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Illinois breaking out ‘Gray Ghost’ uniforms for Iowa game

Rolando Rosa

By Rolando Rosa

Published:

Illinois will continue the awesome tradition for a seventh consecutive year. Illinois is wearing its gray ghost uniforms to honor the legendary Harold Grange, the Galloping Ghost, for Saturday’s Senior Day matchup vs. No. 19 Iowa.

Grange was dubbed as a “gray ghost” by famed sports writer Grantland Rice after an epic performance vs. Michigan in 1924. Grange amassed an eye-popping 262 total yards and four touchdowns in the first quarter alone during the 39-14 win.

After the game, Rice eloquently penned this assessment of Grange, via Fighting Illini.com:

A streak of fire, a breath of flame
Eluding all who reach and clutch;
A gray ghost thrown into the game
That rival hands may never touch;
A rubber bounding, blasting soul
Whose destination is the goal.
Red Grange of Illinois!

Illinois will hope for some more magic in the uniforms. Last season, Illinois shocked No. 6 Wisconsin on Homecoming while rocking the alternate set.

After beginning this season with three consecutive losses, Illinois enters its home finale on a two-game winning streak. Illinois’ game last week was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns at Ohio State.

Iowa is on a four-game winning streak after dropping its first two games of the season. Illinois leads the all-time series 38-35-2 but Iowa is on a six-game winning streak in the matchup.

Rolando Rosa

Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.