From cyril at alumni.northwestern.edu  Thu Oct  1 08:29:03 2009
From: cyril at alumni.northwestern.edu (Cyril S. Ku)
Date: Thu Oct  1 08:29:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] John DeGroat
In-Reply-To: <000001ca424a$9d2cea20$d786be60$@com>
Message-ID: <68714.1091.qm@web53305.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Unlike most of the message board where everyone hides behind a moniker, the unique thing about this list is that everyone knows the names of the members.

My condolences to John and to his family as well.

GO CATS!
Cyril Ku

--- On Wed, 9/30/09, Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com> wrote:

> From: Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com>
> Subject: RE: [NU Sports] John DeGroat
> To: NEONRye@aol.com, nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
> Cc: ssacks71@optonline.net, carl_degroat@msn.com
> Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 11:52 PM
> A sad day for all we Wildcat Fans...
> 
> John DeGroat was one of the "regulars" on this list (and
> maybe some others) and always rose to the defense of the
> kids who represent us on all of the fields of the Big 10.
> 
> He'll be missed. 
> 
> My condolences to all his family and as always we look
> forward to meeting again.
> 
> rsl
> 
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
> Computer Applications & Support Associates
> -------------------- Also ----------------------
> Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
> Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
> Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
> Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
> Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
> ==========? Go Cats -? Beat 'em All?
> ===========
> So...
> ? ???How's that "hope" and "Change"
> ? ???Working for ya?
> 
> Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
> ================================================
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
> [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
> On Behalf Of NEONRye@aol.com
> Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 11:47 AM
> To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
> Cc: ssacks71@optonline.net;
> carl_degroat@msn.com
> Subject: [NU Sports] John DeGroat
> 
> Dear Fellow List Members,
>  
> I have some sad news to report.? Sandy Sacks, the
> "Godfather" of the? NU 
> Club of New York, and a former Wildcat lineman (in the
> 1950's), as well as my? 
> good friend, and a longtime friend of John DeGroat,
> forwarded to me an? 
> email from John's son, Carl, with John's obituary (which I
> am "pasting"? 
> below).? I then wrote an email to Carl, expressing my
> sympathy and? informing him 
> of John's importance to the List and of my feelings about
> John's? passing.? 
> Carl, in turn, graciously wrote back and provided details
> about? John's 
> untimely loss, which I will also share with all of you
> (below).? 
>  
> John was someone who one minute could infuriate me with a
> stray comment in? 
> an email, while then putting a smile on my face in the next
> paragraph of 
> the? same email.? From time to time he would
> email me privately (in response 
> to? one of my emails), suggesting (always in a
> friendly, mentoring kind of 
> manner)? that I read such and such book or article, if
> I hadn't already done 
> so.? He? will be sorely missed on this list--for
> his passionate devotion to 
> NU and? Wildcat sports (except for baseball--which as
> all of know--he wanted 
> dropped,? since he felt the University would never
> commit sufficient 
> resources to the team? to permit it to compete
> effectively), as well as for his 
> opinions on many? relevant issues, relevant and
> otherwise.? He was always a 
> straight? shooter, and you knew where he stood--and
> that is a trait that I 
> value very? much.???
>  
> Here's the Obituary:
>  
>  
> John A. DeGroat?s? Obituary 
> DeGroat, John Albert died September 25, 2009.?
> Born? December 18,? 1931, he 
> was the husband of Gail B. DeGroat.? He is survived by
> two sons, Carl of? 
> Purcellville, VA and Eric of Bromma, Sweden plus four
> grandsons, Axel, John? 
> (Jack), Nick and August and two granddaughters, Jackie and
> Elsa.? He was 
> pre-deceased by his sister? Jacqueline DiPiero and his
> father and mother Dr. 
> Albert DeGroat and Andre`? DeGroat, all from the
> Detroit area. A graduate of 
> Northwestern University and the Wharton Graduate School, he
> spent his career 
> in various? corporate financial positions including,
> investor relations with 
> GTE and later? as a consultant in that field before
> retiring.? He served in 
> the US Army?s Counter? Intelligence Corps during the
> Cold War from 
> 1955-1957, much of that time with? the 66th CIC
> Detachment in Berlin, Germany. 
> He? thoroughly enjoyed traveling with his wife Gail as
> well as collecting 
> antiques.? Pheasant hunting and clay target shooting
> with friends were 
> favorite? pastimes.? He loved watching?
> Northwestern? University football and? 
> basketball much to the chagrin of Gail, a Penn State
> graduate. He was also a 
> life long? fan of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit
> Lions. 
> A memorial? service will be held later. Donations may
> be made to the 
> Otterbein United? Methodist Church 647 Forge Road
> Carlisle, PA 17015 or to Hospice 
> of Central? Pennsylvania, PO Box? 266 Enola, PA
> 17025 or to the 
> Northwestern University? Wild Cat Fund in
> Evanston,? Illinois. 
> ****************************************************************************
> *** 
> And here's the Email from Carl De Groat: 
> The passing of my dad was actually a
> surprise.???He complained of a sore 
> throat about a month ago and it just would not go?
> away.? It hurt so much, he 
> really was not eating and as a result, probably? got a
> little weak.? About 
> two weeks ago he fell reaching for the chain on? the
> ceiling fan and could 
> not get himself back up.? Gail had to call an?
> ambulance and they took him to 
> the hospital.? There were no injuries from? the
> fall, but he told them of 
> his sore throat.? He was very weak, so they?
> admitted him to the hospital.? No 
> one could figure out what was? wrong.? The
> doctors assumed it was just some 
> virus.? His tonsils were? swollen but that was
> it. I visited on the 16th or 
> 17th and he was in a lot of? pain and could barely
> speak.? The doctors all 
> assumed he would get? better.? Finally an ENT saw
> him and even he could not 
> figure out what was? up.? He did a CT Scan of his
> neck and still saw 
> nothing.? The doctor? ended up sedating my dad so
> he could go in and clean up my 
> dad's throat to get a? better look.? Turned out
> he had cancer of the lymph 
> nodes.? I was able? to see him on Thursday, but
> by then he could not speak.? I 
> spent the night? with him at the hospital and
> fortunately was with him when 
> died on Friday? afternoon. 
> The hospice people were wonderful while my dad was? in
> the hospital.? They 
> are the ones who instructed the doctors and nurses? on
> how to care for my 
> dad and to make sure he was comfortable.? They?
> checked in on him everyday and 
> answered all of Gail's questions.? The? hospice
> nurses explained what to 
> expect as he slipped away.? My dad donated? his
> body to the Hershey Medical 
> Center and the hospice folks even made all the?
> arrangements for the 
> transportation of my dad's body. 
> May he rest in peace, 
> Paul Levinson 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> 
> 


      

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Thu Oct  1 11:37:01 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Thu Oct  1 11:37:21 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Can we beat Purdue?
Message-ID: <835440.41436.qm@web36802.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

I've only seen Purdue against Oregon this year. They put up a good fight out there in a tough road game. I know they have a much better RB than we do. I'm not sure about the rest of the team. 

As mad as I have been at Mike Kafka for mistakes in the 4th quarter he has actually been a strength for us this year. He held the ball (or didn't) when the team lost, but the losses really weren't his fault. 

We clearly need better kickoff coverage, MUCH better tackling, and improved O-line play for the rest of the season. Most of this, in my opinion, comes down to coaching. I certainly hope that our coaches have the answers. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim



      

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Fri Oct  2 10:35:09 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Fri Oct  2 10:35:12 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
Message-ID: <200910021535.n92FZ9GY029308@romaine.tssi.com>

Not particularly NU-relevant, though Patrick Ryan was one of the
key players in the bid.

Chicago and Tokyo were both eliminated in the 1st round of voting for
the 2016 Olympics.  That leaves Rio and Madrid.  Looks like it'll be
Rio, since South America has never hosted an Olympics.  

CNBC is showing the crowd in downtown Chicago, they look stunned.
--
Mike Nolan

From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Fri Oct  2 10:42:11 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Fri Oct  2 10:42:16 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <200910021535.n92FZ9GY029308@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <460487.99472.qm@web33106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

> Not particularly NU-relevant, though
> Patrick Ryan was one of the
> key players in the bid.

NU was slated to host an event--forget which one. 

Although it could have gone either way (i.e. been a bad thing or a good thing for the city on balance), I'm disappointed they didn't get it. Finishing 4th out of 4 is pretty sad as well.

Tom


From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Fri Oct  2 10:41:51 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Fri Oct  2 10:42:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
References: <200910021535.n92FZ9GY029308@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA0260085E@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

Darn that Michael Jordan!
 
Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of Mike Nolan
Sent: Fri 10/2/2009 11:35 AM
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016



Not particularly NU-relevant, though Patrick Ryan was one of the
key players in the bid.

Chicago and Tokyo were both eliminated in the 1st round of voting for
the 2016 Olympics.  That leaves Rio and Madrid.  Looks like it'll be
Rio, since South America has never hosted an Olympics. 

CNBC is showing the crowd in downtown Chicago, they look stunned.
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Fri Oct  2 10:47:47 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Fri Oct  2 10:48:16 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <460487.99472.qm@web33106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <200910021535.n92FZ9GY029308@romaine.tssi.com> 
	<460487.99472.qm@web33106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910020847l3d4fa19au48605dd8744d5922@mail.gmail.com>

The modern pentathlon was the event that was slated to be staged at Ryan
Field if Chicago would have received the 2016 bid.

I'm not surprised at all - I thought Rio was the sentimental favorite going
in and would have been surprised if they didn't go far.

Remember that the voting typically doesn't make much sense, especially in
the early rounds.  I wouldn't say that Chicago was "4th out of 4" because of
the way the voting is done (they vote in rounds until a city receives more
than 50% of the vote, otherwise the lowest vote getter is eliminated and
voting continues).  Cities with strong bids have been known to go out in the
first round due to international politics and voting promises that make the
early votes very close.

And in the end, the IOC voting is more about sentiment and politics than the
strength of bids (in fact, all the analysis focusing on the bid specifics
was pretty much wasted - all of the cities involved could conceivably host
the games without major issue - and the voting never comes down to details).

At least we don't have to endure another 7 years of lead-up to the games
now.

Jonathan

On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 10:42 AM, Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com> wrote:

> > Not particularly NU-relevant, though
> > Patrick Ryan was one of the
> > key players in the bid.
>
> NU was slated to host an event--forget which one.
>
> Although it could have gone either way (i.e. been a bad thing or a good
> thing for the city on balance), I'm disappointed they didn't get it.
> Finishing 4th out of 4 is pretty sad as well.
>
> Tom
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sportsbiz at gmail.com  Fri Oct  2 11:05:08 2009
From: sportsbiz at gmail.com (Sportsbiz)
Date: Fri Oct  2 11:05:17 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910020847l3d4fa19au48605dd8744d5922@mail.gmail.com>
References: <200910021535.n92FZ9GY029308@romaine.tssi.com>
	<460487.99472.qm@web33106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<fcb3ee270910020847l3d4fa19au48605dd8744d5922@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <223fce250910020905y1ee931f2gabb68b869e286fbf@mail.gmail.com>

As our friend and colleague Alan Abrahamson reported several times going
into today and after the first round, Madrid had the power of the former
head of the IOC on its side and Rio had the sentimental power of South
America never having hosted before.  In addition, Brazilian President Lula
had been lobbying African delegates heavily trying for a block of Southern
Hemisphere votes and it looks like he may have gotten close to it.

Mark S. Ament
sportsbiz@gmail.com
SportsBiz - The Business of Sports
Illuminated<http://thesportsbizblog.blogspot.com>
When it comes to sports, you know it's all about the money
Stay tuned for the exciting new SportsBiz coming your way soon
Chat Skype: marksament
Contact Me [image: Twitter] <twitter:%20msament>


On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 11:47 AM, Jonathan Hodges
<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>wrote:

> The modern pentathlon was the event that was slated to be staged at Ryan
> Field if Chicago would have received the 2016 bid.
>
> I'm not surprised at all - I thought Rio was the sentimental favorite going
> in and would have been surprised if they didn't go far.
>
> Remember that the voting typically doesn't make much sense, especially in
> the early rounds.  I wouldn't say that Chicago was "4th out of 4" because
> of
> the way the voting is done (they vote in rounds until a city receives more
> than 50% of the vote, otherwise the lowest vote getter is eliminated and
> voting continues).  Cities with strong bids have been known to go out in
> the
> first round due to international politics and voting promises that make the
> early votes very close.
>
> And in the end, the IOC voting is more about sentiment and politics than
> the
> strength of bids (in fact, all the analysis focusing on the bid specifics
> was pretty much wasted - all of the cities involved could conceivably host
> the games without major issue - and the voting never comes down to
> details).
>
> At least we don't have to endure another 7 years of lead-up to the games
> now.
>
> Jonathan
>
> On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 10:42 AM, Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > Not particularly NU-relevant, though
> > > Patrick Ryan was one of the
> > > key players in the bid.
> >
> > NU was slated to host an event--forget which one.
> >
> > Although it could have gone either way (i.e. been a bad thing or a good
> > thing for the city on balance), I'm disappointed they didn't get it.
> > Finishing 4th out of 4 is pretty sad as well.
> >
> > Tom
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Fri Oct  2 11:32:40 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Fri Oct  2 11:32:50 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <223fce250910020905y1ee931f2gabb68b869e286fbf@mail.gmail.com>
References: <200910021535.n92FZ9GY029308@romaine.tssi.com>
	<460487.99472.qm@web33106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<fcb3ee270910020847l3d4fa19au48605dd8744d5922@mail.gmail.com>
	<223fce250910020905y1ee931f2gabb68b869e286fbf@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <72124.725.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

I just came back from Daley Plaza. I got a text message that Chicago was out before I even got down there. The crowd was fairly disappointed. 

Personally, I was a bit relieved for Chicago. I am not convinced that cities ever recover from the cost of hosting the games. I was also fairly certain that Mayor Daley would use the "it's for the games" excuse to go on a spending spree that would put the budget way over estimates. 

Jim




----- Original Message ----
From: Sportsbiz <sportsbiz@gmail.com>
To: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Fri, October 2, 2009 11:05:08 AM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016

As our friend and colleague Alan Abrahamson reported several times going
into today and after the first round, Madrid had the power of the former
head of the IOC on its side and Rio had the sentimental power of South
America never having hosted before.  In addition, Brazilian President Lula
had been lobbying African delegates heavily trying for a block of Southern
Hemisphere votes and it looks like he may have gotten close to it.

Mark S. Ament
sportsbiz@gmail.com
SportsBiz - The Business of Sports
Illuminated<http://thesportsbizblog.blogspot.com>
When it comes to sports, you know it's all about the money
Stay tuned for the exciting new SportsBiz coming your way soon
Chat Skype: marksament
Contact Me [image: Twitter] <twitter:%20msament>


On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 11:47 AM, Jonathan Hodges
<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>wrote:

> The modern pentathlon was the event that was slated to be staged at Ryan
> Field if Chicago would have received the 2016 bid.
>
> I'm not surprised at all - I thought Rio was the sentimental favorite going
> in and would have been surprised if they didn't go far.
>
> Remember that the voting typically doesn't make much sense, especially in
> the early rounds.  I wouldn't say that Chicago was "4th out of 4" because
> of
> the way the voting is done (they vote in rounds until a city receives more
> than 50% of the vote, otherwise the lowest vote getter is eliminated and
> voting continues).  Cities with strong bids have been known to go out in
> the
> first round due to international politics and voting promises that make the
> early votes very close.
>
> And in the end, the IOC voting is more about sentiment and politics than
> the
> strength of bids (in fact, all the analysis focusing on the bid specifics
> was pretty much wasted - all of the cities involved could conceivably host
> the games without major issue - and the voting never comes down to
> details).
>
> At least we don't have to endure another 7 years of lead-up to the games
> now.
>
> Jonathan
>
> On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 10:42 AM, Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > Not particularly NU-relevant, though
> > > Patrick Ryan was one of the
> > > key players in the bid.
> >
> > NU was slated to host an event--forget which one.
> >
> > Although it could have gone either way (i.e. been a bad thing or a good
> > thing for the city on balance), I'm disappointed they didn't get it.
> > Finishing 4th out of 4 is pretty sad as well.
> >
> > Tom
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



      

From NEONRye at aol.com  Fri Oct  2 12:47:30 2009
From: NEONRye at aol.com (NEONRye@aol.com)
Date: Fri Oct  2 12:48:16 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016--PRESIDENT SCHAPIRO
Message-ID: <ce2.524e3e0d.37f796b2@aol.com>

It is a very disappointing outcome, although one of my partners (who  
actually does legal work for the American Olympic Committee and has done IOC  
arbitrations) told me--after the results were in (when I questioned him about  
the votes)--that Rio was a virtual "lock" all along.
 
The fact that Pat Ryan was heading Chicago's bid, and that Ryan Field would 
 have been a venue would have brought an international spotlight on NU.  In 
 fact, our new President, Morty Schapiro, mentioned this in his speech to  
Northwestern alums, parents, etc. Wed. night (9/30) in NYC.
 
President Schapiro met and greeted, and addressed, a large turnout in a  
gorgeous venue (the fairly new "Jazz at Lincoln Center" Rose Theatre and 
space,  high above Columbus Circle).  He was incredibly impressive and  dynamic.  
And he demonstrated, in response to a question, his firm  commitment to (a) 
supporting NU Athletics and (b) maintaining the highest  standards of 
integrity, for which NU's Athletic program has a  well-deserved reputation, 
making clear that he would not lower academic  standards in pursuit of "wins".  
He is incredibly student-oriented, and  looks to be a real "keeper".
 
Paul Levinson
From johnl at mac.com  Fri Oct  2 14:48:31 2009
From: johnl at mac.com (John Labbe)
Date: Fri Oct  2 14:48:47 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <2898626339387900663950067986952314305-Webmail@me.com>
References: <2898626339387900663950067986952314305-Webmail@me.com>
Message-ID: <90298453034104247413599911152851680492-Webmail@me.com>

I think 4th place is 4th place, but I also think that if you look at the actual vote counts, it's entirely possible that we could have won had we received just about 5 more votes in the first round.

Here are the actual counts:

Round 1: Madrid 28; Rio 26; Tokyo 22; Chicago 18
Round 2: Rio 46; Madrid 29; Tokyo 20
Round 3: Rio 66; Madrid 32

The most striking thing about these numbers is that Madrid gained hardly any extra votes between the first and third round, while Rio gained nearly every extra vote when Chicago and Tokyo were eliminated.  But what if Chicago would have had a slight edge over Rio among those voters who voted for Tokyo and Madrid?  If just 5 fewer voters in the first round had shifted from Madrid to Chicago, then Tokyo would have been eliminated in the first round.  Then suppose the Tokyo voters were split between Chicago and Rio.  That would have eliminated Madrid, and set up the expected Chicago vs. Rio finale.

In the end, I'm afraid that the so-called "deathbed" appeal of Spain's former IOC president, Juan Antonio Samaranch Sr., may have swayed a few voters who stuck with Madrid through all 3 rounds, while everyone else essentially ranked Madrid last.

John

 
On Friday, October 02, 2009, at 10:47AM, "Jonathan Hodges" <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com> wrote:
>The modern pentathlon was the event that was slated to be staged at Ryan
>Field if Chicago would have received the 2016 bid.
>
>I'm not surprised at all - I thought Rio was the sentimental favorite going
>in and would have been surprised if they didn't go far.
>
>Remember that the voting typically doesn't make much sense, especially in
>the early rounds.  I wouldn't say that Chicago was "4th out of 4" because of
>the way the voting is done (they vote in rounds until a city receives more
>than 50% of the vote, otherwise the lowest vote getter is eliminated and
>voting continues).  Cities with strong bids have been known to go out in the
>first round due to international politics and voting promises that make the
>early votes very close.
>
>And in the end, the IOC voting is more about sentiment and politics than the
>strength of bids (in fact, all the analysis focusing on the bid specifics
>was pretty much wasted - all of the cities involved could conceivably host
>the games without major issue - and the voting never comes down to details).
>
>At least we don't have to endure another 7 years of lead-up to the games
>now.
>
>Jonathan
>
>On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 10:42 AM, Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> > Not particularly NU-relevant, though
>> > Patrick Ryan was one of the
>> > key players in the bid.
>>
>> NU was slated to host an event--forget which one.
>>
>> Although it could have gone either way (i.e. been a bad thing or a good
>> thing for the city on balance), I'm disappointed they didn't get it.
>> Finishing 4th out of 4 is pretty sad as well.
>>
>> Tom
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nwu-sports site list
>> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>
>_______________________________________________
>nwu-sports site list
>nwu-sports@tssi.com
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From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 03:01:14 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 03:01:21 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <ce2.524e3e0d.37f796b2@aol.com>
Message-ID: <499263.16518.qm@web52912.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

A bit stunned by the news (though as mentioned, surviving that first round was key) and sad. Chicago would have made a spectacular host. 

It certainly has that world-class beauty that most Olympic cities in recent years (Athens, Barcelona, Sydney, etc.) had with the gorgeous Lake Michigan waterfront and skyline. And it's about as big of a sports town as you can get!

Kind of odd when you look at the US cities who have hosted (LA, Atlanta and St. Louis) and how they really have neither of those qualities. Heck, even among the other US cities vying to host recently (New York and San Francisco) - CHicago may be equalled in world-class beauty and status, but the Windy City is far more of a sports town.

Oh well, it will be nice to see an Olympics in South America and Rio certainly has that grand beauty and love of sport. Just kind of bummed to see Chicago passed over so quickly.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!



      

From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sat Oct  3 07:06:09 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 07:06:26 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
Message-ID: <c47.65dbf80b.37f89831@aol.com>

One of the major reasons the USA did not get the Olympics is that we do not 
 make visitors feel welcome. From the insane visa requirements to the 
massive  lines to get fingerprinted etc. most people said why bother?
 
Peace  















































and  Love  

 
In a message dated 10/3/2009 4:01:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
sjtruog@yahoo.com writes:

A bit  stunned by the news (though as mentioned, surviving that first round 
was key)  and sad. Chicago would have made a spectacular host. 

It certainly has  that world-class beauty that most Olympic cities in 
recent years (Athens,  Barcelona, Sydney, etc.) had with the gorgeous Lake 
Michigan waterfront and  skyline. And it's about as big of a sports town as you 
can get!

Kind of  odd when you look at the US cities who have hosted (LA, Atlanta 
and St. Louis)  and how they really have neither of those qualities. Heck, 
even among the  other US cities vying to host recently (New York and San 
Francisco) - CHicago  may be equalled in world-class beauty and status, but the 
Windy City is far  more of a sports town.

Oh well, it will be nice to see an Olympics in  South America and Rio 
certainly has that grand beauty and love of sport. Just  kind of bummed to see 
Chicago passed over so quickly.

GO  CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J.  TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!





_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site  list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 11:41:42 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 11:41:52 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Q1: Not much to like in West Lafayette ...
Message-ID: <316512.4772.qm@web52912.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

... well, even more than usual.

Kafka takes the heat, but he's the only one having a good quarter with some good plays on our scoring drive. Otherwise, it's been an abysmal effort from NU so far and it's an all-around haze this team is in -- we need to snap out in a hurry.

- For starters, a fumble on the opening play is inexcusible
- The offensive line blocking is atrocious
- The defensive tackling is embarrassing
- The personal fouls have hurt
- And the playcalling by the coaches has been weak at best - especially on our trip to the red zone (three runs with Arby Fields on 1st and goal at the 2??? Not GOING FOR IT from the one inch line on 4th down when you know it's a shootout game???)

NU is in danger of seeing its season collapse here if we don't find someone to wake the team up and make a turnaround play or two in a hurry. McManis??? Wootten? 

WAKE UP CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct  3 11:47:33 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct  3 11:47:43 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] After Purdue's third score
Message-ID: <FC2EB09ADB5948A4A4DBCCC7C2FE9583@DennisMachine>

The only word that comes to mind is "pathetic."  And that's in every aspect of the game, but tackling gets the lowest grade.
From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct  3 11:50:07 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 11:50:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] After Purdue's third score
Message-ID: <67325671-1254588592-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2064479951-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

If we don't get a pass rush going, we have no chance to come back.
------Original Message------
From: tbng@comcast.net
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] After Purdue's third score
Sent: Oct 3, 2009 12:47 PM

The only word that comes to mind is "pathetic."  And that's in every aspect of the game, but tackling gets the lowest grade.
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 12:07:43 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 12:07:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] How bad is this?
Message-ID: <1569871696-1254589652-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-305684961-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Words fail me. 

Why on 2nd and goal from inside the 1, why no quarterback sneak?

The defense couldn't tackle Winnetka's 65-pounders. 

Is it required that we turn the ball over for a gift score early in every game?

How on 3rd and 13 is Purdue's top receiver wide open? 

Time to play for 2010?

Outside of Markshausen and Dunsmore, can anybody play on this team?

Bw
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 12:14:03 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 12:14:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Ok, it's worse
Message-ID: <1583780560-1254590033-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-28133563-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Now it's time to play for 2010. 

How in God's name on 4th-and-goal inside the 1 do you not quarterback sneak???

How on 3rd-and-goal do you not run the pattern in the end zone?

My cat could call plays better. 

Bw
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 12:29:09 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 12:29:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Thank you Perdoo ...
Message-ID: <1806557564-1254590938-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1354954987-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

For building a turnover machine. 

But all these FGs instead of TDs will cost us.

Still, a lot better than a few minutes. 

Bw
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct  3 12:32:58 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct  3 12:33:11 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the half
Message-ID: <9F95CA4EBE3E4F278487F602891FAE8C@DennisMachine>

HOLY COW!  (with due respect to Phil Rizutto).  The deadly McManus struck and stung Purdue into ineffectiveness.  The whole game turned around with that great interception.  HOWEVER, we scored 13 on those turnovers, not 21, and that may come back to haunt us.  On the other hand, Purdue's defense has been on the field for a day and a half, so they may fade long before the final gun.
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 12:34:41 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 12:34:52 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Q2: Six, not three!
Message-ID: <952488.70489.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Well, thank goodness McManis is playing -- he made the key to start turning the tide. And our kick recovery special teams helped.

Still, we need SIX, not THREE!!!

Horrendous play calling and offensive line blocking in the red zone.

We should be winning this game right now.

But at least we're back in it - we need a stop at the start of the third quarter to keep momentum.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct  3 12:42:13 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 12:42:27 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Purdue
Message-ID: <8CC1267F9FC35FE-69FC-CFE0@webmail-m010.sysops.aol.com>

This game, with the late comeback, has now become the fulcrum for the season.? If we continue the momentum in Second Half, and pull out a win, the team will again believe in itself (which did not seem the case about 15 minutes in), and anything is possible.? Lose it, and we are looking at a long season.? The 'Cats are finally playing with purpose and passion, but boy, did it take forever to get there.

I am concerned about our wideouts.? I don't see the capability to make any big plays down the field.? We seem to only be able to complete 10-20 yards tops.? Who is out with injuries??? I am encouraged about the progress of Arby Fields in this game, after the horrible turnover on first play from scrimmage, but he is not the right guy to give the ball to on the goal line.? As I said to Sandy Sacks, ex-'Cat lineman in the '50's, he can take it in from 6 (as he did), but not from 2.? 

Go 'Cats!? Fight all 24 minutes to the end, and pull this sucker out.

Paul Levinson
From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sat Oct  3 13:13:45 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 13:14:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
Message-ID: <bed.4c1cbba8.37f8ee59@aol.com>

duh.
..Chicago was  eliminated during the first round and received the fewest 
votes. A New York  Times article _points out_ 
(http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/sports/03olympics.html) :

In the official question-and-answer session following the  Chicago 
presentation, Syed Shahid Ali, an I.O.C. member from Pakistan, asked the  toughest 
question. He wondered how smooth it  would be for foreigners to enter the 
United States for the Games because doing  so can sometimes, he said, be ?a 
rather harrowing  experience.?

A ?harrowing experience? may be an understatement.  Immediately after 
9/11, the Bush Administration began requiring fingerprints and  photographs of 
tourists from all but 28 countries entering the US. President  Bush required 
that all foreigners register online within three days of travel.  
Thirty-five (mostly European) countries now participate in the US Visa Waiver  
program, however tourists from the rest of the world still have to _jump through 
the following  hurdles_ 
(http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html) :

    *   Pay  hefty visa processing and issuance fees.  
    *   Undergo an interview by a visa officer at the US Embassy.   
    *   Provide evidence which shows the purpose of the trip,  intent to 
depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs  of the 
trip may be provided.  
    *   Present convincing evidence that an interested person  will provide 
financial support if the applicant does not have sufficient funds  to 
support him or herself. 
The average wait for a US visa has risen to about three  months. Brazil, 
which will host the 2016 Olympic summer games in Rio de Janeiro,  has a 
reciprocal visa policy with all countries? [emphasis  original]


 
In a message dated 10/3/2009 11:20:45 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
artmiller_news@yahoo.com writes:

Wow,  what an astute observation.  Yes, the U.S. is definitely unique in 
the  world for having entry requirements and long lines at immigration.  I'm  
sure that was a factor in the minds of the IOC  voters.

:-|


From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct  3 13:27:51 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct  3 13:28:01 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
References: <bed.4c1cbba8.37f8ee59@aol.com>
Message-ID: <7CD5598242974EA5ABF28684539C35AF@DennisMachine>

Rio can have the Olympics.  Let's continue making people have "a harrowing 
experience" entering the country. 

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 13:30:28 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 13:30:48 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Q3: Play-calling or blocking???
Message-ID: <738025.98791.qm@web52902.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

I was on the fence over which was worse for NU in this game.

Until that last play.

GET A FRIGGIN' PLAY CALL IN!!! Instead we wait for the clock to run down and for at least 10 seconds, EVERYBODY IN THE FRIGGIN' STADIUM CAN SEE THAT THE PLAY CLOCK IS A HALF SECOND AHEAD!!!

Arrrgh.

Thank goodness for Purdue's butterfingers for keeping us in this game - but still, NU should be blowing the Boilers out right now.

The offensive play calling is absolutely terrible. It's weak between the 20s and just atrocious in the red zone. I thought McCall was turning the corner in the first six quarters of the season, but this game has shown that he is just not ready to be a big league coordinator yet.

And when we do have a good play call ... or at least a play called in before the clock runs out ... the blocking by the O-line and receivers is nonexistent. Andrew Brewer is lucky his whiff and subsequent stick by the Purdue defender didn't result in a fumble and return for a TD.

By sheer dumb luck, we're still in this game. DO SOMETHING, CATS!!!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct  3 14:12:06 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct  3 14:12:16 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We won?
Message-ID: <E7E6C5AC0D0B4A5BA00BC8CD620F4796@DennisMachine>

It was the ugliest and weirdest win in NU history, but we'll take it.  We don't deserve it, but we'll take it.  Thank you, Purdue, for being utterly inept.
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 14:14:05 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 14:14:11 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Q4: Whew
Message-ID: <253130.95683.qm@web52907.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

- Kafka played a heck of a game.

- The defense was solid on their couple plays after the first quarter and on those final few plays - especially the secondary.

- The special teams saved our butt today.

Still, play calling (especially in the red zone) was horrendous, blocking on the O line was pitiful and we're luckier than heck to escape after squandering all those turnovers.

But all that matters is the W.

W as in whew.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 14:22:07 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 14:22:16 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Mind-boggling win
Message-ID: <1883571432-1254597716-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1734012440-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Wow. 

What a great recovery by the kids. My hat is off to them one and all. 

And the season is, for now, saved. 

Bw


Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 14:35:32 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 14:35:38 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Morning report ...
Message-ID: <548229.12771.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

It was a good morning to have the Big Ten Network - three nail-biting finishes all coming to a head within seconds of each other! The ABC studio "braintrust" just don't know what they're missing with Big Ten football. There is not much room at all in this league between the #2 or #3 team and the #9 or #10 team - it's going to be a mad scramble all year and those close wins are at a premium. We saw three on Saturday morning.

* MICHIGAN STATE may not have saved their season yet, but they did stop the bleeding with a much-needed win. However, the big story of the game is Tate Forcier again. The more I watch, the more I think this freshman will be the first team quarterback for the Big Ten. He just has a gritty gutsiness in the clutch and is a treat to watch. And while his INT hurt, it was more the defensive lack of tackling that cost the Wolverines. Were they looking ahead or did they just run out of luck? No matter, Sparty wins.

* NORTHWESTERN also stopped their bleeding and may have indeed saved their bowl hopes with the late stand against Purdue. Still, you get that many turnovers and have the ball in the red zone that many times and come away with only field goals and something's wrong. The Cats need some heavy work from the offensive line and the offensive coordinator. As for Purdue, four close losses in a row have to take their toll and after coming this/close to a fantastic start, the Boilers may be ready to go into the tank. When does the hoops road to Indy start?

* IOWA suffered a "virtual loss" in another sluggish game against a team they should have clobbered. Regardless, they're 5-0 and have a huge prime time showcase against the Maize and Blue next week. But before you gas up the RVs, bumblebee fans, Michigan's been a bit of a mental block for you as well recently.

* Finally, perhaps it's time I start believing in the Badgers. WISCONSIN went into a slugfest up north and out-physical-ed rival Minnesota. They travel to Columbus next week, but the Badgers are one of the few teams who never seem to be intimidated by the Shoe. If they win that, their toughest remaining games (Iowa and Michigan - no PSU this year) are at home. Maybe the hot seat fired up Bielema a bit ... or godfather Barry pulled some strings with his, um, connections.:)

Couple games that SHOULDN'T be close coming up, but you never know in the Big Ten with Indiana and Ill-noise at home.

Sloppy game, but good to get back on the winning side. Now the Cats have to make sure they beat Miami next week because the forecast right now is for a logjam of teams around 6 or 7 wins in the Big Ten, so we need every victory and already let a couple slip away.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct  3 14:36:39 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 14:37:01 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Whatta Win!
Message-ID: <8CC1277F663CC2A-156C-436C2@webmail-d016.sysops.aol.com>

As noted, not pretty, but a big "W".? If we had lost on last play or two, I don't think any of us would have slept a wink tonight, given how many possessions we had in good field position and how we had to settle for FG's. And Kafka, who did play great (for the most part), was sacked on second to last drive, leaving us out of FG position, a play that made me very unhappy.? 

If we get past Redhawks next week at home, then big road trip to a revived Sparty.

Meanwhile, best part for Yours Truly, was that this was first 'Cat game I ever was able to view at home on Big Ten Network.? Cablevision picked up the extra tier game and put 'Cats-Boilers on Channel 414.? No more Buffalo Wild Wings outings for this boy.:-)

Ah, here's RichRod on post-game press conference on BTN.? Glad to see him looking so grim.? Plus, we're tied with Wolves in conference stsnding now, so I'm lovin' this.

Have to say that with all the mistakes and lack of focus at beginning of game, and silly things like delay of game penalty at end of Third Quarter, that the "Fitz Ethic" of never give up, go for strips and turnovers, and be physical for 60 minutes, was the key today.? This was a validating win for our HC, because we came from nowhere, 21-3, and somehow pitched a shutout the rest of the way.? Unbelievable.? No doubt that key play of game was McManis pick.? Purdue "O" never seemed to recover its Mojo until very end.? 

Paul Levinson
From artmiller_news at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 10:20:20 2009
From: artmiller_news at yahoo.com (Arthur Miller)
Date: Sat Oct  3 14:43:19 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <c47.65dbf80b.37f89831@aol.com>
Message-ID: <278952.16723.qm@web33702.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Wow, what an astute observation.  Yes, the U.S. is definitely unique in the world for having entry requirements and long lines at immigration.  I'm sure that was a factor in the minds of the IOC voters.

:-|



--- On Sat, 10/3/09, MHRJGScott@aol.com <MHRJGScott@aol.com> wrote:

> From: MHRJGScott@aol.com <MHRJGScott@aol.com>
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
> To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
> Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 7:06 AM
> One of the major reasons the USA did
> not get the Olympics is that we do not 
>  make visitors feel welcome. From the insane visa
> requirements to the 
> massive? lines to get fingerprinted etc. most people
> said why bother?
>  
> Peace? 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> and? Love? 
> 
>  
> In a message dated 10/3/2009 4:01:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight
> Time,? 
> sjtruog@yahoo.com
> writes:
> 
> A bit? stunned by the news (though as mentioned,
> surviving that first round 
> was key)? and sad. Chicago would have made a
> spectacular host. 
> 
> It certainly has? that world-class beauty that most
> Olympic cities in 
> recent years (Athens,? Barcelona, Sydney, etc.) had
> with the gorgeous Lake 
> Michigan waterfront and? skyline. And it's about as
> big of a sports town as you 
> can get!
> 
> Kind of? odd when you look at the US cities who have
> hosted (LA, Atlanta 
> and St. Louis)? and how they really have neither of
> those qualities. Heck, 
> even among the? other US cities vying to host recently
> (New York and San 
> Francisco) - CHicago? may be equalled in world-class
> beauty and status, but the 
> Windy City is far? more of a sports town.
> 
> Oh well, it will be nice to see an Olympics in? South
> America and Rio 
> certainly has that grand beauty and love of sport.
> Just? kind of bummed to see 
> Chicago passed over so quickly.
> 
> GO? CATS!!!
> -SjT
> 
> * * * * * * * * *
> STEPHEN J.? TRUOG
> sjtruog@yahoo.com
> GO CATS!!!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site? list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> 


      

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct  3 14:47:05 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 14:47:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <278952.16723.qm@web33702.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <c47.65dbf80b.37f89831@aol.com><278952.16723.qm@web33702.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <1749726755-1254599224-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-501948808-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

This debate makes me long for John De Great.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Arthur Miller <artmiller_news@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 08:20:20 
To: <nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com>; <MHRJGScott@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016

Wow, what an astute observation.  Yes, the U.S. is definitely unique in the world for having entry requirements and long lines at immigration.  I'm sure that was a factor in the minds of the IOC voters.

:-|



--- On Sat, 10/3/09, MHRJGScott@aol.com <MHRJGScott@aol.com> wrote:

> From: MHRJGScott@aol.com <MHRJGScott@aol.com>
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
> To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
> Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 7:06 AM
> One of the major reasons the USA did
> not get the Olympics is that we do not 
>  make visitors feel welcome. From the insane visa
> requirements to the 
> massive? lines to get fingerprinted etc. most people
> said why bother?
>  
> Peace? 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> 
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> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> and? Love? 
> 
>  
> In a message dated 10/3/2009 4:01:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight
> Time,? 
> sjtruog@yahoo.com
> writes:
> 
> A bit? stunned by the news (though as mentioned,
> surviving that first round 
> was key)? and sad. Chicago would have made a
> spectacular host. 
> 
> It certainly has? that world-class beauty that most
> Olympic cities in 
> recent years (Athens,? Barcelona, Sydney, etc.) had
> with the gorgeous Lake 
> Michigan waterfront and? skyline. And it's about as
> big of a sports town as you 
> can get!
> 
> Kind of? odd when you look at the US cities who have
> hosted (LA, Atlanta 
> and St. Louis)? and how they really have neither of
> those qualities. Heck, 
> even among the? other US cities vying to host recently
> (New York and San 
> Francisco) - CHicago? may be equalled in world-class
> beauty and status, but the 
> Windy City is far? more of a sports town.
> 
> Oh well, it will be nice to see an Olympics in? South
> America and Rio 
> certainly has that grand beauty and love of sport.
> Just? kind of bummed to see 
> Chicago passed over so quickly.
> 
> GO? CATS!!!
> -SjT
> 
> * * * * * * * * *
> STEPHEN J.? TRUOG
> sjtruog@yahoo.com
> GO CATS!!!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>_______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site? list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> 
> 
> 
>_______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> 


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 14:49:58 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 14:50:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <7CD5598242974EA5ABF28684539C35AF@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <253190.67576.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Whatever the reasons, it's just kind of sad that so many Americans were hoping against Chicago winning and so delighted when it went out in the first round. There wasn't a big rallying around New York in the last process either (yet we showcase LA and Atlanta -- perhaps along with Miami and Houston the absolute worst sports cities in America -- to the world ... Chicago's transit woes at least are on par or better than those two places and it has far more color/culture and world-class sights to see).

Kind of embarrassing that we'd be so bitter at each other to screw our own chances of hosting a global event like this and then gloating that we lost. It could have been a rallying point for national pride. Could have also been a nice showcase for NU in one event at least and brought an economic boost to the Windy City.

Oh well, I'm more of a winter olympics guy anyway -- at least we've done a nice job hosting and showcasing those and I expect another wonderful two weeks of sights with Vancouver next year. The scenery alone should be spectacular! Looks like that's the closest they'll be to the U.S. in the near future at least and perhaps longer than that until the IOC gets their act together and the American people decide to leave political differences out of some things and display some national unity.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From scottzel at gmail.com  Sat Oct  3 14:59:59 2009
From: scottzel at gmail.com (Scott Zeller)
Date: Sat Oct  3 15:00:23 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <278952.16723.qm@web33702.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <c47.65dbf80b.37f89831@aol.com>
	<278952.16723.qm@web33702.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <9a9d92d30910031259s4170dcf7j55e0de49e5e2a292@mail.gmail.com>

There was a very informative discussion on why Chicago lost and Rio won on
the Today show this morning with our list's very own Alan Abrahamson. Nice
job, Alan!

Scott Zeller MD

On Sat, Oct 3, 2009 at 8:20 AM, Arthur Miller <artmiller_news@yahoo.com>wrote:

> Wow, what an astute observation.  Yes, the U.S. is definitely unique in the
> world for having entry requirements and long lines at immigration.  I'm sure
> that was a factor in the minds of the IOC voters.
>
> :-|
>
>
>
> --- On Sat, 10/3/09, MHRJGScott@aol.com <MHRJGScott@aol.com> wrote:
>
> > From: MHRJGScott@aol.com <MHRJGScott@aol.com>
> > Subject: Re: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
> > To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
> > Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 7:06 AM
> > One of the major reasons the USA did
> > not get the Olympics is that we do not
> >  make visitors feel welcome. From the insane visa
> > requirements to the
> > massive  lines to get fingerprinted etc. most people
> > said why bother?
> >
> > Peace
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > and  Love
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 10/3/2009 4:01:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight
> > Time,
> > sjtruog@yahoo.com
> > writes:
> >
> > A bit  stunned by the news (though as mentioned,
> > surviving that first round
> > was key)  and sad. Chicago would have made a
> > spectacular host.
> >
> > It certainly has  that world-class beauty that most
> > Olympic cities in
> > recent years (Athens,  Barcelona, Sydney, etc.) had
> > with the gorgeous Lake
> > Michigan waterfront and  skyline. And it's about as
> > big of a sports town as you
> > can get!
> >
> > Kind of  odd when you look at the US cities who have
> > hosted (LA, Atlanta
> > and St. Louis)  and how they really have neither of
> > those qualities. Heck,
> > even among the  other US cities vying to host recently
> > (New York and San
> > Francisco) - CHicago  may be equalled in world-class
> > beauty and status, but the
> > Windy City is far  more of a sports town.
> >
> > Oh well, it will be nice to see an Olympics in  South
> > America and Rio
> > certainly has that grand beauty and love of sport.
> > Just  kind of bummed to see
> > Chicago passed over so quickly.
> >
> > GO  CATS!!!
> > -SjT
> >
> > * * * * * * * * *
> > STEPHEN J.  TRUOG
> > sjtruog@yahoo.com
> > GO CATS!!!
>  >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site  list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From scottzel at gmail.com  Sat Oct  3 15:03:33 2009
From: scottzel at gmail.com (Scott Zeller)
Date: Sat Oct  3 15:10:46 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Whatta Win!
In-Reply-To: <8CC1277F663CC2A-156C-436C2@webmail-d016.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC1277F663CC2A-156C-436C2@webmail-d016.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <9a9d92d30910031303t68c3ec24s5c0b432bb5e2279@mail.gmail.com>

One thing fantastic about this win is that we once again beat a team on
their homecoming. It seems so many schools schedule NU for homecoming -- I
suppose they are remembering the "old" NU -- with the hopes it will be a
nice "W" for the alumni. If we keep this up maybe schools will be a bit more
reluctant to envision us as their annual party patsy.

Scott Zeller MD


On Sat, Oct 3, 2009 at 12:36 PM, <neonrye@aol.com> wrote:

> As noted, not pretty, but a big "W".? If we had lost on last play or two, I
> don't think any of us would have slept a wink tonight, given how many
> possessions we had in good field position and how we had to settle for FG's.
> And Kafka, who did play great (for the most part), was sacked on second to
> last drive, leaving us out of FG position, a play that made me very
> unhappy.?
>
> If we get past Redhawks next week at home, then big road trip to a revived
> Sparty.
>
> Meanwhile, best part for Yours Truly, was that this was first 'Cat game I
> ever was able to view at home on Big Ten Network.? Cablevision picked up the
> extra tier game and put 'Cats-Boilers on Channel 414.? No more Buffalo Wild
> Wings outings for this boy.:-)
>
> Ah, here's RichRod on post-game press conference on BTN.? Glad to see him
> looking so grim.? Plus, we're tied with Wolves in conference stsnding now,
> so I'm lovin' this.
>
> Have to say that with all the mistakes and lack of focus at beginning of
> game, and silly things like delay of game penalty at end of Third Quarter,
> that the "Fitz Ethic" of never give up, go for strips and turnovers, and be
> physical for 60 minutes, was the key today.? This was a validating win for
> our HC, because we came from nowhere, 21-3, and somehow pitched a shutout
> the rest of the way.? Unbelievable.? No doubt that key play of game was
> McManis pick.? Purdue "O" never seemed to recover its Mojo until very end.?
>
> Paul Levinson
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Sat Oct  3 15:11:34 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Sat Oct  3 15:11:37 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] What a day!
Message-ID: <200910032011.n93KBYqD002669@romaine.tssi.com>

Is this going to be that 'signature win' for Fitz?  Weird games seem to be 
our metier.

I think he said in the locker room that 21 out of the last 25 NU games 
have been decided by 7 points or less.

I think my pulse is back to normal by now.
--
Mike Nolan

From thehaze at earthlink.net  Sat Oct  3 15:43:09 2009
From: thehaze at earthlink.net (Jim Bendat)
Date: Sat Oct  3 15:43:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking . . .
Message-ID: <20983378.1254602589250.JavaMail.root@wamui-junio.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

that maybe we scored too quickly, thereby giving Purdue a chance to pull out the game at the end. I know it's hard to control, but the fact is that we all we needed was a field goal. We could have run down the clock a lot more. Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled about the win. But here's another thought:

After we scored the TD, we went for (and made) a 2-point conversion. I didn't like the call of a pass play on that conversion. If the pass had been intercepted and returned all the way back, then we would have only led, 25-23 -- which would have meant Purdue would have only needed a field goal to win the game at the end.

Just a few things that went through my mind during this crazy game!

Jim B.

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sat Oct  3 15:57:00 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sat Oct  3 15:57:30 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking . . .
In-Reply-To: <20983378.1254602589250.JavaMail.root@wamui-junio.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
References: <20983378.1254602589250.JavaMail.root@wamui-junio.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910031357k4bea051ai398e132032daded3@mail.gmail.com>

About the timing at the end, there wasn't much that NU could do.  The 'Cats
were down and needed a score to win, and the optimal way to do that is
getting into the end zone.  Plus, the TD ensured that Purdue couldn't just
go down the field and kick the FG (they did drive down the field well on
their last 2 drives).

I kind of agree on the 2-point conversion as I was also thinking: well,
don't let them return it for 2 if it's turned over.  But the 5 yard penalty
forced them into a definite passing situation.  And since there's no
difference between a 4 and 5 point lead, NU may as well have gone for 2
since a 6 point lead would make Purdue sweat on a potential XP try for the
win (thankfully it didn't come to that).

In the end it was a good, hard-fought game for all 60 mins - which NU lacked
the past 2 weeks.  I know NU got lucky at times and left points on the
field, but they did what it took to win.  Hopefully this W will help inspire
the 'Cats in the second half of the season - the D looked much better
(especially against the run) and the offense protected the football all game
after a fumble on the first play from scrimmage.

Also, I don't know if I've ever seen a team turn the ball over on 3 out of 4
plays like Purdue did in the 2nd quarter (and it was very close to being 4
of 5).

Go 'Cats!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 3, 2009 at 3:43 PM, Jim Bendat <thehaze@earthlink.net> wrote:

> that maybe we scored too quickly, thereby giving Purdue a chance to pull
> out the game at the end. I know it's hard to control, but the fact is that
> we all we needed was a field goal. We could have run down the clock a lot
> more. Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled about the win. But here's another
> thought:
>
> After we scored the TD, we went for (and made) a 2-point conversion. I
> didn't like the call of a pass play on that conversion. If the pass had been
> intercepted and returned all the way back, then we would have only led,
> 25-23 -- which would have meant Purdue would have only needed a field goal
> to win the game at the end.
>
> Just a few things that went through my mind during this crazy game!
>
> Jim B.
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 16:40:54 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 16:41:02 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking . . .
In-Reply-To: <20983378.1254602589250.JavaMail.root@wamui-junio.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Message-ID: <466569.64372.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

You hit it on the head.:)

"The one time we don't WANT to be efficient in the red zone is when we score the frickin' TD in a couple quick plays" is what I believe I mumbled.

But there wasn't much we could do - you never want to have it come down to a field goal, plus Purdue had two timeouts left, so they would have been able to stop it.

A couple nice plays by Kafka and some nice defensive calls at the end to save the win, but the big thing we need to take out of this game are the two O's ...

- Offensive line (and wideout) blocking
- Offensive playcalling - especially in the red zone

Kafka played a good game (some big overthrows, but nice mix of pass/run. The special teams shined for once and the defense rebounded nicely from taking the first quarter off (McManis' INT was the huge HUGE game changer). And yes, Purdue obliged for the second straight year with turnovers galore.

But we can't let the lessons of this game slip by in the celebration of holding on for the win. We had six turnovers. We had eight plays inside their two yard line. We should have won this game by 21 or more looking at the stat sheet.

McCall needs to seriously look at his playbook and rip about half of it out - then he needs to reassess personnel on goal line situations along with the plays called there. This sort of ineffectiveness in the red zone will cost us down the road if not corrected now.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


--- On Sat, 10/3/09, Jim Bendat <thehaze@earthlink.net> wrote:

> From: Jim Bendat <thehaze@earthlink.net>
> Subject: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking . . .
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 1:43 PM
> that maybe we scored too quickly,
> thereby giving Purdue a chance to pull out the game at the
> end. I know it's hard to control, but the fact is that we
> all we needed was a field goal. We could have run down the
> clock a lot more. Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled about
> the win. But here's another thought:
> 
> After we scored the TD, we went for (and made) a 2-point
> conversion. I didn't like the call of a pass play on that
> conversion. If the pass had been intercepted and returned
> all the way back, then we would have only led, 25-23 --
> which would have meant Purdue would have only needed a field
> goal to win the game at the end.
> 
> Just a few things that went through my mind during this
> crazy game!
> 
> Jim B.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> 


      

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Sat Oct  3 16:53:45 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Sat Oct  3 16:54:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016
In-Reply-To: <253190.67576.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <7CD5598242974EA5ABF28684539C35AF@DennisMachine>
	<253190.67576.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <002d01ca4473$fb40dba0$f1c292e0$@com>

Steve

We sent the wrong team to close on the Olympics.

THEY don't care how much it will help the host city, THEY care that it will
be a good show.

Plus HOW MUCH MONEY will you show us.

Listen to our pitch using the audio feeds available, and tell me if you'd
give us the Olympics.?

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On
Behalf Of SjT (Stephen J. Truog)
Sent: Saturday, October 03, 2009 3:50 PM
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] No Olympics for Chicago in 2016

Whatever the reasons, it's just kind of sad that so many Americans were
hoping against Chicago winning and so delighted when it went out in the
first round. There wasn't a big rallying around New York in the last process
either (yet we showcase LA and Atlanta -- perhaps along with Miami and
Houston the absolute worst sports cities in America -- to the world ...
Chicago's transit woes at least are on par or better than those two places
and it has far more color/culture and world-class sights to see).

Kind of embarrassing that we'd be so bitter at each other to screw our own
chances of hosting a global event like this and then gloating that we lost.
It could have been a rallying point for national pride. Could have also been
a nice showcase for NU in one event at least and brought an economic boost
to the Windy City.

Oh well, I'm more of a winter olympics guy anyway -- at least we've done a
nice job hosting and showcasing those and I expect another wonderful two
weeks of sights with Vancouver next year. The scenery alone should be
spectacular! Looks like that's the closest they'll be to the U.S. in the
near future at least and perhaps longer than that until the IOC gets their
act together and the American people decide to leave political differences
out of some things and display some national unity.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  3 18:20:49 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct  3 18:20:56 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Afternoon report ...
Message-ID: <611858.1783.qm@web52905.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Not much of a game in Champaign ... thankfully the other contests were closer. Now we'll see if Indiana can put up a fight.

* PENN STATE looked like the dominant team they should have been last week (or at least were after the first quarter last week) ... and Illinois is just done trying out there. Had Sparty not pulled out the W today, it would have been an interesting race to see which one of them could tank faster. There's still a lot of talent in orange and blue but they just don't have any idea how to play together.

As for the wannabe Big Ten team in South Bend, I think it must be something with purple and squandering red zone chances today. How many times was Washington inside the one yard line??? UGH! This is why Fitz and McCall need to sit down this week and go over the red zone offense again - you can't keep settling for three when you should be leading by 20. As for why UDub wouldn't at least try to repeat the Bush Push from Sarkesian's SC days on at least ONE of those 50 attempts with a big QB is beyond me. I've seen the Evil Empire defense shredded against MSU, Michigan and Purdue in the last few weeks - they ain't THAT good.

Good game nonetheless.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From wildelk2 at aol.com  Sat Oct  3 20:31:47 2009
From: wildelk2 at aol.com (wildelk2@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct  3 20:32:08 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking . . .
In-Reply-To: <466569.64372.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <8CC12A992B36860-616C-2DC51@webmail-m039.sysops.aol.com>


?? List Friends,



?? Thanks for "the accounts and descriptions of this game".? Get this: C.O. ?and I were invited to a pig roast this afternoon; others in attendance were not interested in college football, so I had to rely on periodic updates from my son, who is in college 4 hours away (Robert Morris U. near Pittsburgh- 1-AA.)? 

?? When I left for the pig roast, we were down 3-21.? Nice to see us get some turnovers.

?? But I must ask, when we forgot how to tackle?? The 2009 season has turned out nothing like I planned; that of a stifling defense and Kafka running for his life.? On the down side, Purdue was expected to be "2nd tier", and a loss to NIU (at home) tells us something.? We'd all love Fields to be the second coming of Tyrell (and he still might be), but not today.

?? Good: Kafka has done MUCH better throwing the ball than what was expected, and we've been "right there" in a position to win all our games.? No doubt, while ugly, this was a "season saver".?? 

?? While I'm not ready to make plans for Pasedena, we're still on track to scratch out 6-8 wins; and give Pat another chance to win in post-season.



???????????? GO CATS!!!??????????? Eric

-----Original Message-----
From: SjT (Stephen J. Truog) <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com; Jim Bendat <thehaze@earthlink.net>
Sent: Sat, Oct 3, 2009 5:40 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking . . .




You hit it on the head.:)

"The one time we don't WANT to be efficient in the red zone is when we score the 
frickin' TD in a couple quick plays" is what I believe I mumbled.

But there wasn't much we could do - you never want to have it come down to a 
field goal, plus Purdue had two timeouts left, so they would have been able to 
stop it.

A couple nice plays by Kafka and some nice defensive calls at the end to save 
the win, but the big thing we need to take out of this game are the two O's ...

- Offensive line (and wideout) blocking
- Offensive playcalling - especially in the red zone

Kafka played a good game (some big overthrows, but nice mix of pass/run. The 
special teams shined for once and the defense rebounded nicely from taking the 
first quarter off (McManis' INT was the huge HUGE game changer). And yes, Purdue 
obliged for the second straight year with turnovers galore.

But we can't let the lessons of this game slip by in the celebration of holding 
on for the win. We had six turnovers. We had eight plays inside their two yard 
line. We should have won this game by 21 or more looking at the stat sheet.

McCall needs to seriously look at his playbook and rip about half of it out - 
then he needs to reassess personnel on goal line situations along with the plays 
called there. This sort of ineffectiveness in the red zone will cost us down the 
road if not corrected now.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


--- On Sat, 10/3/09, Jim Bendat <thehaze@earthlink.net> wrote:

> From: Jim Bendat <thehaze@earthlink.net>
> Subject: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking . . .
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 1:43 PM
> that maybe we scored too quickly,
> thereby giving Purdue a chance to pull out the game at the
> end. I know it's hard to control, but the fact is that we
> all we needed was a field goal. We could have run down the
> clock a lot more. Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled about
> the win. But here's another thought:
> 
> Aft
er we scored the TD, we went for (and made) a 2-point
> conversion. I didn't like the call of a pass play on that
> conversion. If the pass had been intercepted and returned
> all the way back, then we would have only led, 25-23 --
> which would have meant Purdue would have only needed a field
> goal to win the game at the end.
> 
> Just a few things that went through my mind during this
> crazy game!
> 
> Jim B.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> 


      

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From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Sat Oct  3 21:35:22 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Sat Oct  3 21:35:26 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking . . . 
Message-ID: <200910040235.n942ZMo9003482@romaine.tssi.com>

> "The one time we don't WANT to be efficient in the red zone is when we score the frickin' TD in a couple quick plays" is what I believe I mumbled.
> 
> But there wasn't much we could do - you never want to have it come down to a field goal, plus Purdue had two timeouts left, so they would have been able to stop it.

They didn't speed their rate of play up on that final drive.  11 plays
in 4:19 is 23.5 seconds per play, about the same as their other long drives
today.  Of course, that means they didn't slow it down, either.

The important thing was, they took it all the way rather than settle for
yet another red zone field goal.  That made a big difference, Purdue 
couldn't just settle for a game-winning field goal.

I'm not sure what talent they've got in the queue, but it looks like UDub 
may only be a year away from being a serious factor in the Pac 10 again.

Their execution inside the 5 today made ours look good.  The Irish should
have lost that game by a good 10 points.  

The Sooners are looking confused tonight, especially on defense.  Can Miami
find a way to fudge this one up?  

