CHARLESTON — In a rivalry that has featured more grit than glamor, Illinois State offensive tackle Jake Pope expects few pleasantries Saturday at O'Brien Field.
"It's exactly what it is. It's dirty, it's mean. We don't like each other, and everybody knows we don't like each other," said Pope of the 2 p.m. renewal of the Mid-America Classic series with Eastern Illinois.
"You know the guy in front of you wants to just ruin your day," Pope said. "All 11 guys on that side of the ball wants to ruin everybody on the other side's day."
While embracing the intensity, Pope emphasized the importance of poise and self control.