Given that they are/were both Illinois Fighting Illini, wore the same jersey number, played the same position, and didn't break out until their junior year (and when they broke out, they really did it in style) it's inevitable to compare current Illini tailback Mikel Leshoure to current Pittsbrugh Steelers star running back Rashard Mendenhall. Heck, I wrote a column about it … [Read more...] about Mikel Leshoure to Rashard Mendenhall Comparisons Running Wild Now
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Texas Bowl Sees Illinois and Baylor Break Numerous Records
Last night's college football match-up won38-14 by the Illinois Fighting Illini over Baylor broke a bunch of Texas Bowl, bowl history in the city of Houston, as well as Illinois and Baylor records. Seriously, there were a ton, but here are some of the most notable. -The Illini tied the Texas Bowl record for most points scored 38 and most net yards gained at 533. -Leshoure … [Read more...] about Texas Bowl Sees Illinois and Baylor Break Numerous Records
Scheelhaase, Illini Put Texas (Bowl) Sized Whooping on Baylor
It was exactly like the first (and only) time Chicago and Houston met in a major postseason sporting event. Granted the stakes in the college football Texas Bowl were much lower than that of the 2005 MLB World Series between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros; and Baylor University is about as geographically far from Houston as the University of Illinois is from … [Read more...] about Scheelhaase, Illini Put Texas (Bowl) Sized Whooping on Baylor
Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase Likely has Big 10 Frosh Award Locked Up
Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase earned a pair of Big Ten honors for his performance against Purdue on Saturday, as the conference announced Monday that Scheelhaase was named the Big Ten Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week. It is Scheelhaase's first Offensive Player of the Week honor and fourth time this season that he's been named the Freshman of the Week. It's … [Read more...] about Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase Likely has Big 10 Frosh Award Locked Up
Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase needs to start making Plays with his Arm
Entering last Saturday, one of the keys to an Illinois upset over #2 Ohio State was for the Illini to attack the Buckeyes defense through the air. Sure, it's the weakest part of this Illini team, but the Buckeyes are so stout against the run that making plays in the passing game was critical. The Illini hung with 'em for all but the last couple minutes, but ultimately failed … [Read more...] about Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase needs to start making Plays with his Arm
Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase: Early Season Progress Report
Illinois Fighting Illini starting QB Nathan Scheelhaase was asked all the typical scouting report questions at Illini Media Day; but only now, after seeing him in action for two games, do we have a better appreciation of his responses to those queries. "Definitely have to say that speed is my strength, I'm not a slow guy. Coach (Paul) Petrino (Offensive Coordinator) and … [Read more...] about Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase: Early Season Progress Report
lllinois vs. Northern Illinois: the Brutally Honest Game Preview
There's an old adage in football that the biggest improvement a team makes is from the first week to the second. Your 2010 Illinois Fighting Illini are a true testament to this, especially starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. He grew up a ton last week. But they have two other playmakers on both sides of the ball: Linebacker Ian Thomas and running back Mikel LeShoure. … [Read more...] about lllinois vs. Northern Illinois: the Brutally Honest Game Preview