Did you know?

Seventy-two years ago this week - Aug. 24, 1954 - two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin was born in Columbus, Ohio. As a prep senior at Eastmoor High School, he rushed for 1,787 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. Recruited to Ohio State, Griffin became the first running back to lead the Big Ten Conference in rushing for three straight years. He is the only player who's won the Heisman Trophy twice twice (1974 & '75). The College Football Hall of Fame enshrined him in 1986. On August 30, 2024, Griffin was honored with a statue outside Ohio Stadium.

This Week in

Illini and Spartan History

ILLINI HISTORY - On Aug. 24, 1946, Illinois basketball's famed "Whiz Kids" gathered together at Huff Gym for the first time since the end of World War II. Andy Phillip, Jack Smiley, Gene Vance and Ken Menke appeared together to demonstrate Coach Doug Mills' revolving offense for a group of high school coaches. They last got together on Mar. 1, 1943. Photo restored by MomentsMadeClear.com.

SPARTAN HISTORY - Born 84 years ago this week - Aug. 23, 1942 - was Michigan State basketball star Pete Gent. From 1962 through 1964, the former Bangor High School star led Coach Forddy Anderson's Spartans in scoring, averaging 17.4 points per game. Although Gent never played a down of college football, the Dallas Cowboys were impressed by his athleticism and offered him a tryout. He played for Dallas from 1964-68. His first and most famous book, a semi-autobiographical novel entitled North Dallas Forty, was published in 1973. Gent died in 2011 at age 69.

Shep's Sports Crosswords

An exclusive new feature of SportsLLL.com, Shep's Sports Crosswords is a fun way to challenge your sports trivia knowledge. It takes only about five minutes to play. We'll post a new puzzle each week. This week's sports crossword puzzle is about FIGHTING ILLINI BASKETBALL HISTORY. Click below to play! Can't solve 'em all? Click here!