I don't think I've ever seen a season with so many games decided in the
last minute and high profile teams going into OT, proving again that 
college football is so much more entertaining than the NFL.
--
Mike Nolan

From kmaresco at covlife.org  Sun Oct  4 05:33:20 2009
From: kmaresco at covlife.org (Kenneth Maresco)
Date: Sun Oct  4 05:34:02 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Was anyone else thinking...
Message-ID: <C6EDF230.AB22%kmaresco@covlife.org>

<They didn't speed their rate of play up on that final drive.  11 plays
in 4:19 is 23.5 seconds per play, about the same as their other long drives
today.  Of course, that means they didn't slow it down, either.

The important thing was, they took it all the way rather than settle for
yet another red zone field goal.  That made a big difference, Purdue
couldn't just settle for a game-winning field goal.>

That is all true, but on that final drive, on one play after a running play
with the clock ticking down and 22 seconds left on the play clock the Cats
snapped the ball. That just seemed dumb. Why not allow the game clock tick
down or at least force Purdue to take one of its time outs? We probably
could have squeezed at least another 30-45 seconds out of that drive by just
using the play clock after the runs. That would have made it far more
difficult for Purdue on that final drive. The Cats seem to want to play high
speed all game. Great win, but good coaching will play to the situation.


From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Sun Oct  4 10:49:39 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Sun Oct  4 10:49:47 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
Message-ID: <889143.90819.qm@web36808.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

There are a lot of things I could second guess from yesterday, but since we all agree a win is a win I'll let it go. We needed that victory in a big way. 

Assuming we see continued improvement (especially from the coaches), here's how I see the remaining games.

Miami OH - WIN
MSU - Loss
Indiana - WIN
Penn State - Loss
Iowa - Loss
Illinois - WIN 
Wisconsin - Loss

6-6 would be respectable, but I think it leaves us out of the bowl hunt. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim



      

From neonrye at aol.com  Sun Oct  4 11:09:21 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct  4 11:09:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
In-Reply-To: <889143.90819.qm@web36808.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <889143.90819.qm@web36808.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <8CC13242AEDAFE3-42E0-45820@webmail-d051.sysops.aol.com>


Jim,



I think your "crystal ball" could use a little optimistic "tweaking".? While I agree that the trip to East Lansing is a tough one, we have traditionally played the Spartans tough (except with 32 point leads or whatever it was a few years back), and they may be looking past us, thus making it a potential "trap" game for Sparty.? They play Iowa at home under the lights the following Saturday--a much bigger game for them.? So we have?a reasonable shot there for a "W".



Also, speaking of "W's", why are you overlooking NU's traditional success factor against Wisconsin?? We have done quite well against the Badgers, and the thing that worries me most about that end-of-season game--which could be for a bowl bid (or at least eligibility)--is the thought of Ryan Field filled with red, not purple.? So that game could be a win as well.? On the other hand, if the season is not going well by the time we travel to Urbana, that game could prove to be an "L", given the talent that Zook has, but can't seem to coach.



Moreover, if we somehow win the next 3 in a row, and come in to the Penn State game with a head of steam, then maybe we can send JoePa closer to retirement with an upset special.? I know I am being a little cavalier, but yesterday's win could--and should--spark a 'Cat revival or renewal of spirit and purpose, as I said yesterday.? Now, at least, Fitz has something to build on, confidence-wise.? 



We really should do better than 6-6 this season, with the schedule we have--and the loss to 'Cuse has the potential to really screw things up, unless we "upset" MSU or UW (or remember how we did it early last Fall and win at Iowa City)..



Paul Levinson


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Sun, Oct 4, 2009 11:49 am
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2




Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

There are a lot of things I could second guess from yesterday, but since we all 
agree a win is a win I'll let it go. We needed that victory in a big way. 

Assuming we see continued improvement (especially from the coaches), here's how 
I see the remaining games.

Miami OH - WIN
MSU - Loss
Indiana - WIN
Penn State - Loss
Iowa - Loss
Illinois - WIN 
Wisconsin - Loss

6-6 would be respectable, but I think it leaves us out of the bowl hunt. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim



      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From cherron604 at aol.com  Sun Oct  4 11:40:52 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct  4 11:41:21 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
In-Reply-To: <8CC13242AEDAFE3-42E0-45820@webmail-d051.sysops.aol.com>
References: <889143.90819.qm@web36808.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<8CC13242AEDAFE3-42E0-45820@webmail-d051.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1328921C9013-2DBC-46252@webmail-m070.sysops.aol.com>


I always like the idea of a 'trap' game, but the Gopher game last week should have been a classic trap game for Minnesota - number 6 Cal the week before, then an empty Ryan Field for NU, then this week's big game for Paul Bunyan's axe at the new palace, hosting the hated Wisconsin-ites.? The Gophers avoided that trap quite well.



Also, blocking deficiencies are very very annoying.? Blocking can be taught, weights can be used, big meals can be eaten, blocking sleds can be driven deep into the ground?- I can accept a team beating me on pure speed, but there is alot less excuse for an o-line being consistently beaten.



Chuck Herron?? Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: neonrye@aol.com
To: jleonard518@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Sun, Oct 4, 2009 11:09 am
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2





Jim,



I think your "crystal ball" could use a little optimistic "tweaking".? While I 
agree that the trip to East Lansing is a tough one, we have traditionally played 
the Spartans tough (except with 32 point leads or whatever it was a few years 
back), and they may be looking past us, thus making it a potential "trap" game 
for Sparty.? They play Iowa at home under the lights the following Saturday--a 
much bigger game for them.? So we have?a reasonable shot there for a "W".



Also, speaking of "W's", why are you overlooking NU's traditional success factor 
against Wisconsin?? We have done quite well against the Badgers, and the thing 
that worries me most about that end-of-season game--which could be for a bowl 
bid (or at least eligibility)--is the thought of Ryan Field filled with red, not 
purple.? So that game could be a win as well.? On the other hand, if the season 
is not going well by the time we travel to Urbana, that game could prove to be 
an "L", given the talent that Zook has, but can't seem to coach.



Moreover, if we somehow win the next 3 in a row, and come in to the Penn State 
game with a head of steam, then maybe we can send JoePa closer to retirement 
with an upset special.? I know I am being a little cavalier, but yesterday's win 
could--and should--spark a 'Cat revival or renewal of spirit and purpose, as I 
said yesterday.? Now, at least, Fitz has something to build on, 
confidence-wise.? 



We really should do better than 6-6 this season, with the schedule we have--and 
the loss to 'Cuse has the potential to really screw things up, unless we "upset" 
MSU or UW (or remember how we did it early last Fall and win at Iowa City)..



Paul Levinson


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Sun, Oct 4, 2009 11:49 am
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2




Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

There are a lot of things I could second guess from yesterday, but since we all 
agree a win is a win I'll let it go. We nee
ded that victory in a big way. 

Assuming we see continued improvement (especially from the coaches), here's how 
I see the remaining games.

Miami OH - WIN
MSU - Loss
Indiana - WIN
Penn State - Loss
Iowa - Loss
Illinois - WIN 
Wisconsin - Loss

6-6 would be respectable, but I think it leaves us out of the bowl hunt. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim



      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From scottzel at gmail.com  Sun Oct  4 11:46:52 2009
From: scottzel at gmail.com (Scott Zeller)
Date: Sun Oct  4 11:47:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
In-Reply-To: <889143.90819.qm@web36808.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <889143.90819.qm@web36808.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <9a9d92d30910040946m3b95cd49g56baa7d94166f689@mail.gmail.com>

I'm thinking more along the lines of 7-5 right now, but would of course like
10-2 much better. With the proliferation of bowl games I think at 6-6 we
would not only be bowl eligible but end up somewhere (Emerald Bowl in San
Francisco? A Cats game I could take the BART train to? I'd accept that!)


Scott Zeller MD

On Sun, Oct 4, 2009 at 8:49 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
>
> There are a lot of things I could second guess from yesterday, but since we
> all agree a win is a win I'll let it go. We needed that victory in a big
> way.
>
> Assuming we see continued improvement (especially from the coaches), here's
> how I see the remaining games.
>
> Miami OH - WIN
> MSU - Loss
> Indiana - WIN
> Penn State - Loss
> Iowa - Loss
> Illinois - WIN
> Wisconsin - Loss
>
> 6-6 would be respectable, but I think it leaves us out of the bowl hunt.
>
> Victory & Honor,
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sun Oct  4 15:49:14 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sun Oct  4 15:49:20 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
In-Reply-To: <8CC1328921C9013-2DBC-46252@webmail-m070.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <271271.34341.qm@web52902.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

> The Gophers avoided that trap quite well.

Well, it became the reverse trap for 'em - losing the big games to Cal and Wisky and winning the doughnut.:)

> Also, blocking deficiencies are very very annoying.?
> Blocking can be taught, weights can be used, big meals can

That's what really annoyed me - the blocking and the play calling. We can improve on those if we work on 'em.

As for the rest of the season, it's the same old story for NU -- we can't take anything for granted. We can beat all of those teams left and we can lose to any of them as well. PSU hasn't been consistent for a full game ... Iowa still lacks that offensive firepower and plays close games against teams they should beat ... and we don't have OSU and Michigan. As for Wisky, I'm hoping Hankwitz makes the difference there and knows the Badger gameplan inside and out (remember that we haven't faced them with Hank yet).

This coming Saturday should be a big one in separating contenders and pretenders with the games at Columbus and Iowa City. Also a pretty big game in East Lansing, as the Illini and Sparty do battle to see who still keeps faint hopes alive. But all that matters for us is that we BEAT MIAMI!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

BTW - The AP poll shenanigans are already starting. Virginia Tech survives a scare at Duke, yes DOOK!, and leapfrogs unbeaten Boise State into the top five. And 5-0 Wisconsin has yet to crack the top 25 because of that Big Ten lack of respect (OSU got leapfrogged by Cincy as well). What a system!


      

From eschoeman at sbcglobal.net  Sun Oct  4 16:21:20 2009
From: eschoeman at sbcglobal.net (Evans Schoeman)
Date: Sun Oct  4 16:21:30 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
In-Reply-To: <271271.34341.qm@web52902.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <239747.32412.qm@web83902.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>

But at least Notre Dame is still outside the Top 25.? In past years, a 4-1 record would ?easily get them a ranking, even though three of their wins were very close against teams they should have easily handled.

I daresay that Weis may not have the respect of the pollsters to get his marginal team ranked.

--- On Sun, 10/4/09, SjT (Stephen J. Truog) <sjtruog@yahoo.com> wrote:


From: SjT (Stephen J. Truog) <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2009, 3:49 PM


> The Gophers avoided that trap quite well.

Well, it became the reverse trap for 'em - losing the big games to Cal and Wisky and winning the doughnut.:)

> Also, blocking deficiencies are very very annoying.?
> Blocking can be taught, weights can be used, big meals can

That's what really annoyed me - the blocking and the play calling. We can improve on those if we work on 'em.

As for the rest of the season, it's the same old story for NU -- we can't take anything for granted. We can beat all of those teams left and we can lose to any of them as well. PSU hasn't been consistent for a full game ... Iowa still lacks that offensive firepower and plays close games against teams they should beat ... and we don't have OSU and Michigan. As for Wisky, I'm hoping Hankwitz makes the difference there and knows the Badger gameplan inside and out (remember that we haven't faced them with Hank yet).

This coming Saturday should be a big one in separating contenders and pretenders with the games at Columbus and Iowa City. Also a pretty big game in East Lansing, as the Illini and Sparty do battle to see who still keeps faint hopes alive. But all that matters for us is that we BEAT MIAMI!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

BTW - The AP poll shenanigans are already starting. Virginia Tech survives a scare at Duke, yes DOOK!, and leapfrogs unbeaten Boise State into the top five. And 5-0 Wisconsin has yet to crack the top 25 because of that Big Ten lack of respect (OSU got leapfrogged by Cincy as well). What a system!


? ? ? 

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sun Oct  4 16:37:01 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sun Oct  4 16:37:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
In-Reply-To: <239747.32412.qm@web83902.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <323133.31360.qm@web52907.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

> But at
> least Notre Dame is still outside the Top 25.? In past
> years, a 4-1 record would ?easily get them a ranking,
> I daresay that Weis may not have the respect of the
> pollsters to get his marginal team ranked.

Good point -- it will be real interesting to watch that, because after their annual smackdown at the hands of SC, they should win out with their Big Least/service academy tour schedule. Yet they're barely receiving votes now and would have none after an SC loss ... would they magically appear to justify their B(C)S bid, or would an unranked Irish team slip into the B(C)S and expose the joke of a system further?

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


      

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sun Oct  4 17:07:19 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sun Oct  4 17:09:09 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
In-Reply-To: <323133.31360.qm@web52907.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <239747.32412.qm@web83902.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
	<323133.31360.qm@web52907.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910041507gead21a7r4cca518768799467@mail.gmail.com>

Regarding ND and the BCS:

They only automatically qualify if they are in the top 8 of the BCS
standings or are eligible for an at-large bid if they're in the top 14 and
have at least 9 wins.

Remember that the BCS rankings are composed of the Coaches' Poll (1/3),
Harris Poll (1/3), and computer ranking compilation (1/3).

Currently, they are "28th" (in other receiving votes, with 57 points) in the
Coaches' Poll, and "29th" (in other receiving votes, with 126 points) in the
Harris Poll.

While others above them are bound to lose, the only real chance they have to
dig out of that hole is to beat a team worth something, and that is USC.

We'll see what happens, though, there is a long way to go, and I would
imagine that some of the teams left on their schedule will give them trouble
(BC, who just took out FSU, and Pitt at the very least).

---
Regarding OUR NU team, the question now is can they get to bowl
eligibility?  With seven games to go, it looks like three to four more wins
are possible (five more the likely ceiling), but in Big Ten play you just
never know what will happen.  It's really hard to predict right now - if the
NU D can do what they did the last 40 min against Purdue, anything is
possible.

And regarding NU opponents:
Miami OH - is bad, at or near the bottom in virtually every major
statistical category on both sides of the ball.
MSU - a team that has shown flashes of good (win over Michigan) and bad
(blowing a chance at ND and vs CMU while getting blown out at Wisconsin)
Indiana - they managed to win their first 3 games by relatively slim margins
against lesser competition, were close against Michigan, and were blown away
by OSU.  watch out for them, though.
Penn State - the most hyped game of NU's season, but they're good, one of
the two almost definite losses.
Iowa - a very tough trip and they're playing really well. The other almost
definite loss.
Illinois - looks like the worst team in the Big Ten right now, but never a
given in a rivalry matchup on the road.
Wisconsin - they're suddenly atop the conference standings but we'll find
out more as they face OSU & Iowa the next 2 weeks.

At the very least, many of NU's remaining games should be entertaining and
close ones, so we'll see how it shakes out.

Jonathan

On Sun, Oct 4, 2009 at 4:37 PM, SjT (Stephen J. Truog) <sjtruog@yahoo.com>wrote:

> > But at
> > least Notre Dame is still outside the Top 25.  In past
> > years, a 4-1 record would  easily get them a ranking,
> > I daresay that Weis may not have the respect of the
> > pollsters to get his marginal team ranked.
>
> Good point -- it will be real interesting to watch that, because after
> their annual smackdown at the hands of SC, they should win out with their
> Big Least/service academy tour schedule. Yet they're barely receiving votes
> now and would have none after an SC loss ... would they magically appear to
> justify their B(C)S bid, or would an unranked Irish team slip into the B(C)S
> and expose the joke of a system further?
>
> GO CATS!!!
> -SjT
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Sun Oct  4 18:41:02 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Sun Oct  4 18:41:28 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2
References: <889143.90819.qm@web36808.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02600867@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

I agree that we have to keep focus on Miami....
 
BUT
 
I'm not so sure that Indiana is a win either.  They gave Michigan a great game.  
 
If you look at the stats, Indiana won.  They outrushed MI, 197 to 149.  They outpassed MI 270 to 223.  They held the ball longer.  They had fewer penalties and won the turnover battle.   
 
If we get even a part of what they took to A2 and we play as erratically as we've played so far, we're toast.
 
I was concerned about this year because of inexperience on the offensive side of the ball.  Turns out that our problems are injuries and inconsistency on defense.
 
I have to believe that the cats will get one great win against one of those teams listed currently as losses - but we may need it to get to 6-6
 
Jeff


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From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of Jim Leonard
Sent: Sun 10/4/2009 11:49 AM
To: Northwestern Wildcats
Subject: [NU Sports] The view from 3-2



Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

There are a lot of things I could second guess from yesterday, but since we all agree a win is a win I'll let it go. We needed that victory in a big way.

Assuming we see continued improvement (especially from the coaches), here's how I see the remaining games.

Miami OH - WIN
MSU - Loss
Indiana - WIN
Penn State - Loss
Iowa - Loss
Illinois - WIN
Wisconsin - Loss

6-6 would be respectable, but I think it leaves us out of the bowl hunt.

Victory & Honor,
Jim



     

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Tue Oct  6 12:17:25 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Tue Oct  6 12:17:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU needs to improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience at Dyche Stadium just isn't good. 

Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short of the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet this year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten Network may have hurt our cause somewhat too. 

The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat Alley doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful of schools in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still don't get big numbers. 

The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game. 

1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing for them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher them off the field. 

2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard' gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game. 

3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the announcements. 

I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see games there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the Big Ten. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim


      

From Hakirsch at aol.com  Tue Oct  6 12:24:26 2009
From: Hakirsch at aol.com (Hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct  6 12:24:43 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <c1f.6bd8f128.37fcd74a@aol.com>

In a message dated 10/6/2009 10:18:11 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
jleonard518@yahoo.com writes:

> Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
> 
> This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU 
> needs to improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience 
> at Dyche Stadium just isn't good. 
> 
> Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short 
> of the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 
> yet this year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big 
> Ten Network may have hurt our cause somewhat too. 
> 
> The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat 
> Alley doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful 
> of schools in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still 
> don't get big numbers. 
> 
> 

These are all valid points and definitely cause us to be viewed as a minor 
player in the BT--I have alawys thought that if need be, we ought to be 
giving away tickets--whether through charity or literally offering promotions 
through the sports bars and the like----It is embarrassing to see the crowds 
so small for a conf game--

As has been said by several other list members, a school with the 
reputation for the best marketing program in the country should come up with ways to 
improve attendance when you have 3 million people in the area and a pretty 
good product--even when NU isnt playing well.  When I was in school and we 
were absolutely horrible--(75-80)--I missed very few games, because I wanted 
to see the other teams--there has to be that kind of latent interest out 
there in Chicagoland

Harry
From NEONRye at aol.com  Tue Oct  6 12:43:19 2009
From: NEONRye at aol.com (NEONRye@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct  6 12:43:37 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <c55.57d3b91f.37fcdbb7@aol.com>

Both of you guys make valid points, although I can't comment, as I have not 
 been to Ryan in a long time.  I only know what I see and hear (or actually 
 don't hear)--on TV--lots of empty seats and not a lot of crowd noise.
 
Jim, having enjoyed your posts over the years, and knowing what a 'Cat  
diehard you are, I strongly suggest that, if you haven't already, you send your 
 comments (perhaps toned down a tad) to Rick Phillips.  I want to believe  
that he will take them quite seriously and will hopefully act on some, if 
not  all, of your criticisms and suggested changes.  Sending them here only  
"vents"; sending them to him might accomplish a lot more.  And, if it  
doesn't, then we all ought to know about it.
 
Paul Levinson
From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Tue Oct  6 14:19:18 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Tue Oct  6 14:21:32 2009
Subject: Fw: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <20091006.141918.21881.1@webmail11.dca.untd.com>

Darren Rovell on WNUR
http://sports.wnur.org/?p=1415

CNBC sports business writer (and former WNUR Sports Director) Darren Rovell joined ?The Sportsvoice? to talk about NU football and that million dollar question?how to market the program to the public.

He disagrees with your #2 issue.

As a season ticket and more importantly a parking pass holder I don't want any changes that endanger that.  Until traffic control is fixed and they find some more parking/tailgating space don't do anything that will hinder me further to getting into parking.  I have seat neighbors with parking passes that get closed out of parking.  Absurd!  NU either oversells parking or the people can not park people efficiently to use the space properly.

Lake The Posts(awesome blog) has diatribes against those who have parking, but don't tailgate.  Some of us are interested in the game, not imbing adult beverages.

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>


Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU needs to improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience at Dyche Stadium just isn't good. 

Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short of the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet this year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten Network may have hurt our cause somewhat too. 

The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat Alley doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful of schools in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still don't get big numbers. 

The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game. 

1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing for them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher them off the field. 

2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard' gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game. 

3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the announcements. 

I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see games there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the Big Ten. 

____________________________________________________________
Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/BLSrjnxRO9pf1w8OOL5ydFmha5tnbSTx7iwwlEzCILYuMo6SNfcP3VdJgFi/

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Tue Oct  6 14:53:09 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Tue Oct  6 14:53:38 2009
Subject: Fw: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <20091006.141918.21881.1@webmail11.dca.untd.com>
References: <20091006.141918.21881.1@webmail11.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910061253h5e48116i43e0a2877ede2be5@mail.gmail.com>

This is the NUMBER ONE issue facing the NU football program right now as
putting people in the seats is still the top revenue driver for the athletic
department and NU is scraping along the bottom of the pool now and has seen
attendance nosedive this decade.

Lake The Posts (LTP), myself at Hail To Purple, the message boards, and
casual conversations have been discussing this issue for years and I think
the volume is getting turned up.

NU has made some changes - they had a Kellogg sponsored survey this summer,
have been supportive of fan-initiated tailgating in the SPAC parking lot (by
providing resources to make the environment there better), and are trying
more promotions (like a free extra ticket to a nonconference game for season
ticket holders along with more family oriented promos).  Phillips and the
athletic marketing group haven't just been sitting around and that's good to
see.

LTP is very focused on the lack of a tailgating environment - while it could
use work, it won't necessarily drive attendance.  I agree that there are
plenty of people who want to go to the game and not tailgate.

The fact is that there are other huge factors standing in the way of good
attendance:
- a pro sports town
- NU being a private school that few if any not associated in some way
affiliate with (unlike the rest of the schools in the Big Ten)
- decades of negative results on the field to overcome
- nonconference opponents that don't exactly draw crowds
- a stadium location that isn't that easy to drive up to and then walk to
the game
- mostly 11AM starts to fit the TV schedule (that NU can do virtually
nothing about)
- expensive tickets, especially for those bringing a family (promos help but
the hurdle still exists)
- an alumni base spread out across the country/world (that was already small
to begin with)
..and more that I know I'm missing.

I think we all want to see NU attendance improve and all have good ideas.
Hopefully these efforts will continue until NU can start filling the place
better on a regular basis.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 2:19 PM, mlinhardt@netzero.com <mlinhardt@netzero.com
> wrote:

> Darren Rovell on WNUR
> http://sports.wnur.org/?p=1415
>
> CNBC sports business writer (and former WNUR Sports Director) Darren Rovell
> joined ?The Sportsvoice? to talk about NU football and that million dollar
> question?how to market the program to the public.
>
> He disagrees with your #2 issue.
>
> As a season ticket and more importantly a parking pass holder I don't want
> any changes that endanger that.  Until traffic control is fixed and they
> find some more parking/tailgating space don't do anything that will hinder
> me further to getting into parking.  I have seat neighbors with parking
> passes that get closed out of parking.  Absurd!  NU either oversells parking
> or the people can not park people efficiently to use the space properly.
>
> Lake The Posts(awesome blog) has diatribes against those who have parking,
> but don't tailgate.  Some of us are interested in the game, not imbing adult
> beverages.
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
>
>
> Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
>
> This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU
> needs to improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day
> experience at Dyche Stadium just isn't good.
>
> Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short
> of the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet
> this year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten
> Network may have hurt our cause somewhat too.
>
> The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat
> Alley doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful
> of schools in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still
> don't get big numbers.
>
> The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game.
>
> 1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing
> for them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher
> them off the field.
>
> 2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard'
> gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game.
>
> 3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the
> announcements.
>
> I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see
> games there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the
> Big Ten.
>
> ____________________________________________________________
> Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!
>
> http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/BLSrjnxRO9pf1w8OOL5ydFmha5tnbSTx7iwwlEzCILYuMo6SNfcP3VdJgFi/
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From juliepmcfarland at yahoo.com  Tue Oct  6 16:00:53 2009
From: juliepmcfarland at yahoo.com (Julie McFarland)
Date: Tue Oct  6 16:01:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <241300.11458.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Jim and fellow Wildcat Faithful,

I don't believe this is that low on the priority list.  In fact, Lake the Posts writes about attendance and improving the gameday experience regularly, and the view from our TV in NC is downright pitiful.  From personal experience, I really feel that our overall marketing scheme coupled with our ticket pricing strategy really hurts us.  There should be a family pack pricing available like there is at Stanford and Duke, and much lower pricing for children than there is currently (having to pay $15 for a youth ticket to Towson is silly, let alone $25 if you don't want to sit in the end zone).  I know of several families who have bought 2 tickets instead of 4 for their whole family, because the price is just too high.  There needs to be better marketing to the Chicago area, too.  I realize it's tough being in a pro-sports town, but I really don't feel like we've exhausted the opportunities the city and suburbs have to offer.

I've also heard arguments about the 11am kickoffs and alcohol policy as hurting attendance, and I tend to agree with those, too, but from my experience, pricing and marketing are the two biggest things that have kept friends from attending games.

To be fair, it is also my understanding that the athletic department is taking steps to help the NU game day experience, and we did receive some very nice kudos from The Big Ten Tour when they visited for the Minnesota game:

http://www.thebig10tour.com/northwestern.html

Purple regards,
Julie Goldmann





----- Original Message ----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 1:17:25 PM
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU needs to improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience at Dyche Stadium just isn't good. 

Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short of the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet this year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten Network may have hurt our cause somewhat too. 

The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat Alley doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful of schools in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still don't get big numbers. 

The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game. 

1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing for them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher them off the field. 

2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard' gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game. 

3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the announcements. 

I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see games there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the Big Ten. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



      

From tbng at comcast.net  Tue Oct  6 16:24:29 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Tue Oct  6 16:24:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <129288D9E0224321AE4BD5DA37DA148E@DennisMachine>

<Our game day experience at Dyche Stadium just isn't good. 
 
I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  Northwestern must build an on-campus football facility.  Name one college or professional major sport team that has not seen a large boost in attendance after building a new stadium.  Yes, we'll have to piss off the greenies and take land from dear old Lake Michigan, but I doubt downtown Kenosha will suffer flooding that a few sheets of Brawny won't handle.  A new stadium is imperative to recruiting a better caliber of player and in growing interest in the team.  Dyche/Ryan is a dinosaur that doesn't yet realize it's become oil.
From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Tue Oct  6 16:31:04 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Tue Oct  6 16:31:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium 
Message-ID: <200910062131.n96LV4fF029119@romaine.tssi.com>

> I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  Northwestern must build an on-campus football facility.  Name one college or professional major sport team that has not seen a large boost in attendance after building a new stadium.  Yes, we'll have to piss off the greenies and take land from dear old Lake Michigan, but I doubt downtown Kenosha will suffer flooding that a few sheets of Brawny won't handle.  A new stadium is imperative to recruiting a better caliber of player and in growing interest in the team.  Dyche/Ryan is a dinosaur that doesn't yet realize it's become oil.

How many small private schools have done that?

If Dyche/Ryan became oil, it'd be worth something. :-)
--
Mike Nolan

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Tue Oct  6 17:04:01 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Tue Oct  6 17:04:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <241300.11458.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<241300.11458.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <411703.48381.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

A new stadium is too much to hope for in the next 15-20 years, but it sure would be nice. A lakefront stadium would be a beautiful setting for game days, but I don't think it makes the traffic/commuting issues any easier. 

Here are a few things that I think we could potentially do in the short term:

1) Cut a deal where the Metra is free if you're holding a game ticket. Metra's incremental cost is zero, so there has to be some opportunity.

2) Have a family section where families can bring in there own food and beverages. Given that a movie is $10, you might get a family to pay $15 for a child's ticket (though Julie's point is well taken), but then when you hit them up for $3.50 for bottled water, that's where the budget for the day is blown. 

3) I've wondered about the NCAA policy on alcohol so I'm not 100% sure you could do this one. The NCAA doesn't allow you to sell beer, but (at least in the high dollar suites) it can be provided. I wonder if they could take those really bad seats by the scoreboard in the north end zone and designate it 'The Big Ten's Beer Garden'. You'd have to wall it off so that the drinkers don't mingle with the crowd, but perhaps you could give away (included with the ticket price) 3 pints of purple beer to fans sitting in that section.

4) Changing the game times should be investigated. In the age of the Big Ten Network there doesn't seem to be a reason that we hold ourselves to the ESPN mandate of 11 AM kickoffs. 

5) I believe in the general principles of free market economics, so if the seats don't sell at $25-$35 then the price needs to come down. The faithful out there will pay, so you don't need to cut the price across the board. But, you could leave a designated section (hell, the whole south endzone) and do an online auction that starts 30 hours before each kickoff. Start with $20 per seat and drop the price $.50 per hour until 9 AM on game day. If that brings potential new fans in at $4 a ticket, it's better than an empty seat. 

6) Another idea would be to actually reduce the number of seats. The seats in the south endzone are horrible anyway. You could tear them down and bring the available seats from say 49,000 to 40,000. I realize that you'd leave some money on the table when a gauranteed sellout (like a 9-0 tOSU team) comes to town, but it would save all those embarrassing TV shots of field goals into empty seats. Colorado and Oregon have smaller stadiums than Dyche and they have managed to develop a better atmosphere. 

6a) If you did remove the south end zone seats, as a NUMBAlum I can at least dream of a bandshell constructed in the south endzone. Put NUMB down there and let the entire stadium hear the fight songs. That would have a tremendous impact on the game day experience. 


Go Cats!
Jim



      

From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Tue Oct  6 17:32:33 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct  6 17:33:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <c2c.67b23c7c.37fd1f81@aol.com>

Why don't we make up some excuse about mold or asbestos and having to  
renovate Dyche for a couple years and move to Wrigley. No worries about  
conflicts with post season baseball, and it may be a marketing ploy that would  
work.
 
Peace  















































and  Love  

 
In a message dated 10/6/2009 6:04:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
jleonard518@yahoo.com writes:

A new  stadium is too much to hope for in the next 15-20 years, but it sure 
would be  nice. A lakefront stadium would be a beautiful setting for game 
days, but I  don't think it makes the traffic/commuting issues any easier. 

Here are  a few things that I think we could potentially do in the short 
term:

1)  Cut a deal where the Metra is free if you're holding a game ticket. 
Metra's  incremental cost is zero, so there has to be some opportunity.

2) Have  a family section where families can bring in there own food and 
beverages.  Given that a movie is $10, you might get a family to pay $15 for a 
child's  ticket (though Julie's point is well taken), but then when you hit 
them up for  $3.50 for bottled water, that's where the budget for the day 
is blown.  

3) I've wondered about the NCAA policy on alcohol so I'm not 100% sure  you 
could do this one. The NCAA doesn't allow you to sell beer, but (at least  
in the high dollar suites) it can be provided. I wonder if they could take  
those really bad seats by the scoreboard in the north end zone and designate 
 it 'The Big Ten's Beer Garden'. You'd have to wall it off so that the 
drinkers  don't mingle with the crowd, but perhaps you could give away (included 
with  the ticket price) 3 pints of purple beer to fans sitting in that  
section.

4) Changing the game times should be investigated. In the age  of the Big 
Ten Network there doesn't seem to be a reason that we hold  ourselves to the 
ESPN mandate of 11 AM kickoffs. 

5) I believe in the  general principles of free market economics, so if the 
seats don't sell at  $25-$35 then the price needs to come down. The 
faithful out there will pay, so  you don't need to cut the price across the board. 
But, you could leave a  designated section (hell, the whole south endzone) 
and do an online auction  that starts 30 hours before each kickoff. Start 
with $20 per seat and drop the  price $.50 per hour until 9 AM on game day. If 
that brings potential new fans  in at $4 a ticket, it's better than an empty 
seat. 

6) Another idea  would be to actually reduce the number of seats. The seats 
in the south  endzone are horrible anyway. You could tear them down and 
bring the available  seats from say 49,000 to 40,000. I realize that you'd 
leave some money on the  table when a gauranteed sellout (like a 9-0 tOSU team) 
comes to town, but it  would save all those embarrassing TV shots of field 
goals into empty seats.  Colorado and Oregon have smaller stadiums than Dyche 
and they have managed to  develop a better atmosphere. 

6a) If you did remove the south end zone  seats, as a NUMBAlum I can at 
least dream of a bandshell constructed in the  south endzone. Put NUMB down 
there and let the entire stadium hear the fight  songs. That would have a 
tremendous impact on the game day experience.  


Go Cats!
Jim





_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site  list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Tue Oct  6 18:01:01 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Tue Oct  6 18:01:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <411703.48381.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <380261.71263.qm@web52910.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Well, we've been discussing this for years on the list and if anyone had the answers, they'd be a millionaire by now. :)

I think the one thing that we can rule out is the quality of product on the field -- since 1995, NU has had more fantastic finishes at home than anyone else and fans have gotten more than their money's worth in exciting, memorable and thrilling football.

As for the on-campus stadium, it would be nice (aside from exacerbating the traffic woes -- maybe Olympic funds could have been used to extend LSD to Gurnee! :) ), but hard to see where we could do it.

A more workable solution might be to "downsize" our stadium ala Stanford -- the south end zone seats are bad seats and too far away from the field. Bring them in closer and make it just a few rows in the end zone with a nice, huge scoreboard behind it and a nice entrance/sign on the flip side facing Central Avenue.

Then bite the bullet and work with the city of Evanston on traffic flow -- with Evanston's downtown moving south, a lot of the storefronts on Central (the old Loews theater, etc.) seem to be empty. Maybe there's a way for the university to start buying up land for either more lanes or more parking in between the Metra and El stations on Central.

And then we have to push ourselves as Chicago's team -- especially since we've been playing better football the past decade or so while ND and the Illini have been in down spells. Give away tickets to school kids. Give away tickets to stadium neighbors. Give away tickets to the entire friggin North Shore. Just put butts in those seats! A lot of them will like what they see and come back.

Of course, all this will take is finding an alumni like T. Boone Pickens with deep pockets, establishing friendly relations with the stadium neighbors and city of Evanston and a couple other bazillion breaks ... but who knows until you try, right!:)

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!



      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Tue Oct  6 18:04:54 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Tue Oct  6 18:05:03 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Week 6
Message-ID: <410777.3649.qm@web52910.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Now the real fun begins! After playing cupcakes and refusing to leave their comfy southern confines (save for Georgia), the SEC heavyweights finally run into each other this week in two colossal clashes.

Overshadowed a bit by those two games (and that OT in East Lansing last week), the Big Ten serves up to megamatchups of its own between four of the top five teams in Iowa City and Columbus. And after seemingly giving every team a week off last Saturday, the Big XII returns to action with an interesting Thursday night game in Columbia.

Standings will be out by tonight (hooray for fall break!), but for now, the lineup ...

Picks due by kickoff at Mizzou on Thursday!

PIGSKIN PICKS ? WEEK 6
======================
Name: 

BIG TEN
-------
GAME 1: Michigan State @ Illinois
WINNER: 

GAME 2: Michigan @ Iowa
WINNER: 

GAME 3: Purdue @ Minnesota
WINNER: 

GAME 4: Wisconsin @ Ohio State
WINNER: 

GAME 5: Indiana @ Virginia
WINNER: 

GAME 6: Eastern Illinois @ Penn State
WINNER: 

NATIONAL
--------
GAME 7: Nebraska @ Missouri
WINNER: 

GAME 8: Florida @ Louisiana State
WINNER: 

GAME 9: Alabama @ Mississippi
WINNER: 

GAME 10: Georgia Tech @ Florida State
WINNER: 

MY PICKS
========
* ILLINOIS 34, Michigan State 30 ? Save for an interception in overtime, this could be the ?in the tank? bowl in Champaign between the league?s most disappointing teams. Sparty stopped their bleeding temporarily, but I have a feeling that they slip up on the road here. Not quit sure why I believe the Illini have it in 'em after showing absolutely nothing in the first month, but they gotta win one, right? In either case, both fans are counting the days until Midnight Madness.

* MICHIGAN 27, Iowa 17 ? I like the upset here as well under the lights in Kinnick. It?s a classic battle of offense vs. defense and Michigan may have been caught looking ahead last week, but I like their backfield talent?s will to score over the Hawkeye defense.

* MINNESOTA 38, Purdue 14 ? After weeks of heartbreaking defeats, the Boilers are spent and perfect road fodder for an angry Gopher team who blew another big game at their new palace against rival Wisconsin.

* OHIO STATE 13, Wisconsin 9 ? This could be the game of the day in the Big Ten as the suprising Badgers are one of the few teams who have no fear of Tressel or the Shoe ? but OSU?s defense is on a mission and the Buckeyes earn a hard-fought Big Ten victory that would make Woody Hayes and Barry Alvarez both proud.

* VIRGINIA 24, Indiana 21 ? Tough call here as the Cavs looked awful at the start of the year but have improved and are at home. Still, they?d probably get more fans if it were a soccer game between the two.

* PENN STATE 41, Eastern Illinois 14 ? Yawn. 

* NEBRASKA 24, Missouri 16 ? Should be a dandy Thursday with the early lead in the Big XII North on the line. Mizzou is ranked despite beating nobody (Illinois doesn?t count), whereas the Huskers faced a tough road test at VaTech and nearly won. I like Nebraska?s road-tested players to break through this time.

* FLORIDA 28, Louisiana State 23 ? Tough call here in the game of the day as I really, reeeeeeeeally want to pick the Tigers - especially under the lights in Baton Rouge! And I sincerely hope that The Hat wipes the sanctimonious, smug smile right off Urban?s face and trounces the trash-talking Gators ? but with a week to prepare, Florida will have some tricks up their sleeve ... and the Tigers have been living on the edge lately.

* ALABAMA 35, Mississippi 21 ? Put up or shut up time for the Rebels. I?m not convinced Bama is a legit title threat yet, but I am still convinced, as I was in the preseason, that Ole Miss is the most overrated team in the country.

* FLORIDA STATE 45, Georgia Tech 21 ? Tough call between this game and UCLA/Oregon out west, but the Bobby storyline makes this one worth picking. I?m certain this game won?t be close ? either FSU will tank it and quit on their coach, or they will come out blazing to rally around Bowden. I?m betting on the latter.

And off the board ?

* NORTHWESTERN 37, Miami (Ohio) 24 ? The Cats can?t let any more wins slip through their fingers and I think they come out more focused and score the six instead of settling for three this week to get the win. We need it with the heart of the Big Ten schedule coming up.

Standings coming in a bit ? get those picks in by kickoff THURSDAY!

GO CATS!!!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From tbng at comcast.net  Tue Oct  6 18:07:04 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Tue Oct  6 18:07:17 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
References: <380261.71263.qm@web52910.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <B4476D6E193049B3AAFA5F889BE2F8BB@DennisMachine>

> Of course, all this will take is finding an alumni like T. Boone Pickens 
> with deep pockets,

If any university has rich alumni, it's Northwestern. 

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Tue Oct  6 19:12:54 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Tue Oct  6 19:14:24 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <411703.48381.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<241300.11458.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> 
	<411703.48381.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910061712s215847bnd550631ea1d9fee6@mail.gmail.com>

Some good ideas, especially the seat auctions - I don't know why that
haven't tried that already.  I agree completely that the price to take a
family to the game (ticket & concessions) is just too much.  A picnic area
or something like that where families can at least bring in food may be a
good idea.  I think families are a key part of the equation long term since
it breeds potential lifelong NU fans.

I don't think decreasing the number of seats would do much good, as NU
really benefits from that revenue when the games do sell out.  And I don't
think empty seats on TV really do that much (and, they rarely show that part
of the stadium anyways).  For comparison, Stanford's old stadium had an
80,000+ capacity and their new stadium is 50,000 or so.  Unless NU is going
to drop the number down to the 30,000s it wouldn't really be worth it, and I
don't think it would do a whole lot of good (people are going to show up
just because there are less seats?).

Regarding NUMB (another issue frequently discussed on LTP), I believe a
location just beyond the north end zone (the area in front of the locker
room) would be optimal.  It would allow them to be heard in more areas of
the stadium (i.e. the west stands), free up seats, and allow the band to
actually see the student section they're supposedly interacting with.  (I
thought this when I was in NUMB as well).

Finally, about the start times.  I believe the Big Ten contract with
ESPN/ABC prevents them from placing games on the BTN during certain
restricted time periods (ABC 2:30PM CT afternoon games), which means it's
either 11AM or 6PM.  And the 6PM games on BTN are exclusive time windows
that must be announced before the season starts, and Big Ten policy doesn't
allow conference night games in November/December.  There's also the
Evanston opposition to too many night games.  So, NU is basically stuck with
11AM starts.  That's the price of having every home game available
nationally on TV, which arguably brings a lot more attention than starting
the games in the afternoon with no TV coverage.

Jonathan

On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 5:04 PM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> A new stadium is too much to hope for in the next 15-20 years, but it sure
> would be nice. A lakefront stadium would be a beautiful setting for game
> days, but I don't think it makes the traffic/commuting issues any easier.
>
> Here are a few things that I think we could potentially do in the short
> term:
>
> 1) Cut a deal where the Metra is free if you're holding a game ticket.
> Metra's incremental cost is zero, so there has to be some opportunity.
>
> 2) Have a family section where families can bring in there own food and
> beverages. Given that a movie is $10, you might get a family to pay $15 for
> a child's ticket (though Julie's point is well taken), but then when you hit
> them up for $3.50 for bottled water, that's where the budget for the day is
> blown.
>
> 3) I've wondered about the NCAA policy on alcohol so I'm not 100% sure you
> could do this one. The NCAA doesn't allow you to sell beer, but (at least in
> the high dollar suites) it can be provided. I wonder if they could take
> those really bad seats by the scoreboard in the north end zone and designate
> it 'The Big Ten's Beer Garden'. You'd have to wall it off so that the
> drinkers don't mingle with the crowd, but perhaps you could give away
> (included with the ticket price) 3 pints of purple beer to fans sitting in
> that section.
>
> 4) Changing the game times should be investigated. In the age of the Big
> Ten Network there doesn't seem to be a reason that we hold ourselves to the
> ESPN mandate of 11 AM kickoffs.
>
> 5) I believe in the general principles of free market economics, so if the
> seats don't sell at $25-$35 then the price needs to come down. The faithful
> out there will pay, so you don't need to cut the price across the board.
> But, you could leave a designated section (hell, the whole south endzone)
> and do an online auction that starts 30 hours before each kickoff. Start
> with $20 per seat and drop the price $.50 per hour until 9 AM on game day.
> If that brings potential new fans in at $4 a ticket, it's better than an
> empty seat.
>
> 6) Another idea would be to actually reduce the number of seats. The seats
> in the south endzone are horrible anyway. You could tear them down and bring
> the available seats from say 49,000 to 40,000. I realize that you'd leave
> some money on the table when a gauranteed sellout (like a 9-0 tOSU team)
> comes to town, but it would save all those embarrassing TV shots of field
> goals into empty seats. Colorado and Oregon have smaller stadiums than Dyche
> and they have managed to develop a better atmosphere.
>
> 6a) If you did remove the south end zone seats, as a NUMBAlum I can at
> least dream of a bandshell constructed in the south endzone. Put NUMB down
> there and let the entire stadium hear the fight songs. That would have a
> tremendous impact on the game day experience.
>
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Tue Oct  6 19:48:53 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Tue Oct  6 19:49:02 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Standings 'n' Polls
Message-ID: <160588.47913.qm@web52902.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Finally time for the standings! Hopefully I can stay on top of this weekly, but I already have a mountain of schoolwork for this week of "break" to get through ... so you never know.

First up, the honor roll ...

WEEKLY WINNERS - some good marks, but no perfect weeks yet!
==============
* Week 1: C. Bailey and A. Wolfson, 14-1
* Week 2: T. McAdams and B. Taylor, 12-3
* Week 3: R. Stahl and A. Wolfson, 13-2
* Week 4: I. Embrekts, 8-2
* Week 5: Five tied with 8-2 marks (see below)

UPSET SPECIALS - some odd "upsets" but that's been the season so far
==============
* Week 1: None
* Week 2: INDIANA over Western Michigan and UCLA over Tennessee
* Week 3: NIU over Purdue, FLORIDA STATE over Brigham Young
* Week 4: IOWA over Penn State, VA TECH over Miami, OREGON over Cal
* Week 5: None

UNANIMOUS SELECTIONS - Three of which turned out to be wrong!
====================
* Week 1: MSU over Montana St., OSU over Navy, PSU over Akron ... and OKLAHOMA over Brigham Young (oops!)
* Week 2: MSU over Central Michigan (oops!), PSU over Syracuse and GA TECH over Clemson (for those who got picks in by the Thursday deadline)
* Week 3: OSU over Toledo, PSU over Temple, WISCONSIN over Wofford
* Week 4: OSU over Illinois, FLORIDA STATE over South Florida (oops!)
* Week 5: PSU over Illinois, OSU over Indiana, IOWA over Arkansas St.

And now for the standings - Alan's off to a strong start, but a few people are nipping at his heels ...

PIGSKIN PICKS STANDINGS
=======================

TW  Name              Wk 5   Record   Pct.    US  Ovrl  WP
----------------------------------------------------------
 1) A. Wolfson         7-3    51-14   .785     0    2    5
 2) B. Taylor          8-2    49-16   .754     0    2    5
 3) M. Zilka           8-2    40-15   .727     0    0    4
 4) T. McAdams         6-4    47-18   .723     0    1    5
 5) I. Embrekts        8-2    36-14   .720     0    2    4
 6) J. Hodges          6-4    45-20   .692     0    0    5
 7) M. Ament           8-2    44-21   .677     0    1    5
 8) R. Stahl           6-4    43-22   .662     0    3    5
 8) S. Truog           5-5    43-22   .662     0    1    5
10) C. Herron          6-4    33-17   .660     0    0    4
11) E. Steffe          7-3    32-18   .640     0    0    4
12) C. Zahn            ---    35-20   .636     0    1    4
13) C. Rossi           8-2    41-24   .631     0    2    5
14) B. Winkler         7-3    31-19   .620     0    1    4
15) K. Sevilla         6-4    39-26   .600     0    1    5
16) B. Wilson          ---    33-22   .600     0    0    4
17) L. Martinaitis     7-3    38-27   .585     0    1    5
18) P. Groves          6-4    37-28   .569     0    0    5
18) J. Leonard         7-3    37-28   .569     0    1    5
18) A. McInturff       6-4    37-28   .569     0    3    5
-----
xx) B. Waldele         6-4    25-10   .714     0    2    3
xx) J. Bendat          7-3    23-12   .657     0    2    3
xx) R. Bradshaw        ---    22- 8   .733     0    0    2
xx) P. Wolfe           ---    18-12   .600     0    0    2
xx) C. Bailey          ---    14- 1   .933     0    0    1
xx) S. Wolfson         ---    12- 3   .800     0    0    1
xx) J. Wall            ---    11- 4   .733     0    0    1

And finally, the poll for this week ...

LW TW SjTOP 25
==============
01 01 FLORIDA (4-0) ? Bye week before one tough road game? Cushy!
02 02 TEXAS (4-0) ? Another team resting comfortably this week
03 03 LSU (5-0) ? Another gritty road win sets up big showdown
04 04 ALABAMA (5-0) ? Schedule picks up a little next week
05 05 BOISE STATE (5-0) ? BCS bid is in their hands now
06 06 SOUTHERN CAL (4-1) ? Rolling through Pac 10 again
07 07 OHIO STATE (4-1) ? Rolling through Big 10 again
09 08 VIRGINIA TECH (4-1) ? Nearly had big letdown vs. Dookies
10 09 OKLAHOMA STATE (3-1) ? Was this a holiday wknd in Big XII?
13 10 CINCINNATI (5-0) ? Big game a week from Thursday at USF ?
14 11 SOUTH FLORIDA (5-0) ? ? should settle Big East crown
15 12 IOWA (5-0) ? Have spotlight game with Michigan next
16 13 PENN STATE (4-1) ? Where was that ground game last week?
21 14 MIAMI (3-1) ? Nice bounce-back win for the Canes
17 15 TCU (5-0) ? Handily beat crosstown rivals
NR 16 WISCONSIN (5-0) ? Nice win for Bucky up in Minnesota
18 17 OREGON (4-1) ? Will they be the ones to challenge SC?
NR 18 AUBURN (5-0) ? Could be 7-0 when they visit LSU
19 19 KANSAS (4-0) ? Still haven?t proven much this year
22 20 SOUTH CAROLINA (4-1) ? Big game at Bama in two weeks
12 21 MICHIGAN (4-1) ? Late heroics not enough this time
23 22 MISSISSIPPI (4-1) ? Need to save face with Bama next
08 23 OKLAHOMA (2-2) ? Have fallen apart without Bradford
11 24 GEORGIA (3-2) ? They played with fire one time too many
NR 25 STANFORD (4-1) ? Are they for real? Have brutal November

DROPPED OUT: (20) California, (24) UCLA, (25) Houston
ON THE VERGE: BYU, Georgia Tech, Nebraska

Remember - picks in by Thursday!
GO CATS!!!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Tue Oct  6 21:38:09 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Tue Oct  6 21:38:29 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com><241300.11458.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
	<411703.48381.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<fcb3ee270910061712s215847bnd550631ea1d9fee6@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02600891@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

All good ideas.
 
It also sounds like we have an AD who is willing to try new ideas to raise the sports profile of the institution.
 
If Wrigley Field is any indication, however, one of the reasons we haven't seen more experimentation from our Athletic Department is that every time they try to something that hasn't been done before, they encounter a lot of skepticism and criticism.  
 
You don't fix a chronic problem overnight.  You also don't generally fix it with just one thing.  It ends up being a gradual change of attitude in your target audience that causes the change.  As long as some portion of that target audience can be counted on to oppose any change, it's going to take a lot of patience, persistence, and thick skin from our AD.
 
A consistent pattern of winning is the best formula to increase attendence, but we're seeing that it is as much of a challenge for Fitz as it was for RW and GB.
 
Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of Jonathan Hodges
Sent: Tue 10/6/2009 8:12 PM
To: Jim Leonard
Cc: Northwestern Wildcats
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium



Some good ideas, especially the seat auctions - I don't know why that
haven't tried that already.  I agree completely that the price to take a
family to the game (ticket & concessions) is just too much.  A picnic area
or something like that where families can at least bring in food may be a
good idea.  I think families are a key part of the equation long term since
it breeds potential lifelong NU fans.

I don't think decreasing the number of seats would do much good, as NU
really benefits from that revenue when the games do sell out.  And I don't
think empty seats on TV really do that much (and, they rarely show that part
of the stadium anyways).  For comparison, Stanford's old stadium had an
80,000+ capacity and their new stadium is 50,000 or so.  Unless NU is going
to drop the number down to the 30,000s it wouldn't really be worth it, and I
don't think it would do a whole lot of good (people are going to show up
just because there are less seats?).

Regarding NUMB (another issue frequently discussed on LTP), I believe a
location just beyond the north end zone (the area in front of the locker
room) would be optimal.  It would allow them to be heard in more areas of
the stadium (i.e. the west stands), free up seats, and allow the band to
actually see the student section they're supposedly interacting with.  (I
thought this when I was in NUMB as well).

Finally, about the start times.  I believe the Big Ten contract with
ESPN/ABC prevents them from placing games on the BTN during certain
restricted time periods (ABC 2:30PM CT afternoon games), which means it's
either 11AM or 6PM.  And the 6PM games on BTN are exclusive time windows
that must be announced before the season starts, and Big Ten policy doesn't
allow conference night games in November/December.  There's also the
Evanston opposition to too many night games.  So, NU is basically stuck with
11AM starts.  That's the price of having every home game available
nationally on TV, which arguably brings a lot more attention than starting
the games in the afternoon with no TV coverage.

Jonathan

On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 5:04 PM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> A new stadium is too much to hope for in the next 15-20 years, but it sure
> would be nice. A lakefront stadium would be a beautiful setting for game
> days, but I don't think it makes the traffic/commuting issues any easier.
>
> Here are a few things that I think we could potentially do in the short
> term:
>
> 1) Cut a deal where the Metra is free if you're holding a game ticket.
> Metra's incremental cost is zero, so there has to be some opportunity.
>
> 2) Have a family section where families can bring in there own food and
> beverages. Given that a movie is $10, you might get a family to pay $15 for
> a child's ticket (though Julie's point is well taken), but then when you hit
> them up for $3.50 for bottled water, that's where the budget for the day is
> blown.
>
> 3) I've wondered about the NCAA policy on alcohol so I'm not 100% sure you
> could do this one. The NCAA doesn't allow you to sell beer, but (at least in
> the high dollar suites) it can be provided. I wonder if they could take
> those really bad seats by the scoreboard in the north end zone and designate
> it 'The Big Ten's Beer Garden'. You'd have to wall it off so that the
> drinkers don't mingle with the crowd, but perhaps you could give away
> (included with the ticket price) 3 pints of purple beer to fans sitting in
> that section.
>
> 4) Changing the game times should be investigated. In the age of the Big
> Ten Network there doesn't seem to be a reason that we hold ourselves to the
> ESPN mandate of 11 AM kickoffs.
>
> 5) I believe in the general principles of free market economics, so if the
> seats don't sell at $25-$35 then the price needs to come down. The faithful
> out there will pay, so you don't need to cut the price across the board.
> But, you could leave a designated section (hell, the whole south endzone)
> and do an online auction that starts 30 hours before each kickoff. Start
> with $20 per seat and drop the price $.50 per hour until 9 AM on game day.
> If that brings potential new fans in at $4 a ticket, it's better than an
> empty seat.
>
> 6) Another idea would be to actually reduce the number of seats. The seats
> in the south endzone are horrible anyway. You could tear them down and bring
> the available seats from say 49,000 to 40,000. I realize that you'd leave
> some money on the table when a gauranteed sellout (like a 9-0 tOSU team)
> comes to town, but it would save all those embarrassing TV shots of field
> goals into empty seats. Colorado and Oregon have smaller stadiums than Dyche
> and they have managed to develop a better atmosphere.
>
> 6a) If you did remove the south end zone seats, as a NUMBAlum I can at
> least dream of a bandshell constructed in the south endzone. Put NUMB down
> there and let the entire stadium hear the fight songs. That would have a
> tremendous impact on the game day experience.
>
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Wed Oct  7 09:33:37 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Wed Oct  7 09:35:54 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <20091007.093337.7465.0@webmail04.dca.untd.com>

Actually - BTN got a 330 CT time slot for the NU-PSU game.  

Evanston allows one night game a year (if we ask in advance)

We need to do a better job with traffic control.  Central should be
closed off to anyone without a parking pass going east bound from GB and
west bound from the el.  Maybe discount tickets to people who use public
transportation to get there?  Set up a tailgating area in the old movie
theater or one of the now-empty lots on the south side of Central?

Here's my idea again - give away tickets to radio stations as part of
their give aways (since they often have contests) AND this gets you
publicity - "We're giving away a family four pack to the NU-whoever game
this weekend, the 5th caller will win..."  I don't know how that
actually works, but, it's a thought.

Have something where you buy two adult tickets and get a child ticket
free in certain sections?

Maureen
---------- Original Message ----------
<snip>
Finally, about the start times.  I believe the Big Ten contract with
ESPN/ABC prevents them from placing games on the BTN during certain
restricted time periods (ABC 2:30PM CT afternoon games), which means
it's
either 11AM or 6PM.  And the 6PM games on BTN are exclusive time windows
that must be announced before the season starts, and Big Ten policy
doesn't
allow conference night games in November/December.  There's also the
Evanston opposition to too many night games.  So, NU is basically stuck
with
11AM starts.  That's the price of having every home game available
nationally on TV, which arguably brings a lot more attention than
starting
the games in the afternoon with no TV coverage.


____________________________________________________________
Medical Assisting Degrees
Attend Medical Assisting school on-line or at a campus near you!
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From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Wed Oct  7 09:40:12 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Wed Oct  7 09:40:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <380261.71263.qm@web52910.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <380261.71263.qm@web52910.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <849220.35940.qm@web36805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Thank you Jonathan for explaining the ESPN/ABC link to 11 AM start times. I hadn't heard that before. 

I think one issue that NU will always battle is how much do non-NU people in Chicago care? The big state schools have a natural fan base in their respective states, plus more alumni. But NU football doesn't even draw half of its own Chicago alumni base let alone people who have no connection to the school. It's just a challenge that private schools in division 1-A football have to deal with.

If I lived within driving distance of Stanford, Duke, Rice, or Boston College, I might be tempted to go to one game a year if the opponent made for an interesting match up, but I wouldn't adopt them as my team. 

The same is true for Vanderbilt. I have an MBA from Vanderbilt and lived in Nashville for five years after I graduated. Vanderbilt has a huge alumni base in and around Nashville, but still doesn't have a strong showing of home fans. They do play a lot of night games though, which allows for a long afternoon of tailgating, etc. and that seems to help. The stadium is about the size of Dyche and they only sell out when 25,000 - 30,000 Gator, Auburn, or Volunteer fans show up. 

I'm sure we can improve attendance at Dyche, but having NU become 'Chicago's team' is probably unrealistic. 

Go Cats!
Jim


      

From herms at hotmail.com  Wed Oct  7 09:54:50 2009
From: herms at hotmail.com (Herman Wang)
Date: Wed Oct  7 09:55:20 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <20091007.093337.7465.0@webmail04.dca.untd.com>
References: <20091007.093337.7465.0@webmail04.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <SNT104-W3313878972F17FBF9A191FAECD0@phx.gbl>


The NU-PSU game is actually listed as ESPN/ESPN2.  

I'm not sure how much ticket prices are a factor.  For the Towson and Eastern Michigan games, there were plenty of tickets available on StubHub for under $10.  Some were going as low as $4.  I know this because I'm a season ticket holder who lives in Washington D.C., and I can only go to about three or four home games a year, so this year, for the first time, I tried to unload my extra tix on StubHub.  No takers, even at drastically reduced prices.

I realize that not all people interested in going to a game think to check StubHub or other sources on the secondary market.  There are probably some fans who go to the NUsports.com website, see the listed ticket prices and are turned off.  But there are a significant number of fans who are aware of StubHub, Craigslist, etc., and still, our attendance stinks.

Perhaps you might be able to point to our no-name opponents for the lack of interest.  Towson and Eastern Michigan aren't exactly inspiring names to the average Chicagoan sitting around with disposable cash and time.  But the flip side of that is that those type of opponents help build our win totals.  

