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Jan. 30, 2009

Five former Illini gridders are in Tampa, Fla., this week preparing for the biggest game of the year and a chance at the coveted Super Bowl victory. For Pittsburgh's Carey Davis and Rashard Mendenhall and Arizona's Neil Rackers and Nathan Hodel, this will be their first trip to the NFL Championship. However, for Steelers' running backs coach Kirby Wilson it is a chance for a second ring after winning Super Bowl XXXVII with Tampa Bay in 2003.

Coverage of the Steelers and Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII begins on NBC at 5 p.m. CT with kickoff at Raymond James Stadium set for approximately 5:20 p.m. CT

Carey Davis, FB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Davis played in 14 games and started in three games at fullback this season. During the year, he logged 12 carries for 35 yards and caught five balls for 27 yards. In the postseason, he has four receptions, including a 20-yarder in the Steelers' win over Baltimore.

Nathan Hodel, LS, Arizona Cardinals: Hodel has snapped for the Arizona Cardinals for the past eight years and has played in all 112 games over the past seven seasons. He has worked with his former Illini teammate Neil Rackers for six seasons and has helped him connect on 145 field goals and 180-of-181 extra points.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Mendenhall is on injury reserve and won't play in the Super Bowl. Prior to his shoulder injury on Sept. 29, he played in four games and started one, recording 58 yards on 19 carries. He also had two catches for 17 yards.

Neil Rackers, PK, Arizona Cardinals: The Pro-Bowler and nine-year veteran has once again put together a stellar season, hitting 25-of-28 field goals (89.3 percent) including a season-long 54 yarder. He was 100 percent in his 44 extra point attempts. In his three postseason games, he has made 5-of-7 field goals and all 10 PATs. In the Cardinals' playoff win over Carolina, Rackers accounted for 15 of the teams' 33 points.

Kirby Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers: Wilson will be looking for his second Super Bowl victory in the past six years after winning with the Tampa Bay Bucs in 2003. Wilson is in his second year coaching the Steelers running backs and his 11th overall coaching in the NFL. This game against the Cardinals has more sentimental value for Wilson because just two years ago he was coaching Edgerrin James and the Arizona running game.

Griffith, George Recall Super Bowl Memories on Friday's Big Ten Tonight

Former Illinois running back and Big Ten Tonight football analyst Howard Griffith and former Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George will appear on Friday's edition of Big Ten Tonight at 9 PM ET. Griffith won a pair of Super Bowl rings in 1997 and 1998 with the Denver Broncos. The following year, George rushed for two touchdowns in Super Bowl XXXIV as a member of the Tennessee Titans. Both will share their memories of playing on football's biggest stage, offer their advice on how players should deal the distractions of Super Bowl week and make their game predictions on whether the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Arizona Cardinals will emerge victorious on Sunday.