PASADENA, Calif. — The goals that were tangible for USC in three previous Rose Bowl games under coach Pete Carroll — national championships, a chance for redemption — will be absent today when the sixth-ranked Trojans play 13th-ranked Illinois.

But USC players maintain that motivation will not be a problem against a Fighting Illini team hoping to stun the Trojans (10-2).

"I don't think anyone's taking it for granted and looking past it," USC senior quarterback John David Booty said of the 94th Rose Bowl game. "This is a big game, especially for our seniors to finish out on a good note."

USC fell out of the national title chase after losses against Stanford and Oregon, but the Trojans won their last four games and believe they can prove they are playing better than any team in the country.

Said senior cornerback Terrell Thomas: "No one really wants to play us."

Illinois does.

The Illini are thrilled to be in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1984.

"When you talk about where you want your program, you look at Southern Cal — it's year after year after year," said Illini coach Ron Zook, who guided his team to a 9-3 record after 2-9 and 2-10 finishes his first two seasons. "The thing that I'm excited about is we're going to have that opportunity."

Illinois was good enough this season to dispatch top-ranked Ohio State at Columbus, Ohio. That experience gives the Illini confidence against another top foe essentially playing at home.

"We're in their backyard. No one gives us a chance," said Illinois quarterback Juice Williams, who has passed for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 800 yards.

USC struggled at times this season against dual-threat quarterbacks such as Oregon's Dennis Dixon and Washington's Jake Locker.

"Obviously, that's been our kryptonite in big games," Thomas said. "Running quarterbacks."

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