Herman



> From: mlinhardt@netzero.com
> Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 14:33:37 +0000
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
> CC: Maureen.Linhardt@plexus.com
> 
> Actually - BTN got a 330 CT time slot for the NU-PSU game.  
> 
> Evanston allows one night game a year (if we ask in advance)
> 
> We need to do a better job with traffic control.  Central should be
> closed off to anyone without a parking pass going east bound from GB and
> west bound from the el.  Maybe discount tickets to people who use public
> transportation to get there?  Set up a tailgating area in the old movie
> theater or one of the now-empty lots on the south side of Central?
> 
> Here's my idea again - give away tickets to radio stations as part of
> their give aways (since they often have contests) AND this gets you
> publicity - "We're giving away a family four pack to the NU-whoever game
> this weekend, the 5th caller will win..."  I don't know how that
> actually works, but, it's a thought.
> 
> Have something where you buy two adult tickets and get a child ticket
> free in certain sections?
> 
> Maureen
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> <snip>
> Finally, about the start times.  I believe the Big Ten contract with
> ESPN/ABC prevents them from placing games on the BTN during certain
> restricted time periods (ABC 2:30PM CT afternoon games), which means
> it's
> either 11AM or 6PM.  And the 6PM games on BTN are exclusive time windows
> that must be announced before the season starts, and Big Ten policy
> doesn't
> allow conference night games in November/December.  There's also the
> Evanston opposition to too many night games.  So, NU is basically stuck
> with
> 11AM starts.  That's the price of having every home game available
> nationally on TV, which arguably brings a lot more attention than
> starting
> the games in the afternoon with no TV coverage.
> 
> 
> ____________________________________________________________
> Medical Assisting Degrees
> Attend Medical Assisting school on-line or at a campus near you!
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> 
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From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Wed Oct  7 10:10:27 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Wed Oct  7 10:10:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <SNT104-W3313878972F17FBF9A191FAECD0@phx.gbl>
References: <20091007.093337.7465.0@webmail04.dca.untd.com>
	<SNT104-W3313878972F17FBF9A191FAECD0@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <170208.42029.qm@web36805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Great point Herman. 

The main difference that I see is that Craigslist and Stubhub require the physical transfer of tickets. So, depending on who you buy from and how you mail them, you have to make your decision to go to the game in advance. 

A policy that all south end zone seats are $5 all day, every day, general admission, available at the gate would allow a family to make a last minute decision to go to the game. 

Go Cats!
Jim


======================

I'm not sure how much ticket prices are a factor.  For the Towson and
Eastern Michigan games, there were plenty of tickets available on
StubHub for under $10.  Some were going as low as $4.  I know this
because I'm a season ticket holder who lives in Washington D.C., and I can only go to about three or four
home games a year, so this year, for the first time, I tried to unload
my extra tix on StubHub.  No takers, even at drastically reduced prices.

I
realize that not all people interested in going to a game think to
check StubHub or other sources on the secondary market.  There are
probably some fans who go to the NUsports.com website, see the listed ticket prices and are turned off.  But there
are a significant number of fans who are aware of StubHub, Craigslist, etc., and still, our attendance stinks.

Perhaps
you might be able to point to our no-name opponents for the lack of
interest.  Towson and Eastern Michigan aren't exactly inspiring names
to the average Chicagoan sitting around with disposable cash and time. 
But the flip side of that is that those type of opponents help build
our win totals.  

Herman


      

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Wed Oct  7 12:41:12 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Wed Oct  7 12:41:19 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] One Idea for Attendance at Dyche
Message-ID: <106904.59619.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Ok... I promise this will be my last email today. 

I had an idea for a campaign to bring new fans to Dyche stadium. It's not perfect (and I can hear Steve Truog rolling his eyes all the way from Arizona), but good things can come from silly ideas. 

Whether you love it or hate it, there is a growing awareness around environmental/green issues. I think NU could create a campaign to have perhaps the first ever eco-friendly fan section. Clearly 'the green zone' will remind people of Bagdad, so you'd need another name. 

But seriously, we could take the south end zone (sections 116 - 121) and apply the following:

1) All tickets are general admission and $5 if you come to the stadium using mass transit. (Either show your Metra ticket or have 1-2 NU staffers stamp your hand before you exit the turnstile at the Central El stop to prove you didn't come by car.) 

2) No concession stands in that section. No using electricity to warm pretzels and hot dogs. No excess food packaging. Bring your own food and drink.

3) Just pay $5 as you walk through the gate. No paper tickets or credit card receipts. 

4) If you wanted to spend a small amount of money, you could change out the bathrooms for the low water use fixtures. You might even get a solar panel or two on the outside to power the lights. 

Hopefully this would become popular among school children who would grow up to be Cats fans. The nice thing about is that the mass transit aspect leverages something that NU has and no other Big Ten school can match. Again, it's just an idea. But it could draw some positive media attention to NU and would essentially make use of seats we can't fill anyway.

Go Cats!
Jim


      

From neonrye at aol.com  Wed Oct  7 13:56:34 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Wed Oct  7 13:57:10 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] One Idea for Attendance at Dyche
In-Reply-To: <106904.59619.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <106904.59619.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <8CC15970629B914-2DB4-10BEF@webmail-m091.sysops.aol.com>


Jim:



As a member of my Synagogue's "Green Team", I applaud your idea and don't think it's crazy at all.? In fact, it has the potential to grab some media attention--and good will among potential fans--were it to be implemented.? Instead of calling it the "green zone", maybe the Athletic Dept. could dub those fans who did populate that section the 'Cats Green Team.? Or perhaps call the area the "Purple Power (no electricity, etc.) Section".



Anyway, this makes me really miss John DeGroat....What he would state in response to Jim's idea would be worth a 1,000 laughs.? I thought about him last night when the Tigers finally went down.? What heartbreak for the team and their legion of fans.? As a Mets fan, I can certainly relate (at least in recent years) to epic collapses, and this one was a doozie (3 game lead with 4 games to play).



Paul Levinson


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Wed, Oct 7, 2009 1:41 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] One Idea for Attendance at Dyche




Ok... I promise this will be my last email today. 

I had an idea for a campaign to bring new fans to Dyche stadium. It's not 
perfect (and I can hear Steve Truog rolling his eyes all the way from Arizona), 
but good things can come from silly ideas. 

Whether you love it or hate it, there is a growing awareness around 
environmental/green issues. I think NU could create a campaign to have perhaps 
the first ever eco-friendly fan section. Clearly 'the green zone' will remind 
people of Bagdad, so you'd need another name. 

But seriously, we could take the south end zone (sections 116 - 121) and apply 
the following:

1) All tickets are general admission and $5 if you come to the stadium using 
mass transit. (Either show your Metra ticket or have 1-2 NU staffers stamp your 
hand before you exit the turnstile at the Central El stop to prove you didn't 
come by car.) 

2) No concession stands in that section. No using electricity to warm pretzels 
and hot dogs. No excess food packaging. Bring your own food and drink.

3) Just pay $5 as you walk through the gate. No paper tickets or credit card 
receipts. 

4) If you wanted to spend a small amount of money, you could change out the 
bathrooms for the low water use fixtures. You might even get a solar panel or 
two on the outside to power the lights. 

Hopefully this would become popular among school children who would grow up to 
be Cats fans. The nice thing about is that the mass transit aspect leverages 
something that NU has and no other Big Ten school can match. Again, it's just an 
idea. But it could draw some positive media attention to NU and would 
essentially make use of seats we can't fill anyway.

Go Cats!
Jim


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From cherron604 at aol.com  Wed Oct  7 14:08:23 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Wed Oct  7 14:09:18 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1598ACE852B6-5754-1016@webmail-d074.sysops.aol.com>


I have had 4 seats in Box 230 for a long time - since 1986 or so.? I could sometimes get all 4 occupied in the Barnett years (if the opponent was 'big' enough).? Nowadays it's all I can do to fill one of them (with me).? Family and friends are routinely invited - usually, they have other Saturday morning obligations, or the weather 'could get bad'...



I always invite my Dad or my nephew, but they have both found that the living room big-screen, monitoring multiple games, big easy chairs and cheap food and beverages is an easier way to enjoy college football - no parking hassles, no traffic



When I go to the state schools, I see older couples (who probably never attended the?school), who must've been attending games since they were married.? They probably come early, hang out with nearby parkers or old friends, then maybe shop or eat dinner in the big college town.? We hadn't had that 'experience' for years.? And our fans don't really need a trip to Evanston to enjoy friendship, shopping and dining.? Maybe we need to market to fans in tiny little towns.


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 12:17 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU needs to 
improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience at Dyche 
Stadium just isn't good. 

Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short of 
the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet this 
year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten Network 
may have hurt our cause somewhat too. 

The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat Alley 
doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful of schools 
in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still don't get big 
numbers. 

The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game. 

1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing for 
them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher them off 
the field. 

2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard' 
gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game. 

3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the 
announcements. 

I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see games 
there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the Big Ten. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From tbng at comcast.net  Wed Oct  7 14:41:18 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Wed Oct  7 14:41:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] One Idea for Attendance at Dyche
References: <106904.59619.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <E810A84015EB4279BC76EA8752BC6615@DennisMachine>

> Whether you love it or hate it, there is a growing awareness around 
> environmental/green issues. I think NU could create a campaign to have 
> perhaps the first ever eco-friendly fan section. Clearly 'the green zone' 
> will remind people of Bagdad, so you'd need another name.

It's simpler than that.  "Build it and they will come."  A new stadium, that 
is.  And while you're at it, recruit better players and win every year. 

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Wed Oct  7 15:53:07 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Wed Oct  7 15:53:14 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] One Idea for Attendance at Dyche
In-Reply-To: <106904.59619.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <825244.36485.qm@web52912.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

No compost heap? How about inviting sandal-clad hippies to bring their guitar and "jam" along with NUMB? Tofu dogs and gespacho at the concession stands?

:) - nice to see the South hasn't kicked all the liberalness out of ya, Jimbo, though some of those head blows apparently landed.:)

And your old buddy Mayor Daley may have helped you had you not been so mean to his Olympic bid! He has made Chicago one of the greener cities in America and increased bike path (which is something you could add to your section - lots of bike racks).

OK, enough fun ... a serious response ...

While it might seem to be the most anti-green crowd this side of a NASCAR race (hooray fossil fumes!) ... I can see this idea catching on -- especially, as you mention, with the mass transit angles NU has. Like I said, it's clearly not the lack of excitement, so let's put everything on the table to try and draw fans from Chicago, Evanston, the North Shore and more. And I've never been a fan of that south end zone anyway - so turn it into an amusement park if you think it will work (or use the Arizona hottub solution ... though that may not work in November).

Overall, though, I like my jumbotron idea better.:) In the words of Buddy Garrity, I have two words for you ... "JUMBO" and "Tron"! Minnesota's sure looks snazzy with the skyline in back of it.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!




      

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Wed Oct  7 17:19:51 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (Brad Wilson)
Date: Wed Oct  7 17:19:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] attendance
Message-ID: <137331.56067.qm@web51308.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Bill Veeck once said that nothing you can do about attendance matters as much as winning. I am not sure that's still 100 percent true -- the Cubs seem to put the lie to it - but, still, losing to Syracuse and Minnesota did not, I am sure, do wonders for ticket sales the rest of the year.
?
I think three factors make the difference:
?
1) $50 tickets for Big Ten games. Yes, I know those really interested can find them for less. But many people are suspicious of buying from anybody but the university, and $50 is a lot of money these days.
?
2) Rotten non-league opponents. Towson? Eastern Michigan? Who cares? I know why we play those games, and I don't disagree with that, but if you play games like that you hasve to know attendance will suffer.
?
3) Awful NU marketing. But that's an old story.
?
As for parking, yes, it's awful, but short of building a new stadium nothing will change. I remember the halcyon days (parking-wise) of driving up, paying $5 and parking in the East lot for games. Since those days are not coming back, and a new stadium is not happening, no sense in fussing about what we cannot change.
?
Ditto 11 a.m. starts but, again, we cannot change that.
?
We can change the above three things.
?
bw
?
?


"Happy are those who see beauty in the modest spots where others see nothing." -- Camille Pissaro

"Quis ipsos custodes custodiet?" -- Juvenal


      
From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Wed Oct  7 17:35:16 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Wed Oct  7 17:35:25 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<8CC1598ACE852B6-5754-1016@webmail-d074.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02600894@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

It isn't so much tiny towns (A2 is not a tiny town), as it is tradition.  There is something very special (almost tribal) about crisp saturdays, tailgating with friends/family, and going to the game.  What is cool about tiny towns is that the crowd tends to take over the town, but it doesn't have to be that way to work.
 
NU has, so far, failed to create that tradition.  But the reality is that it is a tradition that dates back only 30 years or so.  So it is still possible to create a set of NU fans willing to create and perpetuate this tradition.  
 
Going to a bowl game every year is a great start.  
 
After that our AD has to find creative ways to make being an NU fan desirable.  
 
Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Wed 10/7/2009 3:08 PM
To: jleonard518@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




I have had 4 seats in Box 230 for a long time - since 1986 or so.? I could sometimes get all 4 occupied in the Barnett years (if the opponent was 'big' enough).? Nowadays it's all I can do to fill one of them (with me).? Family and friends are routinely invited - usually, they have other Saturday morning obligations, or the weather 'could get bad'...



I always invite my Dad or my nephew, but they have both found that the living room big-screen, monitoring multiple games, big easy chairs and cheap food and beverages is an easier way to enjoy college football - no parking hassles, no traffic



When I go to the state schools, I see older couples (who probably never attended the?school), who must've been attending games since they were married.? They probably come early, hang out with nearby parkers or old friends, then maybe shop or eat dinner in the big college town.? We hadn't had that 'experience' for years.? And our fans don't really need a trip to Evanston to enjoy friendship, shopping and dining.? Maybe we need to market to fans in tiny little towns.


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 12:17 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU needs to
improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience at Dyche
Stadium just isn't good.

Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short of
the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet this
year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten Network
may have hurt our cause somewhat too.

The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat Alley
doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful of schools
in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still don't get big
numbers.

The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game.

1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing for
them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher them off
the field.

2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard'
gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game.

3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the
announcements.

I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see games
there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the Big Ten.

Victory & Honor,
Jim


     

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




From loomis3 at sbcglobal.net  Wed Oct  7 17:48:38 2009
From: loomis3 at sbcglobal.net (Frank F. Loomis III)
Date: Wed Oct  7 17:48:47 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <920439.73817.qm@web81702.mail.mud.yahoo.com>



Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 7, 2009, at 5:35 PM, "Beamsley, Jeff" <Jeff.Beamsley@covisint.com> wrote:

It isn't so much tiny towns (A2 is not a tiny town), as it is tradition.  There is something very specialcjjoz.aLk  (almost tribal) about crisp saturdays, tailgating with friends/family, and going to the game.  What is cool about tiny towns is that the crowd tends to take   the town, but it doesn't have to be that way to work.

NU has, so far, failed to create that tradition.  But the reality is that it is a tradition that dates back only 30 years or so.  So it is still possible to create a set of NU fans willing to create and perpetuate this tradition.  

Going to a bowl game every year is a great start.  

After that our AD has to find creative ways to make being an NU fan desirable.  

Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Wed 10/7/2009 3:08 PM
To: jleonard518@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




I have had 4 seats in Box 230 for a long time - since 1986 or so.? I could sometimes get all 4 occupied in the Barnett years (if the opponent was 'big' enough).? Nowadays it's all I can do to fill one of them (with me).? Family and friends are routinely invited - usually, they have other Saturday morning obligations, or the weather 'could get bad'...



I always invite my Dad or my nephew, but they have both found that the living room big-screen, monitoring multiple games, big easy chairs and cheap food and beverages is an easier way to enjoy college football - no parking hassles, no traffic



When I go to the state schools, I see older couples (who probably never attended the?school), who must've been attending games since they were married.? They probably come early, hang out with nearby parkers or old friends, then maybe shop or eat dinner in the big college town.? We hadn't had that 'experience' for years.? And our fans don't really need a trip to Evanston to enjoy friendship, shopping and dining.? Maybe we need to market to fans in tiny little towns.


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 12:17 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU needs to
improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience at Dyche
Stadium just isn't good.

Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short of
the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet this
year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten Network
may have hurt our cause somewhat too.

The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat Alley
doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful of schools
in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still don't get big
numbers.

The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game.

1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing for
them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher them off
the field.

2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard'
gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game.

3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the
announcements.

I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see games
there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the Big Ten.

Victory & Honor,
Jim




_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




_______________________________________________
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nwu-sports@tssi.com
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From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Thu Oct  8 08:50:53 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Thu Oct  8 08:54:19 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Northwestern MAKES Chicago a great sports town...
Message-ID: <20091008.085053.5524.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com>

Best Sports City: The list
http://www.sportingnews.com/general/article/2009-10-06/best-sports-city-list

4. Chicago + Evanston 

Fitz tweeted this, but my take is WTF?  Why not Chicago + Rosemont or Chicago(Wolves) + Schaumburg(Flyers) or Chicago + St. Charles(Cougars)?  Is NU really that big contribution to the Chicago sportstown scene?

I understand 10. Detroit + Ann Arbor + Ypsilanti or 37. Oklahoma City + Norman, but the things we have been talking about is miserable attendance of our football games.



____________________________________________________________
Photography
The Art Institutes. Get info on the photography program.
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/c?cp=VeYguWHE5sD2Q1fHzyHVfAAAJz7ALt5GO-C7JBKxLShv_Pw_AAQAAAAFAAAAAN9PTT4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhBJwAAAAA=

From thiegs at umn.edu  Thu Oct  8 09:14:55 2009
From: thiegs at umn.edu (Joe Thiegs)
Date: Thu Oct  8 09:15:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Northwestern MAKES Chicago a great sports town...
In-Reply-To: <20091008.085053.5524.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com>
References: <20091008.085053.5524.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <008901ca4821$b6357dc0$22a07940$@edu>

Two words: Women's Lacrosse.  :)



-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On
Behalf Of mlinhardt@netzero.com
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 8:51 AM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Cc: Maureen.Linhardt@plexus.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Northwestern MAKES Chicago a great sports town...

Best Sports City: The list
http://www.sportingnews.com/general/article/2009-10-06/best-sports-city-list

4. Chicago + Evanston 

Fitz tweeted this, but my take is WTF?  Why not Chicago + Rosemont or
Chicago(Wolves) + Schaumburg(Flyers) or Chicago + St. Charles(Cougars)?  Is
NU really that big contribution to the Chicago sportstown scene?

I understand 10. Detroit + Ann Arbor + Ypsilanti or 37. Oklahoma City +
Norman, but the things we have been talking about is miserable attendance of
our football games.



____________________________________________________________
Photography
The Art Institutes. Get info on the photography program.
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/c?cp=VeYguWHE5sD2Q1fHzyHVfAAAJz7
ALt5GO-C7JBKxLShv_Pw_AAQAAAAFAAAAAN9PTT4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhBJwAAAAA=

_______________________________________________
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nwu-sports@tssi.com
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From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Thu Oct  8 10:47:40 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Thu Oct  8 10:48:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02600894@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>	<8CC1598ACE852B6-5754-1016@webmail-d074.sysops.aol.com>
	<FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02600894@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>
Message-ID: <001901ca482e$ad3a6020$07af2060$@com>

The first thing you have to remember is that College sports do not fare well in towns with Pro Teams, particularly NFL football.

Yes Phoenix has good college football, but had it long before the Cardinals migrated to Phoenix, or wherever their stadium is now.

But LA is the only town that I can remember where College and Pro lived side by side and thrived.

Look at the markets: 
NY - NYU? Columbia? St. John's? all of the teams in NY are Div 1AA 2 or 3 and outside of scores on Sunday, are not seen in the daily papers (much of the time)

LA - no Pro football now, USC and UCLA are the only game in town.

Chicago - da Bares and 2 MLB teams suck up much of space in the media. NU had to fight N**** D*** for space in the "college section." Its even worse during Basketball - the Bulls, Hockey and the Hot Stove League for the Cubbies and Sox are the subject of many columns.

Atlanta - with Falcons, does have a pretty good College atmosphere, but GA Tech disappeared from the sports pages until Johnson revived the team. 

Miami - Yes the Hurricanes' draw well, but they've won how many national championships? There was a time nobody even knew about college ball in Miami.

Dallas - the Cowboys have dominated the media in DFW so well that even SMU and the Pony Express could only draw 25,000 playing in the old Cowboy field. UT-OU is a big story for the week of the game, then the Pokes take over until they're out of the Superbowl Chase.

Baltimore-Washington - overshadowed by the Ravens (or the Colts in the past), the Orioles and their machinations, and all the excitement in DC (Nationals and Congress). Maryland, with a decent team, still can't fill Byrd stadium. We know about Div IAA Towson but Georgetown, when the roundball team is winning is the only team getting decent coverage. Navy gets good articles in the Anapolis paper, but the big guys barely know they exist.

NU has to figure out how to create interest from the North side of Chicago - places where its hard to get folks excited. Skokie and other places near Evanston are now dominated by ethnic groups that don't identify with NU College Football. (Soccer, Men's Field Hockey and Crickett are more likely to be followed).

NU's alumni would be better served with later starts - 2:30 or 3 PM, it would give the alums who live out of town a chance to fly in, catch the game, and maybe fly out that night. Making that 11 AM start from the East Coast is tricky, even if you live in a Southwest Airlines city. Busses from Midway to the game would be cool too.

But that might be a good tie in for our Cats - work something out with Southwest to bring some of those DC Alums into Chi for the weekend. The same with LA. All you need to do is check the airline route maps - it works for the Texas schools.

I don?t want to discourage our guys from working this problem, but we may just have to really think out of the box.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Beamsley, Jeff
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 6:35 PM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium

It isn't so much tiny towns (A2 is not a tiny town), as it is tradition.  There is something very special (almost tribal) about crisp saturdays, tailgating with friends/family, and going to the game.  What is cool about tiny towns is that the crowd tends to take over the town, but it doesn't have to be that way to work.
 
NU has, so far, failed to create that tradition.  But the reality is that it is a tradition that dates back only 30 years or so.  So it is still possible to create a set of NU fans willing to create and perpetuate this tradition.  
 
Going to a bowl game every year is a great start.  
 
After that our AD has to find creative ways to make being an NU fan desirable.  
 
Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Wed 10/7/2009 3:08 PM
To: jleonard518@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




I have had 4 seats in Box 230 for a long time - since 1986 or so.? I could sometimes get all 4 occupied in the Barnett years (if the opponent was 'big' enough).? Nowadays it's all I can do to fill one of them (with me).? Family and friends are routinely invited - usually, they have other Saturday morning obligations, or the weather 'could get bad'...



I always invite my Dad or my nephew, but they have both found that the living room big-screen, monitoring multiple games, big easy chairs and cheap food and beverages is an easier way to enjoy college football - no parking hassles, no traffic



When I go to the state schools, I see older couples (who probably never attended the?school), who must've been attending games since they were married.? They probably come early, hang out with nearby parkers or old friends, then maybe shop or eat dinner in the big college town.? We hadn't had that 'experience' for years.? And our fans don't really need a trip to Evanston to enjoy friendship, shopping and dining.? Maybe we need to market to fans in tiny little towns.


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 12:17 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU needs to
improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience at Dyche
Stadium just isn't good.

Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short of
the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet this
year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten Network
may have hurt our cause somewhat too.

The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat Alley
doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful of schools
in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still don't get big
numbers.

The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game.

1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing for
them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher them off
the field.

2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard'
gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game.

3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the
announcements.

I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see games
there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the Big Ten.

Victory & Honor,
Jim


     

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From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Thu Oct  8 10:57:28 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Thu Oct  8 10:57:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Northwestern MAKES Chicago a great sports town...
In-Reply-To: <20091008.085053.5524.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <892344.93121.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Glad to see "Chicago+Evanston" and not "+South Bend" or "+Champaign" :)

But honestly, it's hard not to read the list of rankings and not laugh.

The top four are all great sports towns - but LA at #5?? The city that doesn't even have an NFL team and whose fans are notorious for leaving other sporting events as early as possible and only showing up when the team wins? That's great sports fans???

And Miami in the top 10 and Atlanta in the top 15? These are the two WORST sports towns ever. They can't even fill their stadiums or arenas for PLAYOFF games.

And further down the list: #50 Jacksonville, #51 Green Bay -- now, I am not a Packer fan, but this is just downright insulting. Both towns have only one major pro sports team. Jacksonville may not have a blackout lifted on the Jags this year, while Green Bay has a season ticket waiting list that goes on for generations. By whatever measure you would use -- fans, facilities, team performance, history, etc. -- there is no conceivable way Jacksonville outranks Green Bay in anything related to sports.

And those are just the things that jump off the page on a 5-second quick glance ... so even among silly, fun, debatable surveys and lists, this one is hard to take at face value.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!



      

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Thu Oct  8 11:02:32 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Thu Oct  8 11:02:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <001901ca482e$ad3a6020$07af2060$@com> from "Roy Lamberton" at Oct
	08, 2009 11:47:40 AM
Message-ID: <200910081602.n98G2WAi009340@romaine.tssi.com>

> But LA is the only town that I can remember where College and Pro lived side by side and thrived.

What pro football team is there in LA these days?
--
Mike Nolan

From cherron604 at aol.com  Thu Oct  8 11:57:58 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Thu Oct  8 11:58:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02600894@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com><8CC1598ACE852B6-5754-1016@webmail-d074.sysops.aol.com>
	<FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02600894@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>
Message-ID: <8CC164F9E60CF35-5754-EC21@webmail-d074.sysops.aol.com>


I think it would be great to upgrade the concessions - specialty items, smaller independent vendors offering their wares - and try to price concessions reasonably - a Pepsi should cost what it costs at Speedway, maybe chicken costs what it does at Jewel or KFC, locals agree to price their stuff the same as in their restaurants/bakeries.? Price the empty seats cheap to fill them, price the concessions cheap so families can afford them, price the souvenirs, t-shirts and programs cheap (I still think the poster programs we had back in the mid-90's were good, kids seemed to enjoy acquiring them)



I'd suggest turning the south end-zone into an 'infield' (ala indy or churchill downs - coolers, picnics and profane t-shirts), but I can't see the Evanston city fathers allowing that...



Chuck Herron?? Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Beamsley, Jeff <Jeff.Beamsley@covisint.com>
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Wed, Oct 7, 2009 5:35 pm
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




It isn't so much tiny towns (A2 is not a tiny town), as it is tradition.  There 
is something very special (almost tribal) about crisp saturdays, tailgating with 
friends/family, and going to the game.  What is cool about tiny towns is that 
the crowd tends to take over the town, but it doesn't have to be that way to 
work.
 
NU has, so far, failed to create that tradition.  But the reality is that it is 
a tradition that dates back only 30 years or so.  So it is still possible to 
create a set of NU fans willing to create and perpetuate this tradition.  
 
Going to a bowl game every year is a great start.  
 
After that our AD has to find creative ways to make being an NU fan desirable.  
 
Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It 
contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named 
addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it 
to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and 
then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Wed 10/7/2009 3:08 PM
To: jleonard518@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




I have had 4 seats in Box 230 for a long time - since 1986 or so.? I could 
sometimes get all 4 occupied in the Barnett years (if the opponent was 'big' 
enough).? Nowadays it's all I can do to fill one of them (with me).? Family and 
friends are routinely invited - usually, they have other Saturday morning 
obligations, or the weather 'could get bad'...



I always invite my Dad or my nephew, but they have both found that the living 
room big-screen, monitoring multiple games, big easy chairs and cheap food and 
beverages is an easier way to enjoy college football - no parking hassles, no 
traffic



When I go to the state schools, I see older couples (who probably never attended 
the?school), who must've been attending games since they were married.? They 
probably come early, hang out with nearby parke
rs or old friends, then maybe 
shop or eat dinner in the big college town.? We hadn't had that 'experience' for 
years.? And our fans don't really need a trip to Evanston to enjoy friendship, 
shopping and dining.? Maybe we need to market to fans in tiny little towns.


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 12:17 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

This falls somewhere between 719 and 751 on the top 800 things that NU needs to
improve, but it has been on my mind  a while. Our game day experience at Dyche
Stadium just isn't good.

Attendance is a huge part of that, and I'm not sure what can be done short of
the team winning consistently. Our home crowds haven't cracked 20,000 yet this
year in a city that has well over 3,000,000. I suspect that the Big Ten Network
may have hurt our cause somewhat too.

The other aspects of game day in Evanston need some attention too. Wildcat Alley
doesn't seem to draw all that well. We must be one of only a handful of schools
in America to literally give out free (good) beer and we still don't get big
numbers.

The part that really gets me is what goes on during the game.

1) We "honor" way too many people between quarters. It must be embarrassing for
them too, because there isn't typically enough applause to even usher them off
the field.

2) We have too many t-shirt giveaways and 'see yourself on the scoreboard'
gimmicks. It really feels like a minor league baseball game.

3) And the PA system just doesn't get it done. I rarely understand the
announcements.

I still love NU football and I don't have any issues with going to see games
there. But we have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the Big Ten.

Victory & Honor,
Jim


     

_______________________________________________
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nwu-sports@tssi.com
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orts site list
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From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Thu Oct  8 14:16:48 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Thu Oct  8 14:20:29 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <20091008.141648.11778.3@webmail01.dca.untd.com>

Duh, college team -> UCLA and pro team -> USC
---------- Original Message ----------
Mike Nolan wrote...

> But LA is the only town that I can remember where College and Pro lived side by side and thrived.

What pro football team is there in LA these days?


____________________________________________________________
Top Online Degrees
Earn your AS, BS, or Masters degree from the top schools, 100% online!
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From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Thu Oct  8 14:25:08 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Thu Oct  8 14:27:02 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're 32nd, but the school from South Bend is 199th
Message-ID: <20091008.142508.11778.4@webmail01.dca.untd.com>

Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2009 
Top 200 world universities 
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/Rankings2009-Top200.html

Mee-chigan 19
Northwestern 32
Wisky 61
Ill-whine-I 63
Pur-doo 87
Mini-soda 105
We Are... 120
Dot-the-I 129
Big Banana 193

I see no Iowa, nor Michigan State





____________________________________________________________
Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/BLSrjnxRO9pFXTs3sYPg5lcXTOEsRxWWYUOhTBRovVZJKJPHXBUmIcpXbqQ/

From sportsbiz at gmail.com  Thu Oct  8 15:29:22 2009
From: sportsbiz at gmail.com (Mark S. Ament)
Date: Thu Oct  8 15:29:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're 32nd, but the school from South Bend is 199th
In-Reply-To: <20091008.142508.11778.4@webmail01.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <4ace4bab.0d84100a.3df5.6653@mx.google.com>

Hyde Park you was 7 and inexplicable to me Carnegie-Mellon was 27. ?I don't see that one at all.


Mark S. Ament
sportsbiz@gmail.com


--sent from my Palm Pre

mlinhardt@netzero.com wrote:

Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2009 

Top 200 world universities 

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/Rankings2009-Top200.html



Mee-chigan 19

Northwestern 32

Wisky 61

Ill-whine-I 63

Pur-doo 87

Mini-soda 105

We Are... 120

Dot-the-I 129

Big Banana 193



I see no Iowa, nor Michigan State











____________________________________________________________

Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!

http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/BLSrjnxRO9pFXTs3sYPg5lcXTOEsRxWWYUOhTBRovVZJKJPHXBUmIcpXbqQ/



_______________________________________________

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From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Thu Oct  8 16:12:42 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Thu Oct  8 16:12:45 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're 32nd, but the school from South Bend is 199th
In-Reply-To: <4ace4bab.0d84100a.3df5.6653@mx.google.com> from "Mark S. Ament"
	at Oct 08, 2009 04:29:22 PM
Message-ID: <200910082112.n98LCgCZ011105@romaine.tssi.com>

> Hyde Park you was 7 and inexplicable to me Carnegie-Mellon was 27. ??I don't see that one at all.

My older son went to CMU for several years, and worked in their IT department
for over a decade, they're a great school.  
--
Mike Nolan

From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Thu Oct  8 16:21:18 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Thu Oct  8 16:21:30 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're 32nd, but the school from South Bend is 199th
In-Reply-To: <200910082112.n98LCgCZ011105@romaine.tssi.com>
References: <4ace4bab.0d84100a.3df5.6653@mx.google.com> from "Mark S. Ament"at
	Oct 08,
	2009 04:29:22 PM <200910082112.n98LCgCZ011105@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA0270C9A6@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

Niece went there for grad school in public policy. Ditto.  Shadyside and Squirrel Hill are also very cool neighborhoods.

Jeff 


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Mike Nolan
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 5:13 PM
To: sportsbiz@gmail.com
Cc: Maureen.Linhardt@plexus.com; mlinhardt@netzero.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] We're 32nd, but the school from South Bend is 199th

> Hyde Park you was 7 and inexplicable to me Carnegie-Mellon was 27. ? I don't see that one at all.

My older son went to CMU for several years, and worked in their IT department for over a decade, they're a great school.  
--
Mike Nolan

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From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Thu Oct  8 23:22:32 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Thu Oct  8 23:22:37 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Another classic ...
Message-ID: <734166.60671.qm@web52905.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

It may have been on ESPN Classic, but I don't think it made the Big Ten Network's list before ... in any case, set your DVRs accordingly and be sure to remind any Bucknut friends you know to tune in:) ...

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13:
8 PM ET
THE BIG TEN'S GREATEST GAMES
Ohio State at Northwestern (October 2, 2004)
Noah Herron's 1-yard overtime touchdown run was the difference in Northwestern's 33-27 shocker at Ryan Field in Evanston. Though the Buckeyes rallied to score 10 points in the final nine minutes and force overtime, Northwestern handed the Buckeyes their first loss in Evanston since 1958. Herron scored three touchdowns and Mark Philmore had 134 yards receiving and a touchdown. 


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Fri Oct  9 09:12:54 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Fri Oct  9 09:13:02 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Another classic ...
In-Reply-To: <734166.60671.qm@web52905.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <14652.90309.qm@web33105.mail.mud.yahoo.com>


> TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13:
> 8 PM ET
> THE BIG TEN'S GREATEST GAMES
> Ohio State at Northwestern (October 2, 2004)

Cool. 

Also, I think there's a BTN "greatest seasons" show on the '95 Cats season sometime Saturday--3pm Central maybe? I assume it's new, but may be a rerun.

Tom

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Fri Oct  9 10:31:12 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Fri Oct  9 10:31:40 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Another classic ...
In-Reply-To: <14652.90309.qm@web33105.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <734166.60671.qm@web52905.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
	<14652.90309.qm@web33105.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910090831g39c77a20k884439f292120da7@mail.gmail.com>

Yes, it's new, more information here:

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/corporate/Two-Football-Specials.asp

(Also, the new bowl lineup beginning after the 2010 season will be announced
on Tuesday the 13th @ 10PM CT).

Jonathan

On Fri, Oct 9, 2009 at 9:12 AM, Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
> > TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13:
> > 8 PM ET
> > THE BIG TEN'S GREATEST GAMES
> > Ohio State at Northwestern (October 2, 2004)
>
> Cool.
>
> Also, I think there's a BTN "greatest seasons" show on the '95 Cats season
> sometime Saturday--3pm Central maybe? I assume it's new, but may be a rerun.
>
> Tom
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From martinitis at aol.com  Fri Oct  9 22:04:39 2009
From: martinitis at aol.com (martinitis@aol.com)
Date: Fri Oct  9 22:05:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Wildcat Walk
Message-ID: <8CC176D8A3D2443-AFF0-100B@webmail-d017.sysops.aol.com>


Is anyone still about that knows what time the Cats Team makes it walk downWildcat Ally tomorrow morning befor the game?



Lou
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Fri Oct  9 22:47:08 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Fri Oct  9 22:47:37 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Wildcat Walk
In-Reply-To: <8CC176D8A3D2443-AFF0-100B@webmail-d017.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC176D8A3D2443-AFF0-100B@webmail-d017.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910092047v4e47e88bsf391f7332a5545d3@mail.gmail.com>

I believe it's usually 8:45AM or so, and is technically down "Walker Way"
(the buses stop at Ashland between the stadium and the indoor practice
facility).

Note that last game Wildcat Alley was actually on the north (real grass)
practice field and not on the baseball field so it was a little further away
than usual.

Also, in case any season ticket holder hasn't redeemed their free ticket to
a nonconference game, NU said they'll have a redemption stand in Wildcat
Alley in the morning.  And, it's "take a kid to the game day" where buying
one end zone seat the day of the game gets you 2 free kids tickets.  So,
lots of options to get cheap/free seats tomorrow.

Jonathan

On Fri, Oct 9, 2009 at 10:04 PM, <martinitis@aol.com> wrote:

>
> Is anyone still about that knows what time the Cats Team makes it walk
> downWildcat Ally tomorrow morning befor the game?
>
>
>
> Lou
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 10 12:23:50 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 10 12:23:55 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] First half thoughts ...
Message-ID: <71090.711.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

The good first ... Coach Hank clearly got after the defense. There were some good sticks that first drive and our tackling has been noticeably better (though in some cases, it's led to stupid penalties).

The bad side ... there's no sign that Coach McCall or the O-line got the memo from last weekend. One and a half good drives, but just as many frustrating plays. Like not even getting a play call in to stall the first drive ... or a short running play on 3rd and long (something the guys in the booth later called a boo-play because it would rightfully draw boos from the fans) ... and with 2nd and 1 in position to score late in the half, we have three blah play calls in a row to turn it over (to be fair, the 2nd down call was more the back and O-line's fault). 

Special teams are a mixed bag and I love seeing that weather come into play, but we should be feeling a bit queasy going into the locker room only up 10-0 right now (thank you, D!). We had a chance to make this a 21-0 game early if we execute, block and call better plays on offense. Fitz needs to light a fire under the offense and under McCall specifically. He's had enough time to get on the same page as the players with the offense now - it's time for him to start calling decent games instead of all these wasted opportunities.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

PS - Good to see Nick Roach interviewed and so glad he's shining right now for da Bears! It is a testament to how far the NU program has come over the past 10-15 years that you can usually find at least one player during the MNF or SNF introductions say "Northwestern!" Purple pride!

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 10 14:12:12 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 10 14:12:30 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
Message-ID: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

You don't get to say this often as a Northwestern football fan, but that was a thoroughly BLAH victory.

Thank you defense for showing up. Offense, ya got some work to do.

This game was what we were expecting in September and would have been perfectly acceptable as a fan early in the season -- a dominant defense wins the game for our inconsistent offense.

But it's October, the middle of the season and we expect the offense to be a bit better by now -- but they actually seem to have gotten worse the past few weeks. Late play calls, optional blocking on the line, inconsistent play calls and execution. From coordinator McCall down to the O-line, this is not what we expect of our players in purple. Kafka has been the bright spot this year, but he can't do it alone. And with the games coming up, we need MUCH better play out of our offense.

On the flip side, the defense seems to be getting better and came into Saturday's game with a hard-hitting attitude. It sure is nice to have McManis back, and our D-line stepped it up nicely in Wootton's absence. I think Coach Hank needs to give McCall some pointers on adjustments and attitude.

So nice to get the win, and we certainly needed it to go to 4-2, but we need a far, far better performance on the offensive side of the ball -- especially in converting opportunities (we had great field position ALL DAY and squandered it!) and getting six instead of trying for three -- the rest of the way.

Around the league ...

* ILLINOIS is officially the "stick a fork in 'em" team this year. They're done. They've quit on Zook. They have too much raw talent to go winless in league play, so NU better not slip up when we visit Champaign, but we can erase them from the bowl prediction chart at the midway mark already. On the flip side, MSU seems to have found their rhythm just in time for a visit from the Cats. Ugh.

* PENN STATE found their offense a few weeks too late for the Iowa game. Still, bad news for Michigan and OSU. Don't count JoePa out of a return to Pasadena just yet.

* MINNESOTA didn't look impressive, but they got a much-needed win against the butterfinger Boilers. Purdue is the anti-Illinois ... they're playing their guts out and you have to feel for them with so many close losses, but they just can't get over that hump.

We have showdown Saturday in the defense-optional SEC coming up, but there are also two mega-matchups in Big Ten land at the Shoe and Kinnick. Should be a fun day for football fans everywhere to enjoy.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT



* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 10 14:14:01 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 10 14:14:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
In-Reply-To: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <80548408-1255202037-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-852829061-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

I was going to call it ho-hum.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "SjT \(Stephen J. Truog\)" <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:12:12 
To: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami

You don't get to say this often as a Northwestern football fan, but that was a thoroughly BLAH victory.

Thank you defense for showing up. Offense, ya got some work to do.

This game was what we were expecting in September and would have been perfectly acceptable as a fan early in the season -- a dominant defense wins the game for our inconsistent offense.

But it's October, the middle of the season and we expect the offense to be a bit better by now -- but they actually seem to have gotten worse the past few weeks. Late play calls, optional blocking on the line, inconsistent play calls and execution. From coordinator McCall down to the O-line, this is not what we expect of our players in purple. Kafka has been the bright spot this year, but he can't do it alone. And with the games coming up, we need MUCH better play out of our offense.

On the flip side, the defense seems to be getting better and came into Saturday's game with a hard-hitting attitude. It sure is nice to have McManis back, and our D-line stepped it up nicely in Wootton's absence. I think Coach Hank needs to give McCall some pointers on adjustments and attitude.

So nice to get the win, and we certainly needed it to go to 4-2, but we need a far, far better performance on the offensive side of the ball -- especially in converting opportunities (we had great field position ALL DAY and squandered it!) and getting six instead of trying for three -- the rest of the way.

Around the league ...

* ILLINOIS is officially the "stick a fork in 'em" team this year. They're done. They've quit on Zook. They have too much raw talent to go winless in league play, so NU better not slip up when we visit Champaign, but we can erase them from the bowl prediction chart at the midway mark already. On the flip side, MSU seems to have found their rhythm just in time for a visit from the Cats. Ugh.

* PENN STATE found their offense a few weeks too late for the Iowa game. Still, bad news for Michigan and OSU. Don't count JoePa out of a return to Pasadena just yet.

* MINNESOTA didn't look impressive, but they got a much-needed win against the butterfinger Boilers. Purdue is the anti-Illinois ... they're playing their guts out and you have to feel for them with so many close losses, but they just can't get over that hump.

We have showdown Saturday in the defense-optional SEC coming up, but there are also two mega-matchups in Big Ten land at the Shoe and Kinnick. Should be a fun day for football fans everywhere to enjoy.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT



* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct 10 15:24:32 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct 10 15:25:03 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Inspiring game?
Message-ID: <91DA0D2BBA1A4E6FB948D3F28BB3FACD@DennisMachine>

Nah!  This game wasn't good enough to be called inspiring, win notwithstanding.  The situation does not bode well for next week, although the Cats have been known to rise to the occasion just as they stooped to today's challenge.  Don't tout today's defensive effort too much.  Thank an inept Miami offense that must have dropped 184 passes.  We had sacks but most of the time did not have a good pass rush and virtually none with just the front four.  I expected Vince Browne to become a horse this season, but he has disappointed in spite of a sack today.  Maybe he's not healed yet.  The running game is a major concern, and it doesn't appear to be just an offensive line problem.  Oh my, do we ever have to play better next week.  I also expected Jeremy Ebert to shine this season, but he is hardly used.
From hakirsch at aol.com  Sat Oct 10 15:40:42 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 10 15:40:21 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
In-Reply-To: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <2138176625-1255207214-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-186315083-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

We won.   That's all that matters.  We have had a history of losing a game every year against teams we probably shouldn't be playing incuding miami(in 95). This beats a close loss

Harry
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "SjT \(Stephen J. Truog\)" <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:12:12 
To: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami

You don't get to say this often as a Northwestern football fan, but that was a thoroughly BLAH victory.

Thank you defense for showing up. Offense, ya got some work to do.

This game was what we were expecting in September and would have been perfectly acceptable as a fan early in the season -- a dominant defense wins the game for our inconsistent offense.

But it's October, the middle of the season and we expect the offense to be a bit better by now -- but they actually seem to have gotten worse the past few weeks. Late play calls, optional blocking on the line, inconsistent play calls and execution. From coordinator McCall down to the O-line, this is not what we expect of our players in purple. Kafka has been the bright spot this year, but he can't do it alone. And with the games coming up, we need MUCH better play out of our offense.

On the flip side, the defense seems to be getting better and came into Saturday's game with a hard-hitting attitude. It sure is nice to have McManis back, and our D-line stepped it up nicely in Wootton's absence. I think Coach Hank needs to give McCall some pointers on adjustments and attitude.

So nice to get the win, and we certainly needed it to go to 4-2, but we need a far, far better performance on the offensive side of the ball -- especially in converting opportunities (we had great field position ALL DAY and squandered it!) and getting six instead of trying for three -- the rest of the way.

Around the league ...

* ILLINOIS is officially the "stick a fork in 'em" team this year. They're done. They've quit on Zook. They have too much raw talent to go winless in league play, so NU better not slip up when we visit Champaign, but we can erase them from the bowl prediction chart at the midway mark already. On the flip side, MSU seems to have found their rhythm just in time for a visit from the Cats. Ugh.

* PENN STATE found their offense a few weeks too late for the Iowa game. Still, bad news for Michigan and OSU. Don't count JoePa out of a return to Pasadena just yet.

* MINNESOTA didn't look impressive, but they got a much-needed win against the butterfinger Boilers. Purdue is the anti-Illinois ... they're playing their guts out and you have to feel for them with so many close losses, but they just can't get over that hump.

We have showdown Saturday in the defense-optional SEC coming up, but there are also two mega-matchups in Big Ten land at the Shoe and Kinnick. Should be a fun day for football fans everywhere to enjoy.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT



* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From hakirsch at aol.com  Sat Oct 10 15:49:17 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 10 15:48:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
In-Reply-To: <2138176625-1255207214-cardhu_blackberry.rim.net-copy_sent_folder-1223925534-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
References: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com><2138176625-1255207214-cardhu_blackberry.rim.net-copy_sent_folder-1223925534-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <1627886220-1255207729-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1454754946-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Speaking of a different miami,NU again ,has had an alum indicted. Alan Mendohlsen, a dorm mate of mine and hard working 6 year Med student, was charged with illegally funneling money meant for his lobby group to his children and mistress
 
Apparantly he was quite a fund raiser for Gov Crist

Combine this with my classmate Blago and it looks like  the classes of the late 70 and early 80s are making quite a notorious name for themselves

Harry
Harry
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: hakirsch@aol.com
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:40:42 
To: SjT \(Stephen J. Truog\)<sjtruog@yahoo.com>; <nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com>; <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] NU-Miami

We won.   That's all that matters.  We have had a history of losing a game every year against teams we probably shouldn't be playing incuding miami(in 95). This beats a close loss

Harry
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "SjT \(Stephen J. Truog\)" <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:12:12 
To: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami

You don't get to say this often as a Northwestern football fan, but that was a thoroughly BLAH victory.

Thank you defense for showing up. Offense, ya got some work to do.

This game was what we were expecting in September and would have been perfectly acceptable as a fan early in the season -- a dominant defense wins the game for our inconsistent offense.

But it's October, the middle of the season and we expect the offense to be a bit better by now -- but they actually seem to have gotten worse the past few weeks. Late play calls, optional blocking on the line, inconsistent play calls and execution. From coordinator McCall down to the O-line, this is not what we expect of our players in purple. Kafka has been the bright spot this year, but he can't do it alone. And with the games coming up, we need MUCH better play out of our offense.

On the flip side, the defense seems to be getting better and came into Saturday's game with a hard-hitting attitude. It sure is nice to have McManis back, and our D-line stepped it up nicely in Wootton's absence. I think Coach Hank needs to give McCall some pointers on adjustments and attitude.

So nice to get the win, and we certainly needed it to go to 4-2, but we need a far, far better performance on the offensive side of the ball -- especially in converting opportunities (we had great field position ALL DAY and squandered it!) and getting six instead of trying for three -- the rest of the way.

Around the league ...

* ILLINOIS is officially the "stick a fork in 'em" team this year. They're done. They've quit on Zook. They have too much raw talent to go winless in league play, so NU better not slip up when we visit Champaign, but we can erase them from the bowl prediction chart at the midway mark already. On the flip side, MSU seems to have found their rhythm just in time for a visit from the Cats. Ugh.

* PENN STATE found their offense a few weeks too late for the Iowa game. Still, bad news for Michigan and OSU. Don't count JoePa out of a return to Pasadena just yet.

* MINNESOTA didn't look impressive, but they got a much-needed win against the butterfinger Boilers. Purdue is the anti-Illinois ... they're playing their guts out and you have to feel for them with so many close losses, but they just can't get over that hump.

We have showdown Saturday in the defense-optional SEC coming up, but there are also two mega-matchups in Big Ten land at the Shoe and Kinnick. Should be a fun day for football fans everywhere to enjoy.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT



* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 10 17:20:38 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Sat Oct 10 17:20:57 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
In-Reply-To: <1627886220-1255207729-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1454754946-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
References: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com><2138176625-1255207214-cardhu_blackberry.rim.net-copy_sent_folder-1223925534-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<1627886220-1255207729-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1454754946-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <916376.24476.qm@web36803.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

well.... A win is a win, but NU deserved that as much as President Obama deserved his Nobel Prize. 

I think we can beat Indiana and Illinois, but if we're going to steal a 7th win, we must be able to run the ball better. 

Go Cats!
Jim





----- Original Message ----


      

From eschoeman at sbcglobal.net  Sat Oct 10 19:11:12 2009
From: eschoeman at sbcglobal.net (Evans Schoeman)
Date: Sat Oct 10 19:11:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
In-Reply-To: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <831738.76510.qm@web83916.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>

A win, but uninspired and uninspiring.

Playtime is over, Cats.? The next 6 will be just a tad tougher than the first 6.? We have shown flashes of play that would enable us to win all of them (or at least 4), but we can also go 0-6, too.

Which will it be?




________________________________
From: SjT (Stephen J. Truog) <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Saturday, October 10, 2009 2:12:12 PM
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami

You don't get to say this often as a Northwestern football fan, but that was a thoroughly BLAH victory.

Thank you defense for showing up. Offense, ya got some work to do.

This game was what we were expecting in September and would have been perfectly acceptable as a fan early in the season -- a dominant defense wins the game for our inconsistent offense.

But it's October, the middle of the season and we expect the offense to be a bit better by now -- but they actually seem to have gotten worse the past few weeks. Late play calls, optional blocking on the line, inconsistent play calls and execution. From coordinator McCall down to the O-line, this is not what we expect of our players in purple. Kafka has been the bright spot this year, but he can't do it alone. And with the games coming up, we need MUCH better play out of our offense.

On the flip side, the defense seems to be getting better and came into Saturday's game with a hard-hitting attitude. It sure is nice to have McManis back, and our D-line stepped it up nicely in Wootton's absence. I think Coach Hank needs to give McCall some pointers on adjustments and attitude.

So nice to get the win, and we certainly needed it to go to 4-2, but we need a far, far better performance on the offensive side of the ball -- especially in converting opportunities (we had great field position ALL DAY and squandered it!) and getting six instead of trying for three -- the rest of the way.

Around the league ...

* ILLINOIS is officially the "stick a fork in 'em" team this year. They're done. They've quit on Zook. They have too much raw talent to go winless in league play, so NU better not slip up when we visit Champaign, but we can erase them from the bowl prediction chart at the midway mark already. On the flip side, MSU seems to have found their rhythm just in time for a visit from the Cats. Ugh.

* PENN STATE found their offense a few weeks too late for the Iowa game. Still, bad news for Michigan and OSU. Don't count JoePa out of a return to Pasadena just yet.

* MINNESOTA didn't look impressive, but they got a much-needed win against the butterfinger Boilers. Purdue is the anti-Illinois ... they're playing their guts out and you have to feel for them with so many close losses, but they just can't get over that hump.

We have showdown Saturday in the defense-optional SEC coming up, but there are also two mega-matchups in Big Ten land at the Shoe and Kinnick. Should be a fun day for football fans everywhere to enjoy.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT



* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


? ? ? 

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
From eschoeman at sbcglobal.net  Sat Oct 10 19:17:24 2009
From: eschoeman at sbcglobal.net (Evans Schoeman)
Date: Sat Oct 10 19:17:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
In-Reply-To: <916376.24476.qm@web36803.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com><2138176625-1255207214-cardhu_blackberry.rim.net-copy_sent_folder-1223925534-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<1627886220-1255207729-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1454754946-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<916376.24476.qm@web36803.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <754902.33731.qm@web83908.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>

7 wins means a 4-4 Big Ten record, which would probably tie us with a bunch of teams.? Best case would probably be a trip to Detroit.? Would anyone be satisfied with that?





________________________________
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 10, 2009 5:20:38 PM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] NU-Miami

well.... A win is a win, but NU deserved that as much as President Obama deserved his Nobel Prize. 

I think we can beat Indiana and Illinois, but if we're going to steal a 7th win, we must be able to run the ball better. 

Go Cats!
Jim





----- Original Message ----


? ? ? 

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 10 20:44:15 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Sat Oct 10 20:44:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
In-Reply-To: <754902.33731.qm@web83908.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
References: <135169.44498.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com><2138176625-1255207214-cardhu_blackberry.rim.net-copy_sent_folder-1223925534-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<1627886220-1255207729-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1454754946-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<916376.24476.qm@web36803.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<754902.33731.qm@web83908.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <941254.11196.qm@web36803.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

My personal goals for the program are to have a winning record every year and to finally win a bowl game. If we got to Detroit and managed to win, I'd be thrilled. I would agree that on any given Saturday the remaining six are all winnable, but I feel that Syracuse was supposed to be win #7, and we'll land at 6-6.

Go Cats!
Jim




________________________________
From: Evans Schoeman <eschoeman@sbcglobal.net>
To: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>; Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Sat, October 10, 2009 7:17:24 PM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] NU-Miami


7 wins means a 4-4 Big Ten record, which would probably tie us with a bunch of teams.  Best case would probably be a trip to Detroit.  Would anyone be satisfied with that?


      
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 10 22:39:11 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 10 22:39:31 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening edition ...
Message-ID: <9223.19624.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Good game under the lights in Kinnick. A tad too many turnovers on both sides to see either one making a serious run at the Roses, but exciting nonetheless. Looks like Iowa's starting to take control and that should set up some HUGE road games at Madison next weekend and at Columbus in November.

Not much of a game in the afternoon as OSU's defense gets more impressive each week. If they start scoring in addition to shutting people down, then they should be headed for a rematch with SC in Pasadena.

You could fill many a' Sunday papers with the clueless statements made by John "The Buffoon" Saunders on ABC's college studio show (and you'd have matching visual shots of the clueless looks from Jesse "The Bachelor" Palmer) ... some doozies from the Michigan-Iowa halftime:

- Everyone would agree that VaTech is the best one-loss team in the country. Really? Would people out west agree to that, John? A team that barely beat Dook last week and struggled most of the game at home before scraping by Nebraska is better than the team that went into the Horseshoe and won??? You can make a case for the Hokies, but it's far from unanimous.

- Johnny also got his nodding head of a co-host to agree that the winner of tonight's game is the team to beat in the Big Ten. Really, John? Even with Michigan having a loss? Even with Iowa having to visit Columbus, Madison and East Lansing yet? Even with PSU coming on strong after their traditional mental block with Iowa? Did you SEE the last four games by OSU's defense? Did you see the turnovers by Iowa and Michigan?

- And finally, he rightfully rushed with the pack to defend Bobby Bowden ... yet a few years ago, seems like John -- in his early days of Big Ten bias -- was one of the leaders of the "JoePa is too old" crowd.

Oh well, it's not the dull talking heads on CBS' halftime show. But they at least know which side of their bread gets buttered. While John can't wait to snipe at the Big Ten, the CBS folk fell all over themselves today to show how strong and deep the SEC was, despite Vandy losing to Army ... or the team that lost at home to UCLA destroying "major power" Georgia ... or mediocre Arkansas showing that Wisconsin wasn't the unbeaten team that should heva been left out of the polls ... or trying to convince us that Ole Miss is still a good team. See, the CBS studio team knows that if you just keep saying how awesome the SEC is and how deep and almighty the league is, sooner or later people will just start believing it instead of realizing that it's a league with three great teams and a whole lot of mediocrity after that ... not all that different from the other major conferences.

Oh yeah, and reason #24601 that baseball sucks is that they CANCEL a playoff game due to cold. Boo frickin' hoo, suck it up roid ragers! A clever ploy by Bud Selig to move more games back to the middle of the weekday because NO ONE WATCHES OR CARES on the weekend when you have football games going on!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From herms at hotmail.com  Sat Oct 10 23:13:16 2009
From: herms at hotmail.com (Herman Wang)
Date: Sat Oct 10 23:13:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening edition ...
In-Reply-To: <9223.19624.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <9223.19624.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <SNT104-W36EF0911843E0A9625B71FAEC90@phx.gbl>

Ummm....baseball involves a very hard projectile being launched 90-plus mph towards a batter.  Wet, slippery ball = potentially deadly wild pitch headed straight for a batter's head.  Not to mention the optical challenges of spotting the pitch through a background of swirling white snow.  MLB made a very defensible decision to postpone the game.

