PASADENA, Calif. — Illinois head coach Ron Turner spoke highly of the UCLA defensive line heading into Saturday's game at the Rose Bowl. But it was the Illinois line that turned a few heads Saturday night — especially UCLA quarterback Drew Olson's.

After a poor performance last week, the Illini constantly pressured Olson and recorded five sacks for a total loss of 35 yards.

"Our defensive line did control the line of scrimmage and did a great job," Turner said. "Our defensive linemen came off the ball well and we rotated a lot of guys to keep them fresh. I think every one of them responded and played really good football."

Illinois rotated 10 different players into the four line spots. Scott Moss and Lee Robinson, replacements for injured senior end Mike O'Brien, each recorded two tackles, and Moss also was credited with an eight-yard sack.

"Without O'Brien it's hard, but we do have players stepping up," said senior defensive end Derrick Strong. "Scott Moss and Lee Robinson, they played good today. I'm not sure if anybody saw it, but they did their job. They're filling in."

Senior safety Marc Jackson notched a different Illini feat Saturday — Illinois' first interception of the season. The grab, which immediately followed a UCLA interception, came midway through the third quarter and set up Illinois' only score of the game.

Jackson also led the Illini defense with eight tackles.

Despite making a blunder on special teams and missing an interception, cornerback Christian Morton also recorded a game-high three pass breakups.

Mason File

Freshman running back Marcus Mason has been cleared to resume practicing with the Illini, Turner said. Mason has been out of the Illini lineup since mid-August when his academic eligibility came into question because of test scores.

Mason will join the Illini in practice this week, but his availability for games is unknown. Turner said he expects Mason will be cleared to join the Illini for games soon.

If Mason becomes available for games, Turner said he plans to play Mason instead of redshirting him. Mason would join a crowded backfield that includes junior Morris Virgil and freshmen E.B. Halsey and Pierre Thomas.

"We've been told he's eligible to practice now," Turner said. "He showed us enough in the summer to play now."

Mason was a prized recruit in Turner's freshmen class. He is the all-time leading rusher in Maryland prep history.

Injury bug

Receiver Ade Adeyemo went all-out to try to catch a potential-winning touchdown pass. Adeyemo injured his ribs when he crashed into a wall behind the north end zone. He made the catch but was ruled out of bounds.

Adeyemo was carried off the field after the injury. Turner said Adeyemo would be evaluated after the game.

Stat of the game – 6-3

Score of the last game between Illinois and UCLA. The Bruins spoiled Lou Tepper's first game as Illinois' head coach in the 1991 John Hancock Bowl. The Illini racked up more total yards than UCLA in 1991 and Saturday.

Color scheme

The Illini donned their traditional white road jersey tops and orange pants for the first time in 2003. Illinois was 2-4 in those jerseys last year.