LeatherneckNation / Specific Sports Topic Forums / Leatherneck Football

Farley reinstates "criminals" at UNI

LeatherCy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:11:30 GMT

Just as I predicted Mark Farley at UNI reinstated two starting DB's to the team after they were involved in a riot at bar near the UNI campus. A trial resulted in lesser charges and of course Farley put them right back on the team. A Cedar Falls policeman tesitified he was injured to the point he will never be able to perform the duties of a policeman again. The other player, Brandon Lloyd charged the police and had to be tasered. He pleaded to a lesser charge and signed with the AZ Cardinals.

Farley reinstates "criminals" at UNI

LeatherCy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:10:53 GMT

Frank Winters

WIU BB 31 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:44:47 GMT

Inducted into the Green Bay Packers hall of fame over the weekend. He was presented by the one and only Mr. Favre.

http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2008/07/19/1/

Thank you WIU

HawgHeaven — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:35:37 GMT

just want to be the first to say thank you. for you will be the Team Casey **** from Arkansas shows his true talent of passing that Houston Nutt had no idea how to use.

ill go ahead and say a score of 50+ to about 14 ofcourse wiu has 14. about 400 yards passing. probly 200 rushing. for us. you forget michael Smith and deangelo williams(freshman) are starting RB's ON ANY team in the NCAA. so you might want lend some advice to your coach. the passing game is the last thing you need to worry about.

other than that look forward to the new season and only reason im posting cock is to mess with western_101 who decided to come to our boards and live out his fantasy of WIU and the "gateway" conference being good........

Welcome To Razorback Stadium

NorCalHog — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:25:57 GMT

The Arkansas Razorbacks look forward to hosting Western Illinois. If you're able to make it to the game, you'll have a great time. You're all welcome to drop by our tailgate for a cold beer, hot burger, and great conversation.

Feel free to PM for details.

Encouragement from Arkansas

RazorHog — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:40:44 GMT

Hog fan here. We heard about your sad news here in AR. I'm sorry to hear that.

I hope you guys have a great season all except for one game.

By the way, this is one Hog fan that won't be looking past you guys.

Peace out

Sad news........

Leatherface — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:20:16 GMT

One of the television stations in Quincy reporting Coach Patterson has cancer of the tonsils. Good news- it's very treatable. Will begin treatments immediately. He will likely miss a few early games. Coach Hendrickson is currently in charge of the program

Prayers with Coach Patterson.

My Top Ten Favorite Western Illinois Football Players of All-Time

WWIRCoachP_Fan — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:09:06 GMT

I think we've done this before, but I can't remember. My list is probably a little different than before, but looking back at my time of watching Western Football these are the ten guys that stick out in my mind. Keep in mind my lists only comprises of players I've watched play so we're looking at guys from 1998 - present.

10.) Stacy Coleman, WR - The Western Illinois flanker was one of the more exciting players I had the pleasure to watch. He could beat you with his catches in the middle of the field, his catches way down the field, and then could catch you off guard with a reverse run. I believe he still holds the record for most receiving yards at Huskie Stadium.

9.) Herb Donaldson, RB - He's still got time to move up this list, but he's been a great back on some not-so-great teams. I really don't even know how he has done it over the past couple seasons considering most defenses know he's going to be getting the ball a ton and for the most part Western hasn't had much of a passing attack in his tenure at Western. He'll be a Walter Payton Award candidate again this year and maybe, just maybe, he wins it this year as he has his best supporting cast going into 2008. Arkansas beware.

8.) Travis Washington, DB - This guy did everything - Just ask WIU PA Announcer Duane Roche. There was a game a few years ago where Roche named Travis Washington as the player who had a run, a tackle, and a kick...This led me to believe Mr. Roche was a robot who was breaking down. Anyway those events were not of Mr. Washington's, but it did seem like Travis did everything. The guy just had a nose for the football. He'd force fumbles, pick the ball of, scoop up fubles balls, for scores, and yes block the occasional punt or field goal. The guy was a playmaker.

7.) Lee Russell, LB - Undersized, not amazingly fast, but he had deceivingly great closing speed. This is one of those guys who wasn't naturally talented, but maybe worked harder than anyone else on the team. Lee was the heart of the defense from the time he was a starter until he graduated from the team. You never once, ever, saw Russell dog a play. He played the game the way it was supposed to be played.

6.) Aaron Stecker, RB - I'm sure most of you are shocked I have him this low. I just didn't get to see as much of him as I could have (I didn't go to school at WIU in '97). However, when I did go down there to cover the "Necks during the '97 playoffs for a local TV station he was a blast to watch. He looked like the oldest kid on the block playing against the rest of the neighborhood kids. Everytime he got the handoff you knew you better have the camera rolling because he might just break one for 80 yards.

