Doublin' up

Man, is the Connection connected or what? FL knows whereof he speaks, and he speaks in a timely fashion.

Eastern Illinois today posted its 2006 schedule, which includes games with Illinois on Sept. 2, and indeed, a visit to Hawai'i on Sept. 30. That's gotta make their schedule among the toughest in the OVC (and I-AA?), and by far gives the Panthers the coolest friggin' road trip in the conference, by a long shot. I know what you're thinking, but I've been to Starkville, and it just doesn't compare.

EIU also gets a second date with the Illini in 2008 and will visit Purdue (head coach Bob Spoo's alma mater) in 2007.