BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Before Illinois and Southern California square off in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, the two teams brought their appetites to Lawry’s The Prime Rib restaurant this week as part of Lawry’s 52nd annual Beef Bowl.

After head coach Pete Carroll and his USC Trojans got the red carpet treatment at the legendary restaurant Thursday evening, the Illini got their turn to feast on the famous prime rib, mashed potatoes, buttery corn and Spinning Bowl Salad.

The restaurant has welcomed teams to the area for the Rose Bowl the last 52 years, outlasting 28 of today’s 32 bowl games and serving more than 17,800 college football players.

This year’s Beef Bowl included addresses from the restaurant’s founder Lawrence L. Frank, his son and current Lawry’s Chairman Richard N. Frank, along with University chancellor Richard Herman and Illinois head coach Ron Zook. Zook also presented the Franks with a football autographed by Illini players and coaches and a wooden football usually reserved for Illini seniors.

Illini co-defensive coordinator Curt Mallory participated in the Beef Bowl four times as a player at Michigan. He said being a coach puts the fun event, and the entire Pasadena experience, in a different light.

“I think that now I really appreciate it,” Mallory said. “There’s obviously more work as a coach and some of things you’ve gone through as a coach you just want to enjoy it with the family and take it all in. I think as a player it goes by so quick.”

The team eating the most beef is 35-16 over the years in the actual game. Though the winner isn’t announced the night of the event, whichever squad brought their “A” game at the Lawry’s training table hopes to have a leg up Tuesday in Pasadena.