Better Know an Opponent: Robert Morris University Illinois

NU takes on the Eagles of Robert Morris University Illinois ("RMU-IL") for an exhibition tomorrow (11/4/09) at 7pm.  The game is at the Welsh and will be streamed online at the Big Ten Network (available for $2.99).

RMU-IL, not to be confused with the better known RMU in Pittsburgh, play in the CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) which is part of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).  RMU is a perennial NAIA tourney team and made it to the NAIA Final Four last year.

This is the second straight year NU and RMU (IL) have laced 'em up for an exhibition.  Last year, NU lost which had some NU fans in a tizzy.  Of course, the reason why NU lost was not because NU was bad but because Coach Carmody used the exhibition for what it was intended (i.e, to throw a bunch of things onto the wall to see what sticks -- including a baptism by fire for the five frosh).

Since last year's exhibition loss, Robert Morris has become a University (was a college) and opened a ninth campus in Elgin (go Fighting Elgins!).

So.... what to expect from tomorrow's game?  As was the case last year, Carmody will certainly use the exhibition to try different things and test out some unknowns (the frosh, and the sophs/juniors who didn't play much last year).  The final score?  Aside from some fans who don't understand the point of an exhibition, no one should care nor take anything from it (except for getting a first look at this year's historic squad!!!!!).