Twenty-nine years ago today, on a new and freshly painted AstroTurf surface at Memorial Stadium, 18th-ranked Illinois defeated Ohio State for the second consecutive season. When Illini quarterback Jeff George went down with a knee injury after a first-quarter sack by Ohio State’s Aaron Spellman, Illini hopes turned desperate.
Jason Verduzco, in the first major action of his collegiate career, responded more than admirably, completing 9 of 14 passes for 126 yards and a pair of scoring drives to give his team a 10-7 lead. George returned to play in the second half and guided the Illini to three touchdown drives and a field goal, resulting in a 34-14 victory.