5.) Will Peterson, DB - I refuse to refer to him as Will James on this board. Peterson only played a one year for Western, but in those few games he did he was a shut down corner. Over confident, some may say cocky, but you could see the love for the game on his face. QB's tried their best not to throw in his direction and if they did there was a good chance the ball was going to be batted down, if not picked off. The Michigan transfer had a troubled past, and in some circles people say that did follow him to Western. If he had been able to play the entire season and playoffs it makes you wonder if he could have made a difference early on in that game against Lehigh. I'd be a fool not to mention another reason he was personally one of my favorite players is because he talked to my camera before and after every game entertaining me the entire day. I could have done a whole NFL Films type show on just Will Peterson's goofy comments throughout his short stay.

4.) Russ Michna, QB - In my opinion, he's the best QB of all-time in Western's history - though I've read some major heat on his play recently on some stupid guy's blog from a few years ago. I didn't get it. Anyway, he was the type of QB that not only the offense loved to play for, but the defense equally respected the guy as well. He was a much more patient and accurate thrower than the QB before him (Sam Clemons). He also ran the play action better and the guy could run the ball and I don't mean just run. He surprisingly was snake like in his running style and, if necessary, could take out a defender with a direct blow - which always made me nervous. I'm actually watching the game against Eastern right now and he still has had me say "Wow" and other things I won't post a few times. I also think he left Western with something like a 5-1 TD to INT ratio. El Dee 3 might be able to let me know if that is correct or not.

3.) Charles Tharp, RB - I just loved watching this guy. He reminded me of Terrell Davis in the sense of the way he would use those huge cutbacks to get 25 yard gains. The guy would literally run 40-50 some yards for his 25 yard gain. He also could catch the ball as well as anybody on the team. Maybe I'd consider more of a Marshall Faulk/Terrell Davis hybrid for DI-AA football. He certainly wasn't overpowering, but knew how to make guys miss. He always found the endzone and was rarely denied that opportunity to reach pay dirt. The Hawaii transfer was also a great interview and very down to earth. He came to Western not to get playing time, but to feel part of a team. He said there just wasn't any kind of team atmosphere at all when he was at Hawaii. To prove that point he led the team in rushing as a freshman at Hawaii, so he would have most likely had a shot at being a top player in his conference. Instead he did that here in the Gateway.

2.) Edgerton Hartwell, LB - An absolute beast. What else can you say about Eddie Hartwell. He was one of the nicest guys off the field; chilled, soft spoken, and always laughing. Once that uniform went on that all changed. He had those Mike Singletary eyes and it was his vision that carried this undersized NFL linebacker to have staying power in the league. Hartwell did everything that was needed for Brian Van Gorder's defense back in those days. He could pick a ball off, stuff a run, and sack the quarterback. He will go down as one of the greatest in Western's history, but unfortunately his final game was that blow out loss to Lehigh. God I hated that game.

Tied for 1.) Mike Scifres, P - If you didn't go to Western Illinois or never saw a game when Scifres was there you probably just dismissed my entire list now. However if you did see this guy play you know exactly why he is here. And for me, I saw some of his greatest moments with my own eyes. I'm reminded of the greatest punt I've ever seen in one of the greatest games I've ever seen when Mike launched a punt from one endzone to the other. The ball was so high that it disappeared in the sky from my sight. Unfortunately the punt was only credited with a 89 yard punt...oh yea, it's a Gateway record still. And then there was one of the coolest moments for me as a broadcasting student at WIU. The year, 2000. The place, The Unidome. The kick, a 56-yard field goal as time expired which was the winning score for the 'Necks and that win gave the 'Necks the Gateway title. That football...it camera as I stood directly behind the goal post. It didn't faze me. I went running with my camera into the big pile of celebrating players. I think that has to be the best sports moment I've seen live. One last thing on Mike, he hit opposing kick returners like a linebacker if they came to him.

Tied for 1.) Frisman Jackson, QB, WR - The best athlete Western Illinois has ever had in my stay by far. He could do it all. He was extremely fast, tall, elusive, a strong thrower, and could make some acrobatic catches. He played where ever Coach Don Patterson needed him to play...and he did it well. He was Western's version of the human highlight reel. Every game he played in he left his mark with something spectacular. He was also a very smart guy on and off the field and has been known to get into big political and philosophical discussions on road trips. It was unfortunate he had some injury issues in the NFL, because I think he could have still been playing today. I'm surprised he didn't play basketball at Western. God knows we could have used him.

So there's my ten, err, eleven. I 'd love to read everyone elses or get ripped on for some of my choices.

MVFC upseting FBS

western-101 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:35:15 GMT

I thought it might be interesting to speculate on who has the best chance to get an upset this season over their FBS opponent. This is what my list looks like.

