Forget State Champs... move on to Gateway

[PurpleCatFan]

The state champ talk was all fine and dandy but lets move on to bigger things and that is trying to obtain a Gateway Championship.

By winning the Gateway, after going 4-0 in our post season play, would most likely give the Panther’s 2 if not 3 games at the Dome come Playoff time.........but I don't want to get ahead of what’s most important right now and that is winning the game this Saturday against the Redbirds.

This has been a tough place to play for the Panther and it will be again on Saturday.

The last time the Panthers started the season 4-0 was 1999 which was a pretty darn good football team that lost at Illinois State and finished 8-3 for the season and missed the Playoffs..... So I'm past the mythical state championship (if that is what you want to call it) talk and ready to hear about some thought for this weekend’s BIG GAME!.

Let's go Panthers

[Panther-Sheik]

Good call...the whole "Panther State" thing lost a lot of luster due to some fun haters anyway. It started as a light hearted ribbing, but turned a little sour. Now it is time to crank it up for game time this week again. The real fun should be just beginning.

[JayJ79]

After going 4-0 in our post season play, we'll be celebrating a national championship in Chatty. But that is getting ahead of what is important.

But yes, now comes the most important regular season games, and the toughest, as we are playing in the best FCS conference in the country.

Bring on the Redbirds.

[DomeRanger Posse]

Folks, this is where the good times start rolling and the real season starts. I can't wait for Gateway ball and all the goodness that comes with it.

[9YRPLAN]

the gateway is freaking stacked this year. simply getting to the playoffs will be impressive.

[Mountain Panther]

the gateway is freaking stacked this year. simply getting to the playoffs will be impressive.

I will agree with that statement if MSU, WIU and IlSt live up to their hype....otherwise YSU and SIU are the only two teams that look really tough right now. And I'm not even that sure about YSU. Too early to tell for all of those teams (except SIU).

[Panther-Sheik]

I will agree with that statement if MSU, WIU and IlSt live up to their hype....otherwise YSU and SIU are the only two teams that look really tough right now. And I'm not even that sure about YSU. Too early to tell for all of those teams (except SIU).

And at least we get SIU and YSU in the Dome!!

[unigriff]

Sheik, will u be coming to the homecoming game? i wanna hear ur louda$$ voice screaming for some cats to kill those ugly egyptian dawgs that eat children!

[Panther-Sheik]

Sheik, will u be coming to the homecoming game? i wanna hear ur louda$$ voice screaming for some cats to kill those ugly egyptian dawgs that eat children!

I'll be there...Loud and Proud, baby!

[Cat80]

The Gateway is stacked because the Panthers are members. And on a little different angle, to paraphrase Crash Davis: If you think you pitching well because you are wearing women's underwear; then you are and you should know that. Folks, this Panther team has NEVER played at Normal. All this 'I remember that game in 01 where we were good and ISU wasnt' etc.---does no good. IF all they hear is UNI doesn't play well at Normal, then---. The 2005 team didn't play well at Normal. This is the 2007 team. The team that needs to worry about Saturday is ISU. If they don't have their act together they will have a long afternoon. Over at AGS the Crows are cackling about a big crowd, being fired up yada yada. 56,000 at Ames didn't distract the youngsters, 14,000 or whatever Normal High's field holds won't either. The only team that beats the Panthers are the Panthers till at least early December.

[JayJ79]

ILS has some talent, but they've been inconsistant this year.
If we let them start off on a roll and gain momentum, it might be another disappointing trip to Normal.

However, if we go in and play good quality Panther football, UNI can bring back the W.

[CanuckPanther]

Sheik, will u be coming to the homecoming game? i wanna hear ur louda$$ voice screaming for some cats to kill those ugly egyptian dawgs that eat children!


THAT is a very disgusting and inappropriate comment! The reference is vulgar, the comment is unbelievable. Cheer for the Panthers, of course! Loud! YES!!!!!
But that reference is not acceptable.

[unigriff]

agreed.
Although their mascot is truly atrocious looking.