Tough Way to Finish a Season

Call it tough luck. Call it fitting for the season. Call it whatever you want... This one stings. After an exciting game, Illini fans were eager to wish the seniors off in the right way, but Fresno State quarterback Ryan Colburn had other ideas. On fourth down, the junior quarterback hooked up with Jamel Hamler, and the Bulldogs were within 1 point as the clock read 0:02. So like any good team out of the WAC, Fresno State went for the win (See Boise State over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl). What followed was one of the craziest plays I have ever seen in person. Colburn dropped back to pass for the two point conversion when Illini linebacker Russell Ellington broke into the backfield. Colburn was spun around by the attempted sack, and he launched a prayer towards the hero of the last play, Jamel Hamler. The pass never made it to Hamler however, as an Illinois defender batted the ball out of the air... and right into the hands of 350 pound offensive lineman Devan Cunningham. Cunningham proceeded to fall forwards for the touchdown. The highest scoring game in Memorial Stadium's history was won by the heaviest player on either roster.

"It was a heck of a game... We did some good things, just not enough of them..." was the message from Illinois head coach Ron Zook who seemed to be short with his responses... and why wouldn't he be? He and Juice have had a bond for 4 years, and they have been through a lot together. When asked what he thought of Williams' departure, Zook responded, "Guys mature and go on, I think everybody knows about the relationship between us.". When asked what he said to Juice after the game, he opted to keep that between himself and his quarterback. When Williams committed to this program, he was seen as the future along with the rest of this graduating class. "I feel bad for the seniors. They are part of the foundation of this program and where we are right now. Things are heading up... We're not as far away as people think."

When the quarterback entered the media room, he approached the podium with poise, and yet you could tell that the moment was really starting to sink in. "I was sad on the sidelines, but at the same time joyful. I get to reflect on the times with all of my brothers... It was tough, the last time I walk off the field as an Illini football player. There were so many things running through my head..." I'm sure most Illini fans remember the first time that Juice came into a game. When a player reaches the 10,000 yard mark, he's been around the block, but it really did seem to go quickly. Juice finished the game with 211 yards passing, 62 yards rushing, and 3 total touchdowns.

The other Illini to have a big day was Champaign native Mikel Leshoure. The sophomore running back accumulated over 200 yards of offense and 3 touchdowns of his own. Junior Rejus Benn probably also played his last game in an Illini jersey today, but that is still to be determined. Benn finished with 2 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown (which he threw into the student section for a penalty). Also with big catches were tight end Michael Hoomanawanui and former quarterback Eddie Mcgee. The Illini will not see Hooman again in uniform, but most expect McGee to return for his senior year.

It's been a long season for players, coaches, and fans. There were nice moments such as beating Michigan back to back and the road win at Minnesota, but there was no shortage of hardships. The coaching staff will hit the road to recruit immediately, and it will be interesting to see what changes are made in the off season... but for now, let's remember the good times we had with these seniors... Rose Bowl anyone?