeout at a crucial point in the game.
– Up 49-17 inside a minute to play, USC opted not to kneel and instead continued running the football. Had the Trojans scored, they would have set a Rose Bowl record for points, but coach PETE CARROLL said he wasn't trying to run it up. He said he was glad they didn't score and was only trying to get his reserves some playing time.
Third degree
– The JACOB WILLIS fumble in the third quarter was probably the biggest play in the game. At that point, the Illini trailed 21-10 but were driving and had a chance to pull within four. That's when Willis was stripped by KALUKA MAIAVA.
"I guess the dude just came up from behind me and made a good play," a dejected Willis said. "It was tough, but the guys on the offense came over and told me to forget and we'd get another chance."
– The Illini had a chance still after Willis' fumble. J LEMAN appeared to secure an interception near the Illinois goal line, but a questionable pass interference penalty on MARCUS THOMAS gave the Trojans a first and goal from the 2.
"It was a close call," Thomas said. "I feel like I got as much right to the ball as the receiver. I broke on it and felt like I made a good play, but sometimes that's the way it goes."
Thomas asked for an explanation from the official but received none.
"He told me to just play ball," he said. "I would like to know what I did wrong, but that's just what it is."
– There was plenty of yellow on the field as the Illini were penalized six times for 66 yards, while the Trojans collected 11 for 130 yards. Those numbers could have been higher but a number of the penalties offset one another and did not go toward the totals. Things got chippy early when four unsportsmanlike penalties were called on one play and a small scuffle broke out on the USC sideline.
Fourth estate
– JOHN NADEL has covered the Trojans for the Associated Press for the past six seasons. And he, like most others, said USC is a joy to work with.
"They just make everything so easy," Nadel said. "There's access all the time and practices are always open for the local media and we're never booted out of practice."
USC is seemingly always in the national spotlight, and the players find themselves conducting interviews regularly. Some handle the attention better than others.
"Most schools only make the quarterback available once a week, but for the most part everyone's always available till late in the week," he said. "It was a little different when MATT LEINART was here. It was just so much and he wasn't crazy about it. John David is real easy."
In the stadium
– With the Rose Bowl being the only BCS game ABC/ESPN broadcasts, the folks from "College GameDay" set up shop in Pasadena. CHRIS FOWLER, KIRK HERBSTREIT, JOHN SAUNDERS, DESMOND HOWARD and LEE CORSO were a huge hit with the Illinois fans, who gathered in front of their stage shortly after the Rose Bowl gates opened.
– The Illinois fans have spread themselves all around the Los Angeles area the past few days, stunning many locals who were amazed so many people made the long trip from the Midwest.
Some southern California media members joked that there must not be anyone left in Champaign based on how many folks dressed in orange they've seen in the last week.
– The USC campus is a short drive from Hollywood, so it's not rare to see celebrities show up for a Trojans game or practice. On Tuesday, USC was allowed five sideline passes for guests, and that list included former players MARCUS ALLEN, RONNIE LOTT and Leinart.
– Comedian WILL FERRELL was given the other two USC passes for himself and a guest. Ferrell graduated from Southern Cal in 1990 with a degree in sports information.
– The Illini sideline wasn't as star-studded as USC's as far as the rest of the country is concerned, but the folks in Champaign will recognize the faces. DAVID WILLIAMS, DANA HOWARD, KEVIN HARDY and SIMEON RICE were on the field as guests of the Illini. Joining the former Illini greats was San Francisco 49ers tight end VERNON DAVIS. Davis, who played his college ball at Maryland, is the older brother of Illinois cornerback VONTAE DAVIS.
– Former Illinois coach MIKE WHITE, who lives in Newport Beach, Calif., staged a tailgate outside the stadium. The last Illinois coach to lead the team to a Rose Bowl brought his RV and hosted more than 70 former players, including College Football Hall of Famer Williams, Hardy, Howard and his son CHRIS WHITE.
– The University of Illinois Alumni Association hosted its own tailgate, too. The event, which required a ticket to get in, drew thousands of Illini followers. There were just as many outside the fenced-in party as there were inside. There was a stage set up with live music and two large video screens which showed highlights of Illinois' season.
In the locker room
– The Illini were understandably sullen in the locker room as a number of careers ended. They wept as they walked off the Rose Bowl turf and shared countless hugs afterward. Despite the loss, the experience is something they'll never forget.
"That was awesome," Leman said. "We're not ashamed of anything."
– Thomas is a freshman, but he's been playing with a lot of confidence since his big game in November against Ohio State. Playing the position he does, Thomas said he has to play with a swagger.
"When I stepped on the field I wasn't thinking I was on the Rose Bowl field," Thomas said. "Coach told me to play like I was back in high school, and I approach everything like that and have to feel like I'm the best player on the field when I go out there."