Go 'Cats!
Herman


> Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:39:11 -0700
> From: sjtruog@yahoo.com
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Subject: [NU Sports] Evening edition ...
> 
> Good game under the lights in Kinnick. A tad too many turnovers on both sides to see either one making a serious run at the Roses, but exciting nonetheless. Looks like Iowa's starting to take control and that should set up some HUGE road games at Madison next weekend and at Columbus in November.
> 
> Not much of a game in the afternoon as OSU's defense gets more impressive each week. If they start scoring in addition to shutting people down, then they should be headed for a rematch with SC in Pasadena.
> 
> You could fill many a' Sunday papers with the clueless statements made by John "The Buffoon" Saunders on ABC's college studio show (and you'd have matching visual shots of the clueless looks from Jesse "The Bachelor" Palmer) ... some doozies from the Michigan-Iowa halftime:
> 
> - Everyone would agree that VaTech is the best one-loss team in the country. Really? Would people out west agree to that, John? A team that barely beat Dook last week and struggled most of the game at home before scraping by Nebraska is better than the team that went into the Horseshoe and won??? You can make a case for the Hokies, but it's far from unanimous.
> 
> - Johnny also got his nodding head of a co-host to agree that the winner of tonight's game is the team to beat in the Big Ten. Really, John? Even with Michigan having a loss? Even with Iowa having to visit Columbus, Madison and East Lansing yet? Even with PSU coming on strong after their traditional mental block with Iowa? Did you SEE the last four games by OSU's defense? Did you see the turnovers by Iowa and Michigan?
> 
> - And finally, he rightfully rushed with the pack to defend Bobby Bowden ... yet a few years ago, seems like John -- in his early days of Big Ten bias -- was one of the leaders of the "JoePa is too old" crowd.
> 
> Oh well, it's not the dull talking heads on CBS' halftime show. But they at least know which side of their bread gets buttered. While John can't wait to snipe at the Big Ten, the CBS folk fell all over themselves today to show how strong and deep the SEC was, despite Vandy losing to Army ... or the team that lost at home to UCLA destroying "major power" Georgia ... or mediocre Arkansas showing that Wisconsin wasn't the unbeaten team that should heva been left out of the polls ... or trying to convince us that Ole Miss is still a good team. See, the CBS studio team knows that if you just keep saying how awesome the SEC is and how deep and almighty the league is, sooner or later people will just start believing it instead of realizing that it's a league with three great teams and a whole lot of mediocrity after that ... not all that different from the other major conferences.
> 
> Oh yeah, and reason #24601 that baseball sucks is that they CANCEL a playoff game due to cold. Boo frickin' hoo, suck it up roid ragers! A clever ploy by Bud Selig to move more games back to the middle of the weekday because NO ONE WATCHES OR CARES on the weekend when you have football games going on!
> 
> GO CATS!!!
> -SjT
> 
> * * * * * * * * *
> STEPHEN J. TRUOG
> sjtruog@yahoo.com
> GO CATS!!!
> 
> 
>       
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
 		 	   		  
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 10 23:32:22 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 10 23:32:26 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening edition ...
In-Reply-To: <SNT104-W36EF0911843E0A9625B71FAEC90@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <253281.98429.qm@web52911.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

>  Ummm....baseball involves a very hard projectile being
> launched 90-plus mph towards a batter.??Wet,
> slippery ball = potentially deadly wild pitch headed
> straight for a batter's head.??Not to mention
> the optical challenges of spotting the pitch through a
> background of swirling white snow.??MLB made a
> very defensible decision to postpone the game.

Take two doses of sarcasm, one dose of natural distaste for "America's Pasttime" in an era where only 6-8 big-market teams have legit chances of winning and throw in one more dose of editorializing about the absurd length of the modern baseball season into November ... and call me in the morning.

:)

GO CATS!!!
-SjT




      

From tbng at comcast.net  Sun Oct 11 04:36:32 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sun Oct 11 04:36:52 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening edition ...
References: <9223.19624.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <636E3CEEFAA54B46B950C6AAF486DC82@DennisMachine>

> Oh yeah, and reason #24601 that baseball sucks is that they CANCEL a 
> playoff game due to cold. Boo frickin' hoo, suck it up roid ragers! A 
> clever ploy by Bud Selig to move more games back to the middle of the 
> weekday because NO ONE WATCHES OR CARES on the weekend when you have 
> football games going on!
>
Baloney!  I will not miss a pitch of my beloved Phillies' games, anytime, 
anywhere.  The cancellation of last night's game indicates 1) everyone 
should build retractable domed stadiums and/or 2) it's time to return to 
twi-night and Sunday doubleheaders, can interleague play, and shorten the 
season prior to the playoffs. 

From hakirsch at aol.com  Sun Oct 11 08:30:01 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct 11 08:30:11 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening edition ...
Message-ID: <360089050-1255267802-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-354144354-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

I'm sure dennis will be rooting hard for Happ and the phillies today.  If we do by chance have a yankee /philly world series it would pit an NU alum manager vs an NU alum player.  

Harry 
------Original Message------
From: Dennis W. Brandt
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: SjT \(Stephen J. Truog\)
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Evening edition ...
Sent: Oct 11, 2009 2:36 AM

> Oh yeah, and reason #24601 that baseball sucks is that they CANCEL a 
> playoff game due to cold. Boo frickin' hoo, suck it up roid ragers! A 
> clever ploy by Bud Selig to move more games back to the middle of the 
> weekday because NO ONE WATCHES OR CARES on the weekend when you have 
> football games going on!
>
Baloney!  I will not miss a pitch of my beloved Phillies' games, anytime, 
anywhere.  The cancellation of last night's game indicates 1) everyone 
should build retractable domed stadiums and/or 2) it's time to return to 
twi-night and Sunday doubleheaders, can interleague play, and shorten the 
season prior to the playoffs. 

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From wildelk2 at aol.com  Sun Oct 11 08:49:25 2009
From: wildelk2 at aol.com (wildelk2@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct 11 08:50:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910061712s215847bnd550631ea1d9fee6@mail.gmail.com>
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com><241300.11458.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
	<411703.48381.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<fcb3ee270910061712s215847bnd550631ea1d9fee6@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1890C7428EAF-5610-13EE6@webmail-d071.sysops.aol.com>


?? One place we can start by gettibg a better starting time is Labor Day weekend, presuming we play at home.?? Wht not play on Sunday afternoon?? A 1:00 kick on Sunday, on BTN, beats an 11:00 AM kickoff on Saturday.? Or even play on Labor Day?

?? Just a thought...?? Eric


-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
To: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
Cc: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:12 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




Some good ideas, especially the seat auctions - I don't know why that
haven't tried that already.  I agree completely that the price to take a
family to the game (ticket & concessions) is just too much.  A picnic area
or something like that where families can at least bring in food may be a
good idea.  I think families are a key part of the equation long term since
it breeds potential lifelong NU fans.

I don't think decreasing the number of seats would do much good, as NU
really benefits from that revenue when the games do sell out.  And I don't
think empty seats on TV really do that much (and, they rarely show that part
of the stadium anyways).  For comparison, Stanford's old stadium had an
80,000+ capacity and their new stadium is 50,000 or so.  Unless NU is going
to drop the number down to the 30,000s it wouldn't really be worth it, and I
don't think it would do a whole lot of good (people are going to show up
just because there are less seats?).

Regarding NUMB (another issue frequently discussed on LTP), I believe a
location just beyond the north end zone (the area in front of the locker
room) would be optimal.  It would allow them to be heard in more areas of
the stadium (i.e. the west stands), free up seats, and allow the band to
actually see the student section they're supposedly interacting with.  (I
thought this when I was in NUMB as well).

Finally, about the start times.  I believe the Big Ten contract with
ESPN/ABC prevents them from placing games on the BTN during certain
restricted time periods (ABC 2:30PM CT afternoon games), which means it's
either 11AM or 6PM.  And the 6PM games on BTN are exclusive time windows
that must be announced before the season starts, and Big Ten policy doesn't
allow conference night games in November/December.  There's also the
Evanston opposition to too many night games.  So, NU is basically stuck with
11AM starts.  That's the price of having every home game available
nationally on TV, which arguably brings a lot more attention than starting
the games in the afterno
on with no TV coverage.

Jonathan

On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 5:04 PM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> A new stadium is too much to hope for in the next 15-20 years, but it sure
> would be nice. A lakefront stadium would be a beautiful setting for game
> days, but I don't think it makes the traffic/commuting issues any easier.
>
> Here are a few things that I think we could potentially do in the short
> term:
>
> 1) Cut a deal where the Metra is free if you're holding a game ticket.
> Metra's incremental cost is zero, so there has to be some opportunity.
>
> 2) Have a family section where families can bring in there own food and
> beverages. Given that a movie is $10, you might get a family to pay $15 for
> a child's ticket (though Julie's point is well taken), but then when you hit
> them up for $3.50 for bottled water, that's where the budget for the day is
> blown.
>
> 3) I've wondered about the NCAA policy on alcohol so I'm not 100% sure you
> could do this one. The NCAA doesn't allow you to sell beer, but (at least in
> the high dollar suites) it can be provided. I wonder if they could take
> those really bad seats by the scoreboard in the north end zone and designate
> it 'The Big Ten's Beer Garden'. You'd have to wall it off so that the
> drinkers don't mingle with the crowd, but perhaps you could give away
> (included with the ticket price) 3 pints of purple beer to fans sitting in
> that section.
>
> 4) Changing the game times should be investigated. In the age of the Big
> Ten Network there doesn't seem to be a reason that we hold ourselves to the
> ESPN mandate of 11 AM kickoffs.
>
> 5) I believe in the general principles of free market economics, so if the
> seats don't sell at $25-$35 then the price needs to come down. The faithful
> out there will pay, so you don't need to cut the price across the board.
> But, you could leave a designated section (hell, the whole south endzone)
> and do an online auction that starts 30 hours before each kickoff. Start
> with $20 per seat and drop the pri
ce $.50 per hour until 9 AM on game day.
> If that brings potential new fans in at $4 a ticket, it's better than an
> empty seat.
>
> 6) Another idea would be to actually reduce the number of seats. The seats
> in the south endzone are horrible anyway. You could tear them down and bring
> the available seats from say 49,000 to 40,000. I realize that you'd leave
> some money on the table when a gauranteed sellout (like a 9-0 tOSU team)
> comes to town, but it would save all those embarrassing TV shots of field
> goals into empty seats. Colorado and Oregon have smaller stadiums than Dyche
> and they have managed to develop a better atmosphere.
>
> 6a) If you did remove the south end zone seats, as a NUMBAlum I can at
> least dream of a bandshell constructed in the south endzone. Put NUMB down
> there and let the entire stadium hear the fight songs. That would have a
> tremendous impact on the game day experience.
>
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Sun Oct 11 09:10:39 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Sun Oct 11 09:10:45 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
Message-ID: <200910111410.n9BEAdN6006265@romaine.tssi.com>

> ?? One place we can start by gettibg a better starting time is Labor Day weekend, presuming we play at home.?? Wht not play on Sunday afternoon?? A 1:00 kick on Sunday, on BTN, beats an 11:00 AM kickoff on Saturday.? Or even play on Labor Day?

I would not be surprised to find out Evanston has an ordinance prohibiting
football games on a Sunday.  

And we all know how great the relationship has been between NU and
Evanston over the years.  
--
Mike Nolan

From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sun Oct 11 09:13:55 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct 11 09:13:56 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Future Cat, old Cat in Orlando
Message-ID: <c51.59bf6008.38034223@aol.com>

Friday night our 5 star recruit QB Trevor Siemian threw for 240 yards and  
three touchdowns, leading Olympia HS to a homecoming win and Saturday  night
while most of Florida watched Tebow rise from the grave in death valley the 
 Orlando Tuskers rallied from an early 10-0 deficit to clobber the New York 
 Sentinels 35-13 in front of an announced UFL crowd of 11,203. Co-Captain 
Tim  McGarigle caused a fumble which was the turning point of the game. 
 
Peace  















































and  Love
From tbng at comcast.net  Sun Oct 11 11:16:57 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sun Oct 11 11:18:14 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Future Cat, old Cat in Orlando
References: <c51.59bf6008.38034223@aol.com>
Message-ID: <788C14B7FAF04538BE16BFB2C8CE8D98@DennisMachine>

> Friday night our 5 star recruit QB Trevor Siemian threw for 240 yards

Siemian is a five-star recruit?  I wish.  ESPNU Recruiting says three. 
Rivals has him as pro-style quarterback, which could limit his effectiveness 
in the spread.  On the other hand, he may be the next Peyton Manning.  I 
wish for that more.

Anyone beside me think that at least once in a while in a short-yardage 
situation we ought to line up with a full-house backfield with Miller, 
Woodsum, and Dunsmore behind Kafka and just smash-mouth it?  We don't even 
try.  We may not have the biggest offensive line, but they're not runts 
either. 

From tbng at comcast.net  Sun Oct 11 12:07:14 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sun Oct 11 12:07:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Future Cat, old Cat in Orlando
References: <c51.59bf6008.38034223@aol.com>
	<788C14B7FAF04538BE16BFB2C8CE8D98@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <FD0A0DF345AF4644BBCC75C4957A8FC9@DennisMachine>

>> Anyone beside me think that at least once in a while in a short-yardage
> situation we ought to line up with a full-house backfield with Miller, 
> Woodsum, and Dunsmore behind Kafka and just smash-mouth it?  We don't even 
> try.  We may not have the biggest offensive line, but they're not runts 
> either.
Make that Mitchell, not Miller. 

From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sun Oct 11 20:40:06 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct 11 20:40:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU-Miami
Message-ID: <c57.60f7761c.3803e2f6@aol.com>

To my fellow listers who are glad Chicago lost the Olympics and are  
unhappy that our Chicago brother won the Nobel Prize, to quote mayor Daley kiss  
my...Go CATS!!!  A win is better than a loss.
 
 
 
well....  A win is a win, but NU deserved that as much as President Obama 
deserved his  Nobel Prize. 

I think we can beat Indiana and Illinois, but if we're  going to steal a 
7th win, we must be able to run the ball better. 

Go  Cats!
Jim





----- Original Message  ----




_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site  list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Mon Oct 12 09:35:15 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Mon Oct 12 09:36:48 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often...
Message-ID: <20091012.093515.13661.0@webmail05.dca.untd.com>

Maureen and I have been disappointed/unhappy with the play calling under McCall.

Based on the article below it seems like Basanez might be the direction we would want to go(OC) once he finishes his NFL experiment.

Bears practice squad eager for shot to play Sundays
http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/10/10/r_k5vuv7xvrrqpj4rsufchw/index.xml

?The paycheck is obviously a lot different,? Basanez said. ?But this is what I want to do, and I want to coach when I?m done. So regardless of practice squad or active [roster], I?m just trying to get better and learn as much as I can and help the team.?

____________________________________________________________
Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/BLSrjnxRO9sUpdWuJ52bRUJ8UHxOYgSZtfmUSZUoo6iyfNIZ9wZWo0Tawu8/

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Mon Oct 12 10:14:36 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Mon Oct 12 10:14:40 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often... (fwd)
Message-ID: <200910121514.n9CFEaZU013157@romaine.tssi.com>

> Maureen and I have been disappointed/unhappy with the play calling under McCall.
> 
> Based on the article below it seems like Basanez might be the direction we would want to go(OC) once he finishes his NFL experiment.

Basanez has a LOT to learn before he's ready to be an OC, at Northwestern 
or anywhere else.
--
Mike Nolan

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 12 10:41:49 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Mon Oct 12 10:41:55 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Hope against MSU
Message-ID: <251089.34207.qm@web36803.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

It appears that our Spartan friends have suffered a few injuries. One of their top running backs is out for the year and their QB (Keith Nichol) has a bruised shoulder. If this slows down their offense at all, then I have new hope in our chances next week. 

In MSU's three wins this season, opponents have averaged 12.33 points per game. In MSU's three losses, opponents have averaged 33.33 points per game. Perhaps we can win in a shootout if we can find a way to score 30+. It's time for McCall to get creative. 

Victory & Honor,
JIm


      

From clzahn at mindspring.com  Mon Oct 12 17:15:54 2009
From: clzahn at mindspring.com (Clark Zahn)
Date: Mon Oct 12 17:16:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often...
In-Reply-To: <20091012.093515.13661.0@webmail05.dca.untd.com>
References: <20091012.093515.13661.0@webmail05.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <4AD3AA9A.8030706@mindspring.com>

mlinhardt@netzero.com wrote:
> Maureen and I have been disappointed/unhappy with the play calling under McCall.
>
> Based on the article below it seems like Basanez might be the direction we would want to go(OC) once he finishes his NFL experiment.
>
>   
I suspect Fitz is responsible for the play calling.

From tmcadams at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 12 18:18:01 2009
From: tmcadams at yahoo.com (Trey McAdams)
Date: Mon Oct 12 18:18:09 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <8CC1890C7428EAF-5610-13EE6@webmail-d071.sysops.aol.com>
References: <484403.91015.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com><241300.11458.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
	<411703.48381.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<fcb3ee270910061712s215847bnd550631ea1d9fee6@mail.gmail.com>
	<8CC1890C7428EAF-5610-13EE6@webmail-d071.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <416238.55916.qm@web52205.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

I would be more in favor of a Thursday night game on Labor Day weekend.  I think we did that a number of years ago.  It is a holiday weekend and too many people have other end of summer plans.




________________________________
From: "wildelk2@aol.com" <wildelk2@aol.com>
To: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Sun, October 11, 2009 8:49:25 AM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium


?? One place we can start by gettibg a better starting time is Labor Day weekend, presuming we play at home.?? Wht not play on Sunday afternoon?? A 1:00 kick on Sunday, on BTN, beats an 11:00 AM kickoff on Saturday.? Or even play on Labor Day?

?? Just a thought...?? Eric


-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
To: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
Cc: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Tue, Oct 6, 2009 8:12 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium




Some good ideas, especially the seat auctions - I don't know why that
haven't tried that already.  I agree completely that the price to take a
family to the game (ticket & concessions) is just too much.  A picnic area
or something like that where families can at least bring in food may be a
good idea.  I think families are a key part of the equation long term since
it breeds potential lifelong NU fans.

I don't think decreasing the number of seats would do much good, as NU
really benefits from that revenue when the games do sell out.  And I don't
think empty seats on TV really do that much (and, they rarely show that part
of the stadium anyways).  For comparison, Stanford's old stadium had an
80,000+ capacity and their new stadium is 50,000 or so.  Unless NU is going
to drop the number down to the 30,000s it wouldn't really be worth it, and I
don't think it would do a whole lot of good (people are going to show up
just because there are less seats?).

Regarding NUMB (another issue frequently discussed on LTP), I believe a
location just beyond the north end zone (the area in front of the locker
room) would be optimal.  It would allow them to be heard in more areas of
the stadium (i.e. the west stands), free up seats, and allow the band to
actually see the student section they're supposedly interacting with.  (I
thought this when I was in NUMB as well).

Finally, about the start times.  I believe the Big Ten contract with
ESPN/ABC prevents them from placing games on the BTN during certain
restricted time periods (ABC 2:30PM CT afternoon games), which means it's
either 11AM or 6PM.  And the 6PM games on BTN are exclusive time windows
that must be announced before the season starts, and Big Ten policy doesn't
allow conference night games in November/December.  There's also the
Evanston opposition to too many night games.  So, NU is basically stuck with
11AM starts.  That's the price of having every home game available
nationally on TV, which arguably brings a lot more attention than starting
the games in the afterno
on with no TV coverage.

Jonathan

On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 5:04 PM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> A new stadium is too much to hope for in the next 15-20 years, but it sure
> would be nice. A lakefront stadium would be a beautiful setting for game
> days, but I don't think it makes the traffic/commuting issues any easier.
>
> Here are a few things that I think we could potentially do in the short
> term:
>
> 1) Cut a deal where the Metra is free if you're holding a game ticket.
> Metra's incremental cost is zero, so there has to be some opportunity.
>
> 2) Have a family section where families can bring in there own food and
> beverages. Given that a movie is $10, you might get a family to pay $15 for
> a child's ticket (though Julie's point is well taken), but then when you hit
> them up for $3.50 for bottled water, that's where the budget for the day is
> blown.
>
> 3) I've wondered about the NCAA policy on alcohol so I'm not 100% sure you
> could do this one. The NCAA doesn't allow you to sell beer, but (at least in
> the high dollar suites) it can be provided. I wonder if they could take
> those really bad seats by the scoreboard in the north end zone and designate
> it 'The Big Ten's Beer Garden'. You'd have to wall it off so that the
> drinkers don't mingle with the crowd, but perhaps you could give away
> (included with the ticket price) 3 pints of purple beer to fans sitting in
> that section.
>
> 4) Changing the game times should be investigated. In the age of the Big
> Ten Network there doesn't seem to be a reason that we hold ourselves to the
> ESPN mandate of 11 AM kickoffs.
>
> 5) I believe in the general principles of free market economics, so if the
> seats don't sell at $25-$35 then the price needs to come down. The faithful
> out there will pay, so you don't need to cut the price across the board.
> But, you could leave a designated section (hell, the whole south endzone)
> and do an online auction that starts 30 hours before each kickoff. Start
> with $20 per seat and drop the pri
ce $.50 per hour until 9 AM on game day.
> If that brings potential new fans in at $4 a ticket, it's better than an
> empty seat.
>
> 6) Another idea would be to actually reduce the number of seats. The seats
> in the south endzone are horrible anyway. You could tear them down and bring
> the available seats from say 49,000 to 40,000. I realize that you'd leave
> some money on the table when a gauranteed sellout (like a 9-0 tOSU team)
> comes to town, but it would save all those embarrassing TV shots of field
> goals into empty seats. Colorado and Oregon have smaller stadiums than Dyche
> and they have managed to develop a better atmosphere.
>
> 6a) If you did remove the south end zone seats, as a NUMBAlum I can at
> least dream of a bandshell constructed in the south endzone. Put NUMB down
> there and let the entire stadium hear the fight songs. That would have a
> tremendous impact on the game day experience.
>
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
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nwu-sports@tssi.com
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From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Mon Oct 12 19:17:58 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Mon Oct 12 19:18:25 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] New 2010-2014 Big Ten Bowl Lineup
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910121717x46b84249m4849360311cf9511@mail.gmail.com>

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/5246/new-bowl-lineup-should-benefit-big-ten

(Note new bowl lineup goes into effect after next season).

New bowls for Big Ten: Gator, Texas, and new bowl in Dallas (Cowboys
Stadium).  That brings the total to 8 (Detroit slides down to the bottom of
the pecking order).

The top 3 are unchanged, but spots 4-7 should present more manageable
matchups for the Big Ten than the current slate due to more equal bowl
selection order between the two conferences.  Also, some new destinations
are added which isn't a bad thing (and none of them are cold weather sites).

Jonathan
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Mon Oct 12 19:42:33 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Mon Oct 12 19:43:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Re: New 2010-2014 Big Ten Bowl Lineup
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910121717x46b84249m4849360311cf9511@mail.gmail.com>
References: <fcb3ee270910121717x46b84249m4849360311cf9511@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910121742n19856e2asd5e67b25fee00421@mail.gmail.com>

Correction: the new bowl in Dallas would be at the Cotton Bowl since the
Cotton Bowl game is being moved to Cowboys Stadium.

On Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 7:17 PM, Jonathan Hodges
<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>wrote:

>
> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/5246/new-bowl-lineup-should-benefit-big-ten
>
> (Note new bowl lineup goes into effect after next season).
>
> New bowls for Big Ten: Gator, Texas, and new bowl in Dallas (Cowboys
> Stadium).  That brings the total to 8 (Detroit slides down to the bottom of
> the pecking order).
>
> The top 3 are unchanged, but spots 4-7 should present more manageable
> matchups for the Big Ten than the current slate due to more equal bowl
> selection order between the two conferences.  Also, some new destinations
> are added which isn't a bad thing (and none of them are cold weather sites).
>
> Jonathan
>
>
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 12 21:20:10 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Mon Oct 12 21:20:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] New 2010-2014 Big Ten Bowl Lineup
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910121717x46b84249m4849360311cf9511@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <482501.85848.qm@web52902.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

I like the lineup now that I've seen all of it. The Gator is a definite step up from the Champs and Houston isn't a huge drop from the Alamo. Plus, adding another bowl helps a LOT ... it helps in recruiting in Texas and it helps us have EIGHT ties ... we've been left out too often with six wins, so this (along with our regular BCS double dipping) should pretty much guarantee that a six-win NU team (or anyone from the Big Ten with six wins) goes bowling.

As for the matchups, they look decent. We're still playing a lot of games on opponents' home turf, but it's certainly better than the Sun Bowl "Big Ten #6 vs. Pac 10 #3" mismatch. And I LOVE the extra New Year's Day game -- despite B(C)S efforts to muck it up, that's still THE day for college football viewing and it'll be good to get us out there.

As for helping the Big Ten fare better, I will remind the national writers one more time that despite the down cycle the last couple years, we still have fared quite well against the big boys on their turf ...

* The Big Ten is 6-4 in the last 10 Rose Bowls that have matched up our champ against the Pac 10 champ

* The Big Ten is 6-4 in the last 10 Citrus Bowls, including 4 of the last 5 and a win over the Gators in Florida.

* The Big Ten is even with the SEC in the past 6 and past 8 Outback Bowls.

But this is a good lineup (love to see Phoenix moving up the list - Tempe is a great bowl host and they're really working hard to make that an upwardly mobile bowl game by making it New Year's Eve and pairing it with the New Year's festivities on the lakefront in Tempe with our perfect December 31 weather in the valley. And we cover Florida, Texas, Arizona and California recruiting grounds. About the only thing to make it better would be one more bowl in California or one more vs. the Pac 10.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!



      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 12 21:22:59 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Mon Oct 12 21:23:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
In-Reply-To: <416238.55916.qm@web52205.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <13544.62237.qm@web52901.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Not sure if it was Labor Day weekend (probably was) but you're probably thinking of our Big Ten opener vs. Northern Illinois that Thursday night.

That seemed like more of a nightmare to get to traffic wise than a Saturday game and the attendance wasn't too high, if I remember. Most people still had to work Friday, so I'm not sure we'd benefit from a Sunday or Monday day game (or Friday/Sunday evening game since they have those) on Labor Day weekend. With the NFL usually opening the week after Labor Day, it's a good time to play around with college scheduling a bit to get more fans in the stands and more TV exposure. Wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


--- On Mon, 10/12/09, Trey McAdams <tmcadams@yahoo.com> wrote:

> From: Trey McAdams <tmcadams@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Saturdays at Dyche Stadium
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Date: Monday, October 12, 2009, 4:18 PM
> I would be more in favor of a
> Thursday night game on Labor Day weekend.? I think we
> did that a number of years ago.? It is a holiday
> weekend and too many people have other end of summer plans.


      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 12 21:29:41 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Mon Oct 12 21:29:48 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often...
In-Reply-To: <20091012.093515.13661.0@webmail05.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <341137.45951.qm@web52910.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

I will vote early and often for Baz or anyone else!

I was willing to give McCall the benefit of the doubt last year, but this year has been a huge letdown -- especially in the lack of consistency and infuriating red zone production despite having a large, mobile quarterback to use in the red zone (hello option???). And he has yet to show he can make effective in-game adjustments to what the defense is giving and taking away.

Baz may be young, but so was Fitz. Plus, like Fitz, he's "a Northwestern man," to borrow from Coach Bo. If McCall doesn't show that he knows what to do with the spread offense soon, I hope we can get Baz or someone else who knows what we need to do at NU.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!



      

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Mon Oct 12 22:11:29 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Mon Oct 12 22:11:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often... (fwd)
Message-ID: <200910130311.n9D3BTxP015874@romaine.tssi.com>

> Baz may be young, but so was Fitz. Plus, like Fitz, he's "a Northwestern man," to borrow from Coach Bo. If McCall doesn't show that he knows what to do with the spread offense soon, I hope we can get Baz or someone else who knows what we need to do at NU.

Yeah, but Fitz had at least been a working football coach for several years, 
not a practice squad NFL player with a portion of one NFL game under his belt.

I think we all recognize that Fitz got the job several years before he was 
really ready for it, and why.  Personally, I think his inexperience may 
have cost NU at least one win.  

I'm not that excited about McCall, either, though I haven't seen any of
this year's games and it's hard to be too critical when all I have to
go on is the radio call.  
--
Mike Nolan


From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 12 23:15:50 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Mon Oct 12 23:15:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Standings and polls
Message-ID: <890626.75123.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Well, we had our first perfect weeks ... 10-0 marks from both Alan and Marilyn helped the rich get richer. Poor Bruce, it's not often you go 9-1 and lose ground to the person ahead of you and have the person behind you nipping closer at your heels.

No upset specials this week, and only Penn State was a unanimous selection, so straight to the big board we go ...

PIGSKIN PICKS STANDINGS

TW  Name              Wk 6   Record   Pct.    US  Ovrl  WP
----------------------------------------------------------
 1) A. Wolfson        10-0    61-14   .813     0    2    6
 2) B. Taylor          9-1    58-17   .773     0    2    6
 3) M. Zilka          10-0    50-15   .769     0    0    5
 4) T. McAdams         8-2    55-20   .733     0    1    6
 5) J. Hodges          9-1    54-21   .720     0    0    6
 6) I. Embrekts        7-3    43-17   .717     0    2    5
 7) M. Ament           9-1    53-22   .707     0    1    6
 8) R. Stahl           9-1    52-23   .693     0    3    6
 9) C. Herron          8-2    41-19   .683     0    0    5
10) C. Rossi           9-1    50-25   .667     0    2    6
10) S. Truog           7-3    50-25   .667     0    1    6
12) E. Steffe          8-2    40-20   .667     0    0    5
13) B. Winkler         7-3    38-22   .633     0    1    5
14) B. Wilson          8-2    41-24   .631     0    0    5
15) K. Sevilla         8-2    47-28   .627     0    1    6
16) A. McInturff       7-3    44-31   .587     0    3    6
17) L. Martinaitis     5-5    43-32   .573     0    1    6
18) P. Groves          ---    37-28   .569     0    0    5
19) J. Leonard         4-6    41-34   .547     0    1    6
-----
xx) B. Waldele         7-3    32-13   .711     0    2    4
xx) C. Zahn            ---    35-20   .636     0    1    4
xx) J. Bendat          5-5    28-17   .622     0    2    4
xx) R. Bradshaw        ---    22- 8   .733     0    0    2
xx) P. Wolfe           ---    18-12   .600     0    0    2
xx) C. Bailey          ---    14- 1   .933     0    0    1
xx) S. Wolfson         ---    12- 3   .800     0    0    1
xx) J. Wall            ---    11- 4   .733     0    0    1

And now to the new rankings ...

LW TW SjTOP 25
==============
01 01 FLORIDA (5-0) ? Big win for their defense, rollin? to ATL
02 02 TEXAS (5-0) ? Playing possum for OU or reason to worry?
04 03 ALABAMA (6-0) ? Not terribly impressive, but a big win
05 04 BOISE STATE (5-0) ? Couple potential trap road games ahead
06 05 SOUTHERN CAL (4-1) ? Ready for their annual Irish thumpin?
07 06 OHIO STATE (5-1) ? Their D gets more impressive each week
03 07 LSU (5-1) ? Heck of a D, too bad they don?t have an O
08 08 VIRGINIA TECH (5-1) ? Nice win, but still barely beat Dook
12 09 IOWA (6-0) ? It ain?t pretty, but it?s still 6-0
10 10 CINCINNATI (5-0) ? Big game Thursday at USF should decide ?
11 11 SOUTH FLORIDA (5-0) ? ? Big East ? and title darkhorse?
13 12 PENN STATE (5-1) ? Where was that offense vs. Iowa?
14 13 MIAMI (4-1) ? Can go on cruise control until mid-November
17 14 OREGON (5-1) ? Looking better each week
15 15 TCU (6-0) ? Narrow win vs. Air Force doesn?t make BCS case
09 16 OKLAHOMA STATE (3-1) ? Biggest loss of the week off-field
19 17 KANSAS (5-0) ? Unbeaten, but thoroughly unimpressive
20 18 SOUTH CAROLINA (5-1) ? Lucky win, but a lot of others lost
NR 19 NEBRASKA (4-1) ? Nice comeback at Mizzou, plus no Texas
NR 20 GEORGIA TECH (5-1) ? ACC may have a third legit contender
16 21 WISCONSIN (5-1) ? Their D played fine, but O let ?em down
23 22 OKLAHOMA (3-2) ? Bradford or not, they?re scraping by
18 23 AUBURN (5-1) ? Back to reality, but lots of other losses
NR 24 UTAH (4-1) ? Their loss looks a lot better than BYU?s loss
21 25 MICHIGAN (4-2) ? Lost two in a row, but beat the Irish

DROPPED OUT: (22) Mississippi, (23) Georgia, (25) Stanford
ON THE VERGE: BYU, Minnesota, Notre Dame

Week seven lineup coming up next.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Tue Oct 13 07:24:46 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Tue Oct 13 07:26:54 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often... 
Message-ID: <20091013.072446.3579.0@webmail19.dca.untd.com>

>From Maureen:

I can tell what plays are being called from my seat based on the way we line up and the personnel and if I, as a fan (and a GIRL, no less) can tell, then so can the opposing coaches.  

I am all for bringing Baz in as a position coach (QB-RB or QB-WR) and bringing Genyk back as the OC for a couple years to get him ready once McCall is let go.




We fully believe Fitz is only involved in the playcalling decisions for 4th down/2-point conversion situations.  He has way too many other things going on and does not have a birdseye view that McCall does from the booth.

____________________________________________________________
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From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Tue Oct 13 09:43:02 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Tue Oct 13 09:44:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often...
In-Reply-To: <20091013.072446.3579.0@webmail19.dca.untd.com>
References: <20091013.072446.3579.0@webmail19.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910130743g6e61c17fkc0b20fc9f681d521@mail.gmail.com>

I agree that Fitz has little to do with the offensive play calling except
for the aforementioned 4th down and conversion calls reserved for head
coaches.

Also, I don't think anyone in their right mind would hire Baz as an OC right
away at any level.  It's pretty clear he would start off as a QB coach and
then go from there.  In fact he's already started in that role to some
degree, working with Kafka, Persa, and Kafka's brother this past offseason
(I think most would agree Kafka's passing looks better than his 6 starts
prior to this season).

While it's easy to heap the blame on the OC, the fact is that the offensive
line hasn't done the offense any favors, and, in fact, NU could be missing
former OL coach Ingalls who went to the Saints this past offseason (and look
how the Saints have started their season).  No, the play calling hasn't been
great, but NU's lack of a legitimate running game is coming back to hurt
them with defenses sending the pass rush early and often (which then isn't
helped by an OL that can't slow down that rush).

We'll see what happens after the year is done; I think he'll likely be kept
around given the loyalty NU shows to its coaches.  In any case, there's
still time for improvement and the offense has shown flashes this year, so
hopefully they can put it together at some point.

Jonathan

On Tue, Oct 13, 2009 at 7:24 AM, mlinhardt@netzero.com <
mlinhardt@netzero.com> wrote:

> >From Maureen:
>
> I can tell what plays are being called from my seat based on the way we
> line up and the personnel and if I, as a fan (and a GIRL, no less) can tell,
> then so can the opposing coaches.
>
> I am all for bringing Baz in as a position coach (QB-RB or QB-WR) and
> bringing Genyk back as the OC for a couple years to get him ready once
> McCall is let go.
>
>
>
>
> We fully believe Fitz is only involved in the playcalling decisions for 4th
> down/2-point conversion situations.  He has way too many other things going
> on and does not have a birdseye view that McCall does from the booth.
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 12 23:33:19 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Tue Oct 13 11:47:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Week 7
Message-ID: <396117.3039.qm@web52909.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Aaah, it's the best time of the year! The leaves are changing, the cooler breezes are flowing and football is in full conference rivalry swing! Plus we have a mega-matchup in the NFL with my Saints going for the Empire State trifecta on Sunday. 

And speaking of New York, it's also the time of the season where I love to get my rant on about how much baseball sucks these days ... from the lack of fair competition (Hey Bud, want to know why no one watches or attends baseball anymore? It's because 20 teams are out before opening day ... New York, LA, LA and Philly? Yeah, why should fans in KC, Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Milwaukee care again when their best will be bought by the big boys ... and in the Yankees' case, then jacked full of 'roids??) ... to the terrible scheduling (three days of midweek without bazzzzeball when people might actually watch it, all to set up the ALCS/NLCS on the weekend opposite of a sport 3/4 of the country would rather watch, whether it be college or pro??? Smart move, Bud!). I don't usually like to kick things when they're down, but I'll make an exception for baseball because they deserve it for what they've done to all those small market towns that they Harold Hill-ed
 into building new stadiums (the only good thing about baseball since the mid-90s) for teams that will never have a shot at the World Series.

But back to America's true passion ...

We?ve passed the midway mark in the Big Ten season and we?re at the annual Texas State Fair game, which seems a bit late this year and a bit less spectacular than usual with Oklahoma?s struggles. Still, always a great sight to see and unless the Cowpokes get Dez eligible again, it?s still the Big XII title game ? regardless of what they have in December. We also could have the ACC title game this week when the Tech?s battle in Atlanta ? so again, I?ll ask why everyone is pushing the Big Ten to get a title game when the SEC, ACC and Big XII can?t get their two best teams to face off in these so-called title games most years!

Speaking of the Big Ten, it?s a pretty quiet week except for the slobberknocker in Madison and a ?make or break? game for bowl hopes with NU and Sparty. And we also have that ?who the heck do you root for? game with SC and the Evil Empire. And there?s a pretty game for Big Le ? er, East, and ? dare I say ? national title implications on Thursday night.

So get those picks in by Thursday night!

PIGSKIN PICKS ? WEEK 7
======================
Name: 

BIG TEN
-------
GAME 1: Illinois @ Indiana
WINNER: 

GAME 2: Iowa @ Wisconsin
WINNER: 

GAME 3: Minnesota @ Penn State
WINNER: 

GAME 4: Ohio State @ Purdue
WINNER: 

GAME 5: Delaware State @ Michigan
WINNER: 

NATIONAL
--------
GAME 6: Cincinnati @ South Florida
WINNER: 

GAME 7: Oklahoma vs. Texas (@ Dallas, TX)
WINNER: 

GAME 8: Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech
WINNER: 

GAME 9: South Carolina @ Alabama
WINNER: 

GAME 10: Southern Cal @ Notre Dame
WINNER: 

MY PICKS
========
* INDIANA 24, Illinois 20 ? The only fun for Illini fans now, besides coming up with different domain names for firezook.com, is trying to figure out which game they?ll show up, score 45 points and win ? because there?s just too much talent to go winless in league play, right? Could be this week, especially after IU laid an egg at a Virginia team who lost by two scores at home to William and Mary. But for now, I guess I?ll go with the home team. Really, it's a flip-a-coin game.

* WISCONSIN 28, Iowa 21 ? Should be a heck of a game in Madison and I?m gonna go against Iowa yet again because I just don?t see a team that can?t run the ball at home on Michigan winning in Camp Randall. As long as Bucky doesn?t give up the ball for TDs like they did at OSU, they should have enough to muddle the Rose Bowl race.

* PENN STATE 42, Minnesota 24 ? Now that PSU is rolling on offense and over their Hawkeye hiccup, they should pull away from the Gophers in the second half.

* OHIO STATE 49, Purdue 6 ? Given the Boilers? tendency to cough up the football and the Buckeyes? tendency to score on D off turnovers, this one could be over before Pryor & Co. even take a snap.

* MICHIGAN 48, Delaware State 20 ? What do you do after blowing two winnable games on the road? Come home and munch on come cupcakes!

* SOUTH FLORIDA 34, Cincinnati 27 ? Should be a good one on Thursday night, and while the Bearcats have won a big road game already at Oregon State, I like the Bulls at home. Plus, the history points towards the top 10 team taking a tumble on Thursdays.

* TEXAS 27, Oklahoma 17 ? Both teams looked sluggish last week, but the Sooners have looked sluggish all year ? with or without Bradford. And with Sam not at 100%, Colt, Shipley and Mack seize the day and get a big win in the spotlight. Pasadena, here come the Horns again!

* VIRGINIA TECH 45, Georgia Tech 37 ? Two of the best-coached teams you will find play a fun shootout in Atlanta. While the Hokies are far from ?clearly the best one loss team? as the ABC/ESPN hype machine is saying, they should have enough to slip by despite a hostile crowd in Georgia. 

* ALABAMA 16, South Carolina 6 ? Spurrier, Saban, SEC showdown ? who could ask for more? Both these teams play solid defense (a rarity in that league these days), so look for the Tide to squeak by at home.

* SOUTHERN CAL 41, Notre Dame 14 ? Keep up your crying about the polls, Charlie. Meanwhile, SC is about to come to town, shut down pretty boy Claussen with their defense and let their own trash-talking blondie punk QB just hand off the ball as the Trojans control the ball and run over that porous ND defense to victory.

And off the board ?

* NORTHWESTERN 38, Michigan State 31 ? A bit of a ?purple colored glasses? pick here as Sparty seems to have found their game in the last couple weeks and the Cats need some serious work on offense with poor play calling and poor line blocking. Still, NU has a history of playing well in East Lansing and on the road under Fitz, so I?m hoping we can come together and pull out a big upset to make up for our annual preseason ?oops? game ? this year at Syracuse.

Picks in by Thursday!
GO CATS!!!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From cherron604 at aol.com  Tue Oct 13 11:58:28 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 13 11:59:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often... (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <200910121514.n9CFEaZU013157@romaine.tssi.com>
References: <200910121514.n9CFEaZU013157@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1A3D851FFC30-337C-2EBE@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>


Agreed.?? BB was a fine quarterback, but we have been 'on-the-job training' OCs for too long now (McGee, anyone ?).? Find a solid, experienced OC (even our old guy at Minnesota), and just grab them away.? Getting an experienced DC from Madison (after they foolishly let him go) did wonders.? Let's find an OC that Fitz and the University like, and wave a lot of money in his face.? College or NFL, just get a guy who can call plays like a master.? One rich alum postpones a month in Majorca, and he could probably cover the cost.



Time was, we had innovative OCs, and other places stole them away from us.? It's time we returned the favor.



Chuck Herron?? Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Nolan <nolan@romaine.tssi.com>
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Mon, Oct 12, 2009 10:14 am
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often... (fwd)




> Maureen and I have been disappointed/unhappy with the play calling under 
McCall.
> 
> Based on the article below it seems like Basanez might be the direction we 
would want to go(OC) once he finishes his NFL experiment.

Basanez has a LOT to learn before he's ready to be an OC, at Northwestern 
or anywhere else.
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From ivars at radioskonto.lv  Tue Oct 13 12:27:21 2009
From: ivars at radioskonto.lv (Ivars Embrekts)
Date: Tue Oct 13 12:27:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often... (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <8CC1A3D851FFC30-337C-2EBE@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>
References: <200910121514.n9CFEaZU013157@romaine.tssi.com>
	<8CC1A3D851FFC30-337C-2EBE@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <4AD4B879.2090907@radioskonto.lv>

I've always thought we should look at this guy. OC experience and a 
former Northwestern captain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Hunter
http://www.chargers.com/team/coaches/hal-hunter/189b2bca-c39f-4d6c-80df-9f46c678f148

That said, I think Coach McCall is having "handcuffs" placed on him by 
the conservative defensive-minded Fitz. I don't blame him (McCall) for 
the conservativism, because I am not sure it's his choice. But I could 
be wrong.

cherron604@aol.com wrote:
> Agreed.?? BB was a fine quarterback, but we have been 'on-the-job training' OCs for too long now (McGee, anyone ?).? Find a solid, experienced OC (even our old guy at Minnesota), and just grab them away.? Getting an experienced DC from Madison (after they foolishly let him go) did wonders.? Let's find an OC that Fitz and the University like, and wave a lot of money in his face.? College or NFL, just get a guy who can call plays like a master.? One rich alum postpones a month in Majorca, and he could probably cover the cost.
>
>
>
> Time was, we had innovative OCs, and other places stole them away from us.? It's time we returned the favor.
>
>
>
> Chuck Herron?? Tech '85
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Nolan <nolan@romaine.tssi.com>
> To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
> Sent: Mon, Oct 12, 2009 10:14 am
> Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often... (fwd)
>
>
>
>
>   
>> Maureen and I have been disappointed/unhappy with the play calling under 
>>     
> McCall.
>   
>> Based on the article below it seems like Basanez might be the direction we 
>>     
> would want to go(OC) once he finishes his NFL experiment.
>
> Basanez has a LOT to learn before he's ready to be an OC, at Northwestern 
> or anywhere else.
> --
> Mike Nolan
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
>   

From cherron604 at aol.com  Tue Oct 13 13:47:55 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 13 13:48:35 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often... (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <8CC1A3D851FFC30-337C-2EBE@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>
References: <200910121514.n9CFEaZU013157@romaine.tssi.com>
	<8CC1A3D851FFC30-337C-2EBE@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1A4CCF786211-337C-4D38@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>


http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=981884



Found this interesting ranking on Rivals.? Seeing that first name is a painful experience.? We should have thrown a truckload of money at that guy.? (I am also outraged at the official reason he gave for leaving - school for his kids...to even compare the schools of Chicago's North Shore with whatever passes for educational institutions in Norman, Oklahoma is beyond ludicrous).



Of course, stealing away Crowton or Chow would be incredible coups, but probably highly unlikely.? Maybe Shawn Watson or Dana Holgorsen could be lured away.? Other guys like Harsin at Boise and Bajakian at CMU might be looking for bigger stages.



And don't forget the OC at Colorado back in 1990-91.



Or maybe the whole list is suspect with the Illinois OC at #18 ??



Chuck Herron?? Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: cherron604@aol.com
To: nolan@romaine.tssi.com; nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Tue, Oct 13, 2009 11:58 am
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often... (fwd)





Agreed.?? BB was a fine quarterback, but we have been 'on-the-job training' OCs 
for too long now (McGee, anyone ?).? Find a solid, experienced OC (even our old 
guy at Minnesota), and just grab them away.? Getting an experienced DC from 
Madison (after they foolishly let him go) did wonders.? Let's find an OC that 
Fitz and the University like, and wave a lot of money in his face.? College or 
NFL, just get a guy who can call plays like a master.? One rich alum postpones a 
month in Majorca, and he could probably cover the cost.



Time was, we had innovative OCs, and other places stole them away from us.? It's 
time we returned the favor.



Chuck Herron?? Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Nolan <nolan@romaine.tssi.com>
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Mon, Oct 12, 2009 10:14 am
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often... (fwd)




> Maureen and I have been disappointed/unhappy with the play calling under 
McCall.
> 
> Based on the article below it seems like Basanez might be the direction we 
would want to go(OC) once he finishes his NFL experiment.

Basanez has a LOT to learn before he's ready to be an OC, at Northwestern 
or anywhere else.
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From neonrye at aol.com  Tue Oct 13 13:49:46 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 13 13:50:02 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] President Schapiro
Message-ID: <8CC1A4D11ACE72B-1838-568@webmail-m062.sysops.aol.com>


If anyone doubts that Morty Schapiro will be a supporter of NU Athletics, take a look at this article from last Wednesday's Chicago Tribune:? http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-08-northwestern-web-oct08,0,1374279.story?page=2



Paul Levinson
From juliepmcfarland at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 13 16:25:51 2009
From: juliepmcfarland at yahoo.com (Julie McFarland)
Date: Tue Oct 13 16:26:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Homecoming Game Tickets
In-Reply-To: <20091008.141648.11778.3@webmail01.dca.untd.com>
References: <20091008.141648.11778.3@webmail01.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <667076.5074.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Hi Everyone,

I don't post very often, but I read nearly everything.  I'm not sure what the our list's policy is on game ticket requests, but I've checked out nusports.com, stubhub and craigslist and there aren't any offerings available for a party of 3 on the Wildcat side of the field for the Indiana game.  Does anyone have 3 tickets they're not using that they'd like to sell?

Thanks!!!!

Julie Goldmann


      

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Tue Oct 13 16:53:54 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Tue Oct 13 16:53:57 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Homecoming Game Tickets
In-Reply-To: <667076.5074.qm@web112903.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> from "Julie
	McFarland" at Oct 13, 2009 02:25:51 PM
Message-ID: <200910132153.n9DLrsaE021276@romaine.tssi.com>

> I don't post very often, but I read nearly everything.  I'm not sure what the our list's policy is on game ticket requests, but I've checked out nusports.com, stubhub and craigslist and there aren't any offerings available for a party of 3 on the Wildcat side of the field for the Indiana game.  Does anyone have 3 tickets they're not using that they'd like to sell?

I don't have a major problem with ticket request posts, as long as they
don't dominate the traffic, which has never been an issue here.

What's the status of tickets from the NU ticket office?
--
Mike Nolan

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Tue Oct 13 17:05:19 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Tue Oct 13 17:05:26 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC.  Vote early, vote often... (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <8CC1A4CCF786211-337C-4D38@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>
References: <200910121514.n9CFEaZU013157@romaine.tssi.com>	<8CC1A3D851FFC30-337C-2EBE@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>
	<8CC1A4CCF786211-337C-4D38@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <002801ca4c51$40d60430$c2820c90$@com>

I seem to recall that the general consensus was that after his year of the
spread with RW, he was supposed to be crowned a head coach somewhere. When
the NU spread didn't quite do as well they thought, he took the job at OU -
actually as the Running Game/O-Line coach.

He moved up to OC eventually and grabbed Jim Patton from NU to be his O-Line
guy.

Walker's avowed goal was for everyone to have a different bigger job
eventually. Wilson was one of the early guys who backed that up.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On
Behalf Of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 2:48 PM
To: cherron604@aol.com; nolan@romaine.tssi.com; nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often... (fwd)


http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=981884



Found this interesting ranking on Rivals.? Seeing that first name is a
painful experience.? We should have thrown a truckload of money at that
guy.? (I am also outraged at the official reason he gave for leaving -
school for his kids...to even compare the schools of Chicago's North Shore
with whatever passes for educational institutions in Norman, Oklahoma is
beyond ludicrous).



Of course, stealing away Crowton or Chow would be incredible coups, but
probably highly unlikely.? Maybe Shawn Watson or Dana Holgorsen could be
lured away.? Other guys like Harsin at Boise and Bajakian at CMU might be
looking for bigger stages.



And don't forget the OC at Colorado back in 1990-91.



Or maybe the whole list is suspect with the Illinois OC at #18 ??



Chuck Herron?? Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: cherron604@aol.com
To: nolan@romaine.tssi.com; nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Tue, Oct 13, 2009 11:58 am
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often... (fwd)





Agreed.?? BB was a fine quarterback, but we have been 'on-the-job training'
OCs 
for too long now (McGee, anyone ?).? Find a solid, experienced OC (even our
old 
guy at Minnesota), and just grab them away.? Getting an experienced DC from 
Madison (after they foolishly let him go) did wonders.? Let's find an OC
that 
Fitz and the University like, and wave a lot of money in his face.? College
or 
NFL, just get a guy who can call plays like a master.? One rich alum
postpones a 
month in Majorca, and he could probably cover the cost.



Time was, we had innovative OCs, and other places stole them away from us.?
It's 
time we returned the favor.



Chuck Herron?? Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Nolan <nolan@romaine.tssi.com>
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Mon, Oct 12, 2009 10:14 am
Subject: [NU Sports] Baz for OC. Vote early, vote often... (fwd)




> Maureen and I have been disappointed/unhappy with the play calling under 
McCall.
> 
> Based on the article below it seems like Basanez might be the direction we

would want to go(OC) once he finishes his NFL experiment.

Basanez has a LOT to learn before he's ready to be an OC, at Northwestern 
or anywhere else.
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 13 20:48:17 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Tue Oct 13 20:48:24 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU bar in NYC
Message-ID: <260268.17302.qm@web36802.mail.mud.yahoo.com>



I'm making a trip to New York City this weekend. Does anyone know where the NU alums gather for games?

I think it used to be Blondie's on 79th & Amsterdam. 

Thanks,
Jim


      

From neonrye at aol.com  Tue Oct 13 22:12:04 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 13 22:12:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU bar in NYC
Message-ID: <87589931-1255489925-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-969675713-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Still is, Jim
------Original Message------
From: Jim Leonard
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] NU bar in NYC
Sent: Oct 13, 2009 9:48 PM



I'm making a trip to New York City this weekend. Does anyone know where the NU alums gather for games?

I think it used to be Blondie's on 79th & Amsterdam. 

Thanks,
Jim


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From ddave at nusports.com  Wed Oct 14 06:19:52 2009
From: ddave at nusports.com (dave bradley)
Date: Wed Oct 14 06:20:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU bar in NYC
Message-ID: <20091014041952.A67A3073@resin09.mta.everyone.net>

That's still the place according to my daughter who lives in Brooklyn.

dave bradley
(717) 687-5355-home
(717) 333-7611-cell
ddave@NUsports.com



--- jleonard518@yahoo.com wrote:

From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: [NU Sports] NU bar in NYC
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:48:17 -0700 (PDT)



I'm making a trip to New York City this weekend. Does anyone know where the NU alums gather for games?

I think it used to be Blondie's on 79th & Amsterdam. 

Thanks,
Jim


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From cherron604 at aol.com  Wed Oct 14 11:04:29 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Wed Oct 14 11:04:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings
Message-ID: <8CC1AFF256A0447-2428-5032@webmail-d014.sysops.aol.com>


Do we have a shot at a warm weather bowl ?



I ran the most current Sagarin numbers through the schedule, to try and answer a couple of questions.  First, can we get two teams in the BCS ?



My rough guess would be 'yes', but a lot depends on two very big games.  First, we need to keep Iowa unbeaten this week when they travel to Wisconsin.  Then second, we probably need Iowa to lose to Ohio State in Columbus on November 14.  Unless the Rose Bowl was feeling very sentimental, and took a 2-loss OSU, Wisconsin or PSU to keep up that 'Big Ten Tradition'.  Wisconsin might end up highest rated of those three (even though unrated now ?) since their 2nd loss would've been the longest time ago, October 17 (thereby keeping Iowa undefeated).  And that raises another question - would an unbeaten Iowa be passed over for the National Championship game, thereby falling into the Rose Bowl ?  And would all of the other BCS bowls pass on OSU, Wisconsin and PSU with 2 losses ?  Do two 11-1 teams position the conference better for two BCS berths than a 12-0 team and several 10-2 teams ?



It would appear that we have 4 Bowl 'locks', Iowa, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State, and 2 bowl 'very likely' teams, Minnesota and Michigan.  Minnesota needs 2, and has Illinois and San Diego State at home (as well as a possible win against MSU at home). Michigan needs 2, and has home games against Delaware State and Purdue, as well as a road game at Illinois.



There would seem to be 3 bubble teams, and we seem to be in that class.  Michigan State seems to have the best path - they need 3, and have Western Michigan and the Cats at home (though we have won the last 2 in Lansing), and Purdue on the road.  We need 2, and have Indiana at home and Illinois at Champaign (according to today's Sagarin Ratings, we would be 1/2 point underdogs in Champaign, but I am hoping that at 1-8 when we play, the team will already have given up on Zook (some are already accusing the team of that now)).  Ironically, Indiana needs 3 wins for bowl eligibility, and they have Illinois and Purdue at home, but their best chance for win #6 among the remaining games is their game at Evanston (we are only point-and-a-half favorites, according to Sagarin), so it appears that the only way they go is to beat us, thereby keeping us home.



So we 'should' probably qualify 8 teams.  If we get 2 in the BCS, then number 8 (either us or Indiana) probably gets Detroit.  If we only get one in the BCS, then Detroit probably gets their wish with a Spartan home game. 



Certainly we have to steal one of our three late games (at Lansing, host Penn State and host Wisconsin, all probably 10-14 point spreads), as well as hold serve against IU and the Illini, as well as hope for 2 in the BCS, to hope for anything better than Detroit (and even that is not a guarantee).



The Syracuse and Minnesota fiascos are looming larger and larger in this season...



Chuck Herron   Tech '85




From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Wed Oct 14 11:50:02 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Wed Oct 14 11:50:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings
In-Reply-To: <8CC1AFF256A0447-2428-5032@webmail-d014.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC1AFF256A0447-2428-5032@webmail-d014.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910140950p7ac11872j4cf0a7373dd5c789@mail.gmail.com>

Here's my current Big Ten bowl projections, but there's obviously a LOT of
football left to be played:

*Rose Bowl:* Ohio State
*BCS At-Large:* Iowa
*Capital One:* Penn State
*Outback:* Wisconsin
*Champs Sports:* Michigan
*Alamo: *Michigan State
*Insight: *Northwestern
*Pizza:* Minnesota

*Ineligible:* Indiana, Purdue, Illinois.

The key to getting 8 Big Ten teams in bowls is not really what the teams at
the top of the conference do (as long as there are a couple of teams with 10
wins, which is quite possible between OSU/PSU/Iowa), but what other
conferences do.

Out of the 10 BCS bowl slots, there are 6 guaranteed slots to the
BCS-conference champions, 1 likely that will go to a "mid-major," which
leaves 3 at-large spots.  The question is: which conferences will send 2
representatives to the BCS (remembering that there is a 2 team/conference
cap)?

The SEC looks like a lock to send two.  That leaves two spots.

The ACC teams are already knocking each other off, and the Big East doesn't
look like they'll have multiple teams near the top, so I'll eliminate them
from the discussion for now (though the ACC with Miami and VT could get back
into it).

So, it's between the Big Ten, Big XII, and Pac-10 for the final two spots.

Big XII: A lot depends on what happens in the Texas-Oklahoma game (a third
loss for Oklahoma would make it very difficult for them to get in), but
there are those teams on the north (Nebraska, Kansas) that could make for a
second team.  But, it's hard to tell right now.

Pac-10: Hard to tell there, as well, with Oregon surging and USC already
having lost its usual conference away game even as a huge favorite.

Big Ten: Looks to be in the best shape, but there are still OSU/PSU and
OSU/Iowa bouts in November.  You never know what will happen.


So, the picture isn't very clear right now.  IF the Big Ten can get a second
team in the top 14, they will likely face some stiff competition, but when
it comes down to fans traveling and spending money, the Big Ten usually
fares well (the conference has sent 2 teams to the BCS more than any other
conference).  Based on that I assumed the Big Ten would send two teams.

For NU, a lot of bowl hopes hinge on this MSU game.  Indiana and Illinois
are win-able games (not gimmes, though), meaning that the MSU game could be
the difference between 6 and 7 wins.  Just look at 2007 when NU was left
home at 6-6 (so was Iowa for that matter) since bowl rules required 7-5 or
better teams be selected before 6-6 teams.  7 wins virtually guarantees a
bowl bid.  The rest of NU's second half games against PSU, Iowa, and
Wisconsin look very tough right now, so NU likely needs to win the MSU game
to get to 7 wins.

Hopefully, if NU can get to 7, I think they can get into the Insight if
other teams falter down the stretch and end up 6-6 (like Minnesota, who
still has to face Iowa, PSU, and OSU - and all on the road).

