Illini Legends, Lists and Lore: This date in Illini history

Ninety-nine years ago on Saturday Nov.

23, 1925 with senior Harold Red Grange in attendance at the University of Illinois football banquet, head coach Bob Zuppke rebukes his star for leaving college to join the ranks of professional football.

My great regret, Zuppke began, is that Grange has no more intention of completing his education and getting his degree than the Kaiser has of returning to Germany.

I havent anything against professional football and, after all, this is Granges business.

But Grange owes the U of I a great deal for his success and it is admitted that Illinois owes Grange a lot.

At that moment, Grange rose from his chair and left the hall.

Two days later, Grange spoke to a reporter, saying, I wonder what Zuppke would do if someone offered $30,000, as I have been guaranteed, to play one game in Florida? Would he turn that down and stick to Illinois? Im not as dumb as a lot of people think I am.

Im not sore at Zuppke.

I just feel hurt at the whole matter.

I have the greatest respect for him and I consider him to be the greatest coach in football today.

I could have left the U of I a year ago, had I so desired.

Other moments that occurred on this date in history: Nov.

23, 1918: Twelve days after the end of World War I, Illinois football wrapped up the Western Conference title with a 29-0 win against Chicago.

It was UIs fourth consecutive shutout victory.

Nov.

23, 1929: What would be Illinois footballs last win at Ohio Stadium until 1947, senior Frosty Peters led his Illini past the Buckeyes, 27-0.

Nov.

23, 1946: Art Dufelmeier and Buddy Young combined for 206 yards rushing, pacing Illinois football to a 20-0 victory at Northwestern.

It clinched UIs first-ever Rose Bowl bid.

Nov.

23, 1957: In his final football game at Illinois, Ray Nitschke had a career-best performance, rushing for 170 yards in UIs 27-0 triumph against Northwestern.

Nov.

23, 1963: Illinois footballs game at Michigan State was postponed to honor the memory of assassinated President John Kennedy.

Five days later, on Thanksgiving, the Illini defeated the Spartans and claimed the Big Ten title.

Nov.

23, 1966: Director of Athletics Doug Mills resigned his post.

It is my decision that the Athletic Association needs fresh and new leadership, Mills said.

Eight days later, Professor Leslie Bryan, UIs faculty representative, was named acting director.

Nov.

23, 1974: The Illinois football teams 28-14 win in the season finale at Northwestern gave the Illini their first winning season since 1965.

Nov.

23, 1985: Quarterback Jack Trudeau threw three touchdown passes in a 45-20 win at Northwestern.

His 198.9 pass efficiency was UIs best-best mark ever.

Nov 23, 2015: Jalen Coleman-Lands sank a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded, providing Illinois mens basketball with an 82-79 victory against Chicago State.

The game was played in Springfield due to the renovation of the State Farm Center.

Saturday: Tariq Barnes, football (24) Sunday: Charles Myles, football (40) Monday: Kellen Sarver, baseball (26) Tuesday: Mark Allen, baseball coach (49) Wednesday: Nick Gow, cross country and track & field (45) Thursday: Aaron Henry, football coach (36) Friday: Fabrizio Pinton, football (23) By Mike Pearson, author of Illinois Legends, Lists & Lore (Third Edition available online).

Get more Illini birthdays, trivia and historical tidbits daily on Facebook at SportsLegendsListsLore.

His websites are www.SportsLLL.com and www.IlliniPosters.com ..

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