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

[Jonathan Hodges]

The defense is playing much better since MSU - all after losing Roach (plus
Cole has been used sparingly in the past 2 games).  The D line is finally
getting some pressure but the secondary is playing lights-out for the most
part.  Smith has really come out, McManis is playing extremely well and
should only get better.  Our LBs (Simpson in particular) have stepped it up
after losing Roach (Malleo hasn't played much, if at all, on D after MSU).
Some have speculated that Fitz has taken over some defensive play calling on
the field.  I think the defense has had the tools all along but has just put
together some complete performances over the past 2 games.  Some have also
mentioned that the defense is only as strong as the weakest link - and some
of the young guys have really stepped up their level of play.

Special teams saw the best game of the season at Michigan followed by a not
so great showing against Iowa (missed 22 yd FG, 12 yd punt).  The coverage
teams are still solid, thankfully.  We'll see what next year brings with
Demos and a new punter, but you're right in saying that Howells and
Larscheid just aren't consistent at all.

NU remains #1 in the nation in least penalty yards against (#2 in number of
penalties).  I think this actually goes along with the performance by the
special teams coverage units and the defense - the individual players are
really more disciplined and trusting themselves more and are not trying to
do too much.  I think this is carrying over from Walker's preaching and Fitz
is really driving it home.

I personally don't think the MSU game is the worst loss ever.  NU lost by 3
and was competitive in the game until the end - and prior to that point the
'Cats showed no life in Big Ten games this season.  My personal "worst loss
ever" goes to Iowa in 2000 which blew NU's Rose Bowl hopes - and this week's
win was even nicer thanks to that.

I DO think that following the MSU game the 'Cats turned it around and we've
seen that the past 2 games - the question is if they can carry this forward
to the final 2 games of the season and into the off season.  I'm sure Fitz
will work to make sure that this team is ready.

Jonathan


On 11/5/06, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <alan.abrahamson at nbcuni.com>
wrote:
>
>
> 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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-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
829 Foster St Apt 401
Evanston, IL  60201-3259
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