Go 'Cats!
Jonathan

On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 11:04 AM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:

>
> Do we have a shot at a warm weather bowl ?
>
>
>
> I ran the most current Sagarin numbers through the schedule, to try and
> answer a couple of questions.  First, can we get two teams in the BCS ?
>
>
>
> My rough guess would be 'yes', but a lot depends on two very big games.
>  First, we need to keep Iowa unbeaten this week when they travel to
> Wisconsin.  Then second, we probably need Iowa to lose to Ohio State in
> Columbus on November 14.  Unless the Rose Bowl was feeling very sentimental,
> and took a 2-loss OSU, Wisconsin or PSU to keep up that 'Big Ten Tradition'.
>  Wisconsin might end up highest rated of those three (even though unrated
> now ?) since their 2nd loss would've been the longest time ago, October 17
> (thereby keeping Iowa undefeated).  And that raises another question - would
> an unbeaten Iowa be passed over for the National Championship game, thereby
> falling into the Rose Bowl ?  And would all of the other BCS bowls pass on
> OSU, Wisconsin and PSU with 2 losses ?  Do two 11-1 teams position the
> conference better for two BCS berths than a 12-0 team and several 10-2 teams
> ?
>
>
>
> It would appear that we have 4 Bowl 'locks', Iowa, Ohio State, Wisconsin
> and Penn State, and 2 bowl 'very likely' teams, Minnesota and Michigan.
>  Minnesota needs 2, and has Illinois and San Diego State at home (as well as
> a possible win against MSU at home). Michigan needs 2, and has home games
> against Delaware State and Purdue, as well as a road game at Illinois.
>
>
>
> There would seem to be 3 bubble teams, and we seem to be in that class.
>  Michigan State seems to have the best path - they need 3, and have Western
> Michigan and the Cats at home (though we have won the last 2 in Lansing),
> and Purdue on the road.  We need 2, and have Indiana at home and Illinois at
> Champaign (according to today's Sagarin Ratings, we would be 1/2 point
> underdogs in Champaign, but I am hoping that at 1-8 when we play, the team
> will already have given up on Zook (some are already accusing the team of
> that now)).  Ironically, Indiana needs 3 wins for bowl eligibility, and they
> have Illinois and Purdue at home, but their best chance for win #6 among the
> remaining games is their game at Evanston (we are only point-and-a-half
> favorites, according to Sagarin), so it appears that the only way they go is
> to beat us, thereby keeping us home.
>
>
>
> So we 'should' probably qualify 8 teams.  If we get 2 in the BCS, then
> number 8 (either us or Indiana) probably gets Detroit.  If we only get one
> in the BCS, then Detroit probably gets their wish with a Spartan home game.
>
>
>
> Certainly we have to steal one of our three late games (at Lansing, host
> Penn State and host Wisconsin, all probably 10-14 point spreads), as well as
> hold serve against IU and the Illini, as well as hope for 2 in the BCS, to
> hope for anything better than Detroit (and even that is not a guarantee).
>
>
>
> The Syracuse and Minnesota fiascos are looming larger and larger in this
> season...
>
>
>
> Chuck Herron   Tech '85
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From eschoeman at sbcglobal.net  Wed Oct 14 12:04:35 2009
From: eschoeman at sbcglobal.net (Evans Schoeman)
Date: Wed Oct 14 12:04:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910140950p7ac11872j4cf0a7373dd5c789@mail.gmail.com>
References: <8CC1AFF256A0447-2428-5032@webmail-d014.sysops.aol.com>
	<fcb3ee270910140950p7ac11872j4cf0a7373dd5c789@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <187032.76217.qm@web83905.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>

I hate to ask, but where does Notre Dame fit into the BCS picture?? The fact that they moved into the rankings on a bye week does not bode well.? If they play USC tough on Saturday, even with a loss, that might not be a killer for their BCS hopes.? (Sorry, Lou, I don't think that they will get into the NC game).

The rest of their season is not the cakewalk that it looked to be at the beginning of the year, as Pitt, UConn, and even Stanford could test them.? A 9-3 record is not out of the question and could set them up for a BCS bid, which would take away one of the conference at-large spots.

Our game Saturday will be huge in setting the rest of the season up.? Four years ago we went into E. Lansing as heavy underdogs and gave up a long touchdown pass right at the start of the game.? From there on it was all Cats, as we hammered Sparty in every way.? Hopefully, history will repeat itself this year and take some of the pressure off this team.




________________________________
From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
To: cherron604@aol.com
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 11:50:02 AM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings

Here's my current Big Ten bowl projections, but there's obviously a LOT of
football left to be played:

*Rose Bowl:* Ohio State
*BCS At-Large:* Iowa
*Capital One:* Penn State
*Outback:* Wisconsin
*Champs Sports:* Michigan
*Alamo: *Michigan State
*Insight: *Northwestern
*Pizza:* Minnesota

*Ineligible:* Indiana, Purdue, Illinois.

The key to getting 8 Big Ten teams in bowls is not really what the teams at
the top of the conference do (as long as there are a couple of teams with 10
wins, which is quite possible between OSU/PSU/Iowa), but what other
conferences do.

Out of the 10 BCS bowl slots, there are 6 guaranteed slots to the
BCS-conference champions, 1 likely that will go to a "mid-major," which
leaves 3 at-large spots.? The question is: which conferences will send 2
representatives to the BCS (remembering that there is a 2 team/conference
cap)?

The SEC looks like a lock to send two.? That leaves two spots.

The ACC teams are already knocking each other off, and the Big East doesn't
look like they'll have multiple teams near the top, so I'll eliminate them
from the discussion for now (though the ACC with Miami and VT could get back
into it).

So, it's between the Big Ten, Big XII, and Pac-10 for the final two spots.

Big XII: A lot depends on what happens in the Texas-Oklahoma game (a third
loss for Oklahoma would make it very difficult for them to get in), but
there are those teams on the north (Nebraska, Kansas) that could make for a
second team.? But, it's hard to tell right now.

Pac-10: Hard to tell there, as well, with Oregon surging and USC already
having lost its usual conference away game even as a huge favorite.

Big Ten: Looks to be in the best shape, but there are still OSU/PSU and
OSU/Iowa bouts in November.? You never know what will happen.


So, the picture isn't very clear right now.? IF the Big Ten can get a second
team in the top 14, they will likely face some stiff competition, but when
it comes down to fans traveling and spending money, the Big Ten usually
fares well (the conference has sent 2 teams to the BCS more than any other
conference).? Based on that I assumed the Big Ten would send two teams.

For NU, a lot of bowl hopes hinge on this MSU game.? Indiana and Illinois
are win-able games (not gimmes, though), meaning that the MSU game could be
the difference between 6 and 7 wins.? Just look at 2007 when NU was left
home at 6-6 (so was Iowa for that matter) since bowl rules required 7-5 or
better teams be selected before 6-6 teams.? 7 wins virtually guarantees a
bowl bid.? The rest of NU's second half games against PSU, Iowa, and
Wisconsin look very tough right now, so NU likely needs to win the MSU game
to get to 7 wins.

Hopefully, if NU can get to 7, I think they can get into the Insight if
other teams falter down the stretch and end up 6-6 (like Minnesota, who
still has to face Iowa, PSU, and OSU - and all on the road).

Go 'Cats!
Jonathan

On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 11:04 AM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:

>
> Do we have a shot at a warm weather bowl ?
>
>
>
> I ran the most current Sagarin numbers through the schedule, to try and
> answer a couple of questions.? First, can we get two teams in the BCS ?
>
>
>
> My rough guess would be 'yes', but a lot depends on two very big games.
>? First, we need to keep Iowa unbeaten this week when they travel to
> Wisconsin.? Then second, we probably need Iowa to lose to Ohio State in
> Columbus on November 14.? Unless the Rose Bowl was feeling very sentimental,
> and took a 2-loss OSU, Wisconsin or PSU to keep up that 'Big Ten Tradition'.
>? Wisconsin might end up highest rated of those three (even though unrated
> now ?) since their 2nd loss would've been the longest time ago, October 17
> (thereby keeping Iowa undefeated).? And that raises another question - would
> an unbeaten Iowa be passed over for the National Championship game, thereby
> falling into the Rose Bowl ?? And would all of the other BCS bowls pass on
> OSU, Wisconsin and PSU with 2 losses ?? Do two 11-1 teams position the
> conference better for two BCS berths than a 12-0 team and several 10-2 teams
> ?
>
>
>
> It would appear that we have 4 Bowl 'locks', Iowa, Ohio State, Wisconsin
> and Penn State, and 2 bowl 'very likely' teams, Minnesota and Michigan.
>? Minnesota needs 2, and has Illinois and San Diego State at home (as well as
> a possible win against MSU at home). Michigan needs 2, and has home games
> against Delaware State and Purdue, as well as a road game at Illinois.
>
>
>
> There would seem to be 3 bubble teams, and we seem to be in that class.
>? Michigan State seems to have the best path - they need 3, and have Western
> Michigan and the Cats at home (though we have won the last 2 in Lansing),
> and Purdue on the road.? We need 2, and have Indiana at home and Illinois at
> Champaign (according to today's Sagarin Ratings, we would be 1/2 point
> underdogs in Champaign, but I am hoping that at 1-8 when we play, the team
> will already have given up on Zook (some are already accusing the team of
> that now)).? Ironically, Indiana needs 3 wins for bowl eligibility, and they
> have Illinois and Purdue at home, but their best chance for win #6 among the
> remaining games is their game at Evanston (we are only point-and-a-half
> favorites, according to Sagarin), so it appears that the only way they go is
> to beat us, thereby keeping us home.
>
>
>
> So we 'should' probably qualify 8 teams.? If we get 2 in the BCS, then
> number 8 (either us or Indiana) probably gets Detroit.? If we only get one
> in the BCS, then Detroit probably gets their wish with a Spartan home game.
>
>
>
> Certainly we have to steal one of our three late games (at Lansing, host
> Penn State and host Wisconsin, all probably 10-14 point spreads), as well as
> hold serve against IU and the Illini, as well as hope for 2 in the BCS, to
> hope for anything better than Detroit (and even that is not a guarantee).
>
>
>
> The Syracuse and Minnesota fiascos are looming larger and larger in this
> season...
>
>
>
> Chuck Herron? Tech '85
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Wed Oct 14 12:10:05 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Wed Oct 14 12:10:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings
In-Reply-To: <187032.76217.qm@web83905.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
References: <8CC1AFF256A0447-2428-5032@webmail-d014.sysops.aol.com> 
	<fcb3ee270910140950p7ac11872j4cf0a7373dd5c789@mail.gmail.com> 
	<187032.76217.qm@web83905.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910141010i58f60ea5ib202993760240b5e@mail.gmail.com>

About Notre Dame, they get an automatic bid if they're in the top 8 and have
at least 9 wins.  They are also in the pool with the rest of the eligible
teams if they're in the top 14 and have at least 9 wins.  We'll have to see
how things play out because if they lose to USC, they'll have a hard time
making up ground against such a weak schedule the rest of the way to get way
up there.

Jonathan


On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 12:04 PM, Evans Schoeman <eschoeman@sbcglobal.net>wrote:

> I hate to ask, but where does Notre Dame fit into the BCS picture?  The
> fact that they moved into the rankings on a bye week does not bode well.  If
> they play USC tough on Saturday, even with a loss, that might not be a
> killer for their BCS hopes.  (Sorry, Lou, I don't think that they will get
> into the NC game).
>
> The rest of their season is not the cakewalk that it looked to be at the
> beginning of the year, as Pitt, UConn, and even Stanford could test them.  A
> 9-3 record is not out of the question and could set them up for a BCS bid,
> which would take away one of the conference at-large spots.
>
> Our game Saturday will be huge in setting the rest of the season up.  Four
> years ago we went into E. Lansing as heavy underdogs and gave up a long
> touchdown pass right at the start of the game.  From there on it was all
> Cats, as we hammered Sparty in every way.  Hopefully, history will repeat
> itself this year and take some of the pressure off this team.
>
>  ------------------------------
> *From:* Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
> *To:* cherron604@aol.com
> *Cc:* nwu-sports@tssi.com
> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 14, 2009 11:50:02 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings
>
> Here's my current Big Ten bowl projections, but there's obviously a LOT of
> football left to be played:
>
> *Rose Bowl:* Ohio State
> *BCS At-Large:* Iowa
> *Capital One:* Penn State
> *Outback:* Wisconsin
> *Champs Sports:* Michigan
> *Alamo: *Michigan State
> *Insight: *Northwestern
> *Pizza:* Minnesota
>
> *Ineligible:* Indiana, Purdue, Illinois.
>
> The key to getting 8 Big Ten teams in bowls is not really what the teams at
> the top of the conference do (as long as there are a couple of teams with
> 10
> wins, which is quite possible between OSU/PSU/Iowa), but what other
> conferences do.
>
> Out of the 10 BCS bowl slots, there are 6 guaranteed slots to the
> BCS-conference champions, 1 likely that will go to a "mid-major," which
> leaves 3 at-large spots.  The question is: which conferences will send 2
> representatives to the BCS (remembering that there is a 2 team/conference
> cap)?
>
> The SEC looks like a lock to send two.  That leaves two spots.
>
> The ACC teams are already knocking each other off, and the Big East doesn't
> look like they'll have multiple teams near the top, so I'll eliminate them
> from the discussion for now (though the ACC with Miami and VT could get
> back
> into it).
>
> So, it's between the Big Ten, Big XII, and Pac-10 for the final two spots.
>
> Big XII: A lot depends on what happens in the Texas-Oklahoma game (a third
> loss for Oklahoma would make it very difficult for them to get in), but
> there are those teams on the north (Nebraska, Kansas) that could make for a
> second team.  But, it's hard to tell right now.
>
> Pac-10: Hard to tell there, as well, with Oregon surging and USC already
> having lost its usual conference away game even as a huge favorite.
>
> Big Ten: Looks to be in the best shape, but there are still OSU/PSU and
> OSU/Iowa bouts in November.  You never know what will happen.
>
>
> So, the picture isn't very clear right now.  IF the Big Ten can get a
> second
> team in the top 14, they will likely face some stiff competition, but when
> it comes down to fans traveling and spending money, the Big Ten usually
> fares well (the conference has sent 2 teams to the BCS more than any other
> conference).  Based on that I assumed the Big Ten would send two teams.
>
> For NU, a lot of bowl hopes hinge on this MSU game.  Indiana and Illinois
> are win-able games (not gimmes, though), meaning that the MSU game could be
> the difference between 6 and 7 wins.  Just look at 2007 when NU was left
> home at 6-6 (so was Iowa for that matter) since bowl rules required 7-5 or
> better teams be selected before 6-6 teams.  7 wins virtually guarantees a
> bowl bid.  The rest of NU's second half games against PSU, Iowa, and
> Wisconsin look very tough right now, so NU likely needs to win the MSU game
> to get to 7 wins.
>
> Hopefully, if NU can get to 7, I think they can get into the Insight if
> other teams falter down the stretch and end up 6-6 (like Minnesota, who
> still has to face Iowa, PSU, and OSU - and all on the road).
>
> Go 'Cats!
> Jonathan
>
> On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 11:04 AM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:
>
> >
> > Do we have a shot at a warm weather bowl ?
> >
> >
> >
> > I ran the most current Sagarin numbers through the schedule, to try and
> > answer a couple of questions.  First, can we get two teams in the BCS ?
> >
> >
> >
> > My rough guess would be 'yes', but a lot depends on two very big games.
> >  First, we need to keep Iowa unbeaten this week when they travel to
> > Wisconsin.  Then second, we probably need Iowa to lose to Ohio State in
> > Columbus on November 14.  Unless the Rose Bowl was feeling very
> sentimental,
> > and took a 2-loss OSU, Wisconsin or PSU to keep up that 'Big Ten
> Tradition'.
> >  Wisconsin might end up highest rated of those three (even though unrated
> > now ?) since their 2nd loss would've been the longest time ago, October
> 17
> > (thereby keeping Iowa undefeated).  And that raises another question -
> would
> > an unbeaten Iowa be passed over for the National Championship game,
> thereby
> > falling into the Rose Bowl ?  And would all of the other BCS bowls pass
> on
> > OSU, Wisconsin and PSU with 2 losses ?  Do two 11-1 teams position the
> > conference better for two BCS berths than a 12-0 team and several 10-2
> teams
> > ?
> >
> >
> >
> > It would appear that we have 4 Bowl 'locks', Iowa, Ohio State, Wisconsin
> > and Penn State, and 2 bowl 'very likely' teams, Minnesota and Michigan.
> >  Minnesota needs 2, and has Illinois and San Diego State at home (as well
> as
> > a possible win against MSU at home). Michigan needs 2, and has home games
> > against Delaware State and Purdue, as well as a road game at Illinois.
> >
> >
> >
> > There would seem to be 3 bubble teams, and we seem to be in that class.
> >  Michigan State seems to have the best path - they need 3, and have
> Western
> > Michigan and the Cats at home (though we have won the last 2 in Lansing),
> > and Purdue on the road.  We need 2, and have Indiana at home and Illinois
> at
> > Champaign (according to today's Sagarin Ratings, we would be 1/2 point
> > underdogs in Champaign, but I am hoping that at 1-8 when we play, the
> team
> > will already have given up on Zook (some are already accusing the team of
> > that now)).  Ironically, Indiana needs 3 wins for bowl eligibility, and
> they
> > have Illinois and Purdue at home, but their best chance for win #6 among
> the
> > remaining games is their game at Evanston (we are only point-and-a-half
> > favorites, according to Sagarin), so it appears that the only way they go
> is
> > to beat us, thereby keeping us home.
> >
> >
> >
> > So we 'should' probably qualify 8 teams.  If we get 2 in the BCS, then
> > number 8 (either us or Indiana) probably gets Detroit.  If we only get
> one
> > in the BCS, then Detroit probably gets their wish with a Spartan home
> game.
> >
> >
> >
> > Certainly we have to steal one of our three late games (at Lansing, host
> > Penn State and host Wisconsin, all probably 10-14 point spreads), as well
> as
> > hold serve against IU and the Illini, as well as hope for 2 in the BCS,
> to
> > hope for anything better than Detroit (and even that is not a guarantee).
> >
> >
> >
> > The Syracuse and Minnesota fiascos are looming larger and larger in this
> > season...
> >
> >
> >
> > Chuck Herron  Tech '85
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>



-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com
From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Wed Oct 14 17:01:26 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Wed Oct 14 19:02:51 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings
In-Reply-To: <187032.76217.qm@web83905.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
References: <8CC1AFF256A0447-2428-5032@webmail-d014.sysops.aol.com>
	<fcb3ee270910140950p7ac11872j4cf0a7373dd5c789@mail.gmail.com>
	<187032.76217.qm@web83905.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <297C6C0B-7E36-43AB-A407-04AB2EB11BB3@covisint.com>

It's all about the run. We have to stop theirs and execute ours.

Win on the ground and hold onto the ball is our formula for success  
against sparty.

Jeff

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 14, 2009, at 10:10 AM, "Evans Schoeman"  
<eschoeman@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> I hate to ask, but where does Notre Dame fit into the BCS picture?   
> The fact that they moved into the rankings on a bye week does not  
> bode well.  If they play USC tough on Saturday, even with a loss,  
> that might not be a killer for their BCS hopes.  (Sorry, Lou, I  
> don't think that they will get into the NC game).
>
> The rest of their season is not the cakewalk that it looked to be at  
> the beginning of the year, as Pitt, UConn, and even Stanford could  
> test them.  A 9-3 record is not out of the question and could set  
> them up for a BCS bid, which would take away one of the conference  
> at-large spots.
>
> Our game Saturday will be huge in setting the rest of the season  
> up.  Four years ago we went into E. Lansing as heavy underdogs and  
> gave up a long touchdown pass right at the start of the game.  From  
> there on it was all Cats, as we hammered Sparty in every way.   
> Hopefully, history will repeat itself this year and take some of the  
> pressure off this team.
>
>
>
>
> 
The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

> From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
> To: cherron604@aol.com
> Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 11:50:02 AM
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings
>
> Here's my current Big Ten bowl projections, but there's obviously a  
> LOT of
> football left to be played:
>
> *Rose Bowl:* Ohio State
> *BCS At-Large:* Iowa
> *Capital One:* Penn State
> *Outback:* Wisconsin
> *Champs Sports:* Michigan
> *Alamo: *Michigan State
> *Insight: *Northwestern
> *Pizza:* Minnesota
>
> *Ineligible:* Indiana, Purdue, Illinois.
>
> The key to getting 8 Big Ten teams in bowls is not really what the  
> teams at
> the top of the conference do (as long as there are a couple of teams  
> with 10
> wins, which is quite possible between OSU/PSU/Iowa), but what other
> conferences do.
>
> Out of the 10 BCS bowl slots, there are 6 guaranteed slots to the
> BCS-conference champions, 1 likely that will go to a "mid-major,"  
> which
> leaves 3 at-large spots.  The question is: which conferences will  
> send 2
> representatives to the BCS (remembering that there is a 2 team/ 
> conference
> cap)?
>
> The SEC looks like a lock to send two.  That leaves two spots.
>
> The ACC teams are already knocking each other off, and the Big East  
> doesn't
> look like they'll have multiple teams near the top, so I'll  
> eliminate them
> from the discussion for now (though the ACC with Miami and VT could  
> get back
> into it).
>
> So, it's between the Big Ten, Big XII, and Pac-10 for the final two  
> spots.
>
> Big XII: A lot depends on what happens in the Texas-Oklahoma game (a  
> third
> loss for Oklahoma would make it very difficult for them to get in),  
> but
> there are those teams on the north (Nebraska, Kansas) that could  
> make for a
> second team.  But, it's hard to tell right now.
>
> Pac-10: Hard to tell there, as well, with Oregon surging and USC  
> already
> having lost its usual conference away game even as a huge favorite.
>
> Big Ten: Looks to be in the best shape, but there are still OSU/PSU  
> and
> OSU/Iowa bouts in November.  You never know what will happen.
>
>
> So, the picture isn't very clear right now.  IF the Big Ten can get  
> a second
> team in the top 14, they will likely face some stiff competition,  
> but when
> it comes down to fans traveling and spending money, the Big Ten  
> usually
> fares well (the conference has sent 2 teams to the BCS more than any  
> other
> conference).  Based on that I assumed the Big Ten would send two  
> teams.
>
> For NU, a lot of bowl hopes hinge on this MSU game.  Indiana and  
> Illinois
> are win-able games (not gimmes, though), meaning that the MSU game  
> could be
> the difference between 6 and 7 wins.  Just look at 2007 when NU was  
> left
> home at 6-6 (so was Iowa for that matter) since bowl rules required  
> 7-5 or
> better teams be selected before 6-6 teams.  7 wins virtually  
> guarantees a
> bowl bid.  The rest of NU's second half games against PSU, Iowa, and
> Wisconsin look very tough right now, so NU likely needs to win the  
> MSU game
> to get to 7 wins.
>
> Hopefully, if NU can get to 7, I think they can get into the Insight  
> if
> other teams falter down the stretch and end up 6-6 (like Minnesota,  
> who
> still has to face Iowa, PSU, and OSU - and all on the road).
>
> Go 'Cats!
> Jonathan
>
> On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 11:04 AM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:
>
>>
>> Do we have a shot at a warm weather bowl ?
>>
>>
>>
>> I ran the most current Sagarin numbers through the schedule, to try  
>> and
>> answer a couple of questions.  First, can we get two teams in the  
>> BCS ?
>>
>>
>>
>> My rough guess would be 'yes', but a lot depends on two very big  
>> games.
>>   First, we need to keep Iowa unbeaten this week when they travel to
>> Wisconsin.  Then second, we probably need Iowa to lose to Ohio  
>> State in
>> Columbus on November 14.  Unless the Rose Bowl was feeling very  
>> sentimental,
>> and took a 2-loss OSU, Wisconsin or PSU to keep up that 'Big Ten  
>> Tradition'.
>>   Wisconsin might end up highest rated of those three (even though  
>> unrated
>> now ?) since their 2nd loss would've been the longest time ago,  
>> October 17
>> (thereby keeping Iowa undefeated).  And that raises another  
>> question - would
>> an unbeaten Iowa be passed over for the National Championship game,  
>> thereby
>> falling into the Rose Bowl ?  And would all of the other BCS bowls  
>> pass on
>> OSU, Wisconsin and PSU with 2 losses ?  Do two 11-1 teams position  
>> the
>> conference better for two BCS berths than a 12-0 team and several  
>> 10-2 teams
>> ?
>>
>>
>>
>> It would appear that we have 4 Bowl 'locks', Iowa, Ohio State,  
>> Wisconsin
>> and Penn State, and 2 bowl 'very likely' teams, Minnesota and  
>> Michigan.
>>   Minnesota needs 2, and has Illinois and San Diego State at home  
>> (as well as
>> a possible win against MSU at home). Michigan needs 2, and has home  
>> games
>> against Delaware State and Purdue, as well as a road game at  
>> Illinois.
>>
>>
>>
>> There would seem to be 3 bubble teams, and we seem to be in that  
>> class.
>>   Michigan State seems to have the best path - they need 3, and  
>> have Western
>> Michigan and the Cats at home (though we have won the last 2 in  
>> Lansing),
>> and Purdue on the road.  We need 2, and have Indiana at home and  
>> Illinois at
>> Champaign (according to today's Sagarin Ratings, we would be 1/2  
>> point
>> underdogs in Champaign, but I am hoping that at 1-8 when we play,  
>> the team
>> will already have given up on Zook (some are already accusing the  
>> team of
>> that now)).  Ironically, Indiana needs 3 wins for bowl eligibility,  
>> and they
>> have Illinois and Purdue at home, but their best chance for win #6  
>> among the
>> remaining games is their game at Evanston (we are only point-and-a- 
>> half
>> favorites, according to Sagarin), so it appears that the only way  
>> they go is
>> to beat us, thereby keeping us home.
>>
>>
>>
>> So we 'should' probably qualify 8 teams.  If we get 2 in the BCS,  
>> then
>> number 8 (either us or Indiana) probably gets Detroit.  If we only  
>> get one
>> in the BCS, then Detroit probably gets their wish with a Spartan  
>> home game.
>>
>>
>>
>> Certainly we have to steal one of our three late games (at Lansing,  
>> host
>> Penn State and host Wisconsin, all probably 10-14 point spreads),  
>> as well as
>> hold serve against IU and the Illini, as well as hope for 2 in the  
>> BCS, to
>> hope for anything better than Detroit (and even that is not a  
>> guarantee).
>>
>>
>>
>> The Syracuse and Minnesota fiascos are looming larger and larger in  
>> this
>> season...
>>
>>
>>
>> Chuck Herron  Tech '85
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nwu-sports site list
>> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>


From tbng at comcast.net  Wed Oct 14 20:43:36 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Wed Oct 14 20:43:45 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
Message-ID: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>

Tonight's episode of the ABC series The Forgotten went to Northwestern.  They showed an aerial shot of some school I never saw before, and the cops searched Crawford Hall on campus.  Must not have gotten permission from the school powers-that-be to use the real place.
From johnl at mac.com  Wed Oct 14 21:41:27 2009
From: johnl at mac.com (Labbe John)
Date: Wed Oct 14 21:41:37 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
In-Reply-To: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>
References: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <202AC0C8-458C-419D-B167-564927958AF0@mac.com>

They probably didn't even ask for permission to use the name of the  
university.  If they had gotten permission, they could have used a  
real picture and building name.   Not sure what happened at "Crawford  
Hall," but it doesn't sound like something NU would have approved.

Here's a link to an interesting article from Northwestern magazine  
about the permissions process for using Northwestern in TV and film:

http://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/winter2006/feature/movies.html

I figure that often times when you hear the university's name in  
passing on TV or in a movie, they didn't get permission.



On Oct 14, 2009, at 8:43 PM, Dennis W. Brandt wrote:

> Tonight's episode of the ABC series The Forgotten went to  
> Northwestern.  They showed an aerial shot of some school I never saw  
> before, and the cops searched Crawford Hall on campus.  Must not  
> have gotten permission from the school powers-that-be to use the  
> real place.
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From clzahn at mindspring.com  Thu Oct 15 23:32:37 2009
From: clzahn at mindspring.com (Clark Zahn)
Date: Thu Oct 15 23:33:03 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
In-Reply-To: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>
References: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <4AD7F765.3060905@mindspring.com>

In tonights episode of Fringe the female FBI agent who is a main 
character was wearing an NU t-shirt and she said that she graduated from 
NU.  There was no further mention of NU, though.

Clark Zahn

From tbng at comcast.net  Fri Oct 16 06:33:16 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Fri Oct 16 06:33:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
References: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>
	<4AD7F765.3060905@mindspring.com>
Message-ID: <6F4E13FA16CB401283B035D5000C3F7A@DennisMachine>

> In tonights episode of Fringe the female FBI agent who is a main character 
> was wearing an NU t-shirt and she said that she graduated from NU.  There 
> was no further mention of NU, though.

And the same goes for a movie whose name I do not recall and, by the 
previews, don't care to remember.  It is about a married couple going to an 
island for a group vacation/counseling.  The hunky instructor has his 
Speedo-covered butt in the face of the poor sap wearing what appears to be 
an NU t-shirt.  Now it appears that Northwestern is living on the Fringe 
atop a surrey.  Sorry.  Better scurry.  Chicks and ducks and geese to feed, 
you know.

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Fri Oct 16 07:32:03 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Fri Oct 16 07:32:02 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
In-Reply-To: <6F4E13FA16CB401283B035D5000C3F7A@DennisMachine>
References: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>	<4AD7F765.3060905@mindspring.com>
	<6F4E13FA16CB401283B035D5000C3F7A@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <001801ca4e5c$aa52eec0$fef8cc40$@com>

It is not uncommon to see NU pop up in scripts from Hollywood since so many of our alums are
there.

I think one of the major characters in When Harry Met Sally was coming from NU.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Dennis W.
Brandt
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 7:33 AM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] NU on TV

> In tonights episode of Fringe the female FBI agent who is a main character 
> was wearing an NU t-shirt and she said that she graduated from NU.  There 
> was no further mention of NU, though.

And the same goes for a movie whose name I do not recall and, by the 
previews, don't care to remember.  It is about a married couple going to an 
island for a group vacation/counseling.  The hunky instructor has his 
Speedo-covered butt in the face of the poor sap wearing what appears to be 
an NU t-shirt.  Now it appears that Northwestern is living on the Fringe 
atop a surrey.  Sorry.  Better scurry.  Chicks and ducks and geese to feed, 
you know.

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Fri Oct 16 08:01:43 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Fri Oct 16 08:02:12 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
In-Reply-To: <4AD7F765.3060905@mindspring.com>
References: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine> 
	<4AD7F765.3060905@mindspring.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910160601k5b217e68m340b0d8d811f341d@mail.gmail.com>

On an episode of Fringe from last season they visited Evanston and she wore
a Northwestern t-shirt at some point during that season as well.

NU obviously benefits from having its graduates spread around the
TV/radio/film industry, even if they don't always get formal approval from
NU to use the name/likeness.

Jonathan

On Thu, Oct 15, 2009 at 11:32 PM, Clark Zahn <clzahn@mindspring.com> wrote:

> In tonights episode of Fringe the female FBI agent who is a main character
> was wearing an NU t-shirt and she said that she graduated from NU.  There
> was no further mention of NU, though.
>
> Clark Zahn
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From tbng at comcast.net  Fri Oct 16 08:33:11 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Fri Oct 16 08:33:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
References: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>
	<4AD7F765.3060905@mindspring.com>
	<fcb3ee270910160601k5b217e68m340b0d8d811f341d@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <B33F104B784E4B5F9195CA74AC5394D9@DennisMachine>

Maybe one of our legal gurus can respond to this.

Being legally unable to use the likeness of a university, particularly a public university, or even to mention its name, is a concept one I do not understand.  Law & Order, for example, is always picking up dead bodies at the fictional Hudson University rather than N.Y.U., St. John's, or Columbia yet unhesitatingly show and discuss buildings such as the Empire State or Chrysler.  Showing respect to a university or not disrupting their routine with unapproved on-campus filming is one thing.  But to require permission even to mention them or use images?  The law certainly does not demand permission to display images of public individuals.
From cherron604 at aol.com  Fri Oct 16 09:38:38 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Fri Oct 16 09:38:59 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Another fine story from Sun-Times Jim O'Donnell
Message-ID: <8CC1C857C08A3FA-1E14-2F26@webmail-d090.sysops.aol.com>


We've had a mix of beat writers since our Football Renaissance, but I particularly like Jim O'Donnell's work in the Sun-Times.



Wednesday he had this in the S-T:



"Anything less than a warm-weather bowl would be considered a significant disappointment by NU's fickle fan base after the happy San Antonio purple of 2008. Six games in, the chances of a warm-weather bowl appear less likely than a rainbowed statue of center-square alum Paul Lynde popping up outside Ryan Field."



Earlier in the story he dropped in "laconic" and "iconic" in nearby paragraphs - they don't write like this in Norman, Oklahoma!  And I always like his references to "the enchanted lakefront'.



(On a side note, I try and go to the local papers online and check out their stories, before and after our games.  It is rather disappointing to see the uneven quality of some of the writing in these local papers.)



Chuck Herron   Tech '85




=
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Fri Oct 16 09:49:42 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Fri Oct 16 09:50:25 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Another fine story from Sun-Times Jim O'Donnell
In-Reply-To: <8CC1C857C08A3FA-1E14-2F26@webmail-d090.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC1C857C08A3FA-1E14-2F26@webmail-d090.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910160749u4d6e4494y84e8c6e7437e5f9d@mail.gmail.com>

NU alum Teddy Greenstein has done a nice job covering the 'Cats for the Trib
this year.  Skip Myslenski did a nice job last year before he was let go,
although now he's putting together some nice content for Northwestern
(appearing on NUSports.com as well as in the game programs) with some of his
own upscale writing style.  And there's also Lindsey Willhite at the Daily
Herald, although his time seems to be more split than the guys at the major
papers, so there is less total material there.

Last year it seemed like Skip and O'Donnell were in a competition for most
unique writing style and I have to say that it made for interesting reads,
so I say keep it up.

Even though NU doesn't get as much coverage as other schools (ND has its own
oft-updated blog at the Trib), I think this group does a solid job covering
the 'Cats and you can typically get 2 articles per week from each paper in
addition to the pre/postgame stories and nuggets about injuries and such
thrown into college football notes sections on the other days.  So, at least
we're getting something out of the "traditional media."

And now, of course, there's the plethora of online content (where I
contribute), so there should always be somewhere for NU fans to get their
fix.

Jonathan

On Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 9:38 AM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:

>
> We've had a mix of beat writers since our Football Renaissance, but I
> particularly like Jim O'Donnell's work in the Sun-Times.
>
>
>
> Wednesday he had this in the S-T:
>
>
>
> "Anything less than a warm-weather bowl would be considered a significant
> disappointment by NU's fickle fan base after the happy San Antonio purple of
> 2008. Six games in, the chances of a warm-weather bowl appear less likely
> than a rainbowed statue of center-square alum Paul Lynde popping up outside
> Ryan Field."
>
>
>
> Earlier in the story he dropped in "laconic" and "iconic" in nearby
> paragraphs - they don't write like this in Norman, Oklahoma!  And I always
> like his references to "the enchanted lakefront'.
>
>
>
> (On a side note, I try and go to the local papers online and check out
> their stories, before and after our games.  It is rather disappointing to
> see the uneven quality of some of the writing in these local papers.)
>
>
>
> Chuck Herron   Tech '85
>
>
>
>
> =
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Fri Oct 16 10:28:50 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Fri Oct 16 10:28:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
In-Reply-To: <B33F104B784E4B5F9195CA74AC5394D9@DennisMachine>
References: <E3055D9EA8CE467AB7A12975D1DA33DA@DennisMachine>	<4AD7F765.3060905@mindspring.com>	<fcb3ee270910160601k5b217e68m340b0d8d811f341d@mail.gmail.com>
	<B33F104B784E4B5F9195CA74AC5394D9@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <003401ca4e75$5ca9c310$15fd4930$@com>

Not a Legal Guru, but Law and Order has traditionally avoided any controversy in its scripts.
The producer, Wolfe?, made a comment early in the show's life about the number of "white
defendants" on the show, that white guys don't cry discrimination when they are portrayed as
criminals. They have since added more diversity but they still don't mirror all the cases in NY
that they could.

I know they never portray someone working for a real company. Very few corporations will allow
you to use their name in a script because the writers won't submit scripts to the corporate
advisor for "corrections."

rsl



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Dennis W.
Brandt
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 9:33 AM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] NU on TV

Maybe one of our legal gurus can respond to this.

Being legally unable to use the likeness of a university, particularly a public university, or
even to mention its name, is a concept one I do not understand.  Law & Order, for example, is
always picking up dead bodies at the fictional Hudson University rather than N.Y.U., St. John's,
or Columbia yet unhesitatingly show and discuss buildings such as the Empire State or Chrysler.
Showing respect to a university or not disrupting their routine with unapproved on-campus
filming is one thing.  But to require permission even to mention them or use images?  The law
certainly does not demand permission to display images of public individuals.
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From cherron604 at aol.com  Fri Oct 16 10:30:22 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Fri Oct 16 10:31:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Another fine story from Sun-Times Jim O'Donnell
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910160749u4d6e4494y84e8c6e7437e5f9d@mail.gmail.com>
References: <8CC1C857C08A3FA-1E14-2F26@webmail-d090.sysops.aol.com>
	<fcb3ee270910160749u4d6e4494y84e8c6e7437e5f9d@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1C8CB5DC6D3A-1E14-3DE9@webmail-d090.sysops.aol.com>


Along those lines...



Saw two cases of pathetic pandering in today's Sun-Times, marking the bankrupt tabloid as little more than an extension of the Evil Empire's Sports Information office.



First (and most embarrassing) was this 'Jimmy Claussen for Heisman' puff piece from Neil Hayes:



http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hayes/1828140,CST-SPT-neil16.article



It had it all...crazy predictions (Jimmy will someday be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame !), bad attempts at humor/writing style ( "Notre Dame football has been generating strong opinions since Knute Rockne was an undergrad."  "Put Notre Dame and Clausen together, and you've got a lightning rod with more surface area than the Golden Dome."  Wouldn't such a lightning rod be impossible to build, much less install ?), bold assertions, without very many facts to defend them ("The Notre Dame quarterback's rare combination of arm strength and accuracy has made him one of the best pure passers -- if not the best pure passer -- in college football."  What ??).  More entertainment follows, as Hayes suggests that he might be the first quarterback selected in the NFL Draft.



Next came Brian Hanley (who is usually a good writer and should know better):



http://www.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/1828004,CST-SPT-nd16.article



It seems strange that 2 articles on the same day open with the Jimmy Claussen limo arrival at the CF HOF in South Bend.  And I think that everybody is weary of the constant reminders of Beano Cook's skillful predictions - Ron Powlus would win 2 Heismans, Jimmy Claussen would win 2 Heismans...



He's looked good in beating 4 bad teams, and losing to a good team.  13-16 is, I believe, their opponents combined record.  But I haven't heard a lot of Claussen/Heisman talk - I musn't listen to or watch the right programs.



Chuck Herron   Tech '85












-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
To: cherron604@aol.com
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Fri, Oct 16, 2009 9:49 am
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Another fine story from Sun-Times Jim O'Donnell



NU alum Teddy Greenstein has done a nice job covering the 'Cats for the Trib this year.  Skip Myslenski did a nice job last year before he was let go, although now he's putting together some nice content for Northwestern (appearing on NUSports.com as well as in the game programs) with some of his own upscale writing style.  And there's also Lindsey Willhite at the Daily Herald, although his time seems to be more split than the guys at the major papers, so there is less total material there.

Last year it seemed like Skip and O'Donnell were in a competition for most unique writing style and I have to say that it made for interesting reads, so I say keep it up.

Even though NU doesn't get as much coverage as other schools (ND has its own oft-updated blog at the Trib), I think this group does a solid job covering the 'Cats and you can typically get 2 articles per week from each paper in addition to the pre/postgame stories and nuggets about injuries and such thrown into college football notes sections on the other days.  So, at least we're getting something out of the "traditional media."

And now, of course, there's the plethora of online content (where I contribute), so there should always be somewhere for NU fans to get their fix.

Jonathan


On Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 9:38 AM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:


We've had a mix of beat writers since our Football Renaissance, but I particularly like Jim O'Donnell's work in the Sun-Times.



Wednesday he had this in the S-T:



"Anything less than a warm-weather bowl would be considered a significant disappointment by NU's fickle fan base after the happy San Antonio purple of 2008. Six games in, the chances of a warm-weather bowl appear less likely than a rainbowed statue of center-square alum Paul Lynde popping up outside Ryan Field."



Earlier in the story he dropped in "laconic" and "iconic" in nearby paragraphs - they don't write like this in Norman, Oklahoma!  And I always like his references to "the enchanted lakefront'.



(On a side note, I try and go to the local papers online and check out their stories, before and after our games.  It is rather disappointing to see the uneven quality of some of the writing in these local papers.)



Chuck Herron   Tech '85




=
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports





From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Fri Oct 16 12:25:02 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Fri Oct 16 12:25:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
Message-ID: <200910161725.n9GHP2jZ019322@romaine.tssi.com>

> NU obviously benefits from having its graduates spread around the
> TV/radio/film industry, even if they don't always get formal approval from
> NU to use the name/likeness.

Mclean Stevenson (another NU product) wanted to have his Col. Blake character 
be a Northwestern grad rather than an Illinois grad, but the color of
the Northwestern sweat shirt didn't work on camera.  (I don't believe 
the Richard Hooker book gave any college for Blake, though it did for 
several other characters.)
--
Mike Nolan

From NEONRye at aol.com  Fri Oct 16 14:24:36 2009
From: NEONRye at aol.com (NEONRye@aol.com)
Date: Fri Oct 16 14:24:53 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Rick Leach Rips Lloyd Carr
Message-ID: <ca0.5eb9315a.380a2274@aol.com>

Check this article out--more rumblings in Wolverine Country:
 
_http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/123631?eref=sircrc&eref=from
SI_ 
(http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/123631?eref=sircrc&eref=fromSI)  
 
Paul Levinson 
From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Fri Oct 16 16:23:09 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Fri Oct 16 16:23:01 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] A day that will live in infamy II
Message-ID: <002401ca4ea6$dc11eb60$9435c220$@com>

October 21, 2006- Jehuu Caulcrick's 18-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Drew Stanton
kicked off the biggest comeback in college football history at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill.
Northwestern claimed a 38-3 lead, only to see Michigan State begin a furious rally to climb back
in the game. The Spartans returned a blocked punt for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter,
and used two more touchdown passes from Stanton to tie the game. Brett Swenson's 28- yard field
goal with 13 seconds remaining clinched a 41-38 Michigan State victory. (NFF history)

We owe them big time for this one.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================



From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Fri Oct 16 16:25:26 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Fri Oct 16 16:25:31 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU on TV
In-Reply-To: <200910161725.n9GHP2jZ019322@romaine.tssi.com>
References: <200910161725.n9GHP2jZ019322@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <002501ca4ea7$2dfada40$89f08ec0$@com>

The junior doctors - Hawkeye, et al., were all Ivy League guys, as I remember - altho
Spearchucker was from Cal or USC.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Mike Nolan
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 1:25 PM
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] NU on TV

> NU obviously benefits from having its graduates spread around the
> TV/radio/film industry, even if they don't always get formal approval from
> NU to use the name/likeness.

Mclean Stevenson (another NU product) wanted to have his Col. Blake character 
be a Northwestern grad rather than an Illinois grad, but the color of
the Northwestern sweat shirt didn't work on camera.  (I don't believe 
the Richard Hooker book gave any college for Blake, though it did for 
several other characters.)
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
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From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 17 02:19:34 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 17 02:19:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Bowl Musings
In-Reply-To: <8CC1AFF256A0447-2428-5032@webmail-d014.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <102417.40656.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Always fun to muse :), and this could all change tomorrow, but here we go ...

The two huge games I see left for the Big Ten race are ...

- Iowa @ Wisky tomorrow: A win by Bucky and they will be favored in all of their remaining games

- OSU @ PSU: Everyone keeps forgetting about JoePa, but if they survive their road swing to nemesis Michigan and NU in October, they have OSU at home and could win out.

And the big wild card in the race? Michigan. They're not good enough to win it all, but with that spunky QB and offense, they could ruin the hopes of PSU, Wisky or OSU ... just as they might have for Iowa had they not turned it over every other play!

Now for how it all shakes down ...

First off - will we get two in the BCS? The answer is almost certainly yes (unless Michigan makes it a mess) and it will likely be the winners of the two big games above -- OSU/PSU heads to Pasadena and Iowa/Wisky brings their hordes of fans to an at-large site. There are four at large spots ...

- SEC is getting 2 ... duh!
- Pac 10 is getting one, unless Oregon upsets SC, as the Trojans are really the only ones who could make an at-large with 2 losses there
- The Big East is getting one
- The Big XII is probably only getting one this year - the wild card would be if Nebraska came on strong
- The ACC is probably getting one, but Miami could be a BIG wild card as they trail VaTech and won't be in the title game, so they could win out ... but since the Orange Bowl now has to take the ACC champ instead of the ACC or Big East, and since Miami doesn't travel well, they could get hurt by the selection order (if the Orange could take the Big East champ instead, they have first pick and would almost certainly run at the U)

My guess ...

"TITLE" GAME: Florida vs. Texas
- Shoulda been last year's game ... Mack likes Pasadena upsets

ROSE: Penn State vs. Southern Cal
- A rematch of last year's game if the Nits win out

SUGAR: Alabama vs. Cincinnati
- They take the Tide to replace Gators, but get stuck with Cincy

FIESTA: Wisconsin vs. Boise State
- A 10-2 OSU is tempting, but 11-1 Bucky fills seats, too and is new

ORANGE: Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska
- Forced to take Hokies, they take nostalgia & Nebraska to fill seats

This would make the rest of the Big Ten lineup ...

CITRUS: Ohio State vs. LSU
- Two great defenses who've been let down by two terrible offenses

OUTBACK: Iowa vs. Tennessee
- Hawks don't like being stuck back in Tampa, but again get good matchup

ALAMO: Michigan vs. Oklahoma State
- Could be a fun shootout for the Big Ten's farewell to the Riverwalk

CHAMPS: Minnesota vs. Boston College
- Burgundy and gold ... blah

INSIGHT: Northwestern vs. Missouri
- A rematch in the desert? I think Fitz would like that

MOTOR CITY: Michigan State vs. Central Michigan
- Maybe it's my hope to see the Cats in the Valley of the Sun, but I'm hoping Detroit pulls strings to get Sparty sent to Motown, even though it's a rematch, to fill the seats

Alright, maybe switch those last two ... but I think we have a good chance of double-dipping in the BCS again, as all of our four candidates travel well and should have 10 or 11 wins.

That makes tomorrow's game with Sparty HUGE for bowl position -- we need the win, obviously, but we also need a win over our bowl competition, as the Gopher game already slipped away.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!



      

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 17 07:06:25 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 17 07:06:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Girardi At Northwestern
Message-ID: <8CC1D39626DEACC-1010-6A44@webmail-d061.sysops.aol.com>


Check out Joe Girardi's post-game comments about how cold it was during his first Big Ten series for NU--at WISKY--about half-way through this article:



http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/17/sports/baseball/17pins.html?_r=1&ref=sports



Paul Levinson


From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sat Oct 17 08:56:38 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sat Oct 17 08:57:08 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] A day that will live in infamy II
In-Reply-To: <002401ca4ea6$dc11eb60$9435c220$@com>
References: <002401ca4ea6$dc11eb60$9435c220$@com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910170656s587aab04p23e1c2453b8dcdc0@mail.gmail.com>

Don't forget that current Bear starting MLB and NU alum Nick Roach went down
in that game before the comeback with a broken leg on a punt coverage play
that was actually called back due to a penalty.  The loss of him in the
middle was definitely a factor in that game.

Jonathan

On Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 4:23 PM, Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com>wrote:

> October 21, 2006- Jehuu Caulcrick's 18-yard touchdown reception from
> quarterback Drew Stanton
> kicked off the biggest comeback in college football history at Ryan Field
> in Evanston, Ill.
> Northwestern claimed a 38-3 lead, only to see Michigan State begin a
> furious rally to climb back
> in the game. The Spartans returned a blocked punt for a touchdown early in
> the fourth quarter,
> and used two more touchdown passes from Stanton to tie the game. Brett
> Swenson's 28- yard field
> goal with 13 seconds remaining clinched a 41-38 Michigan State victory.
> (NFF history)
>
> We owe them big time for this one.
>
> rsl
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
> Computer Applications & Support Associates
> -------------------- Also ----------------------
> Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
> Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
> Northwestern University - Speech 1974 -
> Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
> Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
> ==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
> So...
>     How's that "hope" and "Change"
>     Working for ya?
>
> Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
> ================================================
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Sat Oct 17 10:12:33 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Sat Oct 17 10:12:46 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Rick Leach Rips Lloyd Carr
References: <ca0.5eb9315a.380a2274@aol.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA0260091E@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

The view from down the road from AA is that this is all "inside baseball" conversations about who loves who best.
 
The upside of filling a big stadium every weekend is that you have a lot of money.
 
The downside of having a lot of money is that it attracts powerful people who feel they should have a say in how you are going to spend it.
 
Rich Rod as the new guy has to win in order to quiet those factions among the UoM faithful who were unhappy with his signing and its repudiation of the the Carr legacy.  It appears that Carr doesn't mind being associating with one of those anti-Rod groups. 
 
This (like the training dustup) will go away if Michigan at least has a winning record (bowl game) or beats OSU this year.  As soon as he does both in the same year, people will no longer care about the opinions or the records of previous coaches - Rich Rod will be the guy (like Bo) who brought Michigan football back.  Ultimately his fate and his legacy, just like Carr's, will be determined by his record against OSU.
 
Jeff
 
 


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of NEONRye@aol.com
Sent: Fri 10/16/2009 3:24 PM
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Rick Leach Rips Lloyd Carr



Check this article out--more rumblings in Wolverine Country:

_http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/123631?eref=sircrc&eref=from
SI_
(http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/123631?eref=sircrc&eref=fromSI) 

Paul Levinson
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From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sat Oct 17 12:20:22 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 17 12:20:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] first half 7-zip
Message-ID: <c2c.68b690d2.380b56d6@aol.com>

Sparty frustrated, defense working, avoid mistakes and we may steal this  
one. GO CATS!!!!!
 
Peace  















































and  Love
From hakirsch at aol.com  Sat Oct 17 12:34:49 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 17 12:35:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] first half 7-zip
Message-ID: <63684853-1255800897-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-357260608-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

The stop at the 1 yard line so far has been the turning point. We are executing well on the short passes unfortunately not much else

Harry
------Original Message------
From: MHRJGScott@aol.com
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] first half 7-zip
Sent: Oct 17, 2009 10:20 AM

Sparty frustrated, defense working, avoid mistakes and we may steal this  
one. GO CATS!!!!!
 
Peace  















































and  Love
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From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct 17 12:38:05 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct 17 12:38:15 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the half
Message-ID: <2AC5DB11C1E747E59FD9DD6CBE1B89F8@DennisMachine>

GREAT DEFENSE!  Terrible running game and high school-level punting.  MSU looks perplexed.
From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 17 13:23:35 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 17 13:23:59 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the half
Message-ID: <1777546991-1255803831-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-916601187-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Dunsmore's fumble may be biggest play of the season. We went from being in control to comatose for rest of quarter.
------Original Message------
From: tbng@comcast.net
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] At the half
Sent: Oct 17, 2009 1:38 PM

GREAT DEFENSE!  Terrible running game and high school-level punting.  MSU looks perplexed.
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From Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com  Sat Oct 17 13:27:05 2009
From: Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com (Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal))
Date: Sat Oct 17 13:27:31 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the half
Message-ID: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF08A7BF77@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>

Agreed. 

Unfortunately. 



----- Original Message -----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com <nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com>
To: tbng@comcast.net <tbng@comcast.net>; nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com <nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com>; nwu-sports@tssi.com <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Sat Oct 17 14:23:35 2009
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] At the half

Dunsmore's fumble may be biggest play of the season. We went from being in control to comatose for rest of quarter.
------Original Message------
From: tbng@comcast.net
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] At the half
Sent: Oct 17, 2009 1:38 PM

GREAT DEFENSE!  Terrible running game and high school-level punting.  MSU looks perplexed.
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From hakirsch at aol.com  Sat Oct 17 13:48:42 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 17 13:48:59 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the half
Message-ID: <897912808-1255805331-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1834299113-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

You guys may be right. But let's not give up yet

Harry
------Original Message------
From: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: neonrye@aol.com
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] At the half
Sent: Oct 17, 2009 11:27 AM

Agreed. 

Unfortunately. 



----- Original Message -----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com <nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com>
To: tbng@comcast.net <tbng@comcast.net>; nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com <nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com>; nwu-sports@tssi.com <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Sat Oct 17 14:23:35 2009
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] At the half

Dunsmore's fumble may be biggest play of the season. We went from being in control to comatose for rest of quarter.
------Original Message------
From: tbng@comcast.net
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] At the half
Sent: Oct 17, 2009 1:38 PM

GREAT DEFENSE!  Terrible running game and high school-level punting.  MSU looks perplexed.
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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct 17 14:28:45 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct 17 14:28:57 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the end
Message-ID: <5BEC8F4D1E08426C839A9D6092C86EB3@DennisMachine>

We just don't have it this year, and that disappoints me.  The offense is anemic.  We have not wide receivers that strike fear into defenses' hearts.  Markshausen is doing yeoman's work, but he isn't worthy of regular double-teaming.  It doesn't help that we have plum forgot how to run the ball.  The defense is adequate, but Wooten's injury-plagued year hurts.  Special teams, except for field goals, is average or worse.  There just isn't much to excite the crowd.

Talent, talent, talent.  We have more than in the past but still not nearly enough of it.  That bowl game is looking more and more a distant dream unless we have a BIG turnaround.  I can't tolerate another loss to Penn State.
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 17 14:38:38 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 17 14:39:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Morning report ...
Message-ID: <381916.82290.qm@web52909.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Before we get to our miserable game, big KUDOS to Jim Bendat, who sent in his picks this week with Purdue beating Ohio State, saying it would be the "upset of the year" -- he's the only one who called it. Congrats!

As for our game, not too much to say. Our D dominated the first half, theirs dominated the second. They made better use of their chances and they capitalized on turnovers.

I loved the goal-line stand by our D and appreciated the conservative play calling that won us the battle of field position in the first half ... but we just didn't adjust in the second half as Sparty hit the play-action more and blitzed more on D. The 7-yard pass on 4th and 10 was particularly frustrating.

Another game we could have won that slipped away -- we cannot come from behind as our spread this year is a horizontal spread, not a vertical one and we have no quick-strike options.

NU now has to not only beat IU and UI (or get an upset), we have to become the biggest fans of IOWA and PENN STATE, hoping for both to make the BCS so we can slip into an 8th spot in the bowls, as we are pretty clearly the #8 option now and have lost to #6 and #7 in MSU and Minny.

Around the league ...

* PURDUE was begging to break through and they did in a big way against the Buckeyes. Good for the Boilers. Unlike the Illini (who you also have a feeling they'll wake up for one win), the Boilers have played with heart and guts all year ... while the Buckeyes have wasted their fine defense with a pathetically conservative offense that misuses their weapons. It's hard to see OSU making the BCS again, but they can be a major spoiler with November games against PSU and Iowa.

* As for our other gold and black team, I may finally start to be a believer in IOWA. They've always been a team that finishes the year better than they start (a tribute to Kirk Ferentz' teaching skills as a coach), but now they're doing that in every game as well -- starting slow and coming out barnbusters in the second half. Without an early loss to hamper them this year, they look to be on a path to 11 or 12 wins, depending on how they do in the Horseshoe.

* Big win for MICHIGAN in a game they should win big. They could also be a big spoiler in the league -- they don't get a crack at Iowa, but the Nits and Bucks both visit Ann Arbor and if RichRod's offense is rolling, they can hang with anybody.

So what's that do to the bowl outlook? Well, I better wait until after the PSU/Minny game because that could all change again.:) I will say that PSU winning out at 11-1 would lose the Rose tiebreak to Iowa (even if the Hawks lose in Columbus), but would be a BCS lock. Love to see all that snow in Happy Valley - just save some for during the game!:)

The title game could also change depending on the outcome in Dallas -- if it were two Big Ten teams (like Iowa @ PSU) with a low-scoring, defensive game with a lot of turnovers, John Saunders and his ilk at ABC would be whining about how sloppy the play is and how mediocre the Big Ten is ... but if it's the Big XII or SEC, it's a classic, right??? Actually, this Red River Rivalry game is a great game -- the crowd is the loudest I've seen and there are some GREAT hits out there!

Time for NU to buck up for IU next week - we have no more margin of error. We must beat Indiana and Illinois and we need to probably get one more against that rough trifecta of PSU/Iowa/Wisky (18-3 combined after this week??? Yikes!) to ensure the postseason.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 17 15:17:24 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 17 15:17:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the end
In-Reply-To: <5BEC8F4D1E08426C839A9D6092C86EB3@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <213947.31813.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

> We just don't have it this year, and
> that disappoints me.? The offense is anemic.? We

Well, I think we expected the offense to be a bit sluggish with all the new people at receiver and in the backfield ... however, Kafka's actually been pretty solid. The O-line is the biggest disappointment for me -- and they got shredded by MSU in the second half (and have been largely responsible for the lack of running game, which hurts everything else down the line).

On defense, I think it's the injuries that have killed us this year. When they were running down the list during the game, it was long and had some big names on it. McManis out early, Wootton out late, our safeties playing hurt, our linebackers thinned out.

We had a chance to have a special defense this year, but we had to stay healthy and we just got decimated by injuries. It happens to everyone, but NU is just never going to have the consistent depth to overcome it.

And as we've discussed on the list, the play calling on offense has been unimaginative and won't make anyone scared on defense -- their interview with the MSU coach said it all, pretty much. Just do a "rope a dope" strategy, let NU complete all the 3-yard outs they want and sooner or later they make a mistake or drop a pass or make a penalty and you get a longer distance down where they can't convert. I was pleased to see us go downfield ONCE in the game (before the final minutes when we had to), but we need to find ways to make our offense work given our situation (more rollouts and bootlegs to ease pressure on the O-line, more QB runs - especially in the red zone, etc.).

We have our work cut out for us in terms of bowling. I do think we'll get two BCS teams because I think PSU will win out (unlike us, they're starting to GET healthy with Lee back today). That would mean we need to beat Illinois and Indiana (no easy task). 

If we can't double dip in the BCS, the path becomes much more difficult. The pollsters don't show the league much respect yet, but we should have five top 25 teams right now, with Wisconsin and Michigan ranked (how is ND in when they lost to Michigan???) -- we play three of those top 25 teams in our home stretch, and by the end of the day, the Hawkeyes, Nittany Lions and Badgers should be 18-3. It's tough to see where we break through there ... but then again, no one outside of Jim saw Purdue's win today either.

Gotta take care of business and beat IU for homecoming.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


      

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sat Oct 17 16:11:48 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sat Oct 17 16:12:17 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the end
In-Reply-To: <213947.31813.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <5BEC8F4D1E08426C839A9D6092C86EB3@DennisMachine> 
	<213947.31813.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910171411y6f675f46x2bf68d1df1f8990b@mail.gmail.com>

I agree that the OL is the major problem this year, and that despite the
fact that Fitz has brought in some pretty highly rated recruits at that
position the past few years.

