Archive for November 2019

3 things we learned: Robinson's record-setting day propels Illinois State to playoff win

3 things we learned: Robinson's record-setting day propels Illinois State to playoff win
As it turns out, these ‘Birds didn’t need any seed. A week after a defeat to unranked Youngstown State potentially cost Illinois State a playoff seed, the Redbirds dominated on both sides of the ball and posted a 24-6 victory over Southeast Missouri State in first-round FCS postseason action. While both teams now have 9-4... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 30, 2019 at 10:10 pm
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Illinois State faces Southeast Missouri State in 'battle of the birds' playoff matchup

Illinois State faces Southeast Missouri State in 'battle of the birds' playoff matchup
The battle of the birds just might be decided in the air when Southeast Missouri State hosts Illinois State in Saturday’s first-round FCS playoff matchup in Cape Girardeau, Mo. “They’re very good at the receiver spot. They make a lot of plays. They throw it up and go get it,” ISU Redbirds head coach Brock Spack... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 29, 2019 at 4:00 am
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16 things we're thankful for at Prairie State Pigskin

That’s one of the great things about Thanksgiving: Football’s on! –Michael Strahan With the fourth full season of our blog dedicated to the Illinois FCS programs just about in the books, Barry and I put together this list of 16 things we’re thankful for in the Land of Lincoln. In no particular order, it’s time... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 28, 2019 at 4:34 am
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Playoffs becoming a habit for veteran Southeast Missouri team

Playoffs becoming a habit for veteran Southeast Missouri team
Since entering Division I FCS in 1991, it took Southeast Missouri 20 years to make the playoffs for the first time, in 2010. Now, for the first time in school history, the Redhawks (9-3) are in the postseason for back-to-back seasons. SEMO, which shared the Ohio Valley Conference championship this season, will host Illinois State... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
November 27, 2019 at 4:00 am
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Playoff committee's decisions take Spack by surprise

Playoff committee's decisions take Spack by surprise
Illinois State Assistant Athletics Director Mike Williams opened Tuesday’s press conference congratulating 11th-year head coach Brock Spack on leading his Redbirds to their fifth FCS playoff appearance. “It should be six, but that’s okay, who’s counting? The same thing that happened to Southern Illinois, happened to us. I get it,” replied Spack in reference to 2017... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 26, 2019 at 7:51 pm
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Six EIU Panthers — four from Chicagoland prep programs — earn all-conference awards

Six EIU Panthers — four from Chicagoland prep programs — earn all-conference awards
According to an official Eastern Illinois University release, six Panthers earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as the league released its end of season awards. Four of the honorees come from Chicagoland high school programs. Homewood-Flossmoor High School graduate James Sheehan was named a first team selection on offense, while Chicago Mount Carmel High School graduate Terrell Greer... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 26, 2019 at 3:54 pm
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Moving the Chains with … Illinois State cornerback Devin Taylor

Moving the Chains with … Illinois State cornerback Devin Taylor
Growing up in Lansing, MIch., with a father who played football at Michigan State, Devin Taylor’s favorite college team was unique. “I was more of an Ohio State fan,” he said. The Illinois State junior cornerback admits it wasn’t a big deal to his dad, Donovan, who played defensive back for the Spartans. “If it... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
November 26, 2019 at 4:29 am
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Illinois State will travel to Southeast Missouri State for first round FCS playoff game

Illinois State will travel to Southeast Missouri State for first round FCS playoff game
After a two-year postseason hiatus, Illinois State will return to the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs.  Head coach Brock Spack’s Redbirds travel to Cape Girardeau, Mo. Saturday to play Southeast Missouri State in the first round. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Houck Field; the game will air live on ESPN3. Illinois State was 8-4 overall... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 24, 2019 at 2:18 pm
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Southern Illinois stumped after being left out of FCS playoff field

Southern Illinois stumped after being left out of FCS playoff field
Sunday morning meant an early wakeup call for Southern Illinois linebacker Cody Crider. The fifth-year senior anticipated good news more than seven hours later when the NCAA would announce the FCS playoff pairings. “I’ve been up since 4:30 this morning thinking all that hard work has paid off,” said Crider, a fifth-year senior. The Salukis,... Read more »
By Barry Bottino,
November 24, 2019 at 2:06 pm
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3 things we learned: SIU awaits playoff decision after loss to No. 1 North Dakota

3 things we learned: SIU awaits playoff decision after loss to No. 1 North Dakota
Southern Illinois staked its claim to an at-large spot in the 24-team FCS playoffs Saturday in a valiant performance against No. 1-ranked North Dakota State. The Salukis — ranked No. 25 in the latest poll — lost 21-7 to the Bison, a team that tied its own record of 33 straight wins. North Dakota State completed a... Read more »
By Dan Verdun,
November 23, 2019 at 7:12 pm
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