DeKALB – The Marathon gas station on Lincoln Highway provided a frank summary of Northern Illinois University’s enthusiasm Monday for the Huskies’ unexpected trip to the Orange Bowl.

It read: “Suck Our Oranges, ESPN. Go Huskies!”

NIU’s New Year’s Day date with Florida State and ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who called the Huskies’ selection “an absolute joke,” ignited the university’s social media network. It sparked a steady stream of reservations at the Convocation Center ticket office and a wave of NIU merchandise sales that at least two store managers hope lasts long enough for the orange ink to dry on new T-shirts.