[NU Sports] Some Thoughts on Saturday Night's Game

[NEONRye at aol.com]

I was pondering the game vs. Mich. and have decided that this is perhaps  the 
defining moment of the Randy Walker Era (unless someone counters with  
Rashidi Wheeler's death).   The NU Football program is at a true fork  in the 
road--one way (a good, solid win over the Wolves in the national  spotlight and with 
a bowl game and continued presence in the National Rankings  as the "cookies" 
if we prevail) leads to a major boost in recruiting, as young  HS studs (with 
good SAT's, of course) see how Baz and Tyrell and our other  standouts are 
thriving in the NU "System".  The other way is a loss,  especially a bad loss.  
It won't ruin our season or doom us to mediocrity  forever, but it will be a 
setback nonetheless and will reinforce the impression  that most fans have that 
we are an academic institution that can't  really compete with the big boys.  
Yes, I know we beat tOSU last year and  have had other dramatic wins.  But we 
never had a QB who might make the  "Final 5" for the Heisman, nor have we had 
a RB who might actually win the  trophy.  They give us validation and 
visibility.  Hence, this is the  moment for a "Perfect Storm" (actually, if Stephen 
is right, a "Purple  Blizzard") of NU Football dominance.  Seize the moment, 
'Cats.  Claw  the Wolves and the glory is yours!
 
Oh, how I wish I could be there.....
 
Paul Levinson (From NY, of course)
 
P.S.:  To our friends and fellow alums in the "Windy City", we loved  the Sox 
win from here.