Rashard Mendenhall, Brandon Lloyd ... Former Illini Beasts

I'm no fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I may even hate the Denver Broncos, but when two former Illini monsters play for those two teams, I have to give them props.

As one of my advisors Adam Daleyoney pointed out to me this morning, Rashard is currently the #4 rusher in football, while Brandon is currently the #2 receiver. Rashard has 64 carries for 332 yards, good for a 5.2 yard-per-carry average, and Brandon has 14 catches for 339 yards, a robust 24.2 yards-per-catch. And that's with Kyle Orton as his quarterback.

Both players can thank dominant games last Sunday for their current statistical prowess. Brandon caught six balls for 169 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos loss to Indy. Meanwhile, 'Shard ran for 143 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries as the Stillers pounded Tampa Bay. Quite a Sunday for the ex-Illini.

Here's hoping that they continue to dominate while their current NFL teams falter and struggle.

Well Played, Carey Davis, Formerly of the Illini, Now Of The Steelers

A few weeks ago, after the Stillers beat the Bolts in the Divisional Playoffs, I referred to a fullback that Quentin Jammer blew up behind the line as that "big, fat Steeler fullback."

Turns out that "big, fat Steeler fullback" was one of the Illini's own, Carey Davis.

Carey, my man, I apologize.

All I can say is congratulations on playing for a Super Bowl champion. That's gotta feel pretty good.

Here's a more recent photo of you:

Oh hey, Carey, by the way, do you think Rashard is getting a ring? Do you think he deserves one?