In 1951, the Illini compiled a 9–0–1 record, finished in first place in the Big Ten Conference, was ranked No. 4 in the final AP Poll, and defeated Stanford 40–7 in the 1952 Rose Bowl. The lone setback was a scoreless tie with Ohio State. The team is the school's last national champion in football with a 40–7 rout of Stanford in what was the first nationally televised college football game. Additionally, Al Brosky had 8 interceptions that season bringing his career total to 30, an NCAA record that still stands today. His record included a DiMaggio like streak of 16 consecutive games with an interception. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Halfback Johnny Karras was a consensus first-team pick on the 1951 College Football All-America Team. Linebacker Chuck Boerio was selected as the team's most valuable player. In 1953, the Illini compiled a 7–1–1 record, finished in a tie for first place in the Big Ten Conference, and were ranked No. 7 in the final AP Poll. The sole defeat was a 34–7 loss to Wisconsin. Tackle Don Ernst was selected as the team's most valuable player. Sophomore halfback J. C. Caroline led the team with 1,256 rushing yards on 194 attempts (6.5 yards per carry) and was selected as a consensus first-team player on the 1953 College Football All-America Team. Guard John Bauer was selected by the Newspaper Enterprise Association as a third-team All-American. Following a 5–3–1 record in 1959, Eliot opted to retire as Illinois' head football coach.