The OL hasn't been able to open up anything in the running game.  NU must
therefore resort to throwing almost exclusively, and they can't really go
downfield because Kafka rarely has enough time, thanks again to that line.

NU will never have as much talent at the other guys, especially when NU is
wearing thin thanks to some injuries (Smith, Johnson, and McNaul on
defense).

For NU to have a great season like last year, things really need to line up,
and it's pretty apparent that it's not happening this year.  But, NU still
has a winning record and can make an impact down the stretch if they can put
something together.

Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM, SjT (Stephen J. Truog)
<sjtruog@yahoo.com>wrote:

> > We just don't have it this year, and
> > that disappoints me.  The offense is anemic.  We
>
> Well, I think we expected the offense to be a bit sluggish with all the new
> people at receiver and in the backfield ... however, Kafka's actually been
> pretty solid. The O-line is the biggest disappointment for me -- and they
> got shredded by MSU in the second half (and have been largely responsible
> for the lack of running game, which hurts everything else down the line).
>
> On defense, I think it's the injuries that have killed us this year. When
> they were running down the list during the game, it was long and had some
> big names on it. McManis out early, Wootton out late, our safeties playing
> hurt, our linebackers thinned out.
>
> We had a chance to have a special defense this year, but we had to stay
> healthy and we just got decimated by injuries. It happens to everyone, but
> NU is just never going to have the consistent depth to overcome it.
>
> And as we've discussed on the list, the play calling on offense has been
> unimaginative and won't make anyone scared on defense -- their interview
> with the MSU coach said it all, pretty much. Just do a "rope a dope"
> strategy, let NU complete all the 3-yard outs they want and sooner or later
> they make a mistake or drop a pass or make a penalty and you get a longer
> distance down where they can't convert. I was pleased to see us go downfield
> ONCE in the game (before the final minutes when we had to), but we need to
> find ways to make our offense work given our situation (more rollouts and
> bootlegs to ease pressure on the O-line, more QB runs - especially in the
> red zone, etc.).
>
> We have our work cut out for us in terms of bowling. I do think we'll get
> two BCS teams because I think PSU will win out (unlike us, they're starting
> to GET healthy with Lee back today). That would mean we need to beat
> Illinois and Indiana (no easy task).
>
> If we can't double dip in the BCS, the path becomes much more difficult.
> The pollsters don't show the league much respect yet, but we should have
> five top 25 teams right now, with Wisconsin and Michigan ranked (how is ND
> in when they lost to Michigan???) -- we play three of those top 25 teams in
> our home stretch, and by the end of the day, the Hawkeyes, Nittany Lions and
> Badgers should be 18-3. It's tough to see where we break through there ...
> but then again, no one outside of Jim saw Purdue's win today either.
>
> Gotta take care of business and beat IU for homecoming.
>
> GO CATS!!!
> -SjT
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 17 17:57:17 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 17 17:57:38 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Afternoon report & bowl outlook ...
Message-ID: <588148.38804.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Well, not much of a contest in Happy Valley - thankfully the other two big games on in the Swamp and the Evil Empire vs. Spoiled Children game are pretty good. Plus the always-fun Pac 10 game.

So with the game tonight not having any real bowl implications except perhaps who gets to hold on to the sliver of hope longer, let's see how todays's big game in Madison and big upset in West Lafayette changed the outlook ...

THE LOCKS

IOWA: The biggest game on Iowa's schedule may be in mid-November at the Shoe, but for bowl purposes, it might be the game in Happy Valley the week before with PSU and OSU - should the Lions win, the Hawks can lose in Columbus and still hold the tiebreak for Pasadena. Right now, they're BCS bound unless they have a very bad day, and usually that only happens to Ferentz' teams in the first half of the season.

PENN STATE: They're getting healthy and the offense (against mediocre foes, albeit) is looking better. If they survive their road trips to the state of Michigan and hold serve at home against OSU's lifeless offense, they could also be BCS bound with an 11-1 mark.

OHIO STATE: Despite their horrible offense (the big question is whether it's that Pryor is overrated or limited by his coaches), they have the defense to be in every game left and could play big-time spoiler for both PSU and Iowa in November, meaning they still control their fate. More likely, though, it's looking like Florida.

WISCONSIN: The Badgers should be favored to win every game left on the schedule and hence are looking good for a 10-win season and a New Year's Day bowl game. But since they don't get a crack at PSU and lost to the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes already, they need help for anything above Florida.

MICHIGAN: They should to seven wins fine and with their "resurgence" and big name will be a popular bowl pick -- maybe even jumping up to Tampa -- but there are too many big names left to compete for the title. However, with PSU and OSU visiting the Big House, they could also be a major spoiler if the offense is on fire.

THE BUBBLE TEAMS

MICHIGAN STATE: Technically they still control their fate with Iowa and PSU visiting and no OSU, but more likely they're going to be sweating it out to get six or more wins because of those early close losses.  The key game for bowl position is in two weeks at Minnesota.

MINNESOTA: The Gophers have two nearly impossible road games left (@ Columbus and @ Iowa City), but if they take care of business at home against Illinois, San Diego State and a big battle with Sparty, they'll have seven wins and go bowling again.

NORTHWESTERN: The Cats have a decent shot at six, a longshot at seven and absolutely no room for error. They must beat Indiana and Illinois to get to six wins and then hope to steal one at home against PSU or Wisky or on the road in Iowa City ... or else hope we double dip into the BCS.

THE LONGSHOTS

PURDUE: They've been close all year and are coming alive now, but those early losses are going to come back and bite them. They need to steal one at Camp Randall or Ann Arbor and then win out against the Illini, Hoosiers and Sparty to have any hope.

INDIANA: The Hoosiers have the best shot of the three at the bottom because of their 3-3 mark, but like NU they have no room for error. They must beat Illinois and Purdue at home and win at Northwestern to get to six and then steal one at Iowa, at Penn State or vs. Wisconsin ... or hope for a BCS double dip.

ILLINOIS: The Illini seemingly have too much talent to run the table winless in the league, so the rest of the Big Ten teams are hoping that they come alive at Cincy instead of ruining their bowl chances. If they can win their next two tonight at IU and next week at Purdue to get to 3-4 before Michigan visits Champaign, they may be able to sneak back in, though, by beating the Wolverines, Wildcats and Fresno State.

So that would break down something like this ...

B(C)S GAMES

"TITLE" GAME: Florida vs. Texas - The Horns survived their biggest test today and I'm not falling for the tease on the Gators slipping today (they just got some help from the refs to make sure it's not Ole Miss all over again) - and even if they do lose, they canw in out and make it to the title game by beating Alabama, which they will.

ROSE: Iowa vs. Southern Cal - Great defensive battle as 11-1 Iowa beats PSU in the tiebreak (and avoids a rematch) ... or 12-0 Iowa fights for respect after being left out of the title game.

ORANGE: Penn State vs. Virginia Tech - As I discussed yesterday, the Orange has to take the ACC champ and can't just take the Big East champ against hometown Miami, so in order to sell seats, invite those RVs from Nittany Nation to visit South Florida for the winter.

SUGAR: Alabama vs. Cincinnati - The folks in New Orleans have to hate this BCS order thing, as they get stuck with the worst game on paper yet again (though last year Utah pulled the upset ... in a blowout game).

FIESTA: Boise State vs. Oregon - Here's the tough call of the lot. I was all set to have Nebraska here, until they laid an egg against Texas Tech. Miami doesn't travel well and old standby OSU might be there if they beat Iowa, but the Orange lobbies hard for PSU instead ... so they go with a Pac 10 team and give the Ducks a rematch with the Broncos in Phoenix.

CITRUS: Ohio State vs. LSU - I think the Buckeyes lose to both Iowa and PSU, but win a thriller vs. Michigan to stay in Orlando over a team they beat (Wisky) with one more win overall ... should be a great game of two national title-level defenses let down by mediocre offenses.

OUTBACK: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee - Two brash, young, unlikable coaches.

CHAMPS: Michigan vs. Florida State - I'm not sure, but I think Orlando gets to pick ahead of San Antonio this year, so they set up this big-name game of programs headed in opposite directions.

ALAMO: Minnesota vs. Nebraska - The Huskers could rebound to move up, and the Big Ten team depends on who wins that game in Minneapolis in two weeks.

INSIGHT: Michigan State vs. Kansas - Would be better if this were a football/basketball doubleheader.

MOTOR CITY: Northwestern/Illinois/Indiana vs. Central Michigan - We'll see if any Big Ten team gets to that No. 8 slot ... if they do, it won't be much fun in Detroit against a hot quarterback.

We'll see how long it takes before this guesstimate breaks down.:) I'd feel a lot better about the Big Ten getting two B(C)S teams if the Trojans would be able to hang on to a 20-point 4th quarter lead against the Friggin Irish!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Sat Oct 17 18:53:03 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Sat Oct 17 18:48:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the end
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910171411y6f675f46x2bf68d1df1f8990b@mail.gmail.com>
References: <5BEC8F4D1E08426C839A9D6092C86EB3@DennisMachine>
	<213947.31813.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
	<fcb3ee270910171411y6f675f46x2bf68d1df1f8990b@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <000001ca4f84$f738e9a0$e5aabce0$@com>

The highly rated recruits on the OL are all still RS Sophs - Few linemen start to show what they
can do until they are RS Juniors, when they are up around 300 lbs, and can bench a bunch.

Our guys up front are still learning - we start 3 RS Sophs and 2 RS Seniors, maybe a Senior and
a Junior. In O-Linemen, that is considered young and these guys are starting over older players
who just don't measure up in the eyes of the coaches.

We?ve got some older linemen, but they seem to be losing position battles - I started down the
roster in alphabetical order, looking for linemen - In just the A's and B's, Adamle and Boyle,
both letterwinners are absent from the 2 deep. Are they hurt, or are the younger guys playing
that much better.

It almost seems like this is actually being seen as a development year on offense, with the
younger linemen getting more playing time so they can be ready when Persa starts. The O is built
around Kafka but they really don't think that he is the final answer.

Then again, maybe the older guys were playing like the old O-Line coach was still in charge and
the new guy wants a different approach. We kinda went thru that when Patterson took over - the
O-line took a year to work itself into playing well.

Anyway, MSU got a couple of sacks while only rushing 3 - that should never happen.

rsl





++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Jonathan
Hodges
Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2009 5:12 PM
To: SjT (Stephen J. Truog)
Cc: Dennis W. Brandt; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] At the end

I agree that the OL is the major problem this year, and that despite the
fact that Fitz has brought in some pretty highly rated recruits at that
position the past few years.

The OL hasn't been able to open up anything in the running game.  NU must
therefore resort to throwing almost exclusively, and they can't really go
downfield because Kafka rarely has enough time, thanks again to that line.

NU will never have as much talent at the other guys, especially when NU is
wearing thin thanks to some injuries (Smith, Johnson, and McNaul on
defense).

For NU to have a great season like last year, things really need to line up,
and it's pretty apparent that it's not happening this year.  But, NU still
has a winning record and can make an impact down the stretch if they can put
something together.

Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM, SjT (Stephen J. Truog)
<sjtruog@yahoo.com>wrote:

> > We just don't have it this year, and
> > that disappoints me.  The offense is anemic.  We
>
> Well, I think we expected the offense to be a bit sluggish with all the new
> people at receiver and in the backfield ... however, Kafka's actually been
> pretty solid. The O-line is the biggest disappointment for me -- and they
> got shredded by MSU in the second half (and have been largely responsible
> for the lack of running game, which hurts everything else down the line).
>
> On defense, I think it's the injuries that have killed us this year. When
> they were running down the list during the game, it was long and had some
> big names on it. McManis out early, Wootton out late, our safeties playing
> hurt, our linebackers thinned out.
>
> We had a chance to have a special defense this year, but we had to stay
> healthy and we just got decimated by injuries. It happens to everyone, but
> NU is just never going to have the consistent depth to overcome it.
>
> And as we've discussed on the list, the play calling on offense has been
> unimaginative and won't make anyone scared on defense -- their interview
> with the MSU coach said it all, pretty much. Just do a "rope a dope"
> strategy, let NU complete all the 3-yard outs they want and sooner or later
> they make a mistake or drop a pass or make a penalty and you get a longer
> distance down where they can't convert. I was pleased to see us go downfield
> ONCE in the game (before the final minutes when we had to), but we need to
> find ways to make our offense work given our situation (more rollouts and
> bootlegs to ease pressure on the O-line, more QB runs - especially in the
> red zone, etc.).
>
> We have our work cut out for us in terms of bowling. I do think we'll get
> two BCS teams because I think PSU will win out (unlike us, they're starting
> to GET healthy with Lee back today). That would mean we need to beat
> Illinois and Indiana (no easy task).
>
> If we can't double dip in the BCS, the path becomes much more difficult.
> The pollsters don't show the league much respect yet, but we should have
> five top 25 teams right now, with Wisconsin and Michigan ranked (how is ND
> in when they lost to Michigan???) -- we play three of those top 25 teams in
> our home stretch, and by the end of the day, the Hawkeyes, Nittany Lions and
> Badgers should be 18-3. It's tough to see where we break through there ...
> but then again, no one outside of Jim saw Purdue's win today either.
>
> Gotta take care of business and beat IU for homecoming.
>
> GO CATS!!!
> -SjT
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From hakirsch at aol.com  Sat Oct 17 21:12:53 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 17 21:13:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Afternoon report & bowl outlook ...
In-Reply-To: <588148.38804.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <588148.38804.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <917152563-1255831980-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-810959073-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

I would bet against us going to a bowl game this year. We are mediocre at best and while we maywind up bowl eligible I'm not sure we would even get picked if we are

Harry
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "SjT \(Stephen J. Truog\)" <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:57:17 
To: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: [NU Sports] Afternoon report & bowl outlook ...

Well, not much of a contest in Happy Valley - thankfully the other two big games on in the Swamp and the Evil Empire vs. Spoiled Children game are pretty good. Plus the always-fun Pac 10 game.

So with the game tonight not having any real bowl implications except perhaps who gets to hold on to the sliver of hope longer, let's see how todays's big game in Madison and big upset in West Lafayette changed the outlook ...

THE LOCKS

IOWA: The biggest game on Iowa's schedule may be in mid-November at the Shoe, but for bowl purposes, it might be the game in Happy Valley the week before with PSU and OSU - should the Lions win, the Hawks can lose in Columbus and still hold the tiebreak for Pasadena. Right now, they're BCS bound unless they have a very bad day, and usually that only happens to Ferentz' teams in the first half of the season.

PENN STATE: They're getting healthy and the offense (against mediocre foes, albeit) is looking better. If they survive their road trips to the state of Michigan and hold serve at home against OSU's lifeless offense, they could also be BCS bound with an 11-1 mark.

OHIO STATE: Despite their horrible offense (the big question is whether it's that Pryor is overrated or limited by his coaches), they have the defense to be in every game left and could play big-time spoiler for both PSU and Iowa in November, meaning they still control their fate. More likely, though, it's looking like Florida.

WISCONSIN: The Badgers should be favored to win every game left on the schedule and hence are looking good for a 10-win season and a New Year's Day bowl game. But since they don't get a crack at PSU and lost to the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes already, they need help for anything above Florida.

MICHIGAN: They should to seven wins fine and with their "resurgence" and big name will be a popular bowl pick -- maybe even jumping up to Tampa -- but there are too many big names left to compete for the title. However, with PSU and OSU visiting the Big House, they could also be a major spoiler if the offense is on fire.

THE BUBBLE TEAMS

MICHIGAN STATE: Technically they still control their fate with Iowa and PSU visiting and no OSU, but more likely they're going to be sweating it out to get six or more wins because of those early close losses.  The key game for bowl position is in two weeks at Minnesota.

MINNESOTA: The Gophers have two nearly impossible road games left (@ Columbus and @ Iowa City), but if they take care of business at home against Illinois, San Diego State and a big battle with Sparty, they'll have seven wins and go bowling again.

NORTHWESTERN: The Cats have a decent shot at six, a longshot at seven and absolutely no room for error. They must beat Indiana and Illinois to get to six wins and then hope to steal one at home against PSU or Wisky or on the road in Iowa City ... or else hope we double dip into the BCS.

THE LONGSHOTS

PURDUE: They've been close all year and are coming alive now, but those early losses are going to come back and bite them. They need to steal one at Camp Randall or Ann Arbor and then win out against the Illini, Hoosiers and Sparty to have any hope.

INDIANA: The Hoosiers have the best shot of the three at the bottom because of their 3-3 mark, but like NU they have no room for error. They must beat Illinois and Purdue at home and win at Northwestern to get to six and then steal one at Iowa, at Penn State or vs. Wisconsin ... or hope for a BCS double dip.

ILLINOIS: The Illini seemingly have too much talent to run the table winless in the league, so the rest of the Big Ten teams are hoping that they come alive at Cincy instead of ruining their bowl chances. If they can win their next two tonight at IU and next week at Purdue to get to 3-4 before Michigan visits Champaign, they may be able to sneak back in, though, by beating the Wolverines, Wildcats and Fresno State.

So that would break down something like this ...

B(C)S GAMES

"TITLE" GAME: Florida vs. Texas - The Horns survived their biggest test today and I'm not falling for the tease on the Gators slipping today (they just got some help from the refs to make sure it's not Ole Miss all over again) - and even if they do lose, they canw in out and make it to the title game by beating Alabama, which they will.

ROSE: Iowa vs. Southern Cal - Great defensive battle as 11-1 Iowa beats PSU in the tiebreak (and avoids a rematch) ... or 12-0 Iowa fights for respect after being left out of the title game.

ORANGE: Penn State vs. Virginia Tech - As I discussed yesterday, the Orange has to take the ACC champ and can't just take the Big East champ against hometown Miami, so in order to sell seats, invite those RVs from Nittany Nation to visit South Florida for the winter.

SUGAR: Alabama vs. Cincinnati - The folks in New Orleans have to hate this BCS order thing, as they get stuck with the worst game on paper yet again (though last year Utah pulled the upset ... in a blowout game).

FIESTA: Boise State vs. Oregon - Here's the tough call of the lot. I was all set to have Nebraska here, until they laid an egg against Texas Tech. Miami doesn't travel well and old standby OSU might be there if they beat Iowa, but the Orange lobbies hard for PSU instead ... so they go with a Pac 10 team and give the Ducks a rematch with the Broncos in Phoenix.

CITRUS: Ohio State vs. LSU - I think the Buckeyes lose to both Iowa and PSU, but win a thriller vs. Michigan to stay in Orlando over a team they beat (Wisky) with one more win overall ... should be a great game of two national title-level defenses let down by mediocre offenses.

OUTBACK: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee - Two brash, young, unlikable coaches.

CHAMPS: Michigan vs. Florida State - I'm not sure, but I think Orlando gets to pick ahead of San Antonio this year, so they set up this big-name game of programs headed in opposite directions.

ALAMO: Minnesota vs. Nebraska - The Huskers could rebound to move up, and the Big Ten team depends on who wins that game in Minneapolis in two weeks.

INSIGHT: Michigan State vs. Kansas - Would be better if this were a football/basketball doubleheader.

MOTOR CITY: Northwestern/Illinois/Indiana vs. Central Michigan - We'll see if any Big Ten team gets to that No. 8 slot ... if they do, it won't be much fun in Detroit against a hot quarterback.

We'll see how long it takes before this guesstimate breaks down.:) I'd feel a lot better about the Big Ten getting two B(C)S teams if the Trojans would be able to hang on to a 20-point 4th quarter lead against the Friggin Irish!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sat Oct 17 23:12:54 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sat Oct 17 23:13:25 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] At the end
In-Reply-To: <000001ca4f84$f738e9a0$e5aabce0$@com>
References: <5BEC8F4D1E08426C839A9D6092C86EB3@DennisMachine> 
	<213947.31813.qm@web52903.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
	<fcb3ee270910171411y6f675f46x2bf68d1df1f8990b@mail.gmail.com> 
	<000001ca4f84$f738e9a0$e5aabce0$@com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910172112m2cfe2444ideba2b29f43daac3@mail.gmail.com>

I agree that the talent on the OL is still relatively young, and it's not
like they've had a lot of time to gel as a unit with Fitz & the coaching
staff rotating them so often within games (although it seemed like they did
that less so vs. MSU).  But, some of those guys were thrown into the fire
last year as redshirt freshmen (Netter, Burkett, and Bartels), while some of
them are seniors and have had plenty of time to develop (Taylor and
Mattes).  The only guy who has a "freshman" excuse that plays regularly is
probably Dieters - who is large but obviously inexperienced (he's been at RT
for the most part, which has seemingly been the weakest position on the
line).

Note that I think Adamle was injured at some point and that this is just his
redshirt freshman year and he hasn't seen the field yet, I don't think.
Boyle saw some playing time last year but has been used sparingly this
season.

Like you said, I think NU misses former OL coach Ingalls more than most may
realize.  The line had a respectable year last season and that was with
redshirt freshmen at LT, RG, & C, along with a converted DL and first time
starter at LG.

In any case, I think many of NU's offensive problems are rooted in the poor
OL performances so far this year.

It's obviously a developmental year for the offense and that's too bad with
Kafka looking pretty darn good.  Hopefully they'll be better prepared for
next year and NU can also hopefully have an RB to take advantage with Daniel
coming back from an injury, Trumpy in the fold, and the guys on the field
now with some more experience under their belts.

Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 17, 2009 at 6:53 PM, Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com>wrote:

> The highly rated recruits on the OL are all still RS Sophs - Few linemen
> start to show what they
> can do until they are RS Juniors, when they are up around 300 lbs, and can
> bench a bunch.
>
> Our guys up front are still learning - we start 3 RS Sophs and 2 RS
> Seniors, maybe a Senior and
> a Junior. In O-Linemen, that is considered young and these guys are
> starting over older players
> who just don't measure up in the eyes of the coaches.
>
> We?ve got some older linemen, but they seem to be losing position battles -
> I started down the
> roster in alphabetical order, looking for linemen - In just the A's and
> B's, Adamle and Boyle,
> both letterwinners are absent from the 2 deep. Are they hurt, or are the
> younger guys playing
> that much better.
>
> It almost seems like this is actually being seen as a development year on
> offense, with the
> younger linemen getting more playing time so they can be ready when Persa
> starts. The O is built
> around Kafka but they really don't think that he is the final answer.
>
> Then again, maybe the older guys were playing like the old O-Line coach was
> still in charge and
> the new guy wants a different approach. We kinda went thru that when
> Patterson took over - the
> O-line took a year to work itself into playing well.
>
> Anyway, MSU got a couple of sacks while only rushing 3 - that should never
> happen.
>
> rsl
>
>
>
>
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
> Computer Applications & Support Associates
> -------------------- Also ----------------------
> Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
> Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
> Northwestern University - Speech 1974 -
> Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
> Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
> ==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
> So...
>     How's that "hope" and "Change"
>     Working for ya?
>
> Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
> ================================================
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On
> Behalf Of Jonathan
> Hodges
> Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2009 5:12 PM
> To: SjT (Stephen J. Truog)
> Cc: Dennis W. Brandt; nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] At the end
>
> I agree that the OL is the major problem this year, and that despite the
> fact that Fitz has brought in some pretty highly rated recruits at that
> position the past few years.
>
> The OL hasn't been able to open up anything in the running game.  NU must
> therefore resort to throwing almost exclusively, and they can't really go
> downfield because Kafka rarely has enough time, thanks again to that line.
>
> NU will never have as much talent at the other guys, especially when NU is
> wearing thin thanks to some injuries (Smith, Johnson, and McNaul on
> defense).
>
> For NU to have a great season like last year, things really need to line
> up,
> and it's pretty apparent that it's not happening this year.  But, NU still
> has a winning record and can make an impact down the stretch if they can
> put
> something together.
>
> Jonathan
>
> On Sat, Oct 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM, SjT (Stephen J. Truog)
> <sjtruog@yahoo.com>wrote:
>
> > > We just don't have it this year, and
> > > that disappoints me.  The offense is anemic.  We
> >
> > Well, I think we expected the offense to be a bit sluggish with all the
> new
> > people at receiver and in the backfield ... however, Kafka's actually
> been
> > pretty solid. The O-line is the biggest disappointment for me -- and they
> > got shredded by MSU in the second half (and have been largely responsible
> > for the lack of running game, which hurts everything else down the line).
> >
> > On defense, I think it's the injuries that have killed us this year. When
> > they were running down the list during the game, it was long and had some
> > big names on it. McManis out early, Wootton out late, our safeties
> playing
> > hurt, our linebackers thinned out.
> >
> > We had a chance to have a special defense this year, but we had to stay
> > healthy and we just got decimated by injuries. It happens to everyone,
> but
> > NU is just never going to have the consistent depth to overcome it.
> >
> > And as we've discussed on the list, the play calling on offense has been
> > unimaginative and won't make anyone scared on defense -- their interview
> > with the MSU coach said it all, pretty much. Just do a "rope a dope"
> > strategy, let NU complete all the 3-yard outs they want and sooner or
> later
> > they make a mistake or drop a pass or make a penalty and you get a longer
> > distance down where they can't convert. I was pleased to see us go
> downfield
> > ONCE in the game (before the final minutes when we had to), but we need
> to
> > find ways to make our offense work given our situation (more rollouts and
> > bootlegs to ease pressure on the O-line, more QB runs - especially in the
> > red zone, etc.).
> >
> > We have our work cut out for us in terms of bowling. I do think we'll get
> > two BCS teams because I think PSU will win out (unlike us, they're
> starting
> > to GET healthy with Lee back today). That would mean we need to beat
> > Illinois and Indiana (no easy task).
> >
> > If we can't double dip in the BCS, the path becomes much more difficult.
> > The pollsters don't show the league much respect yet, but we should have
> > five top 25 teams right now, with Wisconsin and Michigan ranked (how is
> ND
> > in when they lost to Michigan???) -- we play three of those top 25 teams
> in
> > our home stretch, and by the end of the day, the Hawkeyes, Nittany Lions
> and
> > Badgers should be 18-3. It's tough to see where we break through there
> ...
> > but then again, no one outside of Jim saw Purdue's win today either.
> >
> > Gotta take care of business and beat IU for homecoming.
> >
> > GO CATS!!!
> > -SjT
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
From scottzel at gmail.com  Sat Oct 17 23:21:10 2009
From: scottzel at gmail.com (Scott Zeller)
Date: Sat Oct 17 23:21:21 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Afternoon report & bowl outlook ...
In-Reply-To: <917152563-1255831980-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-810959073-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
References: <588148.38804.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
	<917152563-1255831980-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-810959073-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <9a9d92d30910172121n12a95b60mec46c28ee32d3606@mail.gmail.com>

There are several more bowl games available now than there were when we went
6-6 last time and were left out because of a crowded house. A great deal of
6-6 teams go to bowls now, many as wild cards; I'm sure a Big Ten team would
be attractive to a bowl with an opening among the available 6-6 teams. Put
it simply, I believe if we get to 6-6 we are in somewhere (something tells
me if not in a BT contract spot, then the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco!)

However, my fear is we don't even get to 6-6. Our remaining schedule is
mighty tough and we have to go 2-3 against it to even get to .500. None of
those games is against Towson.

Finally packing Dyche this weekend for homecoming might encourage the team
to beat Indiana and may finally give them some confidence and momentum.
Here's hoping.

Scott Zeller, MD
On Sat, Oct 17, 2009 at 7:12 PM, <hakirsch@aol.com> wrote:

> I would bet against us going to a bowl game this year. We are mediocre at
> best and while we maywind up bowl eligible I'm not sure we would even get
> picked if we are
>
> Harry
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "SjT \(Stephen J. Truog\)" <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
> Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:57:17
> To: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
> Subject: [NU Sports] Afternoon report & bowl outlook ...
>
> Well, not much of a contest in Happy Valley - thankfully the other two big
> games on in the Swamp and the Evil Empire vs. Spoiled Children game are
> pretty good. Plus the always-fun Pac 10 game.
>
> So with the game tonight not having any real bowl implications except
> perhaps who gets to hold on to the sliver of hope longer, let's see how
> todays's big game in Madison and big upset in West Lafayette changed the
> outlook ...
>
> THE LOCKS
>
> IOWA: The biggest game on Iowa's schedule may be in mid-November at the
> Shoe, but for bowl purposes, it might be the game in Happy Valley the week
> before with PSU and OSU - should the Lions win, the Hawks can lose in
> Columbus and still hold the tiebreak for Pasadena. Right now, they're BCS
> bound unless they have a very bad day, and usually that only happens to
> Ferentz' teams in the first half of the season.
>
> PENN STATE: They're getting healthy and the offense (against mediocre foes,
> albeit) is looking better. If they survive their road trips to the state of
> Michigan and hold serve at home against OSU's lifeless offense, they could
> also be BCS bound with an 11-1 mark.
>
> OHIO STATE: Despite their horrible offense (the big question is whether
> it's that Pryor is overrated or limited by his coaches), they have the
> defense to be in every game left and could play big-time spoiler for both
> PSU and Iowa in November, meaning they still control their fate. More
> likely, though, it's looking like Florida.
>
> WISCONSIN: The Badgers should be favored to win every game left on the
> schedule and hence are looking good for a 10-win season and a New Year's Day
> bowl game. But since they don't get a crack at PSU and lost to the Hawkeyes
> and Buckeyes already, they need help for anything above Florida.
>
> MICHIGAN: They should to seven wins fine and with their "resurgence" and
> big name will be a popular bowl pick -- maybe even jumping up to Tampa --
> but there are too many big names left to compete for the title. However,
> with PSU and OSU visiting the Big House, they could also be a major spoiler
> if the offense is on fire.
>
> THE BUBBLE TEAMS
>
> MICHIGAN STATE: Technically they still control their fate with Iowa and PSU
> visiting and no OSU, but more likely they're going to be sweating it out to
> get six or more wins because of those early close losses.  The key game for
> bowl position is in two weeks at Minnesota.
>
> MINNESOTA: The Gophers have two nearly impossible road games left (@
> Columbus and @ Iowa City), but if they take care of business at home against
> Illinois, San Diego State and a big battle with Sparty, they'll have seven
> wins and go bowling again.
>
> NORTHWESTERN: The Cats have a decent shot at six, a longshot at seven and
> absolutely no room for error. They must beat Indiana and Illinois to get to
> six wins and then hope to steal one at home against PSU or Wisky or on the
> road in Iowa City ... or else hope we double dip into the BCS.
>
> THE LONGSHOTS
>
> PURDUE: They've been close all year and are coming alive now, but those
> early losses are going to come back and bite them. They need to steal one at
> Camp Randall or Ann Arbor and then win out against the Illini, Hoosiers and
> Sparty to have any hope.
>
> INDIANA: The Hoosiers have the best shot of the three at the bottom because
> of their 3-3 mark, but like NU they have no room for error. They must beat
> Illinois and Purdue at home and win at Northwestern to get to six and then
> steal one at Iowa, at Penn State or vs. Wisconsin ... or hope for a BCS
> double dip.
>
> ILLINOIS: The Illini seemingly have too much talent to run the table
> winless in the league, so the rest of the Big Ten teams are hoping that they
> come alive at Cincy instead of ruining their bowl chances. If they can win
> their next two tonight at IU and next week at Purdue to get to 3-4 before
> Michigan visits Champaign, they may be able to sneak back in, though, by
> beating the Wolverines, Wildcats and Fresno State.
>
> So that would break down something like this ...
>
> B(C)S GAMES
>
> "TITLE" GAME: Florida vs. Texas - The Horns survived their biggest test
> today and I'm not falling for the tease on the Gators slipping today (they
> just got some help from the refs to make sure it's not Ole Miss all over
> again) - and even if they do lose, they canw in out and make it to the title
> game by beating Alabama, which they will.
>
> ROSE: Iowa vs. Southern Cal - Great defensive battle as 11-1 Iowa beats PSU
> in the tiebreak (and avoids a rematch) ... or 12-0 Iowa fights for respect
> after being left out of the title game.
>
> ORANGE: Penn State vs. Virginia Tech - As I discussed yesterday, the Orange
> has to take the ACC champ and can't just take the Big East champ against
> hometown Miami, so in order to sell seats, invite those RVs from Nittany
> Nation to visit South Florida for the winter.
>
> SUGAR: Alabama vs. Cincinnati - The folks in New Orleans have to hate this
> BCS order thing, as they get stuck with the worst game on paper yet again
> (though last year Utah pulled the upset ... in a blowout game).
>
> FIESTA: Boise State vs. Oregon - Here's the tough call of the lot. I was
> all set to have Nebraska here, until they laid an egg against Texas Tech.
> Miami doesn't travel well and old standby OSU might be there if they beat
> Iowa, but the Orange lobbies hard for PSU instead ... so they go with a Pac
> 10 team and give the Ducks a rematch with the Broncos in Phoenix.
>
> CITRUS: Ohio State vs. LSU - I think the Buckeyes lose to both Iowa and
> PSU, but win a thriller vs. Michigan to stay in Orlando over a team they
> beat (Wisky) with one more win overall ... should be a great game of two
> national title-level defenses let down by mediocre offenses.
>
> OUTBACK: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee - Two brash, young, unlikable coaches.
>
> CHAMPS: Michigan vs. Florida State - I'm not sure, but I think Orlando gets
> to pick ahead of San Antonio this year, so they set up this big-name game of
> programs headed in opposite directions.
>
> ALAMO: Minnesota vs. Nebraska - The Huskers could rebound to move up, and
> the Big Ten team depends on who wins that game in Minneapolis in two weeks.
>
> INSIGHT: Michigan State vs. Kansas - Would be better if this were a
> football/basketball doubleheader.
>
> MOTOR CITY: Northwestern/Illinois/Indiana vs. Central Michigan - We'll see
> if any Big Ten team gets to that No. 8 slot ... if they do, it won't be much
> fun in Detroit against a hot quarterback.
>
> We'll see how long it takes before this guesstimate breaks down.:) I'd feel
> a lot better about the Big Ten getting two B(C)S teams if the Trojans would
> be able to hang on to a 20-point 4th quarter lead against the Friggin Irish!
>
> GO CATS!!!
> -SjT
>
> * * * * * * * * *
> STEPHEN J. TRUOG
> sjtruog@yahoo.com
> GO CATS!!!
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sun Oct 18 15:54:59 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sun Oct 18 15:55:05 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Big Ten bias ...
Message-ID: <800872.687.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Interesting to look at this week's rankings ...

* Unbeaten Iowa, with the nation's second-longest win streak and road wins in State College and Madison, is #7 in the AP, #8 in the coaches poll. Behind Cincinnati, Boise State and - in the coaches poll - TCU. Their most impressive wins combined are Oregon (at home) and South Florida on the road. In the words of the ESPN Monday Night crew, c'mon man!

* Notre Dame is #26 in the AP poll, #30 in the coaches thanks to NBC's hype of their epic game vs. SC and their coach's whining last week. They have the SAME RECORD as Michigan and LOST TO Michigan. Yet, the Wolverines are #30 in the AP and #35 in the coaches.

* Penn State is struggling to crack the top 10 and Ohio State is struggling to stay in the top 20, while Wisconsin is struggling to even receive votes.

This is why NU and other Big Ten fans need to get behind the idea of cheering for our league in non-conference games. The league now has less respect than the Big East, ACC or Notre friggin' Dame in the eyes of the national pollsters and it's a load of BS since the polls are 2/3 of the B(C)S. It hurts us in BCS revenue and hurts teams like NU and Indiana, who might be left out of a bowl if we can't get two BCS teams.

There's a lot of season left, but it's not looking good for the league in terms of getting respect -- close games with OSU vs. SC, Purdue at Oregon, MSU at Notre Dame, etc. don't get it done. We need big wins in September for the league and then we can beat each other up in October and November -- it's better for all of us. The SEC knows how to work the polls and the Big XII has done a good job recently of lobbying (Kansas hardly drops after a loss to Colorado???) - the Big Ten needs to start doing the same.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 19 08:23:06 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Mon Oct 19 08:23:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
Message-ID: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

At the end of the first half on Saturday I was convinced we had an upset in the making. We did, only it was me being upset with coach McCall not the Cats upsetting MSU. 

After a season and a half I'm not convinced he's the right guy. He's predictable, which is not a good thing to be as an Offensive Coordinator. I don't know where the running game has fallen flat. It's somewhere between not having a true Big Ten size running back and having a weak offensive line. But, great coaches find a way to work with the talent they have. 

We have a better than average running QB who has developed into a fairly accurate passing QB. We should be able to make that work. I'd like to see a lot more option plays. We can't run north-south between the tackles, so it's time to take that page out of the playbook. And just once I'd like to see all 4/5 wide receivers run beyond the first down marker so that Kafka can't dump it for a 3-yard gain. 

I've given up on bowl hopes for this team, but I want to see them improve. At this point, I won't be excited to have McCall back next year. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim



      

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Mon Oct 19 08:46:23 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Mon Oct 19 08:47:52 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
In-Reply-To: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910190646v4035254fuf80a7c83d45c6592@mail.gmail.com>

NU fans have basically been calling for McCall's head since he took over
last year, despite a pretty good showing from last year's offense (that
featured 4 brand new starters on the OL at the beginning of the year), and a
not-horrible showing this year from a unit that lost all 5 starting skill
position players (including a few that are arguably among NU's all-time
greats) while having an OL that is vastly under-performing.

At this point, though, I don't feel the criticism is entirely warranted, and
thankfully the NU coaching staff and administration don't bend to the whims
of fickle fans like at other institutions.  Expect McCall to be back next
year because the offense has been decent enough even without any kind of
real running game.

Yes, I don't always agree with his play calling, but when an entire portion
of the playbook just isn't working (basically any running play), it's hard
to get real upset at the guy.  I know many have taken shots at him for not
calling downfield passing, but that is rather difficult when the OL allows
pressure to get to Kafka so quickly (NU is 87th nationally in sacks allowed
and would be worse if Kafka couldn't save some plays with his legs).  Yes,
Kafka holds the ball a little too long, too, but it's apparent he's trying
to make a play with his arm (which is what the QB is for).

Basically everyone expected the NU offense to struggle this year with a new
slew of skill position players, but they haven't been horrible, scoring 27
points per game (NU ended up with 24.4 points per game last year).  They've
left some points on the field and have had issues in the red zone, but this
offense looks a lot like the one from 2007 that could put up huge numbers
but also failed to convert in the red zone on occasion.

In any case, I think that the past two NU offensive coordinators have faced
an uphill battle in winning support given their predecessors (Wilson and
Dunbar) who oversaw some prolific and all-time great NU offenses, and the
fact it that it's difficult to replicate that every year.  Not to mention
that those teams featured some all-time great players (Kustok, Basanez,
Bacher, Anderson, Wright, Herron, Sutton).

The biggest difference I've seen between last year and this year has been NU
making the one or two plays in the game that it takes to win - last week we
saw NU yield two long TD passes and fumble a kickoff that promptly turned
into a TD.  There was also the Dunsmore fumble that was questionable given
forward progress.  Take just a couple of those plays away and NU would have
been in that one until the end.

There are still 5 games left and anything can happen, so let's hope NU
starts getting some of those plays in their favor starting this week.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 8:23 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
>
> At the end of the first half on Saturday I was convinced we had an upset in
> the making. We did, only it was me being upset with coach McCall not the
> Cats upsetting MSU.
>
> After a season and a half I'm not convinced he's the right guy. He's
> predictable, which is not a good thing to be as an Offensive Coordinator. I
> don't know where the running game has fallen flat. It's somewhere between
> not having a true Big Ten size running back and having a weak offensive
> line. But, great coaches find a way to work with the talent they have.
>
> We have a better than average running QB who has developed into a fairly
> accurate passing QB. We should be able to make that work. I'd like to see a
> lot more option plays. We can't run north-south between the tackles, so it's
> time to take that page out of the playbook. And just once I'd like to see
> all 4/5 wide receivers run beyond the first down marker so that Kafka can't
> dump it for a 3-yard gain.
>
> I've given up on bowl hopes for this team, but I want to see them improve.
> At this point, I won't be excited to have McCall back next year.
>
> Victory & Honor,
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Mon Oct 19 09:07:10 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Mon Oct 19 09:07:52 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
In-Reply-To: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <397D1E37-0249-41D2-B56F-CA0B057FF29B@covisint.com>

We are predictable because we can't run the ball. McCall doesn't help,  
but you've read Fitz's quote. If the only way we can move the ball is  
through the air, we're going to pass on every down.

Running the ball is not a function of scheme. It is o line.

Jeff

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 19, 2009, at 9:23 AM, "Jim Leonard" <jleonard518@yahoo.com>  
wrote:

> Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
>
> At the end of the first half on Saturday I was convinced we had an  
> upset in the making. We did, only it was me being upset with coach  
> McCall not the Cats upsetting MSU.
>
> After a season and a half I'm not convinced he's the right guy. He's  
> predictable, which is not a good thing to be as an Offensive  
> Coordinator. I don't know where the running game has fallen flat.  
> It's somewhere between not having a true Big Ten size running back  
> and having a weak offensive line. But, great coaches find a way to  
> work with the talent they have.
>
> We have a better than average running QB who has developed into a  
> fairly accurate passing QB. We should be able to make that work. I'd  
> like to see a lot more option plays. We can't run north-south  
> between the tackles, so it's time to take that page out of the  
> playbook. And just once I'd like to see all 4/5 wide receivers run  
> beyond the first down marker so that Kafka can't dump it for a 3- 
> yard gain.
>
> I've given up on bowl hopes for this team, but I want to see them  
> improve. At this point, I won't be excited to have McCall back next  
> year.
>
> Victory & Honor,
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> 
The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>


From e-west at northwestern.edu  Mon Oct 19 09:20:03 2009
From: e-west at northwestern.edu (Eric West)
Date: Mon Oct 19 09:20:24 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Big Ten bias ...
In-Reply-To: <800872.687.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <800872.687.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <4ADC7593.3060800@northwestern.edu>

SjT (Stephen J. Truog) wrote:
> This is why NU and other Big Ten fans need to get behind the idea of cheering for our league in non-conference games. The league now has less respect than the Big East, ACC or Notre friggin' Dame in the eyes of the national pollsters and it's a load of BS since the polls are 2/3 of the B(C)S. It hurts us in BCS revenue and hurts teams like NU and Indiana, who might be left out of a bowl if we can't get two BCS teams.
>   
Two facts stand in the way of this assertion.

Firstly, historically we have never been "hurt" as far as the BCS is 
concerned. Iowa and Penn State will make it in just fine, as long as 
they don't lose within the conference (which has nothing to do with 
non-conference games). Even OSU could make it in if they win out, 
despite the loss to USC. Plus, getting two BCS teams always results in 
tougher bowl matchups and worse results for the Big Ten, which has been 
the cause of the allegedly bad reputation in the first place. Maybe only 
one BCS team would be a blessing in disguise, reputation-wise?

Secondly, if we're really worried about a 6-6 NU team getting chosen for 
a bowl or not, that's all the more reason for us to root against other 
Big Ten teams in non-conference games. If enough of them finish 5-7 or 
worse, we're a lock for a bowl even at 6-6. The shoe fits on both feet, 
you see.

So all things being equal, the fact remains: the worse other Big Ten 
teams do, the fewer recruits they might get, and the better NU does 
against them in the future, which means we get even better recruits and 
they get even fewer, and so on and so on. I'll take that over being at 
the rock bottom of a "prestigious league" any day. Just ask Vanderbilt.


Eric West
e-west@northwestern.edu

From herms at hotmail.com  Mon Oct 19 09:24:24 2009
From: herms at hotmail.com (Herman Wang)
Date: Mon Oct 19 09:24:53 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910190646v4035254fuf80a7c83d45c6592@mail.gmail.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>


I think Jonathan's spot on.  We have a lack of game-breaking wide receivers who can get open downfield on a consistent basis.  We have a porous offensive line that hasn't opened holes for the running game or given Kafka much time to pass.  We have a quarterback who is great at the short to medium passes, but has questionable accuracy on downfield passes.  And we have no running game whatsoever to keep defenses honest.  

Given those constraints, what an offensive coordinator to do?  If we keep trying to pass downfield, Kafka's in for a lot of sacks or interceptions.  If we keep trying to establish the run, which is what I believe McCall and Fitz have been trying to do against our weaker opponents, we end up with a bunch of 1- to 2-yard runs.  

We actually have been running the option for about 4-5 plays each game.  I can't recall a single option play that has netted more than four yards.  Defenses don't need to fear the deep pass, and they don't need to key on our running backs, so they stack the box with eight or nine defenders and spy on Kafka.  Against that defense and with our poor o-line blocking, I don't see where the option is going to succeed any more than the short passing game.

As Jonathan noted, we're scoring more this season than we were last season.  I think, by and large, McCall and Fitz are using what we've got.  We lost three top-notch NU receivers in Lane, Peterman and Ward, plus a great running back in Sutton.  Our o-line, which wasn't great last year, has for whatever reason regressed this year.  Our short passing game is effective and efficient, but our margin of error is very thin, so a fumble like Dunsmore's against MSU or critical drops like we've seen throughout the season, can be killer.

I would like to see Jeravin Matthews more involved in the running game, perhaps out of the Wildcat formation.  And maybe we could try a deep fade to one of our speedier receivers once or twice a game.  Overall, though, I think McCall's hands are tied by the personnel we've got.

Go 'Cats!
Herman



> From: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com
> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:46:23 -0500
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
> To: jleonard518@yahoo.com
> CC: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> 
> NU fans have basically been calling for McCall's head since he took over
> last year, despite a pretty good showing from last year's offense (that
> featured 4 brand new starters on the OL at the beginning of the year), and a
> not-horrible showing this year from a unit that lost all 5 starting skill
> position players (including a few that are arguably among NU's all-time
> greats) while having an OL that is vastly under-performing.
> 
> At this point, though, I don't feel the criticism is entirely warranted, and
> thankfully the NU coaching staff and administration don't bend to the whims
> of fickle fans like at other institutions.  Expect McCall to be back next
> year because the offense has been decent enough even without any kind of
> real running game.
> 
> Yes, I don't always agree with his play calling, but when an entire portion
> of the playbook just isn't working (basically any running play), it's hard
> to get real upset at the guy.  I know many have taken shots at him for not
> calling downfield passing, but that is rather difficult when the OL allows
> pressure to get to Kafka so quickly (NU is 87th nationally in sacks allowed
> and would be worse if Kafka couldn't save some plays with his legs).  Yes,
> Kafka holds the ball a little too long, too, but it's apparent he's trying
> to make a play with his arm (which is what the QB is for).
> 
> Basically everyone expected the NU offense to struggle this year with a new
> slew of skill position players, but they haven't been horrible, scoring 27
> points per game (NU ended up with 24.4 points per game last year).  They've
> left some points on the field and have had issues in the red zone, but this
> offense looks a lot like the one from 2007 that could put up huge numbers
> but also failed to convert in the red zone on occasion.
> 
> In any case, I think that the past two NU offensive coordinators have faced
> an uphill battle in winning support given their predecessors (Wilson and
> Dunbar) who oversaw some prolific and all-time great NU offenses, and the
> fact it that it's difficult to replicate that every year.  Not to mention
> that those teams featured some all-time great players (Kustok, Basanez,
> Bacher, Anderson, Wright, Herron, Sutton).
> 
> The biggest difference I've seen between last year and this year has been NU
> making the one or two plays in the game that it takes to win - last week we
> saw NU yield two long TD passes and fumble a kickoff that promptly turned
> into a TD.  There was also the Dunsmore fumble that was questionable given
> forward progress.  Take just a couple of those plays away and NU would have
> been in that one until the end.
> 
> There are still 5 games left and anything can happen, so let's hope NU
> starts getting some of those plays in their favor starting this week.
> 
> Go 'Cats!!!
> Jonathan
> 
> On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 8:23 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> > Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
> >
> > At the end of the first half on Saturday I was convinced we had an upset in
> > the making. We did, only it was me being upset with coach McCall not the
> > Cats upsetting MSU.
> >
> > After a season and a half I'm not convinced he's the right guy. He's
> > predictable, which is not a good thing to be as an Offensive Coordinator. I
> > don't know where the running game has fallen flat. It's somewhere between
> > not having a true Big Ten size running back and having a weak offensive
> > line. But, great coaches find a way to work with the talent they have.
> >
> > We have a better than average running QB who has developed into a fairly
> > accurate passing QB. We should be able to make that work. I'd like to see a
> > lot more option plays. We can't run north-south between the tackles, so it's
> > time to take that page out of the playbook. And just once I'd like to see
> > all 4/5 wide receivers run beyond the first down marker so that Kafka can't
> > dump it for a 3-yard gain.
> >
> > I've given up on bowl hopes for this team, but I want to see them improve.
> > At this point, I won't be excited to have McCall back next year.
> >
> > Victory & Honor,
> > Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
 		 	   		  
From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Mon Oct 19 09:54:40 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 19 09:54:50 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] all american recruit
Message-ID: <d01.61262e53.380dd7b0@aol.com>

Loyola defensive end Chance Carter gave an oral commitment to Northwestern  
on Sunday. The 6-5, 255-pound Carter chose to play for the Wildcats and 
head  coach Pat Fitzgerald over Nebraska
 
Peace  















































and  Love
From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 19 11:19:55 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Mon Oct 19 11:20:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
In-Reply-To: <SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Perhaps this is much more of a personnel issue than I thought. I was of the understanding that our style of spread offense could be adjusted to compensate for lesser talent. I also was under the impression that our o-line recruits were as talented (if not more so) that players we've had in the past.

I don't think that McCall MUST be fired, I'm just saying I'm not impressed with what I've seen. If it's simply a talent issue, then we should (at some point) play all the younger guys and focus on next year. 

Go Cats!
Jim






________________________________
From: Herman Wang <herms@hotmail.com>
To: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com; jleonard518@yahoo.com
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Mon, October 19, 2009 9:24:24 AM
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Coach McCall

 I think Jonathan's spot on.  We have a lack of game-breaking wide receivers who can get open downfield on a consistent basis.  We have a porous offensive line that hasn't opened holes for the running game or given Kafka much time to pass.  We have a quarterback who is great at the short to medium passes, but has questionable accuracy on downfield passes.  And we have no running game whatsoever to keep defenses honest.  

Given those constraints, what an offensive coordinator to do?  If we keep trying to pass downfield, Kafka's in for a lot of sacks or interceptions.  If we keep trying to establish the run, which is what I believe McCall and Fitz have been trying to do against our weaker opponents, we end up with a bunch of 1- to 2-yard runs.  

We actually have been running the option for about 4-5 plays each game.  I can't recall a single option play that has netted more than four yards.  Defenses don't need to fear the deep pass, and they don't need to key on our running backs, so they stack the box with eight or nine defenders and spy on Kafka.  Against that defense and with our poor o-line blocking, I don't see where the option is going to succeed any more than the short passing game.

As Jonathan noted, we're scoring more this season than we were last season.  I think, by and large, McCall and Fitz are using what we've got.  We lost three top-notch NU receivers in Lane, Peterman and Ward, plus a great running back in Sutton.  Our o-line, which wasn't great last year, has for whatever reason regressed this year.  Our short passing game is effective and efficient, but our margin of error is very thin, so a fumble like Dunsmore's against MSU or critical drops like we've seen throughout the season, can be killer.

I would like to see Jeravin Matthews more involved in the running game, perhaps out of the Wildcat formation.  And maybe we could try a deep fade to one of our speedier receivers once or twice a game.  Overall, though, I think McCall's hands are tied by the personnel we've got.

Go 'Cats!
Herman



> From: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com
> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:46:23 -0500
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
> To: jleonard518@yahoo.com
> CC: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> 
> NU fans have basically been calling for McCall's head since he took over
> last year, despite a pretty good showing from last year's offense (that
> featured 4 brand new starters on the OL at the beginning of the year), and a
> not-horrible showing this year from a unit that lost all 5 starting skill
> position players (including a few that are arguably among NU's all-time
> greats) while having an OL that is vastly under-performing.
> 
> At this point, though, I don't feel the criticism is entirely warranted, and
> thankfully the NU coaching staff and administration don't bend to the whims
> of fickle fans like at other institutions.  Expect McCall to be back next
> year because the offense has been decent enough even without any kind of
> real running game.
> 
> Yes, I don't always agree with his play calling, but when an entire portion
> of the playbook just isn't working (basically any running play), it's hard
> to get real upset at the guy.  I know many have taken shots at him for not
> calling downfield passing, but that is rather difficult when the OL allows
> pressure to get to Kafka so quickly (NU is 87th nationally in sacks allowed
> and would be worse if Kafka couldn't save some plays with his legs).  Yes,
> Kafka holds the ball a little too long, too, but it's apparent he's trying
> to make a play with his arm (which is what the QB is for).
> 
> Basically everyone expected the NU offense to struggle this year with a new
> slew of skill position players, but they haven't been horrible, scoring 27
> points per game (NU ended up with 24.4 points per game last year).  They've
> left some points on the field and have had issues in the red zone, but this
> offense looks a lot like the one from 2007 that could put up huge numbers
> but also failed to convert in the red zone on occasion.
> 
> In any case, I think that the past two NU offensive coordinators have faced
> an uphill battle in winning support given their predecessors (Wilson and
> Dunbar) who oversaw some prolific and all-time great NU offenses, and the
> fact it that it's difficult to replicate that every year.  Not to mention
> that those teams featured some all-time great players (Kustok, Basanez,
> Bacher, Anderson, Wright, Herron, Sutton).
> 
> The biggest difference I've seen between last year and this year has been NU
> making the one or two plays in the game that it takes to win - last week we
> saw NU yield two long TD passes and fumble a kickoff that promptly turned
> into a TD.  There was also the Dunsmore fumble that was questionable given
> forward progress.  Take just a couple of those plays away and NU would have
> been in that one until the end.
> 
> There are still 5 games left and anything can happen, so let's hope NU
> starts getting some of those plays in their favor starting this week.
> 
> Go 'Cats!!!
> Jonathan
> 
> On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 8:23 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> > Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
> >
> > At the end of the first half on Saturday I was convinced we had an upset in
> > the making. We did, only it was me being upset with coach McCall not the
> > Cats upsetting MSU.
> >
> > After a season and a half I'm not convinced he's the right guy. He's
> > predictable, which is not a good thing to be as an Offensive Coordinator. I
> > don't know where the running game has fallen flat. It's somewhere between
> > not having a true Big Ten size running back and having a weak offensive
> > line. But, great coaches find a way to work with the talent they have.
> >
> > We have a better than average running QB who has developed into a fairly
> > accurate passing QB. We should be able to make that work. I'd like to see a
> > lot more option plays. We can't run north-south between the tackles, so it's
> > time to take that page out of the playbook. And just once I'd like to see
> > all 4/5 wide receivers run beyond the first down marker so that Kafka can't
> > dump it for a 3-yard gain.
> >
> > I've given up on bowl hopes for this team, but I want to see them improve.
> > At this point, I won't be excited to have McCall back next year.
> >
> > Victory & Honor,
> > Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



      
From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Mon Oct 19 11:54:38 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Mon Oct 19 11:54:45 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
In-Reply-To: <124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <000101ca50dc$d8359d60$88a0d820$@com>

Andrew Brewer could be the downfield threat we need IF the O-line can hold the blocks until he
gets loose. 

Right now, that is not happening with regularity, and Brew is stuck with running the slants and
trying to get loose up the middle. He's fast enough to get loose on those plays, but Kafka has
to 1. See him opening up and 2. Have the time to throw to him.

IMHO

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Jim Leonard
Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 12:20 PM
To: Northwestern Wildcats
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Coach McCall

Perhaps this is much more of a personnel issue than I thought. I was of the understanding that
our style of spread offense could be adjusted to compensate for lesser talent. I also was under
the impression that our o-line recruits were as talented (if not more so) that players we've had
in the past.

I don't think that McCall MUST be fired, I'm just saying I'm not impressed with what I've seen.
If it's simply a talent issue, then we should (at some point) play all the younger guys and
focus on next year. 

Go Cats!
Jim






________________________________
From: Herman Wang <herms@hotmail.com>
To: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com; jleonard518@yahoo.com
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Mon, October 19, 2009 9:24:24 AM
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Coach McCall

 I think Jonathan's spot on.  We have a lack of game-breaking wide receivers who can get open
downfield on a consistent basis.  We have a porous offensive line that hasn't opened holes for
the running game or given Kafka much time to pass.  We have a quarterback who is great at the
short to medium passes, but has questionable accuracy on downfield passes.  And we have no
running game whatsoever to keep defenses honest.  

Given those constraints, what an offensive coordinator to do?  If we keep trying to pass
downfield, Kafka's in for a lot of sacks or interceptions.  If we keep trying to establish the
run, which is what I believe McCall and Fitz have been trying to do against our weaker
opponents, we end up with a bunch of 1- to 2-yard runs.  

We actually have been running the option for about 4-5 plays each game.  I can't recall a single
option play that has netted more than four yards.  Defenses don't need to fear the deep pass,
and they don't need to key on our running backs, so they stack the box with eight or nine
defenders and spy on Kafka.  Against that defense and with our poor o-line blocking, I don't see
where the option is going to succeed any more than the short passing game.

As Jonathan noted, we're scoring more this season than we were last season.  I think, by and
large, McCall and Fitz are using what we've got.  We lost three top-notch NU receivers in Lane,
Peterman and Ward, plus a great running back in Sutton.  Our o-line, which wasn't great last
year, has for whatever reason regressed this year.  Our short passing game is effective and
efficient, but our margin of error is very thin, so a fumble like Dunsmore's against MSU or
critical drops like we've seen throughout the season, can be killer.

I would like to see Jeravin Matthews more involved in the running game, perhaps out of the
Wildcat formation.  And maybe we could try a deep fade to one of our speedier receivers once or
twice a game.  Overall, though, I think McCall's hands are tied by the personnel we've got.

