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TechnographYoung players rise to challenge against Buckeyes
By Jason Grodsky
Posted: 11/11/07 Section: Sports
Gamble's biggest contribution in the game may have come from the sideline during the Illini's final drive.
With Illinois contemplating going for a first down on fourth-and-inches from its own 33-yard line during an Ohio State time out with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Gamble spoke up to his quarterback, telling Williams to convince Zook to go for it.
"Juice, go tell him you're going to get the first down," Gamble said, according to Williams. "If you feel like you're going to get it, go tell him."
The converted defensive back's words of encouragement were exactly what Williams needed, saying that it gave him the "OK" to go confront his coach.
The rest is history.
Mendenhall sits atop the record books
Illini junior running back Rashard Mendenhall broke the Illinois single-season rushing record against the Buckeyes with 88 yards rushing on 26 carries.
The Doak Walker Award candidate has 1,402 rushing yards for the season, surpassing former Illini running back Antoineo Harris' record of 1,330 yards set in 2002.
The Skokie native rushed for 3.4 yards per carry against an Ohio State defense that came into the game allowing only 65 rushing yards per game.
Illinois hung 260 rushing yards on the Buckeyes, becoming the first team to rush for more than 200 yards against Ohio State since 2001.
"We have a great offensive line," senior wide receiver Jacob Willis said.
"The receivers and running backs ran hard today and made big plays.
"As an offense, we played great against a great defense," he added.
With Illinois contemplating going for a first down on fourth-and-inches from its own 33-yard line during an Ohio State time out with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Gamble spoke up to his quarterback, telling Williams to convince Zook to go for it.
"Juice, go tell him you're going to get the first down," Gamble said, according to Williams. "If you feel like you're going to get it, go tell him."
The converted defensive back's words of encouragement were exactly what Williams needed, saying that it gave him the "OK" to go confront his coach.
The rest is history.
Mendenhall sits atop the record books
Illini junior running back Rashard Mendenhall broke the Illinois single-season rushing record against the Buckeyes with 88 yards rushing on 26 carries.
The Doak Walker Award candidate has 1,402 rushing yards for the season, surpassing former Illini running back Antoineo Harris' record of 1,330 yards set in 2002.
The Skokie native rushed for 3.4 yards per carry against an Ohio State defense that came into the game allowing only 65 rushing yards per game.
Illinois hung 260 rushing yards on the Buckeyes, becoming the first team to rush for more than 200 yards against Ohio State since 2001.
"We have a great offensive line," senior wide receiver Jacob Willis said.
"The receivers and running backs ran hard today and made big plays.
"As an offense, we played great against a great defense," he added.
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