#1 NDSU over Wyoming....NDSU is a power house that could be a good program in FBS I think Wyoming better look out
#2 SIU over Northwestern....Yes I know there are coaching changes but look no further than Northern Illinois and Indiana
#3 SDSU over ISU...SDSU is way underrated, got some studs coming back and face it Iowa St. is in the bottom of B.XII
#4 ISUred over Marshall... Marshall is not as dominant as they once were, ISU will surpirse people this year (New Hamp.)
#5 ISUblue over either E. Michigan or NIU... hey they got twice the chance and y'know even a blind squirrel.......
#6 WIU over Arkansas...WIU is really rebounding and looking tough, Arkansas is bringing up the rear in the SEC
#7 UNI over BYU....UNI is soo good, BYU is soo good, only thing BYU soo good is much better, this will be tough one.
#8 MSU over Kansas St....I don't have a real strong opinion about this one, the number 8 prediction felt right.
#9 YSU over Ohio St.... I don't really need to explain this one, playing OSU is paramount to playing a mediocre NFL team.

So out of all of the matchups If I were to wager I would have to go with the Bison pulling one out over the Cowboys.

I would love to hear others opinions

South Dakota State preview

LeatherCy — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:32:25 GMT

I got this off the Cyclone Report web site since the Clones play the Jackrabbits opening night in Ames. It's a little long but gives you an in depth look at SDSU. It will be a tough game for WIU in Brookings

South Dakota State
Thursday, August 28, Jack Trice Stadium in Ames

It wasn't so many years ago that South Dakota State was toiling in Division II as a solid member of the old North Central Conference. The Jackrabbits – a.k.a. the Jacks – weren't part of the NCC elite but were usually competitive against the likes of Division II powers such as North Dakota, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota State and Northern Colorado. But like several other members of the NCC, South Dakota State couldn't resist the lure of moving up to Division I and is headed into its final year as a probationary member of D-I. Beginning next year, SDSU will have fully arrived.

The Jacks went 7-4 last year playing an entirely I-AA schedule. After an 0-3 start that included losses to top ten teams Youngstown State and Northern Iowa, SDSU got things turned around and finished the year on a five-game win streak. That included a victory over top 20 team Cal Poly, a 45-0 blitzing of Robert McFarland's old team – Stephen F. Austin, and a season-ending 29-24 victory over longtime rival North Dakota State. South Dakota State has been playing at least partially Division I-AA schedules for four seasons now and has posted a winning record each year, either 7-4 or 6-5. But the Jacks have gotten off to rough 0-3 starts each of the last two years before finding their groove somewhere along in late September.

The Thursday night, August 28 game at Iowa State will be the first for South Dakota State against a Division I-A program since it's move to I-AA. So it's a pretty big deal for the Jacks and for head coach John Stiegelmeier, who is 61-47 in ten seasons in Brookings. Stiegelmeier took over a Division II program and has navigated it through the transition to I-AA and a win over ISU would be a huge statement for South Dakota State.

But the Jackrabbits lost a number of key performers from their 7-win team of 2007, beginning with 1,200-yard rusher Cory Koenig at running back. SDSU will turn to sophomore Kyle Minnett as its feature back and he is coming off a very good redshirt freshman season in which he rushed for 488 yards on just 70 carries, an average of over six yards per attempt. And he'll have a returning starter at quarterback to shoulder most of the offensive pressure. That's Ryan Berry, who passed for almost 200 yards per game last fall while completing 60 percent of his passes with a 19-to-9 TD-to-INT rate.

Berry will have two of his favorite receivers from last year back again, including senior and top target JaRon Harris. Harris caught 40 passes a year ago after having snared 39 as a sophomore the year before. He had 664 receiving yards in 2007. Junior Glen Fox was also among the team leaders in receptions last year with 24 for 253 yards and he's back as Berry's no. 2 option behind Harris. SDSU will be looking for new starters at tight end and at the third receiver spot. The offensive line is moderately experienced with three returning starters and a fourth who also has some starting experience. Seniors Nick Flesner and Kevin Robling and juniors Casey Knips and Scott Gillen should give Berry and Co. decent protection and blocking to make plays.

On defense, South Dakota State returns its top two tacklers from '07. Junior linebackers Jimmy Rogers and Chris Johnson recorded 110 and 106 tackles, respectively, as sophomores a season ago. Other top tacklers returning for the Jacks are senior safety Brock Campbell (68 tackles) and junior defensive end Danny Batten (67 tackles); they ranked fifth and sixth on the team in stops in 2007. Batten was fourth on the team in sacks a year ago with 4 ½ and he'll be counted on to lead the SDSU pass rush as the Jacks' top three sackers from a year ago are all departed.

South Dakota State has to replace both starting cornerbacks, including Tyler Koch who had seven interceptions in 2007. Campbell is back as a starting safety, but he'll be breaking in three new running mates in the defensive backfield.