Go 'Cats!
Herman



> From: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com
> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:46:23 -0500
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
> To: jleonard518@yahoo.com
> CC: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> 
> NU fans have basically been calling for McCall's head since he took over
> last year, despite a pretty good showing from last year's offense (that
> featured 4 brand new starters on the OL at the beginning of the year), and a
> not-horrible showing this year from a unit that lost all 5 starting skill
> position players (including a few that are arguably among NU's all-time
> greats) while having an OL that is vastly under-performing.
> 
> At this point, though, I don't feel the criticism is entirely warranted, and
> thankfully the NU coaching staff and administration don't bend to the whims
> of fickle fans like at other institutions.  Expect McCall to be back next
> year because the offense has been decent enough even without any kind of
> real running game.
> 
> Yes, I don't always agree with his play calling, but when an entire portion
> of the playbook just isn't working (basically any running play), it's hard
> to get real upset at the guy.  I know many have taken shots at him for not
> calling downfield passing, but that is rather difficult when the OL allows
> pressure to get to Kafka so quickly (NU is 87th nationally in sacks allowed
> and would be worse if Kafka couldn't save some plays with his legs).  Yes,
> Kafka holds the ball a little too long, too, but it's apparent he's trying
> to make a play with his arm (which is what the QB is for).
> 
> Basically everyone expected the NU offense to struggle this year with a new
> slew of skill position players, but they haven't been horrible, scoring 27
> points per game (NU ended up with 24.4 points per game last year).  They've
> left some points on the field and have had issues in the red zone, but this
> offense looks a lot like the one from 2007 that could put up huge numbers
> but also failed to convert in the red zone on occasion.
> 
> In any case, I think that the past two NU offensive coordinators have faced
> an uphill battle in winning support given their predecessors (Wilson and
> Dunbar) who oversaw some prolific and all-time great NU offenses, and the
> fact it that it's difficult to replicate that every year.  Not to mention
> that those teams featured some all-time great players (Kustok, Basanez,
> Bacher, Anderson, Wright, Herron, Sutton).
> 
> The biggest difference I've seen between last year and this year has been NU
> making the one or two plays in the game that it takes to win - last week we
> saw NU yield two long TD passes and fumble a kickoff that promptly turned
> into a TD.  There was also the Dunsmore fumble that was questionable given
> forward progress.  Take just a couple of those plays away and NU would have
> been in that one until the end.
> 
> There are still 5 games left and anything can happen, so let's hope NU
> starts getting some of those plays in their favor starting this week.
> 
> Go 'Cats!!!
> Jonathan
> 
> On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 8:23 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> > Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
> >
> > At the end of the first half on Saturday I was convinced we had an upset in
> > the making. We did, only it was me being upset with coach McCall not the
> > Cats upsetting MSU.
> >
> > After a season and a half I'm not convinced he's the right guy. He's
> > predictable, which is not a good thing to be as an Offensive Coordinator. I
> > don't know where the running game has fallen flat. It's somewhere between
> > not having a true Big Ten size running back and having a weak offensive
> > line. But, great coaches find a way to work with the talent they have.
> >
> > We have a better than average running QB who has developed into a fairly
> > accurate passing QB. We should be able to make that work. I'd like to see a
> > lot more option plays. We can't run north-south between the tackles, so it's
> > time to take that page out of the playbook. And just once I'd like to see
> > all 4/5 wide receivers run beyond the first down marker so that Kafka can't
> > dump it for a 3-yard gain.
> >
> > I've given up on bowl hopes for this team, but I want to see them improve.
> > At this point, I won't be excited to have McCall back next year.
> >
> > Victory & Honor,
> > Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



      
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Mon Oct 19 13:11:03 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Mon Oct 19 13:12:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
In-Reply-To: <124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl> 
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910191111t14fd61dbq7daa347efc399e4@mail.gmail.com>

You're right on the fact that the OL has disappointed this year despite
fielding two guys who had impressive years as redshirt freshmen last year
(LT Netter & C Burkett) and the fact that Fitz has been bringing in some
highly touted recruits (we've seen redshirt freshman Dieters a lot at RT and
even true freshman Ward at guard).  I think I've mentioned this before, but
don't discount losing OL coach Ingalls to the Saints after last season.

In any case, I do agree that McCall's work hasn't been overly impressive,
but I don't think he warrants all the blame.

Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 11:19 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Perhaps this is much more of a personnel issue than I thought. I was of the
> understanding that our style of spread offense could be adjusted to
> compensate for lesser talent. I also was under the impression that our
> o-line recruits were as talented (if not more so) that players we've had in
> the past.
>
> I don't think that McCall MUST be fired, I'm just saying I'm not impressed
> with what I've seen. If it's simply a talent issue, then we should (at some
> point) play all the younger guys and focus on next year.
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Herman Wang <herms@hotmail.com>
> To: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com; jleonard518@yahoo.com
> Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Mon, October 19, 2009 9:24:24 AM
> Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
>
>  I think Jonathan's spot on.  We have a lack of game-breaking wide
> receivers who can get open downfield on a consistent basis.  We have a
> porous offensive line that hasn't opened holes for the running game or given
> Kafka much time to pass.  We have a quarterback who is great at the short to
> medium passes, but has questionable accuracy on downfield passes.  And we
> have no running game whatsoever to keep defenses honest.
>
> Given those constraints, what an offensive coordinator to do?  If we keep
> trying to pass downfield, Kafka's in for a lot of sacks or interceptions.
>  If we keep trying to establish the run, which is what I believe McCall and
> Fitz have been trying to do against our weaker opponents, we end up with a
> bunch of 1- to 2-yard runs.
>
> We actually have been running the option for about 4-5 plays each game.  I
> can't recall a single option play that has netted more than four yards.
>  Defenses don't need to fear the deep pass, and they don't need to key on
> our running backs, so they stack the box with eight or nine defenders and
> spy on Kafka.  Against that defense and with our poor o-line blocking, I
> don't see where the option is going to succeed any more than the short
> passing game.
>
> As Jonathan noted, we're scoring more this season than we were last season.
>  I think, by and large, McCall and Fitz are using what we've got.  We lost
> three top-notch NU receivers in Lane, Peterman and Ward, plus a great
> running back in Sutton.  Our o-line, which wasn't great last year, has for
> whatever reason regressed this year.  Our short passing game is effective
> and efficient, but our margin of error is very thin, so a fumble like
> Dunsmore's against MSU or critical drops like we've seen throughout the
> season, can be killer.
>
> I would like to see Jeravin Matthews more involved in the running game,
> perhaps out of the Wildcat formation.  And maybe we could try a deep fade to
> one of our speedier receivers once or twice a game.  Overall, though, I
> think McCall's hands are tied by the personnel we've got.
>
> Go 'Cats!
> Herman
>
>
>
> > From: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com
> > Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:46:23 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
> > To: jleonard518@yahoo.com
> > CC: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> >
> > NU fans have basically been calling for McCall's head since he took over
> > last year, despite a pretty good showing from last year's offense (that
> > featured 4 brand new starters on the OL at the beginning of the year),
> and a
> > not-horrible showing this year from a unit that lost all 5 starting skill
> > position players (including a few that are arguably among NU's all-time
> > greats) while having an OL that is vastly under-performing.
> >
> > At this point, though, I don't feel the criticism is entirely warranted,
> and
> > thankfully the NU coaching staff and administration don't bend to the
> whims
> > of fickle fans like at other institutions.  Expect McCall to be back next
> > year because the offense has been decent enough even without any kind of
> > real running game.
> >
> > Yes, I don't always agree with his play calling, but when an entire
> portion
> > of the playbook just isn't working (basically any running play), it's
> hard
> > to get real upset at the guy.  I know many have taken shots at him for
> not
> > calling downfield passing, but that is rather difficult when the OL
> allows
> > pressure to get to Kafka so quickly (NU is 87th nationally in sacks
> allowed
> > and would be worse if Kafka couldn't save some plays with his legs).
>  Yes,
> > Kafka holds the ball a little too long, too, but it's apparent he's
> trying
> > to make a play with his arm (which is what the QB is for).
> >
> > Basically everyone expected the NU offense to struggle this year with a
> new
> > slew of skill position players, but they haven't been horrible, scoring
> 27
> > points per game (NU ended up with 24.4 points per game last year).
>  They've
> > left some points on the field and have had issues in the red zone, but
> this
> > offense looks a lot like the one from 2007 that could put up huge numbers
> > but also failed to convert in the red zone on occasion.
> >
> > In any case, I think that the past two NU offensive coordinators have
> faced
> > an uphill battle in winning support given their predecessors (Wilson and
> > Dunbar) who oversaw some prolific and all-time great NU offenses, and the
> > fact it that it's difficult to replicate that every year.  Not to mention
> > that those teams featured some all-time great players (Kustok, Basanez,
> > Bacher, Anderson, Wright, Herron, Sutton).
> >
> > The biggest difference I've seen between last year and this year has been
> NU
> > making the one or two plays in the game that it takes to win - last week
> we
> > saw NU yield two long TD passes and fumble a kickoff that promptly turned
> > into a TD.  There was also the Dunsmore fumble that was questionable
> given
> > forward progress.  Take just a couple of those plays away and NU would
> have
> > been in that one until the end.
> >
> > There are still 5 games left and anything can happen, so let's hope NU
> > starts getting some of those plays in their favor starting this week.
> >
> > Go 'Cats!!!
> > Jonathan
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 8:23 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > > Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
> > >
> > > At the end of the first half on Saturday I was convinced we had an
> upset in
> > > the making. We did, only it was me being upset with coach McCall not
> the
> > > Cats upsetting MSU.
> > >
> > > After a season and a half I'm not convinced he's the right guy. He's
> > > predictable, which is not a good thing to be as an Offensive
> Coordinator. I
> > > don't know where the running game has fallen flat. It's somewhere
> between
> > > not having a true Big Ten size running back and having a weak offensive
> > > line. But, great coaches find a way to work with the talent they have.
> > >
> > > We have a better than average running QB who has developed into a
> fairly
> > > accurate passing QB. We should be able to make that work. I'd like to
> see a
> > > lot more option plays. We can't run north-south between the tackles, so
> it's
> > > time to take that page out of the playbook. And just once I'd like to
> see
> > > all 4/5 wide receivers run beyond the first down marker so that Kafka
> can't
> > > dump it for a 3-yard gain.
> > >
> > > I've given up on bowl hopes for this team, but I want to see them
> improve.
> > > At this point, I won't be excited to have McCall back next year.
> > >
> > > Victory & Honor,
> > > Jim
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > nwu-sports site list
> > > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Mon Oct 19 11:50:08 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Mon Oct 19 13:46:08 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] all american recruit
In-Reply-To: <d01.61262e53.380dd7b0@aol.com>
References: <d01.61262e53.380dd7b0@aol.com>
Message-ID: <000001ca50dc$37e1e9e0$a7a5bda0$@com>

I suspect he figures to replace Corey W next year?

If he's that good, he'll be out there as a true frosh.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of
MHRJGScott@aol.com
Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 10:55 AM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] all american recruit

Loyola defensive end Chance Carter gave an oral commitment to Northwestern  
on Sunday. The 6-5, 255-pound Carter chose to play for the Wildcats and 
head  coach Pat Fitzgerald over Nebraska
 
Peace  















































and  Love
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From tbng at comcast.net  Mon Oct 19 13:52:33 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Mon Oct 19 13:52:49 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com><SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>

<I was of the understanding that our style of spread offense could be 
adjusted to compensate for lesser talent.

Just how does one compensate for lesser talent?  If the other guy is faster, 
he'll run you down.  If he's stronger, he'll over power you.  If he's more 
agile, he'll make moves you can't stop or respond in time to yours.  A given 
offense may minimize talent differences, but it cannot overcome them.  NU's 
football talent has improved, but it is still, on the whole, of average 
caliber.  To attract talent, we must build a quality, on-campus stadium and 
supporting facilities that will wow a kid on a campus visit, which is what 
Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan do every year.  (It will be interesting 
to see how Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota progress over the next few 
seasons now that they are playing in new or updated faclilities.  We may not 
like the results, but they will be interesting.)  New facilities will not be 
enough on their own, but recruiting top talent will remain a nearly 
insurmountable obstacle as long as we play in ancient, however-renovated, 
off-campus Dyche before crowds of 25,000, half of whom are rooting for the 
other team.  This will be a slow and often painful building process, and we 
cannot afford back-sliding seasons as this year's is in danger of becoming. 
But any goal of short of putting us into annual contention for the Big Ten 
title is a waste of time and money.  I am eager to hear the long-range goals 
of the incoming administration.

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Mon Oct 19 14:11:19 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Mon Oct 19 14:11:50 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl> 
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910191211t1dbfa19bm7c6ff29f6de626d5@mail.gmail.com>

I agree that you can't make up for talent.  The fact is that Northwestern
doesn't have the depth of talent when compared to most other schools in the
conference, although I would argue that the 'Cats have a good amount of
talent and are certainly competitive in the conference.

While I would imagine gameday atmosphere is important to recruits, I would
argue it seems to be of minimal importance to most of them.  And I can
certainly say that building building brand new facilities on campus (or
wherever since there is no room on campus) would NOT suddenly increase
attendance on its own or increase the talent level of NU recruits.

Yes, a few more students may roll out of bed and into the game and a few
more people may decide to attend a game on campus, but a new facility is not
the solution to NU attendance woes (discounting the fact that it's not
feasible, not affordable, and doesn't make any sense).  It may also attract
a recruit or two, but overall, NU's facilities are on par with other FBS/I-A
institutions (NU doesn't really compare to the traditional "football
factories" who have way more money and resources than NU, and NU could never
compete with them in a "battle of the Joneses" since they can just keep
expanding/improving).

I would like a new stadium, sure, and who wouldn't?  But using these two
items as reasoning to get one is just plain incorrect.

I'll leave the attendance issue alone for now, we've talked that issue to
death multiple times (even though it's the biggest issue affecting NU
football right now).

While NU could always use more talent on the team, I think Fitz is taking
the best approach to recruiting right now.  He's bringing in guys that fit
the program and not sacrificing NU academic standards.  Yes, there are some
guys who have to be developed in college, since NU can't just bring in class
after class of "5-star" guys.  He has arguably upgraded the talent level and
is now competing (and winning) against some BCS conference foes (e.g. MSU
and Nebraska).  And it's no accident that this team doesn't make headlines
for the wrong reasons nearly as often as many other schools, while almost
routinely placing members on academic/service teams within the conference
and nationally.  Oh, and he has this year's team in the hunt for a third
consecutive year of bowl eligibility for the first time ever at NU.

I, too, would support a drive to build a new stadium (although the idea is
outlandish considering the financial and physical constraints of NU), but I
think it's fairly clear that isn't going to happen anytime soon.  And using
a recruiting argument to support a stadium just doesn't work.

Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 1:52 PM, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net> wrote:

> <I was of the understanding that our style of spread offense could be
> adjusted to compensate for lesser talent.
>
> Just how does one compensate for lesser talent?  If the other guy is
> faster, he'll run you down.  If he's stronger, he'll over power you.  If
> he's more agile, he'll make moves you can't stop or respond in time to
> yours.  A given offense may minimize talent differences, but it cannot
> overcome them.  NU's football talent has improved, but it is still, on the
> whole, of average caliber.  To attract talent, we must build a quality,
> on-campus stadium and supporting facilities that will wow a kid on a campus
> visit, which is what Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan do every year.
>  (It will be interesting to see how Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota
> progress over the next few seasons now that they are playing in new or
> updated faclilities.  We may not like the results, but they will be
> interesting.)  New facilities will not be enough on their own, but
> recruiting top talent will remain a nearly insurmountable obstacle as long
> as we play in ancient, however-renovated, off-campus Dyche before crowds of
> 25,000, half of whom are rooting for the other team.  This will be a slow
> and often painful building process, and we cannot afford back-sliding
> seasons as this year's is in danger of becoming. But any goal of short of
> putting us into annual contention for the Big Ten title is a waste of time
> and money.  I am eager to hear the long-range goals of the incoming
> administration.
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Mon Oct 19 14:15:09 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Mon Oct 19 14:15:15 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910191111t14fd61dbq7daa347efc399e4@mail.gmail.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<fcb3ee270910191111t14fd61dbq7daa347efc399e4@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <000e01ca50f0$7a1c5250$6e54f6f0$@com>

Any time you play less than a Red Shirt Junior at an O-Line position you either have too many
injuries to the older guys, or your older guys have less talent.

However, I'd rather have older experienced starters up front than younger guys still learning
the higher speed and technique used by Div I linemen.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Jonathan
Hodges
Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 2:11 PM
To: Jim Leonard
Cc: Northwestern Wildcats
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Coach McCall

You're right on the fact that the OL has disappointed this year despite
fielding two guys who had impressive years as redshirt freshmen last year
(LT Netter & C Burkett) and the fact that Fitz has been bringing in some
highly touted recruits (we've seen redshirt freshman Dieters a lot at RT and
even true freshman Ward at guard).  I think I've mentioned this before, but
don't discount losing OL coach Ingalls to the Saints after last season.

In any case, I do agree that McCall's work hasn't been overly impressive,
but I don't think he warrants all the blame.

Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 11:19 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Perhaps this is much more of a personnel issue than I thought. I was of the
> understanding that our style of spread offense could be adjusted to
> compensate for lesser talent. I also was under the impression that our
> o-line recruits were as talented (if not more so) that players we've had in
> the past.
>
> I don't think that McCall MUST be fired, I'm just saying I'm not impressed
> with what I've seen. If it's simply a talent issue, then we should (at some
> point) play all the younger guys and focus on next year.
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Herman Wang <herms@hotmail.com>
> To: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com; jleonard518@yahoo.com
> Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Mon, October 19, 2009 9:24:24 AM
> Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
>
>  I think Jonathan's spot on.  We have a lack of game-breaking wide
> receivers who can get open downfield on a consistent basis.  We have a
> porous offensive line that hasn't opened holes for the running game or given
> Kafka much time to pass.  We have a quarterback who is great at the short to
> medium passes, but has questionable accuracy on downfield passes.  And we
> have no running game whatsoever to keep defenses honest.
>
> Given those constraints, what an offensive coordinator to do?  If we keep
> trying to pass downfield, Kafka's in for a lot of sacks or interceptions.
>  If we keep trying to establish the run, which is what I believe McCall and
> Fitz have been trying to do against our weaker opponents, we end up with a
> bunch of 1- to 2-yard runs.
>
> We actually have been running the option for about 4-5 plays each game.  I
> can't recall a single option play that has netted more than four yards.
>  Defenses don't need to fear the deep pass, and they don't need to key on
> our running backs, so they stack the box with eight or nine defenders and
> spy on Kafka.  Against that defense and with our poor o-line blocking, I
> don't see where the option is going to succeed any more than the short
> passing game.
>
> As Jonathan noted, we're scoring more this season than we were last season.
>  I think, by and large, McCall and Fitz are using what we've got.  We lost
> three top-notch NU receivers in Lane, Peterman and Ward, plus a great
> running back in Sutton.  Our o-line, which wasn't great last year, has for
> whatever reason regressed this year.  Our short passing game is effective
> and efficient, but our margin of error is very thin, so a fumble like
> Dunsmore's against MSU or critical drops like we've seen throughout the
> season, can be killer.
>
> I would like to see Jeravin Matthews more involved in the running game,
> perhaps out of the Wildcat formation.  And maybe we could try a deep fade to
> one of our speedier receivers once or twice a game.  Overall, though, I
> think McCall's hands are tied by the personnel we've got.
>
> Go 'Cats!
> Herman
>
>
>
> > From: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com
> > Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:46:23 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Coach McCall
> > To: jleonard518@yahoo.com
> > CC: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> >
> > NU fans have basically been calling for McCall's head since he took over
> > last year, despite a pretty good showing from last year's offense (that
> > featured 4 brand new starters on the OL at the beginning of the year),
> and a
> > not-horrible showing this year from a unit that lost all 5 starting skill
> > position players (including a few that are arguably among NU's all-time
> > greats) while having an OL that is vastly under-performing.
> >
> > At this point, though, I don't feel the criticism is entirely warranted,
> and
> > thankfully the NU coaching staff and administration don't bend to the
> whims
> > of fickle fans like at other institutions.  Expect McCall to be back next
> > year because the offense has been decent enough even without any kind of
> > real running game.
> >
> > Yes, I don't always agree with his play calling, but when an entire
> portion
> > of the playbook just isn't working (basically any running play), it's
> hard
> > to get real upset at the guy.  I know many have taken shots at him for
> not
> > calling downfield passing, but that is rather difficult when the OL
> allows
> > pressure to get to Kafka so quickly (NU is 87th nationally in sacks
> allowed
> > and would be worse if Kafka couldn't save some plays with his legs).
>  Yes,
> > Kafka holds the ball a little too long, too, but it's apparent he's
> trying
> > to make a play with his arm (which is what the QB is for).
> >
> > Basically everyone expected the NU offense to struggle this year with a
> new
> > slew of skill position players, but they haven't been horrible, scoring
> 27
> > points per game (NU ended up with 24.4 points per game last year).
>  They've
> > left some points on the field and have had issues in the red zone, but
> this
> > offense looks a lot like the one from 2007 that could put up huge numbers
> > but also failed to convert in the red zone on occasion.
> >
> > In any case, I think that the past two NU offensive coordinators have
> faced
> > an uphill battle in winning support given their predecessors (Wilson and
> > Dunbar) who oversaw some prolific and all-time great NU offenses, and the
> > fact it that it's difficult to replicate that every year.  Not to mention
> > that those teams featured some all-time great players (Kustok, Basanez,
> > Bacher, Anderson, Wright, Herron, Sutton).
> >
> > The biggest difference I've seen between last year and this year has been
> NU
> > making the one or two plays in the game that it takes to win - last week
> we
> > saw NU yield two long TD passes and fumble a kickoff that promptly turned
> > into a TD.  There was also the Dunsmore fumble that was questionable
> given
> > forward progress.  Take just a couple of those plays away and NU would
> have
> > been in that one until the end.
> >
> > There are still 5 games left and anything can happen, so let's hope NU
> > starts getting some of those plays in their favor starting this week.
> >
> > Go 'Cats!!!
> > Jonathan
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 8:23 AM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > > Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
> > >
> > > At the end of the first half on Saturday I was convinced we had an
> upset in
> > > the making. We did, only it was me being upset with coach McCall not
> the
> > > Cats upsetting MSU.
> > >
> > > After a season and a half I'm not convinced he's the right guy. He's
> > > predictable, which is not a good thing to be as an Offensive
> Coordinator. I
> > > don't know where the running game has fallen flat. It's somewhere
> between
> > > not having a true Big Ten size running back and having a weak offensive
> > > line. But, great coaches find a way to work with the talent they have.
> > >
> > > We have a better than average running QB who has developed into a
> fairly
> > > accurate passing QB. We should be able to make that work. I'd like to
> see a
> > > lot more option plays. We can't run north-south between the tackles, so
> it's
> > > time to take that page out of the playbook. And just once I'd like to
> see
> > > all 4/5 wide receivers run beyond the first down marker so that Kafka
> can't
> > > dump it for a 3-yard gain.
> > >
> > > I've given up on bowl hopes for this team, but I want to see them
> improve.
> > > At this point, I won't be excited to have McCall back next year.
> > >
> > > Victory & Honor,
> > > Jim
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > nwu-sports site list
> > > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Mon Oct 19 14:53:20 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Mon Oct 19 14:53:38 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910191211t1dbfa19bm7c6ff29f6de626d5@mail.gmail.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
	<fcb3ee270910191211t1dbfa19bm7c6ff29f6de626d5@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <C5DF0651-A3C3-42E6-904E-80DA317237D4@covisint.com>

There are plenty of examples of teams even in our conference who have  
more talent but are playing worse.

Our strength is going to be playing better and smarter as a team.

The beauty of college football is that on any given Saturday a better  
team can beat better athletes. (eg. Purdue OSU)

It isn't an issue of facilities. It is an issue of demographics. We  
are just too small to compete on the basis of football reneue. So we  
have to compete on the basis of being a better team. We've got the  
right coach for it and we have the right student profile (smart kids  
who are overachievers).

The risk is that some years the team just doesn't gel. That may be the  
case this year because we lost so many leaders from last year.

Jeff



Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 19, 2009, at 3:13 PM, "Jonathan Hodges" <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com 
 > wrote:

> I agree that you can't make up for talent.  The fact is that  
> Northwestern
> doesn't have the depth of talent when compared to most other schools  
> in the
> conference, although I would argue that the 'Cats have a good amount  
> of
> talent and are certainly competitive in the conference.
>
> While I would imagine gameday atmosphere is important to recruits, I  
> would
> argue it seems to be of minimal importance to most of them.  And I can
> certainly say that building building brand new facilities on campus  
> (or
> wherever since there is no room on campus) would NOT suddenly increase
> attendance on its own or increase the talent level of NU recruits.
>
> Yes, a few more students may roll out of bed and into the game and a  
> few
> more people may decide to attend a game on campus, but a new  
> facility is not
> the solution to NU attendance woes (discounting the fact that it's not
> feasible, not affordable, and doesn't make any sense).  It may also  
> attract
> a recruit or two, but overall, NU's facilities are on par with other  
> FBS/I-A
> institutions (NU doesn't really compare to the traditional "football
> factories" who have way more money and resources than NU, and NU  
> could never
> compete with them in a "battle of the Joneses" since they can just  
> keep
> expanding/improving).
>
> I would like a new stadium, sure, and who wouldn't?  But using these  
> two
> items as reasoning to get one is just plain incorrect.
>
> I'll leave the attendance issue alone for now, we've talked that  
> issue to
> death multiple times (even though it's the biggest issue affecting NU
> football right now).
>
> While NU could always use more talent on the team, I think Fitz is  
> taking
> the best approach to recruiting right now.  He's bringing in guys  
> that fit
> the program and not sacrificing NU academic standards.  Yes, there  
> are some
> guys who have to be developed in college, since NU can't just bring  
> in class
> after class of "5-star" guys.  He has arguably upgraded the talent  
> level and
> is now competing (and winning) against some BCS conference foes  
> (e.g. MSU
> and Nebraska).  And it's no accident that this team doesn't make  
> headlines
> for the wrong reasons nearly as often as many other schools, while  
> almost
> routinely placing members on academic/service teams within the  
> conference
> and nationally.  Oh, and he has this year's team in the hunt for a  
> third
> consecutive year of bowl eligibility for the first time ever at NU.
>
> I, too, would support a drive to build a new stadium (although the  
> idea is
> outlandish considering the financial and physical constraints of  
> NU), but I
> think it's fairly clear that isn't going to happen anytime soon.   
> And using
> a recruiting argument to support a stadium just doesn't work.
>
> Jonathan
>
> On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 1:52 PM, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>  
> wrote:
>
>> <I was of the understanding that our style of spread offense could be
>> adjusted to compensate for lesser talent.
>>
>> Just how does one compensate for lesser talent?  If the other guy is
>> faster, he'll run you down.  If he's stronger, he'll over power  
>> you.  If
>> he's more agile, he'll make moves you can't stop or respond in time  
>> to
>> yours.  A given offense may minimize talent differences, but it  
>> cannot
>> overcome them.  NU's football talent has improved, but it is still,  
>> on the
>> whole, of average caliber.  To attract talent, we must build a  
>> quality,
>> on-campus stadium and supporting facilities that will wow a kid on  
>> a campus
>> visit, which is what Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan do every  
>> year.
>> (It will be interesting to see how Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota
>> progress over the next few seasons now that they are playing in new  
>> or
>> updated faclilities.  We may not like the results, but they will be
>> interesting.)  New facilities will not be enough on their own, but
>> recruiting top talent will remain a nearly insurmountable obstacle  
>> as long
>> as we play in ancient, however-renovated, off-campus Dyche before  
>> crowds of
>> 25,000, half of whom are rooting for the other team.  This will be  
>> a slow
>> and often painful building process, and we cannot afford back-sliding
>> seasons as this year's is in danger of becoming. But any goal of  
>> short of
>> putting us into annual contention for the Big Ten title is a waste  
>> of time
>> and money.  I am eager to hear the long-range goals of the incoming
>> administration.
>>
>> 
The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

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From DPENDERG at aol.com  Mon Oct 19 14:53:24 2009
From: DPENDERG at aol.com (DPENDERG@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 19 14:53:53 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
Message-ID: <c5d.5bfdb8aa.380e1db4@aol.com>

 
I think any talk about a new stadium is fantasy. We don't come close  to 
filling the current one except when Penn State or another Big Ten power  
brings its legions.  How could the University justify -- or even  contemplate -- 
spending the hundreds of millions to build a new one with  such lackluster 
community and alumni support?  It won't happen.  

 
 
 
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site  list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports





From cherron604 at aol.com  Mon Oct 19 15:33:20 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 19 15:34:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Afternoon report & bowl outlook ...
In-Reply-To: <9a9d92d30910172121n12a95b60mec46c28ee32d3606@mail.gmail.com>
References: <588148.38804.qm@web52906.mail.re2.yahoo.com><917152563-1255831980-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-810959073-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<9a9d92d30910172121n12a95b60mec46c28ee32d3606@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1F12880351AD-30A4-235D0@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com>


Aren't the phrases "packing Dyche this weekend" and 'Indiana" mutually exclusive ?  Will we crack 20,000 for Homecoming ?  We will get crowds for the remaining 2 games, but they will be 90% Nittany fans and 90% Badger fans.  I dread crowds like that.  I'm guessing that a lot of our fans will avoid those games, giving their tickets to visiting fans.  There is no game less enjoyable than being in the minority at a home game...



Chuck Herron   Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Zeller <scottzel@gmail.com>
To: hakirsch@aol.com
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com; nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
Sent: Sat, Oct 17, 2009 11:21 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Afternoon report & bowl outlook ...




There are several more bowl games available now than there were when we went
-6 last time and were left out because of a crowded house. A great deal of
-6 teams go to bowls now, many as wild cards; I'm sure a Big Ten team would
e attractive to a bowl with an opening among the available 6-6 teams. Put
t simply, I believe if we get to 6-6 we are in somewhere (something tells
e if not in a BT contract spot, then the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco!)
However, my fear is we don't even get to 6-6. Our remaining schedule is
ighty tough and we have to go 2-3 against it to even get to .500. None of
hose games is against Towson.
Finally packing Dyche this weekend for homecoming might encourage the team
o beat Indiana and may finally give them some confidence and momentum.
ere's hoping.
Scott Zeller, MD
n Sat, Oct 17, 2009 at 7:12 PM, <hakirsch@aol.com> wrote:
> I would bet against us going to a bowl game this year. We are mediocre at
 best and while we maywind up bowl eligible I'm not sure we would even get
 picked if we are

 Harry
 Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

 -----Original Message-----
 From: "SjT \(Stephen J. Truog\)" <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
 Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:57:17
 To: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
 Subject: [NU Sports] Afternoon report & bowl outlook ...

 Well, not much of a contest in Happy Valley - thankfully the other two big
 games on in the Swamp and the Evil Empire vs. Spoiled Children game are
 pretty good. Plus the always-fun Pac 10 game.

 So with the game tonight not having any real bowl implications except
 perhaps who gets to hold on to the sliver of hope longer, let's see how
 todays's big game in Madison and big upset in West Lafayette changed the
 outlook ...

 THE LOCKS

 IOWA: The biggest game on Iowa's schedule may be in mid-November at the
 Shoe, but for bowl purposes, it might be the game in Happy Valley the week
 before with PSU and OSU - should the Lions win, the Hawks can lose in
 Columbus and still hold the tiebreak for Pasadena. Right now, they're BCS
 bound unless they have a very bad day, and usually that only happens to
 Ferentz' teams in the first half of the season.

 PENN STATE: They're getting healthy and the offense (against mediocre foes,
 albeit) is looking better. If they survive their road trips to the state of
 Michigan and hold serve at home against OSU's lifeless offense, they could
 also be BCS bound with an 11-1 mark.

 OHIO STATE: Despite their horrible offense (the big question is whether
 it's that Pryor is overrated or limited by his coaches), they have the
 defense to be in every game left and could play big-time spoiler for both
 PSU and Iowa in November, meaning they still control their fate. More
 likely, though, it's looking like Florida.

 WISCONSIN: The Badgers should be favored to win every game left on the
 schedule and hence are looking good for a 10-win season and a New Year's Day
 bowl game. But since they don't get a crack at PSU and lost to the Hawkeyes
 and Buckeyes already, they need help for anything above Florida.

 MICHIGAN: They should to seven wins fine and with their "resurgence" and
 big name will be a popular bowl pick -- maybe even jumping up to Tampa --
 but there are too many big names left to compete for the title. However,
 with PSU and OSU visiting the Big House, they could also be a major spoiler
 if the offense is on fire.

 THE BUBBLE TEAMS

 MICHIGAN STATE: Technically they still control their fate with Iowa and PSU
 visiting and no OSU, but more likely they're going to be sweating it out to
 get six or more wins because of those early close losses.  The key game for
 bowl position is in two weeks at Minnesota.

 MINNESOTA: The Gophers have two nearly impossible road games left (@
 Columbus and @ Iowa City), but if they take care of business at home against
 Illinois, San Diego State and a big battle with Sparty, they'll have seven
 wins and go bowling again.

 NORTHWESTERN: The Cats have a decent shot at six, a longshot at seven and
 absolutely no room for error. They must beat Indiana and Illinois to get to
 six wins and then hope to steal one at home against PSU or Wisky or on the
 road in Iowa City ... or else hope we double dip into the BCS.

 THE LONGSHOTS

 PURDUE: They've been close all year and are coming alive now, but those
 early losses are going to come back and bite them. They need to steal one at
 Camp Randall or Ann Arbor and then win out against the Illini, Hoosiers and
 Sparty to have any hope.

 INDIANA: The Hoosiers have the best shot of the three at the bottom because
 of their 3-3 mark, but like NU they have no room for error. They must beat
 Illinois and Purdue at home and win at Northwestern to get to six and then
 steal one at Iowa, at Penn State or vs. Wisconsin ... or hope for a BCS
 double dip.

 ILLINOIS: The Illini seemingly have too much talent to run the table
 winless in the league, so the rest of the Big Ten teams are hoping that they
 come alive at Cincy instead of ruining their bowl chances. If they can win
 their next two tonight at IU and next week at Purdue to get to 3-4 before
 Michigan visits Champaign, they may be able to sneak back in, though, by
 beating the Wolverines, Wildcats and Fresno State.

 So that would break down something like this ...

 B(C)S GAMES

 "TITLE" GAME: Florida vs. Texas - The Horns survived their biggest test
 today and I'm not falling for the tease on the Gators slipping today (they
 just got some help from the refs to make sure it's not Ole Miss all over
 again) - and even if they do lose, they canw in out and make it to the title
 game by beating Alabama, which they will.

 ROSE: Iowa vs. Southern Cal - Great defensive battle as 11-1 Iowa beats PSU
 in the tiebreak (and avoids a rematch) ... or 12-0 Iowa fights for respect
 after being left out of the title game.

 ORANGE: Penn State vs. Virginia Tech - As I discussed yesterday, the Orange
 has to take the ACC champ and can't just take the Big East champ against
 hometown Miami, so in order to sell seats, invite those RVs from Nittany
 Nation to visit South Florida for the winter.

 SUGAR: Alabama vs. Cincinnati - The folks in New Orleans have to hate this
 BCS order thing, as they get stuck with the worst game on paper yet again
 (though last year Utah pulled the upset ... in a blowout game).

 FIESTA: Boise State vs. Oregon - Here's the tough call of the lot. I was
 all set to have Nebraska here, until they laid an egg against Texas Tech.
 Miami doesn't travel well and old standby OSU might be there if they beat
 Iowa, but the Orange lobbies hard for PSU instead ... so they go with a Pac
 10 team and give the Ducks a rematch with the Broncos in Phoenix.

 CITRUS: Ohio State vs. LSU - I think the Buckeyes lose to both Iowa and
 PSU, but win a thriller vs. Michigan to stay in Orlando over a team they
 beat (Wisky) with one more win overall ... should be a great game of two
 national title-level defenses let down by mediocre offenses.

 OUTBACK: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee - Two brash, young, unlikable coaches.

 CHAMPS: Michigan vs. Florida State - I'm not sure, but I think Orlando gets
 to pick ahead of San Antonio this year, so they set up this big-name game of
 programs headed in opposite directions.

 ALAMO: Minnesota vs. Nebraska - The Huskers could rebound to move up, and
 the Big Ten team depends on who wins that game in Minneapolis in two weeks.

 INSIGHT: Michigan State vs. Kansas - Would be better if this were a
 football/basketball doubleheader.

 MOTOR CITY: Northwestern/Illinois/Indiana vs. Central Michigan - We'll see
 if any Big Ten team gets to that No. 8 slot ... if they do, it won't be much
 fun in Detroit against a hot quarterback.

 We'll see how long it takes before this guesstimate breaks down.:) I'd feel
 a lot better about the Big Ten getting two B(C)S teams if the Trojans would
 be able to hang on to a 20-point 4th quarter lead against the Friggin Irish!

 GO CATS!!!
 -SjT

 * * * * * * * * *
 STEPHEN J. TRUOG
 sjtruog@yahoo.com
 GO CATS!!!




 _______________________________________________
 nwu-sports site list
 nwu-sports@tssi.com
 http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

 _______________________________________________
 nwu-sports site list
 nwu-sports@tssi.com
 http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

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wu-sports@tssi.com
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From cherron604 at aol.com  Mon Oct 19 15:54:25 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 19 15:54:52 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com><SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl><124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <8CC1F1579D400ED-30A4-23C15@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com>


An on-campus stadium is not an option without additional lakefill.



Additional lakefill is not an option - Evanston will fight it, everybody concerned about the Lake will fight it.  Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan will all fight it. (Remember, sand from the Indiana Dunes was used in Lakefill #1 - that could never happen today.)  Senator Paul Douglas nearly derailed Lakefill #1 - Lakefill #2 would be political poison - NU would be blown out of the water.



Dyche is as near to the campus as possible, with adequate parking available nearby.



If a player is going to be attracted to Cornfield U because they have an on-campus facility (with of course, the best seats and parking allocated to those who pay a lot of money, and the students squeezed into the cheap seats), then they are probably not the caliber of student-athlete that would succeed at Northwestern.



Besides, as a percentage of total enrollment, I would match our student crowds against most schools.



And USC and Miami do okay despite playing in off-campus facilities.



If the training facilities behind Dyche are inadequate, improve them.



Chuck Herron   Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:52 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent



<I was of the understanding that our style of spread offense could be adjusted to compensate for lesser talent. 
 
Just how does one compensate for lesser talent? If the other guy is faster, he'll run you down. If he's stronger, he'll over power you. If he's more agile, he'll make moves you can't stop or respond in time to yours. A given offense may minimize talent differences, but it cannot overcome them. NU's football talent has improved, but it is still, on the whole, of average caliber. To attract talent, we must build a quality, on-campus stadium and supporting facilities that will wow a kid on a campus visit, which is what Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan do every year. (It will be interesting to see how Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota progress over the next few seasons now that they are playing in new or updated faclilities. We may not like the results, but they will be interesting.) New facilities will not be enough on their own, but recruiting top talent will remain a nearly insurmountable obstacle as long as we play in ancient, however-renovated, off-campus Dyche before crowds of 25,000, half of whom are rooting for the other team. This will be a slow and often painful building process, and we cannot afford back-sliding seasons as this year's is in danger of becoming. But any goal of short of putting us into annual contention for the Big Ten title is a waste of time and money. I am eager to hear the long-range goals of the incoming administration. 
 
_______________________________________________ 
nwu-sports site list 
nwu-sports@tssi.com 
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports 

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Mon Oct 19 16:15:19 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Mon Oct 19 16:15:23 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <8CC1F1579D400ED-30A4-23C15@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com> from
	"cherron604@aol.com" at Oct 19, 2009 04:54:25 PM
Message-ID: <200910192115.n9JLFJWb017244@romaine.tssi.com>

> An on-campus stadium is not an option without additional lakefill.

Naah, there's lot of space, just tear down things like classrooms, 
libraries, dorms, and frat houses.  

If that's not enough space, close Sheridan Road.  Get rid of
Deering Meadow and the buildings across the street, including
Scott.  there'd be plenty of space for a stadium, plus lots of 
parking.
--
Mike Nolan

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 19 16:18:28 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Mon Oct 19 16:18:49 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <8CC1F1579D400ED-30A4-23C15@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com><SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl><124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
	<8CC1F1579D400ED-30A4-23C15@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <747269.70345.qm@web36802.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

This is a minor point (given the probability) but I seem to remember that the original permit for the lakefill was 160 acres. I remember hearing that phase I was only 83 acres and that NU had the ability to essentially double it in the future. This is just a factoid from a former campus tour guide, it does change the uphill battle it would take. Moving the stadium away from mass transit just doesn't make sense. 

I think NU could do more with Dyche. Eliminate the south endzone seats and put purple seat backs on the existing sideline seats. Get it down to the loudest 40,000 seats you can - and then drop the price so they seats are full. 

Go Cats!
Jim




----- Original Message ----
From: "cherron604@aol.com" <cherron604@aol.com>
To: tbng@comcast.net; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Mon, October 19, 2009 3:54:25 PM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent


An on-campus stadium is not an option without additional lakefill.



Additional lakefill is not an option - Evanston will fight it, everybody concerned about the Lake will fight it.  Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan will all fight it. (Remember, sand from the Indiana Dunes was used in Lakefill #1 - that could never happen today.)  Senator Paul Douglas nearly derailed Lakefill #1 - Lakefill #2 would be political poison - NU would be blown out of the water.


      

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Mon Oct 19 16:27:20 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Mon Oct 19 16:27:23 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <747269.70345.qm@web36802.mail.mud.yahoo.com> from "Jim Leonard"
	at Oct 19, 2009 02:18:28 PM
Message-ID: <200910192127.n9JLRKuP017375@romaine.tssi.com>

> This is a minor point (given the probability) but I seem to remember that the original permit for the lakefill was 160 acres. I remember hearing that phase I was only 83 acres and that NU had the ability to essentially double it in the future. This is just a factoid from a former campus tour guide, it does change the uphill battle it would take. Moving the stadium away from mass transit just doesn't make sense. 

Um, which mass transit?  The Foster El stop would be about as close to a 
lakefill stadium as the Central Avenue stop is to Dyche.  I guess the
downtown CNW (or whatever it's called these days) station might be a few 
blocks further away.  

Anybody ever tried to take mass transit to any of the other stadiums
in the conference, or to ANY major college football stadium?
--
Mike Nolan

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Mon Oct 19 16:59:56 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Mon Oct 19 17:00:25 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <747269.70345.qm@web36802.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl> 
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine> 
	<8CC1F1579D400ED-30A4-23C15@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com>
	<747269.70345.qm@web36802.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910191459w23f4147fu31291abfa45e1907@mail.gmail.com>

Note that just a few years ago, NU tried to "fill in" part of the lagoon
(the retention pond enclosed by the lakefill) and was met by student
protests, Evanston pushback, and eventually an Illinois EPA evaluation that
put a hold on the project (not sure of the status now, but I believe NU
eventually abandoned its plans).  And that was for a project that actually
would have netted an increase in green space on campus (and made room for a
new building along the way).

Like others, I sincerely doubt that NU would ever get support/approval to
expand the lakefill.  Therefore, there just isn't room on campus for a
stadium and amenities (and those who want to expand into Evanston, there was
the whole "historic district" saga which I won't go into right now).

Also, as others have mentioned, an on campus stadium wouldn't automatically
increase attendance.  The location is just as bad as Central St for those
coming in from out of town, there may be more parking spots, but don't think
NU would cordon off lots for priority parking.  And getting a few more
students to roll out of bed wouldn't fill up the place much more than now.
Yes, I think it would be cool and a great location, but it's unlikely and
wouldn't solve many other problems.

And I don't think tearing down the south end zone bleachers would actually
increase the attendance, either.  Yes, the seats stink, but it has given NU
an excuse to sell cheap seats.

Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 4:18 PM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com> wrote:

> This is a minor point (given the probability) but I seem to remember that
> the original permit for the lakefill was 160 acres. I remember hearing that
> phase I was only 83 acres and that NU had the ability to essentially double
> it in the future. This is just a factoid from a former campus tour guide, it
> does change the uphill battle it would take. Moving the stadium away from
> mass transit just doesn't make sense.
>
> I think NU could do more with Dyche. Eliminate the south endzone seats and
> put purple seat backs on the existing sideline seats. Get it down to the
> loudest 40,000 seats you can - and then drop the price so they seats are
> full.
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: "cherron604@aol.com" <cherron604@aol.com>
> To: tbng@comcast.net; nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Mon, October 19, 2009 3:54:25 PM
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent
>
>
> An on-campus stadium is not an option without additional lakefill.
>
>
>
> Additional lakefill is not an option - Evanston will fight it, everybody
> concerned about the Lake will fight it.  Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan
> will all fight it. (Remember, sand from the Indiana Dunes was used in
> Lakefill #1 - that could never happen today.)  Senator Paul Douglas nearly
> derailed Lakefill #1 - Lakefill #2 would be political poison - NU would be
> blown out of the water.
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From cherron604 at aol.com  Mon Oct 19 17:13:30 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 19 17:13:56 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <200910192127.n9JLRKuP017375@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1F2085F5C60D-30A4-2521B@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com>


It's about a 7 block walk (long blocks) from the Berkeley Bart station to Memorial Stadium, winding very pleasantly through the campus.  It's like 2 blocks from the CalTrain to Stanford Stadium.



Chuck Herron   Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Nolan <nolan@romaine.tssi.com>
To: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 4:27 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent




> This is a minor point (given the probability) but I seem to remember that the 
riginal permit for the lakefill was 160 acres. I remember hearing that phase I 
as only 83 acres and that NU had the ability to essentially double it in the 
uture. This is just a factoid from a former campus tour guide, it does change 
he uphill battle it would take. Moving the stadium away from mass transit just 
oesn't make sense. 
Um, which mass transit?  The Foster El stop would be about as close to a 
akefill stadium as the Central Avenue stop is to Dyche.  I guess the
owntown CNW (or whatever it's called these days) station might be a few 
locks further away.  
Anybody ever tried to take mass transit to any of the other stadiums
n the conference, or to ANY major college football stadium?
-
ike Nolan
_______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From scottzel at gmail.com  Mon Oct 19 19:19:39 2009
From: scottzel at gmail.com (Scott Zeller)
Date: Mon Oct 19 19:19:48 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <8CC1F2085F5C60D-30A4-2521B@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com>
References: <200910192127.n9JLRKuP017375@romaine.tssi.com>
	<8CC1F2085F5C60D-30A4-2521B@webmail-m085.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <9a9d92d30910191719t404df68pe4dcdd121c9412d@mail.gmail.com>

You forgot to mention it is also 7 long blocks' walk from the nearest
parking lot to Cal's Memorial Stadium. Not that you would ever want to drive
through the city of Berkeley anyway. I doubt there is a city more anti-car,
except perhaps Venice, Italy.

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 3:13 PM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:

>
> It's about a 7 block walk (long blocks) from the Berkeley Bart station to
> Memorial Stadium, winding very pleasantly through the campus.  It's like 2
> blocks from the CalTrain to Stanford Stadium.
>
>
>
> Chuck Herron   Tech '85
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Nolan <nolan@romaine.tssi.com>
> To: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
> Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 4:27 pm
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent
>
>
>
>
> > This is a minor point (given the probability) but I seem to remember that
> the
> riginal permit for the lakefill was 160 acres. I remember hearing that
> phase I
> as only 83 acres and that NU had the ability to essentially double it in
> the
> uture. This is just a factoid from a former campus tour guide, it does
> change
> he uphill battle it would take. Moving the stadium away from mass transit
> just
> oesn't make sense.
> Um, which mass transit?  The Foster El stop would be about as close to a
> akefill stadium as the Central Avenue stop is to Dyche.  I guess the
> owntown CNW (or whatever it's called these days) station might be a few
> locks further away.
> Anybody ever tried to take mass transit to any of the other stadiums
> n the conference, or to ANY major college football stadium?
> -
> ike Nolan
> _______________________________________________
> wu-sports site list
> wu-sports@tssi.com
>  ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From neonrye at aol.com  Mon Oct 19 20:13:56 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 19 20:14:01 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] 'Cats-Hoosiers
Message-ID: <552953599-1256001233-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-487351213-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

According to NY POST NU is favored by 4 1/2 over Indy.  What team have bookies been watching?

And, on another note, Joe Girardi just devalued his NU degree in Engineering by ridiculously over-managing.

Paul Levinson
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Mon Oct 19 20:27:43 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Mon Oct 19 20:28:11 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] 'Cats-Hoosiers
In-Reply-To: <552953599-1256001233-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-487351213-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
References: <552953599-1256001233-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-487351213-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910191827j45e2f20bt7fdba036946d1914@mail.gmail.com>

I saw that NU opened as 5 point favorites.  Remember that home field
advantage is usually worth 3.

Indiana's only road win this year was over 1-5 Akron (who have only beaten
FCS/I-AA Morgan St), and just 2 weeks ago were trounced 47-7 at Virginia
(yes, the Virginia team the lost to William & Mary earlier this year).
Indiana has potential but so far their defense has failed in any real test,
and things haven't been good for them on the road.

Of course NU only has to look at last year's game for what can happen as a
favorite.

Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 8:13 PM, <neonrye@aol.com> wrote:

> According to NY POST NU is favored by 4 1/2 over Indy.  What team have
> bookies been watching?
>
> And, on another note, Joe Girardi just devalued his NU degree in
> Engineering by ridiculously over-managing.
>
> Paul Levinson
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Mon Oct 19 20:52:01 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 19 20:52:24 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
Message-ID: <ce1.574c7146.380e71c1@aol.com>

I do not know the solution to the CATS!! problem with attendance but from  
somebody who has lived in Louisiana for 12 years going to games in death 
valley  and Florida for 15 years going to games in the swamp and now at UCF 
America's  third largest university I will tell you that it is a cultural 
divide, the  tailgating is all of 3 days and the game is like a rock concert, we 
are in the  wrong decade and in the wrong place to compete at a national 
level. It is like  trying to compete with Sri Lanka in cricket in Evanston, not 
going to  happen.
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 19 23:24:19 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Mon Oct 19 23:24:26 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <993811.27517.qm@web52905.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

> <I was of the understanding that
> our style of spread offense could be adjusted to compensate
> for lesser talent.
> 
> Just how does one compensate for lesser talent?? If

Well, originally that WAS the purpose of the spread. It was an equalizer to use the space to spread out the other team's talent advantages and find a mismatch.

I'm not sure if that's still the case now that teams have had time to adjust, but that was the original purpose. Maybe we need to do a version of the new fad, The Wildcat! :) Just kidding.

> of average caliber.? To attract talent, we must build a
> quality, on-campus stadium and supporting facilities that

I just don't get the push for an on-campus stadium. It would be nice, but it's a dream.

For starters, our stadium is pretty much on campus now. Take the distance from Norris to Dyche and compare it with the distance from PSU's student union to Beaver Stadium, or Madison's union to Camp Randall. It's just that these other "on campus" stadiums are on massive campuses. It's not like it's a lengthy walk (and yes, I have done it - including after a January evening basketball game in subzero temps to the furthest dorm south on campus).

Secondly, an on-campus stadium would not solve the problems Dyche has in terms of accessibility, parking, etc.

And finally, I know our new president is a sports fan (great profile article last week!), but even he would find it tough to justify the massive cost. An on-campus basketball arena would be far more feasible, but still unnecessary.

> will wow a kid on a campus visit, which is what Ohio State,
> Penn State, and Michigan do every year.? (It will be

NU will never have the atmosphere of Ohio Stadium, the Big House or Happy Valley unless we become a 35,000-student state school with a massive base of local alumni.

Our campus visit is targeted at different types of kids and for the most part, it works well -- especially with a coach like Fitz. A nice crowd and atmosphere on gameday will help, but it won't be the major factor for NU recruits.

> interesting to see how Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota
> progress over the next few seasons now that they are playing
> in new or updated faclilities.? We may not like the
> results, but they will be interesting.)? New facilities

Minnesota's will probably be a boost because of the move to campus and outdoors ... but Illinois and Indiana basically put "lipstick on a pig" to borrow a phrase from Floyd of Rosedale ... they couldn't fill their stadiums before and they just basically expanded them and added a bigger jumbotron.

NU just has to be smart and can't afford slip-ups. Other schools can get by with a struggling OC, defensive injuries, poor parking or so-so team chemistry. We can't. We can certainly try a bunch of new ideas to change it, but we also have to be realistic.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


      

From NEONRye at aol.com  Tue Oct 20 11:03:09 2009
From: NEONRye at aol.com (NEONRye@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 20 11:03:26 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Joe Girardi
Message-ID: <c51.5a849101.380f393d@aol.com>

Didn't take long for a snide reference to Joe G.'s NU degree to surface,  
after yesterday's debacle:
 
Wallace Matthews, Columnist in NEWSDAY (Long Island) writes:
 
"And suddenly, you remembered the one matchup you worried about before the  
series began, the one between the managers, the one between a novice 
manager  with an engineering degree from Northwestern and another with a PhD in 
Advanced  Postseason Baseball."
 
_http://www.newsday.com/columnists/wallace-matthews/girardi-s-moves-give-ang
els-hope-to-get-even-1.1533809_ 
(http://www.newsday.com/columnists/wallace-matthews/girardi-s-moves-give-angels-hope-to-get-even-1.1533809) 
 
Paul Levinson
From cherron604 at aol.com  Tue Oct 20 11:23:36 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 20 11:24:05 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Joe Girardi
In-Reply-To: <c51.5a849101.380f393d@aol.com>
References: <c51.5a849101.380f393d@aol.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1FB8CEFBDB8D-4A74-105C5@webmail-d023.sysops.aol.com>


It strikes me as more anti-college than anti-Northwestern.  It has always been my impression that career 'baseball guys', i.e. drafted out of high school, learning in the bush leagues, careers built on playing and coaching at various spots, have always distrusted college guys, and I have heard mentioned that real 'baseball guys' don't always like bringing on 'college guys' because they don't learn the game the way 'baseball guys' want them to learn the game.



So I would expect a baseball writer to have more faith in a grizzled baseball guy than in some college guy, who obviously couldn't major in baseball.



Would be interesting to see how many MLB managers are college guys.  I know my guy Ozzie isn't (and I don't think Ozzie has surrounded himself with too many college guys either).



Chuck Herron   Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: NEONRye@aol.com
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 11:03 am
Subject: [NU Sports] Joe Girardi




Didn't take long for a snide reference to Joe G.'s NU degree to surface,  
fter yesterday's debacle:

allace Matthews, Columnist in NEWSDAY (Long Island) writes:

And suddenly, you remembered the one matchup you worried about before the  
eries began, the one between the managers, the one between a novice 
anager  with an engineering degree from Northwestern and another with a PhD in 
dvanced  Postseason Baseball."

http://www.newsday.com/columnists/wallace-matthews/girardi-s-moves-give-ang
ls-hope-to-get-even-1.1533809_ 
http://www.newsday.com/columnists/wallace-matthews/girardi-s-moves-give-angels-hope-to-get-even-1.1533809) 
 
aul Levinson
______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From NEONRye at aol.com  Tue Oct 20 11:31:14 2009
From: NEONRye at aol.com (NEONRye@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 20 11:31:59 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Joe Girardi
Message-ID: <d63.43c9813b.380f3fd2@aol.com>

Chuck,
 
I know that Tony LaRussa is a (fellow) lawyer, and Joe G.'s style is  
evocative of LaR's (lots of pitching changes, etc.).  I have always liked  
Girardi (as a player first), but his reliance on the "book" was too rigid  here.  
Baseball is, at its core, a game where sometimes you need to go with  your 
"gut".  And my "gut" told me (and everyone else watching, I daresay)  that 
David Robertson had the stuff and the heart to keep getting outs.  He  has 
risen in these playoffs, and I can't understand why Girardi refused to ride  
the "hot hand".  If he wanted to take him out after the inning, I could  have 
understood that--maybe--since Robertson had arm trouble in late  
August-early September.  But this nonsense about match-ups makes no sense  to me.  Good 
pitching (a heater of 95 coupled with a very good "hook")  trumps hitting, 
especially in the post-season, and even more specifically, when  you are 
talking about the eighth and ninth hitters in the lineup.   Moreover, it's not 
like Aceves is Cy Young or anything.
 
Paul Levinson
From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 20 12:15:08 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Tue Oct 20 12:15:20 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
Message-ID: <1751107213-1256058912-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2119321857-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

But the case could be made we're three plays away from being 7-0:

1) Kafka's pick against Syracuse
2) The Kafka-Stewart sure-TD bomb non-hookup against Minnesota
3) Dunsmore fumble at MSU

This team, unlike many NU teams of recent vintage, isn't able to win the close ones. That is a shame, because the games are there to be won, but that's the way it is. 

Brad Wilson 
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com  Tue Oct 20 12:34:01 2009
From: Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com (Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal))
Date: Tue Oct 20 12:36:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
In-Reply-To: <1751107213-1256058912-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2119321857-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
References: <1751107213-1256058912-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2119321857-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B4D688F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>

I agree with this, too -- and to echo what I wrote the other day,
unfortunately.

I had thought going into the season that we would be really, really
good. Defense wins, and I thought the defensive showing in 2008 signaled
the same or better from the defense in 2009. 

Whether injury or whatever, that hasn't happened.

Even so, and this is of course a dramatic change from Wildcat teams of
prior generations, we are not getting blown out. Which I acknowledge is
a backhanded compliment, and I don't mean it in that sense at all. What
I mean is the corollary to what Brad said below -- that is, this team is
in every game. But as Brad points out, it hasn't been able to win the
close ones.

That's because the Wildcat margin for error is so thin that one mistake
-- and the three he lists below are spot on -- has proven the difference
between W and L.

The solution, of course, is to clean up the mistakes.

Easier said than done, right?


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
On Behalf Of bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:15 AM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...

But the case could be made we're three plays away from being 7-0:

1) Kafka's pick against Syracuse
2) The Kafka-Stewart sure-TD bomb non-hookup against Minnesota
3) Dunsmore fumble at MSU

This team, unlike many NU teams of recent vintage, isn't able to win the
close ones. That is a shame, because the games are there to be won, but
that's the way it is. 

Brad Wilson 
Sent on the Sprint(r) Now Network from my BlackBerry(r)

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Tue Oct 20 12:50:53 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Tue Oct 20 12:59:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
In-Reply-To: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B4D688F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
References: <1751107213-1256058912-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2119321857-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B4D688F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Message-ID: <DE416564-92E8-4F27-ADC9-237951AB3374@covisint.com>

I think it's about maturity and leadership.

Nobody plays a perfect game.

What this team is lacking are the leaders who are going to go out and  
make a play to grab back the momentum when it feels like it is flowing  
against us.

That's why it feels like we play great until we encounter some  
adversity. Then we never seem to get it back.

I'm not close enough to the team to speculate why. Hopefully we'll see  
some of the young guys emerge as leaders before the season closes.

