MADISON, Wis. — Illinois State linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh attempts to closely monitor his emotions before a football game.
“I try to stay as cool as possible up until the start of the game,” said Vandenburgh. “I try to regulate my emotional response to the atmosphere.”
That might be more difficult than usual Saturday as Vandenburgh and the Redbirds open their season with a 6 p.m. game against FBS 18th-ranked Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium.
“I try to listen to music, chill out, a lot of self talk,” Vandenburgh said. “Once we run out on the field, that’s the time to get going.