The reset button has been pushed. As it stands we are exactly 2 months away from the opening football game. We face Eastern ILL at Hancock Stadium.
Some fans have been underwhelmed by the EIU series but I like it. Eastern has provided us with some impressive performances by future NFL QB's like Romo and Garoppolo. Lately the Redbirds have had the upper hand with 3 straight decisive wins. If that trend continues that's fine. It's hard to argue that a decisive win over a FCS non-con opponent hurts us and in fact it would look good at playoff selection time.
On the other hand EIU might be ready for a four quarter, back and fourth epic struggle. The Panthers return the QB (Woodbery) that started most of last season. He struggled at times as did the Panthers in their first season under a new coach, but Woodbery finished strong with 5 TD passes and 0 Int's in the last three games. As it stands now Eastern will also benefit from having already played a game when they come to Normal Sept. 12. The Panthers are scheduled to play Ind St. in Charleston on Sept. 3.
But regardless of who we play I'll be more than ready to see this Redbird Football team in action. It's a good looking team on paper. Hope to see it on the field.
Some fans have been underwhelmed by the EIU series but I like it. Eastern has provided us with some impressive performances by future NFL QB's like Romo and Garoppolo. Lately the Redbirds have had the upper hand with 3 straight decisive wins. If that trend continues that's fine. It's hard to argue that a decisive win over a FCS non-con opponent hurts us and in fact it would look good at playoff selection time.
On the other hand EIU might be ready for a four quarter, back and fourth epic struggle. The Panthers return the QB (Woodbery) that started most of last season. He struggled at times as did the Panthers in their first season under a new coach, but Woodbery finished strong with 5 TD passes and 0 Int's in the last three games. As it stands now Eastern will also benefit from having already played a game when they come to Normal Sept. 12. The Panthers are scheduled to play Ind St. in Charleston on Sept. 3.
But regardless of who we play I'll be more than ready to see this Redbird Football team in action. It's a good looking team on paper. Hope to see it on the field.