Illini Legends, Lists & Lore: Those were the days

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Ten UI football heroes vs. Michigan

Although the Illinois-Michigan football series has been dominated by the Wolverines (66-22-2), the Illini have had their share of gridiron heroes. Last season, Illinois scored 45 points against Michigan, the most the Illini have put up against the Wolverines in school history. Illini quarterback Juice Williams passed for more than 300 yards and rushed for more than 100, marking the first time for the accomplishment in school history. Williams' total offense of 431 yards set a Michigan Stadium record. Illinois' heroes in its last 10 victories against Michigan:

DATE HIGHLIGHT

Oct. 4, 2008 In the UI's 45-20 victory at Ann Arbor, Juice Williams passed for 310 yards and rushed for 121.

Oct. 23, 1999 Rebounding from a 27-7 deficit, Rocky Harvey's 106 yards on the ground and 61 yards through the air helped Illinois beat Michigan 35-29.

Oct. 23, 1993 Jim Klein became an unlikely hero by catching a 15-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds to lead the Illini past Michigan 24-21.

Oct. 29, 1983 In Illinois' first triumph against Michigan since 1966 (16-6), quarterback Jack Trudeau passed for 271 yards and two TDs.

Nov. 5, 1966 A 98-yard interception return for a touchdown by Bruce Sullivan resulted in a 28-21 Illini victory.

Nov. 8, 1958 Quarterback John Easterbrook threw two long TD passes to Rich Kreitling, and Illinois topped Michigan 21-8.

Nov. 9, 1957 The UI's Gene Cherney blocked a Michigan PAT with 32 seconds left, and the Illini prevailed 20-19.

Nov. 5, 1955 Illinois upended No. 1 Michigan 25-6 behind Bobby Mitchell's 173-yard rushing effort.

Nov. 7, 1953 Fleet-footed J.C. Caroline ran for 184 yards in the UI's 19-3 upset victory against Michigan.

Nov. 1, 1952 Illinois rode Tommy O'Connell's two TD runs to a 22-13 win against the Wolverines.

Illini birthdays this week

Sunday: John Wachter, football (42)

Monday: Allison Olech, swimming (30)

Tuesday: Chip Nicastro, football (33)

Wednesday: Mark Zitnik, football (40)

Thursday: Mark Helle, football (50)

Friday: Mike Hatfield, administrator (53)

Saturday: Tauja Catchings, basketball (32)

By Mike Pearson, author of Illini Legends, Lists & Lore and assistant athletic director at Miami (Ohio)

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