Archive for September 2017

Redbirds remain unbeaten with conference win over Indiana State

Redbirds remain unbeaten with conference win over Indiana State
This just might be the breakout season Illinois State quarterback Jake Kolbe has been looking for since he came to Bloomington-Normal four years ago. The redshirt junior from Naperville passed a career-high 345 yards Saturday night as ISU defeated Indiana State 24-13 at Hancock Stadium. The victory kept the Redbirds, ranked No. 8 in this week’s FCS... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
September 30, 2017 at 10:25 pm
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Despite record-setting day, Western falls in home opener

Despite record-setting day, Western falls in home opener
Despite a record-setting day by Western Illinois senior wide receiver Jaelon Acklin, the Leathernecks’ furious second half rally fell short. As a result, WIU suffered its first loss of the season. South Dakota, coached by former WIU head coach Bob Nielson, built a large lead and held on for a 38-33 win over Western Saturday... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
September 30, 2017 at 7:43 pm
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SIU quarterback more than willing to spread offensive wealth

SIU quarterback more than willing to spread offensive wealth
Sam Straub wasn’t aware he leads the Missouri Valley Football Conference with 10 touchdown passes this season. The junior quarterback is too busy trying to make Southern Illinois (2-1) better by getting everyone else involved in the offense. The Salukis, who open Missouri Valley Conference at 6 p.m. Saturday in Carbondale against Northern Iowa (1-2),... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
September 30, 2017 at 11:37 am
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Top 10-ranked ISU Redbirds host winless Indiana State

Top 10-ranked ISU Redbirds host winless Indiana State
A year ago, Illinois State lost a game at Indiana State in one of the most frustrating defeats of its season. Saturday night at Hancock Stadium in Normal, the Redbirds are looking for a much different vibe against the Sycamores. Fresh off a decisive 34-9 victory over Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener,... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
September 29, 2017 at 6:00 am
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EIU's secret to OVC success? A short memory

EIU's secret to OVC success? A short memory
Losing back-to-back games by a combined 59 points didn’t stick with Bradley Dewberry and his Eastern Illinois teammates for long. “As an athlete, you have to have a short memory,” said Dewberry, a senior free safety for the Panthers. “Every play can’t be a good play. You have to learn from it and listen to... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
September 29, 2017 at 5:00 am
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Road-tested Leathernecks finally open home season

Road-tested Leathernecks finally open home season
After a three-game road trip that encompassed 5,730 miles to open the season, the Western Illinois Leathernecks finally make their 2017 home debut. It’s also Homecoming. And it’s also the return of an old friend who is now a foe. South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson returns to Macomb for the first time since leading... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
September 28, 2017 at 4:03 pm
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ISU cornerback drawing NFL interest from 'all 32 teams'

ISU cornerback drawing NFL interest from 'all 32 teams'
Opponents are forced to keep an eye on ISU senior cornerback Davontae Harris. So are NFL scouts. “Davontae is an underrated cover corner. He has good speed and is not afraid of contact. His vision separates him from other small school corners. You can tell he likes to study film, because he positions himself to make plays... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
September 28, 2017 at 5:00 am
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Western Illinois Leatherneck legend Red Miller passes away

Western Illinois Leatherneck legend Red Miller passes away
When I began researching and writing my books about college football in Illinois nine years ago, I reached out to Robert “Red” Miller about the possibility of writing a foreword for my Western Illinois Leathernecks football history.  After talking it over with his wife Nancy, Mr. Miller agreed to do so. Mr. Miller was easily... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
September 27, 2017 at 5:29 pm
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Freshman starting QB with EIU pedigree stepping into fire

Freshman starting QB with EIU pedigree stepping into fire
Redshirt freshman Scotty Gilkey, Jr. was pressed into the starting quarterback role for Saturday’s Ohio Valley Conference opener. Senior Mitch Kimble was out with what the EIU Football Radio Network reported as a shoulder/back injury. Gilkey, Jr. threw for two touchdowns and rushed for a team-high 98 yards to help Eastern survive a 19-16 OVC victory... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
September 27, 2017 at 6:00 am
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Moving the Chains with . . . ISU defensive lineman Matt McCown

Moving the Chains with . . . ISU defensive lineman Matt McCown
Matt McCown is used to sharing. He is one of four children and has a twin brother (who plays football at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind.). Often overshadowed by other members of Illinois State’s front four, McCown is respected by both his teammates and his coaches. Get to know Matt McCown in... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
September 26, 2017 at 6:00 am
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