SDSU will be looking for a couple of new specialists in 2008. Punter Dean Priddy, a sophomore, is returning. Priddy averaged 38.6 yards per punt last fall. Also coming back is the Jacks' number one kickoff returner from last season, sophomore Adam Monke. He averaged 26.2 yards per return on 20 attempts last fall, including a 91-yard touchdown jaunt. South Dakota State will have a new starting kicker and will be looking for a new primary punt returner with Monke a good bet to fill that role.

The Jacks outscored opponents by an average of 12 points per game last season (34.2 to 22.2) despite being outgained by over 16 yards per outing (378.9 to 362.5). The reason was a whopping +14 advantage in takeaways as SDSU recorded 19 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries while surrendering just nine picks and eight lost fumbles. South Dakota State also had a huge advantage in quarterback sacks (26 to 12) and red zone efficiency (90% to 64%).

Arkansas

The "PIT" Prognosticator — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:01:44 GMT

Who's going? I assume the coaches will be watching tapes of Louisville. Falcon games probably won't cut it. Two of their stud running backs have opted for the NFL.

Arkansas thinks 'Necks are cupcakes

western-101 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:14:47 GMT

Found this little tidbit. Thought I would share it with my Leatherneck nation friends.

Opener vs. WIU an apparent cake-walk for Razorbacks

By BRANDON MARCELLO

Northwest Arkansas Times
Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 PRINT E-MAIL

Editor's Note:
The Arkansas Razorbacks will face one of the toughest football schedules in the nation in 2008. The sports staff of the Northwest Arkansas Times ranked Arkansas'12 upcoming games from least important to most important based on fan fervor, storylines and the effect a win or loss would have on the Razorbacks'season. This is part 1 of a 12-part series profiling the Razorbacks'opponents, starting with the 12 th most important game of 2008.
Arkansas' season-opening match-up with Western Illinois may be one of its weakest in history, but fan interest may be at its highest for such a game.
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino will lead his first Razorbacks team to the field against the Football Championship Subdivision squad Aug. 30 with question marks surrounding an unproven defense and offense. Meanwhile, the Leathernecks will face their toughest test of the season in their opener as they look for sure-footing under a second-year starter at quarterback.
The two teams have never played each other, and Western Illinois hasn't reached the postseason in the FCS playoff format since 2003. Head coach Don Patterson, however, has led the Leathernecks to four wins over Division I teams in his nine seasons in Macomb, Ill.
OFFENSE Western Illinois relied heavily on the arm of Matt Barr at quarterback last season. The redshirt freshman was inserted into the starter's spot after he replaced perennial frontman Zack Wells on the second drive of the Leathernecks' seasonopener. Barr started the last 10 games of the season and completed 55. 6 percent of his passes for 1, 305 yards. The Leathernecks, however, had just four touchdowns through the air with seven interceptions. He had a season-high 276 yards passing against Youngstown State and set the school's record for rushing by a quarterback in a game (114 against South Dakota State ) and season (385 ). He also finished with four touchdowns rushing the ball. Senior running back Herb Donaldson handled the bulk of the offensive load for Western Illinois last season and rushed for 314 yards against Missouri State. He finished the year with seven games with 100 or more yards on the ground and led the Leathernecks with 1, 491 rushing yards in 10 games. Donaldson's blockers on the offensive line may be the weakest area of the Western Illinois offense, Patterson said during spring practice. " One of our biggest concerns is our offensive line, " Patterson said April 16, according to a school press release. " We lost both guards from last year. Most people will say you need a minimum of eight solid linemen to succeed and we're still looking for those eight. " The running game was supported well by the offensive line last season, though, and out-gained opponents 2, 812 to 1, 589 in 11 games. Receiver Carl Sims returns as a senior and had 45 catches for 546 yards last season and was the team's only receiver with more than one touchdown.

DEFENSE Western Illinois' defensive unit may be the strongest facet of the Leathernecks'chances to a postseason run in the FCS and upset of Arkansas. The team was ranked 21 st in team defense in the FCS last season, allowing 320 yards per game. Rover Mike McEachern, who was drafted 22 nd overall in the Canadian Football League draft in April, returns along with leading tackler Jason Williams at linebacker. Williams was named to the Associated Press All-America second team in the FCS last year, and led the Gateway Conference in sacks (8 ). He also led the Leathernecks in tackles (107 ), tackles for loss 16. 5 ) and forced fumbles 2 ).
The defense returns nine starters and five of their top six tacklers. Linebacker Travis Cherry, who recorded 81 tackles last season, will play alongside Williams.
" This defense is even more refined than it was last fall, " Patterson said.
Experience will be key for the defense, which forced 25 turnovers and helped the Leathernecks rank No. 7 in the FCS in turnover margin (1. 27 ) last season. Junior defensive back Patrick Stoudamire led the team with three interceptions.
" We have real competition at several positions, " Patterson said. " Even with nine starters coming back on each side of the ball, and with some very experienced players returning, we are seeing some battles. Much of that is due to effective recruiting, especially on defense.
" Our defensive coaches haven't made too many mistakes on recruiting and we're starting to see the results of that. "

