[NU Sports] "the clock tower is purple!"

[Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)]

 I agree wholeheartedly, as usual, with Jim.
 The things that have jumped out at me:
 -- Defense seems better, improbably, since the loss of Roach. Anybody
have any idea why?
 -- Defensive line play seems much improved.
 -- A pleasure to watch a Wildcat team that is so disciplined it is
almost penalty-free.
 -- Why in God's name is the kicking game so inconsistent?
 -- If we don't commit all those turnovers, we had a chance against
Michigan.
 -- McManis evokes memories of Ismaeli.
 -- Because Bacher can throw, it opens up running lanes for Sutton and
Jordan. 
 -- Bacher is going to make mistakes, much as Basanez did when Basanez
was a sophomore. Remember? 
 -- The team is -- what word do I want here? -- incredibly better when
Bacher is at qb than with Brewer or Kafka.
 When we look back at the history of the Fitzgerald years, the Michigan
State collapse will, I predict, mark the turning point. This seems
obvious enough to those of us who suffered through that game. But for
those whose interest in Wildcat football is more casual, the way that
Fitzgerald has been able to keep the team with him, and to get it to
improve, after what could have been an emotional disaster is, by any
measure, a matter that deserves considerable credit.
 I don't discount the possibility of an upset over the Buckeyes. This
Northwestern team is suddenly dangerous.
 Separate discussion. Michigan state game = worst loss ever? Starting
point for discussion: of course a 35-point collapse is, factually
speaking, the worst collapse in Division I history. But many of us on
this list have suffered through such abominations as the 34-game losing
streak; the 1981 team, which gave up 505 points; the Francis Peay years;
the 0-8 Big Ten campaign in Barnett's last year; the Sun Bowl collapse
against UCLA; etc., etc., etc.
So I ask: where in the grand tradition of sickening Northwestern defeats
does this one rank?
  Fear the purple -- warm regards, Alan
 

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com]
On Behalf Of Jim Bendat
Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2006 11:33 AM
To: NU Sports List
Subject: [NU Sports] "the clock tower is purple!"

That was the text message that my (NU student) daughter sent me last
night.  I just love the fact that she's very into NU football, and even
went with friends to Ann Arbor last week.  She also told me that the
fraternity-sorority tailgates before 11 am games are known as "kegs and
eggs!"

No such early rising next Saturday, as it's a 2:30 pm game.  But I'm
sure the stadium will be rocking.  I don't know if we can pull of the
college football upset of the year, but I'm sure we'll show up ready to
play.  I'm looking forward to the next two games, but I'm in
unbelievable anticipation of the next few years under Fitz.  With our
present group of outstanding young player, along with an outstanding
upcoming recruiting class, who can't help be anything but excited?!

Jim B.

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