Archive for June 2016

On the Brink with First NIU Huskie NFL Draft Pick

On the Brink with First NIU Huskie NFL Draft Pick
Born on Sept. 12, 1923, Larry Brink is one of the oldest living professional football players today. He is also the first Northern Illinois Huskie to get drafted by a National Football League team. According to the website oldestlivingprofootball.com, Brink is the 25th oldest former player (For the record, J. William “Bill” Glassford is listed... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
June 28, 2016 at 12:38 pm
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Former ISU Redbird Glenn Delivers Electifying Opening Weekend Performance

Former ISU Redbird Glenn Delivers Electifying Opening Weekend Performance
Though his  2016 Canadian Football League opener was interrupted by lightning, former Illinois State Redbird standout Kevin Glenn still delivered an electrifying performance. Glenn completed 30 of 42 passes for 322 yards and a touchdown as his Montreal Alouettes defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 22-14 in a game delayed about an hour by inclement weather.... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
June 26, 2016 at 6:37 pm
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Glenn, Lynch Set to Shine as 2016 CFL Season Opens

Glenn, Lynch Set to Shine as 2016 CFL Season Opens
With the Canadian Football League opening its 2016 season tonight, five Prairie State Pigskin players will appear on active CFL rosters. Three of those five played collegiately at Northern Illinois–quarterback Jordan Lynch, wide receiver Juwan Brescacin and defensive back Courtney Stephen. In addition, former Huskie defensive lineman Ken Bishop starts the season on the Toronto... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
June 23, 2016 at 10:17 am
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Former WIU Leatherneck Offers Insight on O.J. Simpson's Days in Buffalo

Former WIU Leatherneck Offers Insight on O.J. Simpson's Days in Buffalo
There is a Prairie State Pigskin connection to the widely acclaimed “O.J.: Made in America” 30 for 30 documentary airing on ESPN. Former Western Illinois standout Booker Edgerson was one of those interviewed about O.J. Simpson’s time as a Buffalo Bill following his glory days at the University of Southern California. Edgerson, who played with... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
June 22, 2016 at 9:26 am
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ISU’s Fargo visit headlines Top 16 Prairie State Pigskin games of 2016

ISU’s Fargo visit headlines Top 16 Prairie State Pigskin games of 2016
  Late in a 5-6 campaign three seasons ago, Illinois State’s football team dropped a 28-10 decision at North Dakota State. Since that day in Fargo, N.D., the Bison won three more of their five consecutive FCS national championships. The Redbirds, meanwhile, have joined NDSU among the heavyweights in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Brock... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
June 21, 2016 at 7:18 pm
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Are Two Heads Better Than One for ISU Offense?

The Illinois State Redbirds will go with co-offensive coordinators for the 2016 football season. Head coach Brock Spack has announced assistant coaches Billy Dicken and Dan Clark will share the role. The position came open when Kurt Beathard resigned his position June 16 for personal reasons. Dicken, a Bloomington native, enters his third season at... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
June 21, 2016 at 4:41 pm
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Will Youth Be Served with Nick Hill at Saluki Helm?

Southern Illinois University raised more than a few eyebrows when it hired Nick Hill as its head coach last winter. At 30 years of age, Hill is just eight years removed from his collegiate playing days and just three years removed from coaching at the high school level. “Nick Hill is one of the brightest and... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
June 20, 2016 at 2:47 pm
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Stating a Case for Quality College Football in Illinois

Think the only Division I football in the Land of Lincoln is played in Champaign and  Evanston? Think again. More than 20 Super Bowl rings, five NFL head coaches, three national championships, a trio of College Football Hall of Famers and throw in an Emmy, an Oscar and a Tuskegee Airman. Familiar names like Jim Hart, Brandon Jacobs, Jerry... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
June 20, 2016 at 1:42 pm
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