UNI FB Players cop pleas

LeatherCy — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:10:58 GMT

Two of the three UNI FB players arrested for interfering or attacking Cedar Falls policemen causing a near riot have copped a plea. Keith originally started at OU then transferred to UNI. He was pictured in the last Sports Illustrated in the front pages at a AZ Cardinals mini camp. He was projected as high as a third round draft pick until he charged the police and had to be tasered. Lloyd served his reduced sentence of five days in jail and has already been put back on the team by Farley. Roberts thinks he's innocent. See the two links below:

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2008/06/25/news/metro/doc4862675951632040763281.txt

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2008/06/26/news/metro/10432381.txt

If Roberts gets off Farley will be able to put him back on the team also.

Nice Tassio Article

StLouisNecks — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:53:59 GMT

A good read about Jordan Tassio:

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/sports/highschools/1015722,6_2_NA20_MAOY_S1.article

What games will be Televised?

western-101 — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:20:25 GMT

Anybody out there have any information on what games we could expect to be televised this comming season? I know it is early but I like to put it on my calender.

I am hoping we can get three games on a FSM, Comcast, ESPNU, CSTV....

No more Gateway Football Conference

tjbison — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:59:42 GMT

Just figured I'd post this and see what you all think

http://www.in-forum.com/articles/ind...3§ion=news

Peoria still loves Mo!

Neckfansince71 — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:29:23 GMT

Wow, the Bradley Brave board, the PJS, they all seem interested in WIU basketball basically because Mo is the head coach. Look for this interest to continue and to build as we get closer to his first season. Also, don't be surprised to hear WIU mentioned when it comes to recruiting the D1 players not only in Chicago but also the Peoria area. Sure wish I was younger. I would love to sit the bench with him!!

2008 AGS pre-season polls WIU getting love

tjbison — Mon, 26 May 2008 14:21:00 GMT

Thought maybe you guys would be interested in this, just came out today on AGS!
5 Gateway schools in the top 25 6 getting votes, you guys are knocking on the door!!

Any Given Saturday Poll Top 25

PRE-SEASON 5/26/2008
(First place votes in parenthesis)
1. Appalachian St. (76)
2. James Madison (2)
3. Richmond (1)
4. North Dakota St. (2)
5. Northern Iowa
6. Massachusetts
7. Montana
8. McNeese St.
9. Eastern Washington
10. Wofford
11. Delaware
12. Southern Illinois
13. Cal Poly (1)
14. Youngstown St.
15. Elon
16. Georgia Southern
17. Villanova
18. South Dakota St.
19. Eastern Illinois
20. New Hampshire
21. The Citadel
22. Eastern Kentucky
23. Fordham
24. Yale
25. Furman
Others receiving votes (minimum of 5 votes): Harvard (33), Sam Houston St. (31), Delaware St. (29), Northern Arizona (27), Central Arkansas (24), Montana St. (24), Jackson St. (23), South Carolina St. (22), Jacksonville St. (18), Grambling St. (16), Liberty (16), Holy Cross (14), Western Illinois (13), Albany (12), Hofstra (12), Dayton (10), Hampton (10), Nicholls St. (7), Coastal Carolina (5), Colgate (5), Norfolk St. (5)

TEAM MOST ON THE RISE: Cal Poly
TEAM FALLING THE MOST: Delaware

Barr and Wells

WIU02 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:17:42 GMT

Does anyone have any idea if we are going to have a Grossman/Orton type dual for the starting job, with Barr coming in as the favorite? Or, is Barr our starter going into the fall unless something drastic happens?

I'm curious considering Wells was our actual game 1 starter last season before an injury. I know they were going to rotate them, and I gotta say I hate that theory. I've never seen it work very effectively. You end up with two guys who don't fully know their role, not to mention they are entering/exiting games at less than ideal times, and it is hard to mentally prepare for that.

Having Herb is awesome, but to be able to throw in some versatility with our offensive scheme would make us pretty darn tough.

Ryan Perrilloux???

wiu13 — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:54:06 GMT

I'm not going to speak for everyone but I think we have a QB problem. I know many might not like this idea because he has been in trouble a lot, but our O would be much better if WIU could bring in Ryan Perrilloux from LSU. WIth him and Herb, and that D WIU would be a very dangerous team.

Please come join us arkansas fans

hogsfan26 — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:14:42 GMT

Come join the most popular Arkansas Razorback message board, to discuss our matchup this coming football season. We would love to have you here.

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php?board=1.0

Dennis Morgan...

Leatherface — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:01:25 GMT

I remember Dennis Morgan returning a kickoff- something like 97 or 99 yards against?- Central Michigan? Does anyone remember the particulars.???

He went on to play for the Cowboys for a short time. Anyone know what happened to him?

