Rose Bowl - New Year

Me and Hamish

My trip to Pasadena was first class and started with a trifecta of new years celebration's in the central, mountain, and western time zones.  I went straight from the airport to the Rose Bowl Stadium and started tailgating with fans from both the Illini and SC side.  It first appeared that the Illini Nation would be vastly outnumbered, but as the morning progressed the Illini faithful began showing up in droves.  My overall opinion of SC fans is that they are arrogant and pompous, but that does not apply to everyone.  My new friend Jose was generous enough to share some Mexican beer and burritos for an early breakfast, as well as his warm space heater.  Thanks to some other friends I was warned that the Rose Bowl will be cold in the morning, and it was.  Once the sun rose the party really started, and I went from lot to lot tailgating.  The fun almost stopped as we entered the stadium.  The Illini were embarrassed 49-17.  Despite the crushing lose Reshard Mendenhall had a game the pro scouts were looking for out of a starting running back.  His 80 yard run was the highlight of the game for Illini fans.  With several key players returning for the Illini I hope to make the trip again, and possibly watch the parade this time around.