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. 

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J Leman Illini Infomercial

Look no further for the perfect holiday present.  J Lehman presents Orange Krush sold by Ron Zook.  This All American Candidate put together an infomercial that aired on ESPN.  Make sure to get your orders in before the Rose Bowl by calling 555-ZOOK.  I'd also like to note that my new year is guaranteed to start with a bang as I plan to be following the Illini to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl.

Check out JLeman.com for his player bio and Cribs, Memorial Stadium Edition.

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Capital-one-bowl

Thanks to the BCS and the parity within College Football this season I have no certainty of where the Illini will play in January.  I already bought ticket to the Capital One Bowl in Orlando but I may have to start setting my eyes on California, not Florida.  The Illini are almost guaranteed a January game.  If Oklahoma can upset Missouri in the Big 12 championship game then Champaign will start smelling the roses as Ohio State will find its way ot the national title game.  However, the Rose Bowl committee is not obligated to select the traditional Big Ten/Pac 10 match up and could select Georgia or another top 14 BCS team to compete.  Speaking of the top 14, the Illini still need to move up one spot.  Hawaii, Boston College, Arizona St,  and Tennessee all play on Saturday and one of the teams is likely to fall to let the Illini become BCS eligible.  According to the Chicago Tribune and related sources there is a 75% change that the Illini will be heading to a BCS bowl.  While I think that 75% is a lofty figure it nice to see the Illini in the BCS mix.  After the games on Saturday I will be a lot more certain where I will be heading to watch the game.  I hope I can use my Capital One tickets but if I am forced to sell them I can use those funds to buy Rose Bowl tickets.

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