He was a very fast individual on the football field.

Hartwell signed by the Raiders

wiu13 — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:52:11 GMT

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders signed free-agent linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, hoping he can revive a career beset by injuries in recent seasons.

Hartwell

The 30-year-old Hartwell played only 13 games in 2005 and '06 with Atlanta because of injuries to his knee and Achilles tendon. He was cut by Cincinnati before the start of last season and sat out the entire year.

He signed with Oakland on Tuesday and will have a chance to compete for the starting strongside linebacker spot alongside Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard. Robert Thomas and Sam Williams shared those duties last season. The Raiders have been looking to upgrade their run defense after allowing a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry last season.

The Raiders also signed quarterback Brian White of Portland State and defensive end Greyson Gunheim of Washington ahead of the rookie minicamp this weekend

WESTERN Day at the Chicago Rush on May 18th

WIU712 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:02:46 GMT

WESTERN Night" at May 19 Chicago Rush Game, Featuring Alumnus QB Russ Michna!!

Western Illinois University students looking for the perfect summer evening activity are invited to the Chicago Rush's "WIU Night" Monday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at Allstate Arena in Chicago. The Rush, featuring Western graduate Russ Michna, will take on the Los Angeles Avengers.

Michna, the starting quarterback for the Rush, has nabbed 16 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns with a 131.4 QB rating in the Arena Football League. Michna was a four-year member – and two-year starting quarterback, of the Leathernecks football team. He set single-season records for passing yards (3,160) and total offense (3,327) as a senior in 2003. Michna received his bachelor's degree and MBA from WIU.

But the WIU-Rush connection doesn't end there. Chicago Rush Account Executive Ryan Simmons is a 2002 broadcasting alumnus, and during his time at Western he was a play-by-play announcer for Leathernecks football on WWIR-TV (now WIUTV).

Discounted tickets for "WIU Night" are $20 (upper sideline); $15 (upper corner); and $8 (upper endzone), and may be ordered by calling Simmons at 773/243-3438 or faxing your name, address, e-mail, ticket selection and credit card information to 773/243-3435. Tickets must be ordered by Monday, May 12.

The Rush has seen seven consecutive trips to the playoffs, three Central Division titles, near capacity crowds at Allstate Arena, the addition of NFL Hall-of-Famer and Chicago icon Mike Ditka to the ownership group and the ArenaBowl XX title.

"We invite Western students, alumni and their families and friends to come out and cheer on the Rush May 19," Simmons said. "It will be great to see the stands lined with Western pride to cheer on former Leatherneck Russ Michna and the Rush."

For more information, contact Simmons at rsimmons@chicagorush.com.

NDSU fan

tjbison — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:18:33 GMT

Just figured i'd stop by and say hi to you all, looking forward to the new conference and having you guys in the Fargodome this fall, anybody planning on coming up? Swing by and visit us Bison fans anytime at www.bisonville.com

The Spring Football Game

WIU712 — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:24:00 GMT

Defense holds offense out of end zone, loses spring football game 27-24

Courtesy: Jason Kaufman
Release: 04/19/2008

The Western Illinois University defense held the offense out of the end zone but still lost 27-24 in the annual spring football scrimmage.

With a modified scoring system which awarded the offense for first downs and the defense for stopping drives, the outcome of the game came down to the last play.

The offense had taken a 26-24 lead with its second unit on the field, on a 42-yard field goal by Taylor Rowan with 58 seconds remaining, when the first-team offense took the field and had to sustain a drive in order to secure a victory. A three-and-out would have given the defense two points and created a tie game, but a quarterback sneak for one yard on third down instead gave the offense a three-point victory.

The go-ahead drive was set up when Buddy Dudczak recovered a fumble on the defense's 25-yard line, giving the defense a 24-23 lead late in the fourth quarter. The offense utilized the short field, and after three plays for a net gain of zero yards, kicked the game-winning field goal.

The Leatherneck defense generated three turnovers on the day, worth four points each, including interceptions by John Arient and Anthony D'Astice. They forced the offense to punt seven times and settle for five field goal attempts. Rowan handled all kicking duties, converting three field goals, including a 53-yarder on the third drive of the game.

"I saw a lot of positives on both sides of the ball," said head coach Don Patterson. "I give the defense a lot of credit for keeping us out of the end zone, even when we went up and down the field. We moved the ball fairly well on offense."

"At times we got a little sloppy with some things, especially snap counts" said defensive coordinator Thomas Casey. "But that's the first thing teams are going to try and to do us, so we need to get used to that."

Herb Donaldson worked the first half at first-team running back, rushing 12 times for a team-high 72 yards. He alternated drives with Dre Gibbs, who started for the second team and collected 60 yards on 16 carries.

