“We’re taking our talents to South Beach!”

That’s how senior defensive end Sean Progar ended his speech at the NIU Discover Orange Bowl pep rally in the Convocation Center on Wednesday.

The rally, which took place at halftime during the NIU men’s basketball match against SIU-Edwardsville, was held to showcase the football’s team success and excite fans for the New Year’s Day showdown.

Attendees were treated to free Orange Bowl T-shirts, orange juice and banners. NIU buildings got into the BCS spirit: The Convo and Stevenson Towers were bathed in orange spotlights to celebrate.

NIU President John Peters said the rally and all other Orange Bowl events are a great way to get the school to come together and have fun.

“You can’t ever overestimate the excitement that going to a major bowl game like the Orange Bowl brings to a university,” Peters said. “All intercollegiate athletics are exciting and this rally is a great example of that.”

MJ Halco, sophomore music major and Huskie Marching Band member, said the event was a great way to raise spirits for the bowl game.

“It was really cool to see our teams and fans supporting each other,” Halco said. “I’m super excited for the Huskies and can’t wait to cheer them on at the Orange Bowl.”

Junior quarterback Jordan Lynch said the pep rally was a great experience and he’s ready to get back on the field.

“I feel really confident,” Lynch said. “We just gotta stay focused and not let the big stage get to us.”