Last time Illini went 7-0? Six decades ago
October 15, 2011 1:15 AM
"They keep comparing this team to the '51 team," said Chuck Studley, the Illini captain six decades ago who later served as an assistant coach in two Super Bowls. "My God, that's a long time, not only for guys like us who played but the fans who have been holding their breath waiting for a good football team."
In 1951, the difference-maker was Tommy O'Connell, a transfer from Notre Dame who started at quarterback for the Illini, Studley said, but the defense carried the Illinois down the stretch. Illinois allowed 20 points in the final six games while winning the Big Ten title and a 40-7 victory over Stanford in the Rose Bowl, the first college football game televised nationally.
Supinie
In 1951, the difference-maker was Tommy O'Connell, a transfer from Notre Dame who started at quarterback for the Illini, Studley said, but the defense carried the Illinois down the stretch. Illinois allowed 20 points in the final six games while winning the Big Ten title and a 40-7 victory over Stanford in the Rose Bowl, the first college football game televised nationally.
Supinie
Filed under: Illini Football, Ohio State Buckeyes