"Herb looked like the old Herb and we got a lot of hard yards on the grounds from all our running backs," Patterson said. "Good hard running solves a lot of problems. The three turnovers is the biggest disappointment offensively. Games aren't scored this way in the fall and it's hard to win games with that many turnovers."

Both quarterbacks played one half with the first team. Barr, who started with the ones, completed 8-of-15 passes for 71 yards. Wells, the first-team signal-caller in the second half, threw 5-for-10 for 41 yards. Both had an interception.

"It was not a great day to throw and catch," Patterson said. "We hit some play-action passes for some decent yardage, but mostly the wind held us to a short passing game. Our number two offense has come a long way, but they still aren't buying a lot of time for the quarterback, so that leads to a lot of short passes. We were able to run more of our pass offense with our ones."

"We had some young guys out there today, but we have quality depth," said Casey. "Some young guys got some good experience and that's going to carry out through the fall."

"We were further ahead after three days in spring football this year than we were all of spring ball last year," Casey said. "All the same guys returned, the defense hasn't changed, and we were able to hone in on the things that we needed to get a lot better at. Those guys were good to begin with, but I think we're in a really good spot after today."

"I have every reason to believe we're on pace to have a really good team in the fall," said Patterson. "We have a lot to accomplish over the summer, between now and when August rolls around. I see the right kind of work ethic from the players that suggests we'll get that done."

NOTE: Many former players returned to campus for the spring game and a Saturday night reception honoring Mike Pendergast, who served as the Leathernecks' athletic trainer for 30 years. Among those who returned today were NFL players Mike Scifres (Chargers) and J.R. Niklos (49ers).

STATISTICS:
Defensive Leaders:
Jason Williams - 10 TT, 1 TFL
Terry Barney - 9 TT
Brandon Kreczmer - 9 TT, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Mike McEachern - 7 TT, 1 sack
Anthony D'Astice - 7 TT, 1 interception
Buddy Dudczak - 2 TT, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovery
John Arient - 1 TT, 1 interception

Rushing:
Herb Donaldson: 12-72
Dre Gibbs: 16-60, 1 fumble lost
Fred Amiker: 11-18
Rico Thomas: 2-13
Javid Milton: 1-5
Zack Wells: 5--10
Matt Barr: 4--18

Passing:
Barr: 8-for-15 for 71 yards, 1 INT, 0 TD
Wells: 5-for-10 for 41 yards, 1 INT, 0 TD

Receiving:
Paul Anderson: 3-30
Nick Coleman: 3-19
Lito Senatus: 2-20
Matt Warner: 1-23
Carl Sims: 1-5
Dre Gibbs: 1-4
Todd Speight: 1--3

Field Goals (Taylor Rowan):
53 Good
37 Missed
42 Good
27 Missed
42 Good

Spring Game?

Redshirt — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:29:13 GMT

Has anyone heard when the Spring game will be played?

2008 schedule is 2007 schedule

western-101 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:31:46 GMT

I know that NDSU and SDSU are new members to the Gateway as of the 2008 season, but it feels like old hat to me. Even though xDSU's were not in the Gateway last year we played both of them last year just as we will from here on out. Did any other Gateway school play both the xDSU's last year?

I was comparing 2007 opponents with the 2008 and they look almost identical.
(Disclaimer, teams listed below may not accuratley represent order played)

2007

Illinois (Big 10, BCS)
St. Francis (MSFA, NAIA)
Steven F. Austin (Southland, FBS)
Illinois State
Indiana State
Missouri State
North Dakota State
South Dakota State
Southern Illinois
Northern Iowa
Youngstown State

2008

Arkansas (SEC, BCS)
Quincy (MSFA, NAIA)
Steven F. Austin (Southland, FBS)
Illinois State
Indiana State
Missouri State
North Dakota State
South Dakota State
Southern Illinois
Northern Iowa
Youngstown State

Exactly the same except swithing one NAIA Mid States Football Association Team with another and playing a different "Power Conference" BCS team. with 9 starters comming back on offense and 9 on defense it feels like we stepped in a time Machine and get to do 2007 over, heck even UNI is comming back to Hanson Field for '08.

I am expecting different results this year.

Harrison Listed as #10 "Draft Steal" by ESPN.com

El_Dee_III — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:30:06 GMT

There are some pretty impressive names on this list and one of our very own former Leatherneck Rodney Harrison is one of them. Here's the link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3329687

Fuchs to miss spring game!

Neckfansince71 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:07:23 GMT

So Chris Fuchs must be some kind of athlete. #1 punter as a freshman, and now the #1 closer on the baseball team. That's really where they have had trouble and lately he has walked in to ball games and either closed the door or put the fire out. Can the Necks split or take the series with ORU, me thinks not. But I really think last year there was a game that WIU and ORU played in Macomb where we blew it at the end and that set the table for our demise during the conference championships held in Macomb.

