Haven’t We Met Before?: Eastern Illinois

After having fun re-living some highlights in 91 seasons of Aztec football history since June 1, my son Ken convinced me we should establish an Aztec blog. So, here we go!

With the opening game against Eastern Illinois not far away, let me resort to the age-old caution of coaches everywhere: the Panthers are NOT chopped liver. They won the Ohio Valley Conference last year with a 6-1 record, and look to be even better this year. So don't assume this will be an easy win. But we WILL win!

Last time the Aztecs played EIU was 2001, and the QB for the Blue and Gray was Tony Romo. Aztecs won, 40-7. (So much for advance warnings.) Aztec RB Larry Ned scored 3 TDs and rushed for 285 yards.

Akbar Gbaja-Biamila sacks Tony Romo; Larry Ned gains some of his 285 yards in 2001 (Photos by Ernie Anderson)

 
This game will include the KGB Sky Show, which always is spectacular. So the crowd will probably be the biggest of the year. But I always hate to see how many arrive late, really there for the fireworks. Sometimes, we've even found the escalators still set for UP after the game has ended! My hope is the crowd will be there to see our Aztecs, and then stay for the Sky Show.

Highlight of the original “sky show” game in 1930

Go Aztecs!