Yet another reason to compare Detroit Lions second round pick, running back Mikel Leshoure, to Steelers tailback Rashard Mendenhall. They were both the feature back for one season for the Illinois Fighting Illini before bolting early for the NFL. Both wore the same jersey number in college football before being taken in the same range on draft day. Now both have seen their … [Read more...] about Detroit Lions 2nd Round Pick Mikel LeShoure, Out for Season, Torn Achilles
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NFL Draft’s First Two Rounds Will Feature Some Illini
For the fourth year in a row, the first couple rounds of the NFL Draft will feature a couple names from your Illinois Fighting Illini. Tailback Rashard Mendendall went in the first round in '08, cornerback Vontae Davis was the 25th overall pick in '09, and last year, wide receiver Arrelious Benn was just a couple picks off from being a first round selection. With all this … [Read more...] about NFL Draft’s First Two Rounds Will Feature Some Illini
Breaking: Illini LB Martez Wilson Entering NFL Draft
And the first of the three Illinois Fighting Illini dominoes falls. Linebacker Martez Wilson, the player with the lowest draft stock of the three, is declaring for the NFL Draft. This is a big surprising to me, as he had a good, but not great season in 2010. And his junior season was much more productive than his other two years in school. Still, you know the NFL scouts love … [Read more...] about Breaking: Illini LB Martez Wilson Entering NFL Draft
Mikel Leshoure to Rashard Mendenhall Comparisons Running Wild Now
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
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
Texas Forever! Illini vs. Baylor: Brutally Honest Bowl Game Preview
Like they say in Dillon, deep in the heart of Texas, "Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. CAN'T LOSE!" Yes, the Illinois Fighting Illini best adopt the philosophy of fictional football Coach Erik Taylor and his East Dillon Lions in the dramatic television series "Friday Night Lights." The Illini have their work cut out for them, only 1.5 point underdogs, but they're playing in enemy … [Read more...] about Texas Forever! Illini vs. Baylor: Brutally Honest Bowl Game Preview
Mikel Leshoure Breaks Illinois Rushing Record at Wrigley Field
on Saturday, November 20th, 2010, at Wrigley Field, Mikel Leshoure truly was ridiculous. With the entire Illinois offense on his shoulders, and the most yards in an FBS game since Navy's Shun White ran for 348 yards on August 30th of 2008. … [Read more...] about Mikel Leshoure Breaks Illinois Rushing Record at Wrigley Field
Illini Mikel LeShoure: the Next Rashard Mendenhall?
The Illini could very well run the table the rest of the way. Even if they don't, already at 5-3, (3-2 in Big Ten) they have greatly improved upon last year's 3-9 mark and will likely make their way into a pretty decent bowl. This season has been a pleasant surprise to say the least. Among the talent on the Illini roster is a trio of juniors with NFL level measurables and … [Read more...] about Illini Mikel LeShoure: the Next Rashard Mendenhall?
Illinois-Purdue: Brutally Honest Game Preview
When you hear Illinois vs. Purdue, its sounds like a great Big Ten Tournament title game in Men's basketball right? Well this Saturday the match on the gridiron, features two teams that will likely end up bowl eligible, so the winner likely gets a leg up in the bowl selection hierarchy come December. Is Illinois the greatest 4-3 team in history? Maybe! They have faced the … [Read more...] about Illinois-Purdue: Brutally Honest Game Preview