1986 - Nebraska. My first week on campus as a student. We left when it was 28-0 Nebraska.
One thing I truly miss about the pregame is when all 100+ Illini guys walked out to the hashmark or closer for the coin toss. Was really cool to see from the stands.
I was there too. I waved. Did you see me?
My Dad got a few tickets. We drove 3 hours to get there and another 3 home. Kinda of a long day for a butt whopping.
Until I looked at the date I was thinking my son was with us but since he wouldn't arrive for a few more months it must have been my younger brother. He's about your age bdutts.
We watched the crowd leaving from the first quarter onward. As bdutts said 28-0 after one quarter. I kept asking if we were going to leave too. Dad said "No" he paid good money so we were staying. I was in my late 20's. That's about when I learned you have to be happy to spend time with family or friends and not be dependent on the game to get your enjoyment.
Even though Illinois was in the midst of the Great Slide of Mike White's career, 1982 and 83 weren't that long ago. Before the kickoff I had hoped we could stick with Nebraska. 59-14. The previous year it was 52-25. I asked why Illinois was dumb enough to schedule a team like Nebraska (They were # 6 at the time and finished # 5.) Well they didn't play Neb again until 2013 when they were in the Big Ten and had to play them.
We stayed until late in the 4th quarter before leaving. I think we all earned a t shirt telling the world we stayed for the beat down.
As we walked in I was impressed with Memorial Stadium. It was old but I loved it.
It was years before I returned. This time it was with my family, my son this time for sure, when our high school was in the finals. Another beat down. *Sigh*