Pioneer Game-Changing Moments - University of Illinois

In 2007, Illinois spoiled Ohio State’s national title hopes, knocking off the Buckeyes 28-21. Late in the second quarter, Juice Williams connected with a wide-open Brian Gamble for an 8-yard score. The Illini took the lead and never looked back. It was a huge win for Illinois. You can expect huge wins in your fields with Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans.

Hailed as the first modern Rose Bowl, the Fighting Illini lived up to their name, knocking off UCLA in 1947 45-13. Running back Buddy Young was a difference-maker and was named the Rose Bowl MVP. Be an MVP in your fields with Pioneer® brand corn.  

The Fighting Illini defense stepped up in their game against #4 Michigan State in 1963. The defense forced 3 fumbles and 4 interceptions in a 13-0 victory, which clinched a berth in the Rose Bowl. Pioneer revolutionized the corn seed development process so your Pioneer® brand corn has the defensive traits you need to be successful.

After #21 Penn State scored a field goal on their opening possession, Illinois’ Arrelious Benn returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. The Fighting Illini took the lead and never looked back on their way to a 27-20 victory over the Nittany Lions in 2007. Help set yourself up for a victory like Illinois when you use Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans in your fields.

On Halloween in 2009, the Illini dominated Michigan with more than 500 yards of offense. Running back Jason Ford added 79 yards on a single play, breaking loose for an Illinois touchdown, bringing the final score to 38-13. The Illini found success all over the field, just like using Pioneer® brand corn, which can bring success to your fields.

In 2007, Illinois looked to spoil Ohio State’s national title hopes, and they did just that. In a back-breaking play, Illini quarterback Juice Williams connected with Marques Wilkins for a 31-yard touchdown to help the Fighting Illini upset the #1 Buckeyes 28-21. With Juice Williams under center, Illini fans expected big results on the field. With Pioneer® brand soybeans, you can count on results in your field.

Isiah John “Juice” Williams was unstoppable in his 2008 game against Michigan, amassing more than 400 yards of total offense. Fifty-seven of those yards came in the second quarter when Juice connected with Daniel Dufrene for an electrifying touchdown. Juice and the Fighting Illini defeated the Wolverines 45-20 in a dominating performance. Like Juice, Pioneer® brand corn products are turning in dominating performances in fields throughout the country this harvest season.

There were a lot of Illini plays to choose from in last season’s big win over Minnesota. The nail in the coffin came when Illinois running back Reggie Corbin broke free for a 77-yard touchdown run as the Fighting Illini won 55-31. The Illini offense exploded for more than 600 yards in the game, just like how Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans are tested in more than 600 local testing sites across the U.S.

The 1952 Rose Bowl game that featured Illinois against Stanford was the first nationally televised college football game. Late in the third quarter the Illini rattled off 34 straight points to beat Stanford handily. That game made history, just like Pioneer agronomists use field history to provide data and insights to farmers.

In the first modern Rose Bowl in 1947, Illinois faced hometown team UCLA. Claude “Buddy” Young, the Illini’s first black football star, was named player of the game in the 45-14 win. Be the player of the game in your fields with Pioneer’s industry-leading insights and thorough local testing.

In 1990, Illinois running back Howard Griffith scored one touchdown after another to put the Illini on his back and carry them to victory over Southern Illinois. Griffith scored eight touchdowns, setting a school and NCAA record, just like Pioneer® brand corn products are setting records thanks to an elite germplasm library.

They say defense wins championships, and on this day in 2016 it helped the Illinois Fighting Illini come up with a big win against Michigan State. Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans are a good defense with the most herbicide-tolerant trait options to maximize soybean performance.