I'm too lazy and zooked out to analyze but with a little over 24 hours left until kickoff I'd love to read the resident luminaries break this down.

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"It's not exactly a rocket surgery." D.J.

As an Illinios fan, I'm hoping the Illini can keep it close. I don't have a lot of faith in them beating USC, but I also didn't have much faith in them beating Ohio State. If things fall their way, they can beat the Trojans. USC does have two losses on the year, so we know they're not invincible.

The spread O gave USC problems. The game will hinge, in my opinion on the play of the Illini safeties and Juice. Other teams have shown that Mendenhall can be contained if he is focused on and USC has the speed to do it. I think that will be what they try to do.

Juice will have to be able to be accurate with the 3rd down throws because they will likely be in many 3rd and 5 / 3rd and 7 type situations.

I think the Illini D has the ability to keep USC in check, by that I mean in the 20-24 point range. I'm just not sure if Illinois has the ability to put 27 on the board. In a shocking turn, I'm going to say that they can and go -

ILL 27
USC 24

Watch for some big plays to big/fast Jeff Cumberland, the TE turned WR for the Illini. He's shown hands of stone but began to flourish late in the season after the move to WR. Plus, Joe Morgan, a regular WR for the Illini did not make the trip. I wonder what Joe Morgan would say about Joe Morgan?

Also, Will Davis has been a sack machine and can cause havoc when he is on. Happy Feet on Booty could lead to a big Illini day. The Illini front 7 is tough and deep. The secondary is where the game will be won or lost.

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You know me like that.

Awesome ass shot of Erin Andrews in the pre game show on ESPN 2. She was over the left shoulder of Fluytie at about 3:45pm central time if anyone dvred it.

Illinois hasn't seen a D Line like this since they played Iowa

USC 31, Illinois 17

Let the ass kicking begin.

Illini miss a chipshot field goal.

What year's hawkeye team would this be?

So who's changing to McGee at this point?

Have not seen enough of Mcgee but unless he come sout like Dan Fouts, there is no point.

May as well keep the kid in and let him take his ass beating and hope he remembers it

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"Woof Woof"

Just when I was getting ready to post that 'SC looks too big and too fast for the Illini, Mendenhall breaks off the long TD run.

That said, 'SC still looks too big and too fast for the Illini.

Huge fumble on the goal line when the Illini were about to make it 21-17. Game over now. Mendenhall is a beast though.

Another drive killed by a fumble. Someone get them some stick'um.

Well, that was slightly disappointing. They needed a few breaks and didn't get any. I knew when we were laying out receivers across the middle only to have USC receivers grab the ball in midair and still get 14 yard gains out of it that it may not be our day. Juice gets a ball tipped and it lands right in a USC LBs hands.

That said, with the ineptitude of the first half offense, with 22 minutes left in the game, the Illini were a 29 yard field goal and 2 yards away from almost having that game 21-20 or tied.

USC is too talented. Illinois was a victim of its own success. They are a year or two away from being able to compete with that level of athleticism. This year was getting too good, too quickly to take on a team like USC. But, at least it shows them where they need to be. It reminded me of when SF hammered the Bears and told them "next time, bring an offense".

Illinois had a great season. I think USC is playing better than anyone in the country right now.

Now, I just have Bruce Weber's squad to get me through. I sure hope they can avenge that loss to Tennessee State.

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You know me like that.

I didn't realize Ron Turner and Bob Babich were coordinating for Illinois.

Bit**es!!! Now, I have to endure the garbage from every friend and relative who attended SC or lives in LA. As a side note... how old do you guys think Booty is? He doesn't look like a college senior. More like a 35-37 year old.

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"It's not exactly a rocket surgery." D.J.

Oddly enough Coach, my wife of all people asked the same question. She said he doesn't look 21 or 22.

Yeah I was thinking that too...looks like he's already balding in the back...

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