I will in Macomb in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to watching a game at Boyer Stadium. Hope things work out for Fuchs and the boys in Tulsa!

jc

St. Louis Rams in town?

western-101 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:08:40 GMT

I am starting this thread with no information. Just casting a line. Does anybody know any further information on the reported St. Louis Rams officials comming to Macomb?

spring football

strongside — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:40:10 GMT

Looks like the necks have completed the 1st week of spring football practice. Does anyone have any insights on how the team is progressing? Jason has done a great job of covering the practices(including pictures)but just wanted to see if there were any other observations of the team.

WHAT DO YA THINK OUR W-L RECORD WILL BE?

DOG — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:29:15 GMT

I'M GUESSING 8-3.
LOSSES TO ARK., ONE OF THE DAKOTA TEAMS, & N.IOWA.

Rams back to Macomb?

meganeck — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:21:23 GMT

I was reading online today and in the St.louis paper it said that the Rams coach wants to get away from St.Louis for training camp. Macomb was one of four possibilites mentioned. It sounds like they want to go to Wisconsin, because there are other up there they could scrimmage against, but they aren;t crossing Macob off the list.

GATEWAY vs. MAC

western-101 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:45:07 GMT

I would like to see a Gateway football Conference vs. Mid American Conference showdown. Teams would be paired up from best to least for each conference. For example I will use the 2007 Sagarin final ratings for each team, we pair our #1 with their #1, our #2 vs. their #2 and so on......

This is what it would look like based upon last years Sagarin ratings at season's end.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbc07.htm
#62 UNI vs. #82 C. Michigan
#71 NDSU vs. #83 Ball State
#76 SIU vs. #99 Bowling Green
#98 SDSU vs. #106 W. Michigan
#105 YSU vs. #114 Ohio
#122 WIU vs. #115 Buffalo
#147 ISU vs. #116 Miami
#149 MSU vs. #126 Toledo
#238 ISU vs. #127 Akron

the MAC would never agree to this I bet. We our a higher rated conference based on these numbers and would have a ligitimit shot at going 6-3 would definatley go 5-4. Ethier way we win the challenge and that is with leaving their bottom four teams left out. If we worked it from the bottom of the MAC backwards we would probably go 7-2.

MAC has a lot of pretenders and not many contenders. It just bugs me that they get more press, T.V. and have a higher talent perception than the Gateway simply because they have a B after their F and we have a C.

LeatherneckNation

LeatherneckLinebacker50 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:52:17 GMT

LeatherneckNation this is Chad Sprayberry, the linebacker that signed with Western Illinois this past Feb. I just wanted to put my name out there and say that I honestly cannot wait to put on the pads and show what I got and prove myself. I promise to give this football team my work ethic day in and day out. I'm here to make a big impact early. My jersey number will be #50 as head coach Don Patterson told me on the phone. I just wanted to say that I am very proud to be able to play at the next level and im so excited to be a Leatherneck for Western Illinois. Hope all is well. Thank you.

Quarterback Situation

Redshirt — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:32:36 GMT

Lunt makes the 6th QB on the roster. With Barr's success in running the offense last year, an experienced Wells in the wings, Ducey with a load of potential, Brown being recruited last year, what do you see happening with the depth chart and the offensive scheme?

West side renovations

western-101 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:39:05 GMT

Does anyone have any updated info. on the West side Stadium project? I know there are architectual renderings out there, has anyone seen them? If so is it impressive?

Can somebody comment on a time frame for groundbreaking. Has Western pursued any deep pocket alums for financing/naming of stadium?

I am excited about our '08 chances. I am excited about the recruiting class. I am definatley pleased with how the east side stadium came together. The only thing missing is the West side.

Herb vs. Travis

WIU02 — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:48:42 GMT

I am curious to your opinions on who you think the better overall running back has been for WIU between Herb Donaldson and Travis Glasford. I know many things have to be taken into the equation, ie...This years lack of a passing game, therefore more opportunities on the ground for Herb. More focus on the run by other teams to stop Herb. Less established O-line than in years past, etc...Travis was involved in a more balanced offense his entire career at Western, which could be analyzed as both a plus and minus when comparing the two. I ask this because Travis seemed to be way more hyped up than Herb, recruited out of Florida, starting as a true freshman. But my opinion is that Herb, while fairly close, is the better RB. His lack of turnovers and ability to take over a game seem to be a couple of the more dominant features that Travis didn't excel at as much.

Leathernecks in Super Bowl

necks89 — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:35:45 GMT

With the Giants and Patriots winning today, WIU is assured that former player will win a Super Bowl Championship.

Rich Seubert will suit up for the Giants and Rodney Harrison will try to win another ring with the Patriots.

Seubert is the twelfth former Leatherneck to either play or coach in the Super Bowl.

The twelve have a total of 28 appearances in the big game and one of the two in this year's game will win the 15 Super Bowl ring for a former Leatherneck.

Not too bad for a school the size of WIU.