Washington wants big finish

Chauncey Washington felt a bit uncomfortable Saturday morning after Rose Bowl officials escorted him to an elevated chair for 45 minutes of nearly nonstop questions from the media.

“I don’t like it, but I have to do it,” USC’s senior running back said as he surveyed a hotel ballroom that also included stations for teammates John David Booty, Sam Baker and Fred Davis. “This isn’t too bad. I thought the spotlight was going to be on me.”

Washington might shy from attention away from the field -- he has executed more than one shifty sprint to avoid post-practice media inquiries -- but he is hoping for a featured role Tuesday when the Trojans play Illinois in the Rose Bowl.

“This is my last game, and I want to get ready for the next level,” said Washington, who has rushed for a team-leading 894 yards and nine touchdowns. “I want to be one of the guys in history that did well in his last game at the Rose Bowl. One of those guys that gets the MVP and their name up forever.

“I want to be remembered in this game.”

Washington has mixed memories about last season’s Rose Bowl.

He left the stadium in a huff after carrying the ball only two times for eight yards in the Trojans’ 32-18 victory over Michigan.

“I was very upset last year,” Washington said. “I felt that I could have done more in the game, but I do look back and think about none of the running backs did anything [in the Rose Bowl] last year.”

The Trojans rushed for only 48 yards against the Wolverines and relied almost exclusively on their passing game in the second half.

“I was mad, but at the same time we won,” Washington said.

Washington expects to walk away from the Rose Bowl in a happier mood Tuesday.

“I’ve been through a lot -- it’s been a long road,” said Washington, who sat out two seasons because of academic ineligibility. “I’m not sad to leave. I’m very happy, and I’m glad I get to play in the Rose Bowl in my last game.

“It’s going to be all joy.”

An Illinois offense that features quarterback Juice Williams, running back Rashard Mendenhall and receiver Arrelious Benn gets most of the attention, but the Fighting Illini defense also is formidable, according to USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.

“The first thing we can tell after looking at a game is if the guys are really well-coached or if they’re out there just trying to survive,” Sarkisian said. “These guys are well-coached. They play well together, and they understand their scheme very well.”

USC linebackers coach Ken Norton praised UCLA for hiring Rick Neuheisel, a former Bruins quarterback.

“He’s a fantastic coach,” said Norton, who played for UCLA in 1984-87. “He’s got the experience that they’re looking for. He’s one of their own. He’s got a lot of success in his past. A good recruiter. I think he’s going to inject a lot of excitement to the whole program.”

Wide receiver Patrick Turner (quadriceps) went through a few drills, but Coach Pete Carroll described it as “not enough to really make a dent,” in terms of progressing toward playing against Illinois. Freshman Ronald Johnson and redshirt freshman David Ausberry remain on track to rotate at the position in his place.

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gary.klein@latimes.com