Jeff

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 20, 2009, at 1:36 PM, "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com 
 > wrote:

> I agree with this, too -- and to echo what I wrote the other day,
> unfortunately.
>
> I had thought going into the season that we would be really, really
> good. Defense wins, and I thought the defensive showing in 2008  
> signaled
> the same or better from the defense in 2009.
>
> Whether injury or whatever, that hasn't happened.
>
> Even so, and this is of course a dramatic change from Wildcat teams of
> prior generations, we are not getting blown out. Which I acknowledge  
> is
> a backhanded compliment, and I don't mean it in that sense at all.  
> What
> I mean is the corollary to what Brad said below -- that is, this  
> team is
> in every game. But as Brad points out, it hasn't been able to win the
> close ones.
>
> That's because the Wildcat margin for error is so thin that one  
> mistake
> -- and the three he lists below are spot on -- has proven the  
> difference
> between W and L.
>
> The solution, of course, is to clean up the mistakes.
>
> Easier said than done, right?
>
>
> 
The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

> From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
> On Behalf Of bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
> Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:15 AM
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
>
> But the case could be made we're three plays away from being 7-0:
>
> 1) Kafka's pick against Syracuse
> 2) The Kafka-Stewart sure-TD bomb non-hookup against Minnesota
> 3) Dunsmore fumble at MSU
>
> This team, unlike many NU teams of recent vintage, isn't able to win  
> the
> close ones. That is a shame, because the games are there to be won,  
> but
> that's the way it is.
>
> Brad Wilson
> Sent on the Sprint(r) Now Network from my BlackBerry(r)
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>


From cherron604 at aol.com  Tue Oct 20 13:27:34 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 20 13:28:18 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
In-Reply-To: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B4D688F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
References: <1751107213-1256058912-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2119321857-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B4D688F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Message-ID: <8CC1FCA2071E79E-3A78-4D1@webmail-d023.sysops.aol.com>


After a lot of years watching our guys (since 79), from very bad to pretty good, I always hoped that the intangibles - avoiding stupid penalties, avoiding stupid mistakes, understanding complicated offenses/defenses, winning the 'close ones' - were more a property of well coached NU teams - while we might not always out-talent or out-speed an opponent, we could always outwork, outprepare, outlift, outwit, etc.  And we seemed to have those intangibles that could often turn a close game into a victory.



My problem this year is that I see bad penalties, mistakes, cases where we should have known better, etc. and I wonder - on paper, the current recruiting classes definitely grade higher than the classes in the Barnett/early Walker era, but I am not altogether sure that those higher 'grades' are translating into guys who are less prone to silly penalties, mistakes, poor judgements and the like.  We also seem to be losing 'the close ones' lately.



I have heard said that Football, like all sports is more a game of reflex and instinct than thoughtful consideration (because thoughtful consideration takes too long in most of us).  A pure athlete has to see a situation and act instinctively.  



Are our guys now more instinctual, but also more subject to actions that are not always as beneficial to the team ?  Why do our recruits grade out better, but play in a way that is different from some earlier teams that did not grade out as well ?  Or does this just prove that recruit grading is a (very) inexact science ?



The kind of mind wandering that takes place on a Tuesday after a loss...



Chuck Herron   Tech '85




-----Original Message-----
From: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
To: bwdolphin146@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 12:34 pm
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...




I agree with this, too -- and to echo what I wrote the other day,
nfortunately.
I had thought going into the season that we would be really, really
ood. Defense wins, and I thought the defensive showing in 2008 signaled
he same or better from the defense in 2009. 
Whether injury or whatever, that hasn't happened.
Even so, and this is of course a dramatic change from Wildcat teams of
rior generations, we are not getting blown out. Which I acknowledge is
 backhanded compliment, and I don't mean it in that sense at all. What
 mean is the corollary to what Brad said below -- that is, this team is
n every game. But as Brad points out, it hasn't been able to win the
lose ones.
That's because the Wildcat margin for error is so thin that one mistake
- and the three he lists below are spot on -- has proven the difference
etween W and L.
The solution, of course, is to clean up the mistakes.
Easier said than done, right?

----Original Message-----
rom: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
n Behalf Of bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
ent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:15 AM
o: nwu-sports@tssi.com
ubject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
But the case could be made we're three plays away from being 7-0:
1) Kafka's pick against Syracuse
) The Kafka-Stewart sure-TD bomb non-hookup against Minnesota
) Dunsmore fumble at MSU
This team, unlike many NU teams of recent vintage, isn't able to win the
lose ones. That is a shame, because the games are there to be won, but
hat's the way it is. 
Brad Wilson 
ent on the Sprint(r) Now Network from my BlackBerry(r)
_______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
_______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Tue Oct 20 13:36:05 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Tue Oct 20 13:37:22 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
References: <1751107213-1256058912-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2119321857-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B4D688F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
	<8CC1FCA2071E79E-3A78-4D1@webmail-d023.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA0260093C@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

RW's teams were some of the most penalized in the league.  As I recall, he viewed it as evidence of effort.
 
Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Tue 10/20/2009 2:27 PM
To: Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com; bwdolphin146@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...




After a lot of years watching our guys (since 79), from very bad to pretty good, I always hoped that the intangibles - avoiding stupid penalties, avoiding stupid mistakes, understanding complicated offenses/defenses, winning the 'close ones' - were more a property of well coached NU teams - while we might not always out-talent or out-speed an opponent, we could always outwork, outprepare, outlift, outwit, etc.  And we seemed to have those intangibles that could often turn a close game into a victory.



My problem this year is that I see bad penalties, mistakes, cases where we should have known better, etc. and I wonder - on paper, the current recruiting classes definitely grade higher than the classes in the Barnett/early Walker era, but I am not altogether sure that those higher 'grades' are translating into guys who are less prone to silly penalties, mistakes, poor judgements and the like.  We also seem to be losing 'the close ones' lately.



I have heard said that Football, like all sports is more a game of reflex and instinct than thoughtful consideration (because thoughtful consideration takes too long in most of us).  A pure athlete has to see a situation and act instinctively. 



Are our guys now more instinctual, but also more subject to actions that are not always as beneficial to the team ?  Why do our recruits grade out better, but play in a way that is different from some earlier teams that did not grade out as well ?  Or does this just prove that recruit grading is a (very) inexact science ?



The kind of mind wandering that takes place on a Tuesday after a loss...



Chuck Herron   Tech '85




-----Original Message-----
From: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
To: bwdolphin146@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 12:34 pm
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...




I agree with this, too -- and to echo what I wrote the other day,
nfortunately.
I had thought going into the season that we would be really, really
ood. Defense wins, and I thought the defensive showing in 2008 signaled
he same or better from the defense in 2009.
Whether injury or whatever, that hasn't happened.
Even so, and this is of course a dramatic change from Wildcat teams of
rior generations, we are not getting blown out. Which I acknowledge is
 backhanded compliment, and I don't mean it in that sense at all. What
 mean is the corollary to what Brad said below -- that is, this team is
n every game. But as Brad points out, it hasn't been able to win the
lose ones.
That's because the Wildcat margin for error is so thin that one mistake
- and the three he lists below are spot on -- has proven the difference
etween W and L.
The solution, of course, is to clean up the mistakes.
Easier said than done, right?

----Original Message-----
rom: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
n Behalf Of bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
ent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:15 AM
o: nwu-sports@tssi.com
ubject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
But the case could be made we're three plays away from being 7-0:
1) Kafka's pick against Syracuse
) The Kafka-Stewart sure-TD bomb non-hookup against Minnesota
) Dunsmore fumble at MSU
This team, unlike many NU teams of recent vintage, isn't able to win the
lose ones. That is a shame, because the games are there to be won, but
hat's the way it is.
Brad Wilson
ent on the Sprint(r) Now Network from my BlackBerry(r)
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From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Tue Oct 20 14:27:40 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Tue Oct 20 14:28:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
In-Reply-To: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA0260093C@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>
References: <1751107213-1256058912-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2119321857-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B4D688F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com> 
	<8CC1FCA2071E79E-3A78-4D1@webmail-d023.sysops.aol.com>
	<FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA0260093C@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910201227q47739512q5bba49b7813c9a80@mail.gmail.com>

Regarding the penalty assertion, you are right to some degree, here's how
Walker & Fitz stack up in penalties:

*Walker / Fitzgerald*

Seasons: 7 / 3 & change
Games: 83 / 44
Winning %: .446 / .523

Average penalty yards/game: 59.1 / 41.7
Average penalty yards/game national rank (lowest to highest): 66.5 / 23.8

Average penalties/game: 7.1 / 4.7
Average penalties/game national rank (lowest to highest): 64.8 / 17.3

Note that in Fitzgerald's first year, Northwestern was #1 nationally in both
fewest penalties/game (3.3) and fewest penalty yards/game (28.0).
Meanwhile, in Walker's Big Ten co-Championship 2000 season, NU was #108 in
yardage/game (83.1) and #109 in penalties/game (9.6).

I've looked at the NU season by season data and there is really no
correlation between penalties and winning percentage.  I'm not sure how this
looks at a national level, but I suspect that penalties are somewhat of a
red herring in terms of actually winning games.

The key, as others have mentioned, is the "killer instinct" type mentality
and the ability to come up big when needed (and to avoid big mistakes when
they would be bad).

Examples would be this year and last year - last year, NU came up with big
plays at a lot of key points and avoided killer mistakes.  This year, NU has
had costly turnovers (like on potential game-winning drives vs. Syracuse and
Minnesota) along with costly penalties that have put NU behind the chains
when the 'Cats have needed to score.

Anyways, just thought I'd share my findings.

Jonathan

On Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 1:36 PM, Beamsley, Jeff
<Jeff.Beamsley@covisint.com>wrote:

> RW's teams were some of the most penalized in the league.  As I recall, he
> viewed it as evidence of effort.
>
> Jeff
>
>
> The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It
> contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named
> addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose
> it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately
> and then destroy it.
>
>
> From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of cherron604@aol.com
> Sent: Tue 10/20/2009 2:27 PM
> To: Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com; bwdolphin146@yahoo.com;
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
>
>
>
>
> After a lot of years watching our guys (since 79), from very bad to pretty
> good, I always hoped that the intangibles - avoiding stupid penalties,
> avoiding stupid mistakes, understanding complicated offenses/defenses,
> winning the 'close ones' - were more a property of well coached NU teams -
> while we might not always out-talent or out-speed an opponent, we could
> always outwork, outprepare, outlift, outwit, etc.  And we seemed to have
> those intangibles that could often turn a close game into a victory.
>
>
>
> My problem this year is that I see bad penalties, mistakes, cases where we
> should have known better, etc. and I wonder - on paper, the current
> recruiting classes definitely grade higher than the classes in the
> Barnett/early Walker era, but I am not altogether sure that those higher
> 'grades' are translating into guys who are less prone to silly penalties,
> mistakes, poor judgements and the like.  We also seem to be losing 'the
> close ones' lately.
>
>
>
> I have heard said that Football, like all sports is more a game of reflex
> and instinct than thoughtful consideration (because thoughtful consideration
> takes too long in most of us).  A pure athlete has to see a situation and
> act instinctively.
>
>
>
> Are our guys now more instinctual, but also more subject to actions that
> are not always as beneficial to the team ?  Why do our recruits grade out
> better, but play in a way that is different from some earlier teams that did
> not grade out as well ?  Or does this just prove that recruit grading is a
> (very) inexact science ?
>
>
>
> The kind of mind wandering that takes place on a Tuesday after a loss...
>
>
>
> Chuck Herron   Tech '85
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
> To: bwdolphin146@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 12:34 pm
> Subject: RE: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
>
>
>
>
> I agree with this, too -- and to echo what I wrote the other day,
> nfortunately.
> I had thought going into the season that we would be really, really
> ood. Defense wins, and I thought the defensive showing in 2008 signaled
> he same or better from the defense in 2009.
> Whether injury or whatever, that hasn't happened.
> Even so, and this is of course a dramatic change from Wildcat teams of
> rior generations, we are not getting blown out. Which I acknowledge is
>  backhanded compliment, and I don't mean it in that sense at all. What
>  mean is the corollary to what Brad said below -- that is, this team is
> n every game. But as Brad points out, it hasn't been able to win the
> lose ones.
> That's because the Wildcat margin for error is so thin that one mistake
> - and the three he lists below are spot on -- has proven the difference
> etween W and L.
> The solution, of course, is to clean up the mistakes.
> Easier said than done, right?
>
> ----Original Message-----
> rom: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
> n Behalf Of bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
> ent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:15 AM
> o: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> ubject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
> But the case could be made we're three plays away from being 7-0:
> 1) Kafka's pick against Syracuse
> ) The Kafka-Stewart sure-TD bomb non-hookup against Minnesota
> ) Dunsmore fumble at MSU
> This team, unlike many NU teams of recent vintage, isn't able to win the
> lose ones. That is a shame, because the games are there to be won, but
> hat's the way it is.
> Brad Wilson
> ent on the Sprint(r) Now Network from my BlackBerry(r)
> _______________________________________________
> wu-sports site list
> wu-sports@tssi.com
> ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> _______________________________________________
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>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From tbng at comcast.net  Mon Oct 19 17:32:23 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Tue Oct 20 14:38:15 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Sports Facilities
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
	<fcb3ee270910191211t1dbfa19bm7c6ff29f6de626d5@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <680DBD1BD5B847A5A24661E62F1F1829@DennisMachine>

< While I would imagine gameday atmosphere is important to recruits, I would argue it seems to be of minimal importance to most of them.

Did you really say that?  Hard to believe.  Don't build it and they will come anyway.  Except, of course, they're not.

<And I can certainly say that building brand new facilities on campus (or wherever since there is no room on campus) would NOT suddenly increase attendance on its own.

Would you please supply an example, collegiate or professional, where new facilities built in recent years for major sports have NOT led to an immediate increase in attendance?

<[A new stadium is] not feasible, not affordable, and doesn't make any sense.

If building a new stadium "doesn't make any sense," then there are a lot of senseless people in this country traveling to a lot of senseless, new stadiums.  Even here in York, Pennsylvania, the downtown community built a new baseball stadium to house an independent league team for which there was no existing following, and it's working.  You mean Northwestern, uniquely among the nations' universities, is incapable of raising funds for a new stadium when they not long ago exceeded a billion-dollar fundraising goal?  As to feasibility, roughly half the Northwestern campus is built on what was lake when I went there.  Screw the greenies and take some more of the lake.  Believe me, the west side of Sheboygan will not suddenly find itself transformed lake-front property.  If there is a will in the university administration to do this, it will get done.

<It may also attract a recruit or two.

That could lead to a championship right there, and you just contradicted yourself.

<NU can't just bring in class after class of "5-star" guys.

This is just one of the topics on which you pose challenges as if they were insurmountable obstacles.  Someone is always around to say it can't be done.  Ever been done?  Nope.  A great challenge?  Yep.  But there is no reason, for example, we can't cut heavily into Notre Dame's vaunted but poorly-coached recruiting classes given that the glory of South Bend is not what it once was.  I believe Fitz WILL recruit better talent, but it will take time, and he can't do it alone.

 <[Fitz] has this year's team in the hunt for a third consecutive year of bowl eligibility for the first time ever at NU.

"In the hunt" is no longer acceptable.  In 1995 it was.  Even in 2000 it was.  No more.  It's time to enter every season knowing we will bag a buck.  The only remaining question should be how many points are on the antlers.

<And using a recruiting argument to support a stadium just doesn't work.

Why?  Because Jonathan says it won't?

P.S.  We need a new, on-campus basketball arena, too.

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 20 15:25:16 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (Brad Wilson)
Date: Tue Oct 20 15:25:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] tangibles, intangibles, the big play and playcalling
Message-ID: <583903.63648.qm@web51312.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

I agree with everything Chuck said on this. 
?
But:
?
even if you have every intangible going for you, if the other guy is bigger, faster, and more athletic, he's going to win most of the matchups.
?
In the past, successful NU teams have always had the Philmores, Bateses, Andersons, etc. to provide the little extra needed to turn a good play into a big one. Peterman, Sutton?and Long did this well for the last several years for us.
?
Now, we have nobody who can do so. Our skill position players simply cannot match up with the bigger, faster and more athletic defenders. This applies in reverse on defense (with the exception of McManis, and look what happened when he?was out)?and doubly so when Smith and Phillips are hurt. 
?
For an example, look at Saturday's game. Both Sparty's Blair White and NU's Zeke Markshausen set career records for receiving in a single game. Zeke caught 16 passes, White 12. 
?
Zeke's went for 6.93 yards a catch. White's for 15.5 a catch, and White made two big plays that killed us.?
?
That's the difference between NU and Michigan State, Minnesota, Syracuse, etc, etc, etc.
?
Now, I love Markshausen. His work ethic and dedication and persistence and ability to get open make him one of my favorite players. He's the new Brian Musso or Jon Schweighardt -- the guy who gets the tough yards, is always open, has the superglue hands. I love the guy. He's an Academic All-American candidate. He's a huge part of?what NU football is all about and we are extraordinarily lucky to have him.
?
BUT
?
Musso and Schweighardt had the?home run guys to complement them -- they were?NOT the main receiving threat. 
?
When Zeke Markshausen is the main receiving threat, there's not going to be many big plays.
?
I have been beating up Mick McCall all season (ask my friend who I watch NU with) but there's not a whole lot he can do when his team lacks separation speed against athletically superior defenses. (Yes, NU needs better players, but I don't want to get into recruiting now.)
?
And this leads directly to playcalling. As frustrated as I am with McCall's calls, what else can he do? What are the better options? We can't run, we can't throw deep. Doesn't leave much.
?
I hope there's a home run threat wrapped in purple under Fitz's Christmas tree.
?
Brad Wilson
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?


"Happy are those who see beauty in the modest spots where others see nothing." -- Camille Pissaro

"Quis ipsos custodes custodiet?" -- Juvenal


      
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Tue Oct 20 15:33:34 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Tue Oct 20 15:34:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Sports Facilities
In-Reply-To: <680DBD1BD5B847A5A24661E62F1F1829@DennisMachine>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl> 
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine> 
	<fcb3ee270910191211t1dbfa19bm7c6ff29f6de626d5@mail.gmail.com> 
	<680DBD1BD5B847A5A24661E62F1F1829@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910201333v672b0183ka98aa7ceeecc2abc@mail.gmail.com>

I'd like to specifically respond to a couple points:

-- The importance of gameday atmosphere to recruits:

Facilities are important to recruits, and NU has training facilities on par
with the average FBS/I-A institution, which makes that a wash.  Yes, gameday
atmosphere is nice, but recruits want playing time and the ability to be
noticed.  NU offers both of those things: look how many star recruits come
in and play right away (like 4-star OL Patrick Ward, who has played this
year as a true freshman - how many times do you see a true freshman OL on
the field?) AND they get to play on national TV for at least 10 games a
year.  Who cares how many people are in the stands when plenty (including
scouts) can just watch on TV and/or see the replay online, and if it's
really good watch it on SportsCenter.  If they went to other schools they
could be riding the bench or stuck on PPV or no TV.

-- "Would you please supply an example, collegiate or professional, where
new facilities built in recent years for major sports have NOT led to an
immediate increase in attendance?"

Stanford.  Most consider them a "peer" institution (academic-focused private
school in a BCS conference, and are also in a major metropolitan area), so I
would consider them a pretty good comparison.  Plus, they rehauled their
stadium between the '05 and '06 seasons (few major colleges have moved into
new stadiums recently).  Yes, technically it's the same stadium name, but it
was completely overhauled and looks nothing like the old one (two tier
seating with a brand new structure versus the old giant bowl).  Note that
the capacity was reduced from 85,500 to 50,000 as part of the renovation (a
reduction in capacity is something that many have put out there for NU).

*Pre-Renovation*
2000-2005, Stanford averaged 42,108/game in attendance (for comparison sake,
their winning percentage was 0.433 in that span).

*Post-Renovation*
2006-2009 (through 7 total games), Stanford averaged 38,168/game in
attendance (winning % of 0.326).

That's a DROP in attendance of 9.4%  Attendance actually dropped every year
from the final pre-renovation year (2005) through last year.  It's up a
little bit this year (vs. previous year), but only through 3 home games, and
is still below the 2005 level (by about 6,000).

[I admit that their winning percentage is down a bit (0.11 percentage points
or so), but there was always that upset over USC that could have sparked
interest, but didn't.]

I think that example perfectly meets your criteria.

-- Feasibility/Affordability

Pro sports teams and even large state colleges have done a good job of
forcing cities/counties/states into funding their projects.  I agree that
most of the time it doesn't make financial sense, except for the owner of
the team who gets more revenue (luxury seating, PSLs, etc.).

NU, meanwhile, just isn't in a position to say we want a new stadium then
hold everyone hostage until NU gets one.  I agree that NU has many financial
resources as evidenced by the recent successful fund-raising drives, but if
these NU supporters won't even come to football games, I sincerely doubt
they'll fork over money to build a brand new stadium.  Plus, academic
buildings benefited from corporate sponsors (most of whom would be hard
pressed to sponsor a stadium) and naming rights (which have already been
sold off once recently despite NU pledging to name the field after its
original planner forever).

-- Additional Lakefill

Sorry, it ain't going to happen.  Like I mentioned in my previous message,
NU's attempts to fill in a PART of the lagoon were met with student
protests, Evanston issues, and an Illinois EPA freezing of the process which
eventually ground the project to a halt.  Do I want NU to be able to
expand?  Yes.  But, I'm a realist and know that it's not going to happen,
and definitely not for a stadium.

-- Recruiting

I agree that Fitz has been and will continue to up NU's recruiting status.
But, I don't believe NU will ever become a "football factory" because there
just aren't enough high caliber recruits who meet NU's academic standards to
go around.  NU will have to continue to develop players, something that
they've done very well over the last decade and a half.  Again, I would love
to see NU reload the way OSU always seems to do, but I'm a realist and know
it's not going to happen like that every year.  But, hopefully Fitz can
bring the floor up so that a bad year for NU is still a bowl year - I think
that's entirely possible.

-- Do New Stadiums Help Recruiting?

Like I mentioned above, at major college football schools it's hard to tell
since there aren't many new ones around.  Minnesota's is too new to really
evaluate, and the upgrade in recruiting there could be linked to their new
head coach (although the results on the field aren't too much different than
his predecessor).  I won't go into "mid-major" stadiums since there really
isn't a fair comparison with NU in terms of conference and metropolitan
area.

I'd say winning, coaches' personal relationships with the recruit,
conference caliber, exposure (including TV), and track record of putting
guys into the NFL all likely come before how nice the stadium is -
especially since the players spend relatively little time in the stadium
itself, instead using the training facilities the vast majority of the time.


In conclusion, I, too, would love to have a brand new on-campus stadium to
show off (and hopefully fill up), but the realistic side of me says it's
just not going to happen anytime soon, and it also wouldn't magically fix
NU's problems (attendance, winning).

Jonathan


On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 5:32 PM, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net> wrote:

> < While I would imagine gameday atmosphere is important to recruits, I
> would argue it seems to be of minimal importance to most of them.
>
> Did you really say that?  Hard to believe.  Don't build it and they will
> come anyway.  Except, of course, they're not.
>
> <And I can certainly say that building brand new facilities on campus (or
> wherever since there is no room on campus) would NOT suddenly increase
> attendance on its own.
>
> Would you please supply an example, collegiate or professional, where new
> facilities built in recent years for major sports have NOT led to an
> immediate increase in attendance?
>
> <[A new stadium is] not feasible, not affordable, and doesn't make any
> sense.
>
> If building a new stadium "doesn't make any sense," then there are a lot of
> senseless people in this country traveling to a lot of senseless, new
> stadiums.  Even here in York, Pennsylvania, the downtown community built a
> new baseball stadium to house an independent league team for which there was
> no existing following, and it's working.  You mean Northwestern, uniquely
> among the nations' universities, is incapable of raising funds for a new
> stadium when they not long ago exceeded a billion-dollar fundraising goal?
>  As to feasibility, roughly half the Northwestern campus is built on what
> was lake when I went there.  Screw the greenies and take some more of the
> lake.  Believe me, the west side of Sheboygan will not suddenly find itself
> transformed lake-front property.  If there is a will in the university
> administration to do this, it will get done.
>
> <It may also attract a recruit or two.
>
> That could lead to a championship right there, and you just contradicted
> yourself.
>
> <NU can't just bring in class after class of "5-star" guys.
>
> This is just one of the topics on which you pose challenges as if they were
> insurmountable obstacles.  Someone is always around to say it can't be done.
>  Ever been done?  Nope.  A great challenge?  Yep.  But there is no reason,
> for example, we can't cut heavily into Notre Dame's vaunted but
> poorly-coached recruiting classes given that the glory of South Bend is not
> what it once was.  I believe Fitz WILL recruit better talent, but it will
> take time, and he can't do it alone.
>
>  <[Fitz] has this year's team in the hunt for a third consecutive year of
> bowl eligibility for the first time ever at NU.
>
> "In the hunt" is no longer acceptable.  In 1995 it was.  Even in 2000 it
> was.  No more.  It's time to enter every season knowing we will bag a buck.
>  The only remaining question should be how many points are on the antlers.
>
> <And using a recruiting argument to support a stadium just doesn't work.
>
> Why?  Because Jonathan says it won't?
>
> P.S.  We need a new, on-campus basketball arena, too.
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From hakirsch at aol.com  Tue Oct 20 19:33:25 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 20 19:33:59 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com><SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl><124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <8CC1FFD3C3784D6-5840-4EF2@webmail-m023.sysops.aol.com>



Over and over again we discuss how to attract better talent; why cant we attract better talent ?, etc etc --Few repsonses really hit the key and that is so long as we want to have academic standards for football players higher than most otehr schools, we have a smaller pool to draw on and almost assuredly poorer talent than our rivals.  Yes we can do things to minimize the gap, and yes being near  a large metropolitan should provide some advantages other schoos dont have, but we will still have poorer tallent.  In college sometimes teams can overcome poorer talent,and you can have some very good seasons-



But look at all of the academic schools (that dont have significantly lower standards for their football players) that are in Division 1 (or whatever it is called) and none have good teams consistently year in and year out--(remember I am just talking about football)



Even ND hasnt been able to do it and they have a huge built in advanatage of tradition--



Harry

-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>
To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Sent: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 11:52 am
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent



<I was of the understanding that our style of spread offense could be adjusted to compensate for lesser talent. 
 
Just how does one compensate for lesser talent? If the other guy is faster, he'll run you down. If he's stronger, he'll over power you. If he's more agile, he'll make moves you can't stop or respond in time to yours. A given offense may minimize talent differences, but it cannot overcome them. NU's football talent has improved, but it is still, on the whole, of average caliber. To attract talent, we must build a quality, on-campus stadium and supporting facilities that will wow a kid on a campus visit, which is what Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan do every year. (It will be interesting to see how Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota progress over the next few seasons now that they are playing in new or updated faclilities. We may not like the results, but they will be interesting.) New facilities will not be enough on their own, but recruiting top talent will remain a nearly insurmountable obstacle as long as we play in ancient, however-renovated, off-campus Dyche before crowds of 25,000, half of whom are rooting for the other team. This will be a slow and often painful building process, and we cannot afford back-sliding seasons as this year's is in danger of becoming. But any goal of short of putting us into annual contention for the Big Ten title is a waste of time and money. I am eager to hear the long-range goals of the incoming administration. 
 
_______________________________________________ 
nwu-sports site list 
nwu-sports@tssi.com 
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports 

From sportsbiz at gmail.com  Tue Oct 20 20:16:50 2009
From: sportsbiz at gmail.com (Sportsbiz)
Date: Tue Oct 20 20:16:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <8CC1FFD3C3784D6-5840-4EF2@webmail-m023.sysops.aol.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
	<8CC1FFD3C3784D6-5840-4EF2@webmail-m023.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <223fce250910201816v484e146eg3de343e48b08eac1@mail.gmail.com>

And we are not going to lower our academic standards for football,
basketball or any other athletes (no that Harry suggested that) so the
built-in disadvantage will continue.  However, Fitz is one who can more
effectively sell those football players who qualify that NU is a better
place to be than the state schools that are also recruiting him because he
lived it and he breathes it.  Give him a few more years and let's see the
talent level rise a bit.  The level of the starters will be improved, it
will always be depth that is an issue.  If Fitz can significantly upgrade
our depth so that the second team is not a major drop-off in talent, then we
will be able to compete for Big Ten titles consistently.  I, for one,
believe he can given the tools and I think Philips and President Shapiro
will give him what he needs.
Mark

On Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 8:33 PM, <hakirsch@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
> Over and over again we discuss how to attract better talent; why cant we
> attract better talent ?, etc etc --Few repsonses really hit the key and that
> is so long as we want to have academic standards for football players higher
> than most otehr schools, we have a smaller pool to draw on and almost
> assuredly poorer talent than our rivals.  Yes we can do things to minimize
> the gap, and yes being near  a large metropolitan should provide some
> advantages other schoos dont have, but we will still have poorer tallent.
>  In college sometimes teams can overcome poorer talent,and you can have some
> very good seasons-
>
>
>
> But look at all of the academic schools (that dont have significantly lower
> standards for their football players) that are in Division 1 (or whatever it
> is called) and none have good teams consistently year in and year
> out--(remember I am just talking about football)
>
>
>
> Even ND hasnt been able to do it and they have a huge built in advanatage
> of tradition--
>
>
>
> Harry
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>
> To: Northwestern Wildcats <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
> Sent: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 11:52 am
> Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
>
>
>
> <I was of the understanding that our style of spread offense could be
> adjusted to compensate for lesser talent.
>
> Just how does one compensate for lesser talent? If the other guy is faster,
> he'll run you down. If he's stronger, he'll over power you. If he's more
> agile, he'll make moves you can't stop or respond in time to yours. A given
> offense may minimize talent differences, but it cannot overcome them. NU's
> football talent has improved, but it is still, on the whole, of average
> caliber. To attract talent, we must build a quality, on-campus stadium and
> supporting facilities that will wow a kid on a campus visit, which is what
> Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan do every year. (It will be interesting
> to see how Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota progress over the next few
> seasons now that they are playing in new or updated faclilities. We may not
> like the results, but they will be interesting.) New facilities will not be
> enough on their own, but recruiting top talent will remain a nearly
> insurmountable obstacle as long as we play in ancient, however-renovated,
> off-campus Dyche before crowds of 25,000, half of whom are rooting for the
> other team. This will be a slow and often painful building process, and we
> cannot afford back-sliding seasons as this year's is in danger of becoming.
> But any goal of short of putting us into annual contention for the Big Ten
> title is a waste of time and money. I am eager to hear the long-range goals
> of the incoming administration.
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 20 23:39:25 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Tue Oct 20 23:39:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Standings and Polls
Message-ID: <285032.25212.qm@web52911.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

The Week 8 lineup will be out soon, but here's a look at last week's results.

TWO upset specials hit -- Jim's solo call of Purdooo and Georgia Tech beating the Hokies. And our one unanimous pick (Michigan over Delaware State) turned out to be a wise decision. To the big board ...

PIGSKIN PICKS STANDINGS
=======================

TW  Name              Wk 7   Record   Pct.    US  Ovrl  WP
----------------------------------------------------------
 1) A. Wolfson         6-4    67-18   .788     0    2    7
 2) B. Taylor          8-2    66-19   .776     0    2    7
 3) M. Zilka           7-3    57-18   .760     0    0    6
 4) T. McAdams         8-2    63-22   .741     1    2    7
 5) J. Hodges          8-2    62-23   .729     0    0    7
 6) M. Ament           8-2    61-24   .718     1    2    7
 7) I. Embrekts        7-3    50-20   .714     0    2    6
 8) R. Stahl           7-3    59-26   .694     1    4    7
 9) C. Herron          7-3    48-22   .686     0    0    6
10) C. Rossi           7-3    57-28   .671     1    3    7
10) S. Truog           6-4    56-29   .659     0    1    7
12) E. Steffe          6-4    46-24   .657     1    1    6
13) B. Wilson          8-2    49-26   .653     0    0    6
14) K. Sevilla         6-4    53-32   .624     0    1    7
15) B. Winkler         5-5    43-27   .614     0    1    6
16) P. Groves          7-3    44-31   .587     0    0    6
17) J. Leonard         6-4    47-38   .553     0    1    7
17) L. Martinaitis     4-6    47-38   .553     0    1    7
17) A. McInturff       3-7    47-38   .553     1    4    7
-----
xx) C. Zahn            7-3    42-23   .646     0    1    5
xx) J. Bendat          6-4    34-21   .618     2    4    5
xx) B. Waldele         ---    32-13   .711     0    2    4
xx) R. Bradshaw        ---    22- 8   .733     0    0    2
xx) P. Wolfe           ---    18-12   .600     0    0    2
xx) C. Bailey          ---    14- 1   .933     0    0    1
xx) S. Wolfson         ---    12- 3   .800     0    0    1
xx) J. Wall            ---    11- 4   .733     0    0    1

And now for the rankings ...

LW TW SjTOP 25
==============
01 01 FLORIDA (6-0) ? No one really looked impressive ?
02 02 TEXAS (6-0) ? ? but the three teams at the top ?
09 03 IOWA (7-0) ? ? have been winning for a looong time
03 04 ALABAMA (6-0) ? Missed a chance to stake claim for #1
04 05 BOISE STATE (6-0) ? Again, not pretty, but a win
05 06 SOUTHERN CAL (5-1) ? They?re the clear top 1-loss team now
10 07 CINCINNATI (6-0) ? Big win, but losing QB could hurt later
07 08 LSU (5-1) ? Can?t mope too long with Auburn and Bama ahead
12 09 PENN STATE (6-1) ? Starting to get healthy, and look good
13 10 MIAMI (5-1) ? Thanks to Jackets, have BCS hopes back
14 11 OREGON (5-1) ? Nice week to rest for SC in two weeks
15 12 TCU (7-0) ? Big test at BYU next week for any B(C)S hopes
16 13 OKLAHOMA STATE (5-1) ? Big XII?s last hope for second BCS
20 14 GEORGIA TECH (6-1) ? Big win muddies up the ACC race
08 15 VIRGINIA TECH (5-2) ? Ouch ? may have lost BCS hopes there
06 16 OHIO STATE (5-2) ? What the heck happened??? Open up the O!
24 17 UTAH (5-1) ? Creeping back into the top 20
11 18 SOUTH FLORIDA (5-1) ? Still one more big shot vs. Miami
NR 19 BOSTON COLLEGE (5-2) ? Somebody has to win ACC Atlantic
NR 20 BYU (6-1) ? Despite FSU debacle, they?re back
17 21 KANSAS (5-1) ? The Big XII north laid a big egg Saturday
25 22 MICHIGAN (5-2) ? Can be a big-time spoiler in Big 10 race
18 23 SOUTH CAROLINA (5-2) ? Great defense, but suspect offense
NR 24 MISSISSIPPI (4-2) ? Running out of worthy candidates
21 25 WISCONSIN (5-2) ? Two tough losses to two good teams

DROPPED OUT: (19) Nebraska, (22) Oklahoma, (23) Auburn
ON THE VERGE: Arizona, Houston, Texas Tech

Picks up next - GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Wed Oct 21 08:23:47 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Wed Oct 21 08:23:53 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <223fce250910201816v484e146eg3de343e48b08eac1@mail.gmail.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
	<8CC1FFD3C3784D6-5840-4EF2@webmail-m023.sysops.aol.com>
	<223fce250910201816v484e146eg3de343e48b08eac1@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <90819.57248.qm@web36801.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

I agree completely that our academic standards will always make recruiting an uphill challenge - and I never want to see the standards change. However, the one area that has always baffled me is the kicking game. Thousands of young men handle kickoffs, field goals, and punting on their high school squads. There have to be a bunch of academically-minded kickers out there. For someone with a brain and a good leg, a free NU education should be very attractive, yet we struggle. 

Go Cats!
Jim





----- Original Message ----
From: Sportsbiz <sportsbiz@gmail.com>
To: hakirsch@aol.com
Cc: tbng@comcast.net; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Tue, October 20, 2009 8:16:50 PM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent

And we are not going to lower our academic standards for football,
basketball or any other athletes (no that Harry suggested that) so the
built-in disadvantage will continue.  However, Fitz is one who can more
effectively sell those football players who qualify that NU is a better
place to be than the state schools that are also recruiting him because he
lived it and he breathes it.  Give him a few more years and let's see the
talent level rise a bit.  The level of the starters will be improved, it
will always be depth that is an issue.  If Fitz can significantly upgrade
our depth so that the second team is not a major drop-off in talent, then we
will be able to compete for Big Ten titles consistently.  I, for one,
believe he can given the tools and I think Philips and President Shapiro
will give him what he needs.
Mark


      

From cherron604 at aol.com  Wed Oct 21 09:18:37 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Wed Oct 21 09:19:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] QB change possible ? 
Message-ID: <8CC207083E08700-65E4-3A6B@webmail-d025.sysops.aol.com>


Not sure if it's news or thinking out loud - but could the inability to turn stats into points lead to a change at QB ?

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/1836628,CST-SPT-cfb21.article#

Chuck Herron   Tech '85

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Wed Oct 21 09:34:05 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Wed Oct 21 09:35:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] QB change possible ?
In-Reply-To: <8CC207083E08700-65E4-3A6B@webmail-d025.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC207083E08700-65E4-3A6B@webmail-d025.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910210734m76b3d745n2990bb51d314f377@mail.gmail.com>

I think what Fitz was getting at in that quote is the possibility to use
Persa in a "Wildcat" formation equivalent in the red zone, which we've
actually seen a few times this year (although it typically gains a couple
yards and he's pulled for Kafka).

What's interesting is that NU's red zone production has actually been pretty
good this year (88% scoring rate, or 23/26) which bumps up to 92% when one
considers that one of those red zone trips was at the end of the Towson game
when NU purposely avoided scoring.  BUT, the TD rate is only 64%, so I could
understand them wanting to increase that rate.

I think what we've been seeing is a shortcoming of a pass-heavy spread
offense in the red zone, which is that the defenders have much less field to
cover and can put at least one man on most of the receivers down there.
That is really where a team needs a red zone to keep the D honest, and it's
pretty apparent NU hasn't been effective in that area (look at NU getting
stopped at the goal line vs. Purdue).

I doubt we'll see a full-time QB change, but expect Persa to get thrown into
the mix moreso in the red zone to take advantage of his legs (especially
with the RBs being rather ineffective).

Jonathan

On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 9:18 AM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:

>
> Not sure if it's news or thinking out loud - but could the inability to
> turn stats into points lead to a change at QB ?
>
> http://www.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/1836628,CST-SPT-cfb21.article#
>
> Chuck Herron   Tech '85
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From eschoeman at sbcglobal.net  Wed Oct 21 09:47:42 2009
From: eschoeman at sbcglobal.net (Evans Schoeman)
Date: Wed Oct 21 09:47:50 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <90819.57248.qm@web36801.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
	<8CC1FFD3C3784D6-5840-4EF2@webmail-m023.sysops.aol.com>
	<223fce250910201816v484e146eg3de343e48b08eac1@mail.gmail.com>
	<90819.57248.qm@web36801.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <309464.52939.qm@web83901.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>

Great point about the kickers.? We yearn for the days of Valenzisi, Burton, and Gowins!

I think that a fair amount of responsibility must go to the way we use our kickers (i.e. coaching).? I think of Huffman, who was a fine kicker coming out of high school and became very ordinary (remember his nightmare at TCU?) at NU.

Aren't we asking way too much of a kicker when we have him doing kickoffs, punting, PATs, and FGs?? Not only is it wearing on the leg, but it also requires him to spend practice time on all of those areas and not focus on one or two of them.

And I firmly believe that our tactics of pooch kick-offs and rugby-style punts are very dubious ones that rarely pay off.? Just look at the results.? I would say that maybe 20-25% of the time do they yield the results that we desire.? For every Purdue-like success where we recover a muffed punt, there's a 25 yarder or a Macklin-type return.? Same with kick-offs, where our opponent typically sets up around the 40 yard line (why not just kick the ball out of bounds)?? Yet we refuse to abandon either approach.

If you look at all of the good teams on TV, you will very rarely see any pooch kick-offs or rugby punts.? I don't think that's a coincidence.

...and I really don't think that reflects the talent that we have.? It's coaching.




________________________________
From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 8:23:47 AM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent

I agree completely that our academic standards will always make recruiting an uphill challenge - and I never want to see the standards change. However, the one area that has always baffled me is the kicking game. Thousands of young men handle kickoffs, field goals, and punting on their high school squads. There have to be a bunch of academically-minded kickers out there. For someone with a brain and a good leg, a free NU education should be very attractive, yet we struggle. 

Go Cats!
Jim





----- Original Message ----
From: Sportsbiz <sportsbiz@gmail.com>
To: hakirsch@aol.com
Cc: tbng@comcast.net; nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Tue, October 20, 2009 8:16:50 PM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent

And we are not going to lower our academic standards for football,
basketball or any other athletes (no that Harry suggested that) so the
built-in disadvantage will continue.? However, Fitz is one who can more
effectively sell those football players who qualify that NU is a better
place to be than the state schools that are also recruiting him because he
lived it and he breathes it.? Give him a few more years and let's see the
talent level rise a bit.? The level of the starters will be improved, it
will always be depth that is an issue.? If Fitz can significantly upgrade
our depth so that the second team is not a major drop-off in talent, then we
will be able to compete for Big Ten titles consistently.? I, for one,
believe he can given the tools and I think Philips and President Shapiro
will give him what he needs.
Mark


? ? ? 

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Wed Oct 21 09:53:26 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Wed Oct 21 09:53:29 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] QB change possible ?
Message-ID: <200910211453.n9LErQmt029471@romaine.tssi.com>

> I think what Fitz was getting at in that quote is the possibility to use
> Persa in a "Wildcat" formation equivalent in the red zone, which we've
> actually seen a few times this year (although it typically gains a couple
> yards and he's pulled for Kafka).

Is there anyone in the world who's been fooled when Persa came in like
that?  Have any of those plays gained more than a yard or two?
--
Mike Nolan

From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Wed Oct 21 10:11:59 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Wed Oct 21 10:12:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <309464.52939.qm@web83901.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <278233.98327.qm@web33101.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

> Great point about the kickers.? We
> yearn for the days of Valenzisi, Burton, and Gowins!

To be fair to Demos, he's been pretty clutch on FGs this year. The (notable) exception being the killer missed XP against Syracuse. 

I think he's also pretty effective when allowed to punt it deep. But I too wonder if handling all the duties makes him less effective at all 3. Fortunately, kickoffs and kick coverage have improved immensely this year.

Regarding Persa and the "Wildcat" formation:

First, it makes no sense to me to call it some special formation when it's your backup QB taking the snap. That's just your offense. Call it a Wildcat formation if Jeravin Matthews is taking a snap and Persa is lined up at receiver or something. 

Second, I have been completely baffled by the way they've used Persa the last few games. I could see letting him run the offense one series per half, but to it for a whole series, and let him run the whole offense. He's shown serious ability to throw the ball. 

Bringing him in for one play or two, and always running it when he's in, makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Why screw up Kafka's flow? And if you run it every time Persa is in, you're not fooling anyone. So what's the point? I really don't get it. 

And unless replacing Kafka somehow transforms the O-line into a unit that can actually block for our RBs, I don't think that makes sense either. 

Tom


From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Wed Oct 21 10:22:03 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Wed Oct 21 10:22:19 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <309464.52939.qm@web83901.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
References: <991624.16022.qm@web36806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<SNT104-W3229CEA86A319D75D8C64AAEC10@phx.gbl>
	<124420.91301.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<C5BE23CB25234C4FB6BAD2700616177C@DennisMachine>
	<8CC1FFD3C3784D6-5840-4EF2@webmail-m023.sysops.aol.com>
	<223fce250910201816v484e146eg3de343e48b08eac1@mail.gmail.com>
	<90819.57248.qm@web36801.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<309464.52939.qm@web83901.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <0D00D86B-597D-47FF-892E-73B326BC2E3D@covisint.com>

Didn't do an exhaustive search, but a quick google search turned up  
rugby kickers at Nebraska, missouri, and Ohio state. The articles in  
each case quoted huge punts of 70 yards or more that are possible with  
the big rolls that you can get from this style.

Now that the rules allow it, a lot of teams are looking at schemes  
which can leverage the ability of the punter to see what sort of  
return is setup and kick away from it.

I agree that our kicking has been a weakness.

I don't think it is a function of the style of kicker, but the quality  
of our special teams.

Jeff

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 21, 2009, at 10:49 AM, "Evans Schoeman"  
<eschoeman@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Great point about the kickers.  We yearn for the days of Valenzisi,  
> Burton, and Gowins!
>
> I think that a fair amount of responsibility must go to the way we  
> use our kickers (i.e. coaching).  I think of Huffman, who was a fine  
> kicker coming out of high school and became very ordinary (remember  
> his nightmare at TCU?) at NU.
>
> Aren't we asking way too much of a kicker when we have him doing  
> kickoffs, punting, PATs, and FGs?  Not only is it wearing on the  
> leg, but it also requires him to spend practice time on all of those  
> areas and not focus on one or two of them.
>
> And I firmly believe that our tactics of pooch kick-offs and rugby- 
> style punts are very dubious ones that rarely pay off.  Just look at  
> the results.  I would say that maybe 20-25% of the time do they  
> yield the results that we desire.  For every Purdue-like success  
> where we recover a muffed punt, there's a 25 yarder or a Macklin- 
> type return.  Same with kick-offs, where our opponent typically sets  
> up around the 40 yard line (why not just kick the ball out of  
> bounds)?  Yet we refuse to abandon either approach.
>
> If you look at all of the good teams on TV, you will very rarely see  
> any pooch kick-offs or rugby punts.  I don't think that's a  
> coincidence.
>
> ...and I really don't think that reflects the talent that we have.   
> It's coaching.
>
>
>
>
> 
The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

> From: Jim Leonard <jleonard518@yahoo.com>
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 8:23:47 AM
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent
>
> I agree completely that our academic standards will always make  
> recruiting an uphill challenge - and I never want to see the  
> standards change. However, the one area that has always baffled me  
> is the kicking game. Thousands of young men handle kickoffs, field  
> goals, and punting on their high school squads. There have to be a  
> bunch of academically-minded kickers out there. For someone with a  
> brain and a good leg, a free NU education should be very attractive,  
> yet we struggle.
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Sportsbiz <sportsbiz@gmail.com>
> To: hakirsch@aol.com
> Cc: tbng@comcast.net; nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Tue, October 20, 2009 8:16:50 PM
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent
>
> And we are not going to lower our academic standards for football,
> basketball or any other athletes (no that Harry suggested that) so the
> built-in disadvantage will continue.  However, Fitz is one who can  
> more
> effectively sell those football players who qualify that NU is a  
> better
> place to be than the state schools that are also recruiting him  
> because he
> lived it and he breathes it.  Give him a few more years and let's  
> see the
> talent level rise a bit.  The level of the starters will be  
> improved, it
> will always be depth that is an issue.  If Fitz can significantly  
> upgrade
> our depth so that the second team is not a major drop-off in talent,  
> then we
> will be able to compete for Big Ten titles consistently.  I, for one,
> believe he can given the tools and I think Philips and President  
> Shapiro
> will give him what he needs.
> Mark
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>


From herms at hotmail.com  Wed Oct 21 10:28:28 2009
From: herms at hotmail.com (Herman Wang)
Date: Wed Oct 21 10:28:56 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <278233.98327.qm@web33101.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <309464.52939.qm@web83901.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <SNT104-W32EE8E0565C45C39CD4EDCAEBF0@phx.gbl>


I believe Persa usually comes in after a run by Kafka.  The coaches have said that they bring Persa in to give Kafka a breather.  Especially with the no-huddle offense that we run and the fact that Kafka gets chased around a lot due to our O-Line's porosity, I think Kafka could use a rest every now and then.  What I don't get is that when Persa gets in, the play call is pretty much just for him to dive right into the line for a two-yard gain.  There's nobody that goes in motion, no deception, no fake handoffs, he pretty much just plows ahead.  Against MSU, it did look like on one play, Persa was looking to throw the ball, but I guess no receivers were open, so he took off for a small gain.

Herman



> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:11:59 -0700
> From: tkmaycock@yahoo.com
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> 
> > Great point about the kickers.  We
> > yearn for the days of Valenzisi, Burton, and Gowins!
> 
> To be fair to Demos, he's been pretty clutch on FGs this year. The (notable) exception being the killer missed XP against Syracuse. 
> 
> I think he's also pretty effective when allowed to punt it deep. But I too wonder if handling all the duties makes him less effective at all 3. Fortunately, kickoffs and kick coverage have improved immensely this year.
> 
> Regarding Persa and the "Wildcat" formation:
> 
> First, it makes no sense to me to call it some special formation when it's your backup QB taking the snap. That's just your offense. Call it a Wildcat formation if Jeravin Matthews is taking a snap and Persa is lined up at receiver or something. 
> 
> Second, I have been completely baffled by the way they've used Persa the last few games. I could see letting him run the offense one series per half, but to it for a whole series, and let him run the whole offense. He's shown serious ability to throw the ball. 
> 
> Bringing him in for one play or two, and always running it when he's in, makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Why screw up Kafka's flow? And if you run it every time Persa is in, you're not fooling anyone. So what's the point? I really don't get it. 
> 
> And unless replacing Kafka somehow transforms the O-line into a unit that can actually block for our RBs, I don't think that makes sense either. 
> 
> Tom
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
 		 	   		  
From tbng at comcast.net  Wed Oct 21 10:56:06 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Wed Oct 21 10:56:23 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] QB change possible ?
References: <200910211453.n9LErQmt029471@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <B95FF1B66CA74177B08C28DCB7AFF6CD@DennisMachine>

>> I think what Fitz was getting at in that quote is the possibility to use
>> Persa in a "Wildcat" formation equivalent in the red zone, which we've
>> actually seen a few times this year (although it typically gains a couple
>> yards and he's pulled for Kafka).
>
> Is there anyone in the world who's been fooled when Persa came in like
> that?  Have any of those plays gained more than a yard or two?

The Philadelphia Eagles have run the wildcat all season, and it has hardly 
every worked there either.  What I've seen of the wildcat in either college 
or pro is that it's a failure because everyone knows what's coming next, 
whether it's Persa or Vick lining up at quarterback. 

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Wed Oct 21 11:37:33 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Wed Oct 21 11:37:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
In-Reply-To: <0D00D86B-597D-47FF-892E-73B326BC2E3D@covisint.com> from
	"Beamsley, Jeff" at Oct 21, 2009 11:22:03 AM
Message-ID: <200910211637.n9LGbXoA030242@romaine.tssi.com>

> Didn't do an exhaustive search, but a quick google search turned up  
> rugby kickers at Nebraska, missouri, and Ohio state. The articles in  
> each case quoted huge punts of 70 yards or more that are possible with  
> the big rolls that you can get from this style.

I think those big rolls are mostly when the punter takes off sideways
and kicks past the receivers.  The soccer style punt does tend to have 
less hang time, which isn't always a plus.  

FWIW, Nebraska's kicker handles FG/PAT and punting responsibilities, 
but not kickoffs.  Last year he wasn't the punter, but he wanted that
job this year and won it during pre-season practices.
--
Mike Nolan

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Wed Oct 21 12:16:36 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Wed Oct 21 12:16:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking
Message-ID: <944387419-1256145394-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-206620108-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

I would give a scholarship to a kid who could kick off into the end zone 95 percent of the time. I couldn't care less if he did anything else. The advantage to us would be huge. 

Brad Wilson
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From sportsbiz at gmail.com  Wed Oct 21 13:00:12 2009
From: sportsbiz at gmail.com (Sportsbiz)
Date: Wed Oct 21 13:00:21 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] QB change possible ?
In-Reply-To: <B95FF1B66CA74177B08C28DCB7AFF6CD@DennisMachine>
References: <200910211453.n9LErQmt029471@romaine.tssi.com>
	<B95FF1B66CA74177B08C28DCB7AFF6CD@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <223fce250910211100q4d0400b2jd781eebc59a9d794@mail.gmail.com>

Amazingly timely to our discussion of the benefits of the wildcat here is a
SI writer's take on the myths and realities of the formation.  Very
interesting:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/dave_hyde/10/21/wildcat/index.html?xid=siextra_newsletter102109

Mark

On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 11:56 AM, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net> wrote:

> I think what Fitz was getting at in that quote is the possibility to use
>>> Persa in a "Wildcat" formation equivalent in the red zone, which we've
>>> actually seen a few times this year (although it typically gains a couple
>>> yards and he's pulled for Kafka).
>>>
>>
>> Is there anyone in the world who's been fooled when Persa came in like
>> that?  Have any of those plays gained more than a yard or two?
>>
>
> The Philadelphia Eagles have run the wildcat all season, and it has hardly
> every worked there either.  What I've seen of the wildcat in either college
> or pro is that it's a failure because everyone knows what's coming next,
> whether it's Persa or Vick lining up at quarterback.
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Wed Oct 21 13:09:11 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Wed Oct 21 13:09:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking
In-Reply-To: <944387419-1256145394-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-206620108-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
References: <944387419-1256145394-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-206620108-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910211109h1c92d032i71eda7b01db223b7@mail.gmail.com>

The problem with kickers is that they're often at the end of the recruiting
priority list and are relatively often walk-ons (NU's Stefan Demos is a
notable exception).  It's also hard to objectively look at high school stats
with kickoffs from a different spot and field goals attempted less often
(and from closer distances).

It would be nice to have a kickoff guy who could put it through the end zone
every time, BUT remember that the college kickoff spot is now the same as in
the NFL.  And even in the NFL there are few kickers who can get touchbacks
routinely, and that's with just 32 teams.  In college, there are 120 FBS
teams and 125 FCS teams (since all Div. I follows the same rules and kick
off from the 30 now), making a total of 245 teams vying for kickers who can
accomplish the same task.

Along the same lines, even in the NFL it's hard to find a kicker who can
nail every FG - look at Super Bowl Champ Steelers' kicker Reed who missed a
few versus the Bears earlier this year which ended up essentially costing
them the game.  Extrapolate the numbers and you'll see it's very difficult
to always find a reliable kicker, especially when they graduate in 4 years
if and when a team does find one.

Finally, the "rugby style" punt.  Note that college rules now don't provide
for a roughing the kicker penalty once the punter moves outside of the
5-yard tackle box to either side of the snapper, so teams are doing that
less often.  I think the real reason behind NU's use of that punting style
is for the coverage team.  Since Fitz has taken over as head coach, there
has been only one punt return for TD (that wasn't from a blocked punt), and
that was Maclin's return in the Alamo Bowl last year (which came on a
traditional style punt that was kicked right to him).  Otherwise, NU has
done a great job of getting to the returner and limiting returns (in '07 NU
was 8th nationally allowing only 4.9 yards per punt return and this year NU
is 21st allowing just 4.4 yards per punt return; the numbers in '06 and '08
were a bit higher thanks to blocked punt returns and Maclin's return but
were still under 10 yards per punt).

It seems to be a calculated gamble given the leg of the kicker and the speed
of the gunners: Fitz would rather take a guaranteed 30-35 yard swing rather
than aiming for 5-10 more yards but gambling a potential big runback.  And
given how NU had been burned by returns under Walker, I can't blame him too
much (remember Fitz was on the sideline most of that time and likely
remembers some of those moments).  The rugby style kick is just a reliable
way of getting that good coverage (and maybe generating a muff like against
Purdue this year or Michigan last year).

Jonathan

On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 12:16 PM, <bwdolphin146@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I would give a scholarship to a kid who could kick off into the end zone 95
> percent of the time. I couldn't care less if he did anything else. The
> advantage to us would be huge.
>
> Brad Wilson
> Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From cherron604 at aol.com  Wed Oct 21 14:09:14 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Wed Oct 21 14:09:40 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910211109h1c92d032i71eda7b01db223b7@mail.gmail.com>
References: <944387419-1256145394-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-206620108-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
	<fcb3ee270910211109h1c92d032i71eda7b01db223b7@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8CC20991D03F08B-1F0C-93C8@webmail-m016.sysops.aol.com>


Do the statistics show a decline in the 'coffin corner' kick ?  I remember the 'olden days', when Ray Guy was (or seemed to be) a master in the coffin corner style of punting.  Now it seems like we see less of it - TV commentators claim its because punters want better stats for their contracts.  On the one kind of kick that the rules actually let you aim the ball out of bounds (and away from great return guys), you would think that you'd see more of it.

Chuck Herron   Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
To: bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Wed, Oct 21, 2009 1:09 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Kicking



The problem with kickers is that they're often at the end of the recruiting
riority list and are relatively often walk-ons (NU's Stefan Demos is a
otable exception).  It's also hard to objectively look at high school stats
ith kickoffs from a different spot and field goals attempted less often
and from closer distances).
It would be nice to have a kickoff guy who could put it through the end zone
very time, BUT remember that the college kickoff spot is now the same as in
he NFL.  And even in the NFL there are few kickers who can get touchbacks
outinely, and that's with just 32 teams.  In college, there are 120 FBS
eams and 125 FCS teams (since all Div. I follows the same rules and kick
ff from the 30 now), making a total of 245 teams vying for kickers who can
ccomplish the same task.
Along the same lines, even in the NFL it's hard to find a kicker who can
ail every FG - look at Super Bowl Champ Steelers' kicker Reed who missed a
ew versus the Bears earlier this year which ended up essentially costing
hem the game.  Extrapolate the numbers and you'll see it's very difficult
o always find a reliable kicker, especially when they graduate in 4 years
f and when a team does find one.
Finally, the "rugby style" punt.  Note that college rules now don't provide
or a roughing the kicker penalty once the punter moves outside of the
-yard tackle box to either side of the snapper, so teams are doing that
ess often.  I think the real reason behind NU's use of that punting style
s for the coverage team.  Since Fitz has taken over as head coach, there
as been only one punt return for TD (that wasn't from a blocked punt), and
hat was Maclin's return in the Alamo Bowl last year (which came on a
raditional style punt that was kicked right to him).  Otherwise, NU has
one a great job of getting to the returner and limiting returns (in '07 NU
as 8th nationally allowing only 4.9 yards per punt return and this year NU
s 21st allowing just 4.4 yards per punt return; the numbers in '06 and '08
ere a bit higher thanks to blocked punt returns and Maclin's return but
ere still under 10 yards per punt).
It seems to be a calculated gamble given the leg of the kicker and the speed
f the gunners: Fitz would rather take a guaranteed 30-35 yard swing rather
han aiming for 5-10 more yards but gambling a potential big runback.  And
iven how NU had been burned by returns under Walker, I can't blame him too
uch (remember Fitz was on the sideline most of that time and likely
emembers some of those moments).  The rugby style kick is just a reliable
ay of getting that good coverage (and maybe generating a muff like against
urdue this year or Michigan last year).
Jonathan
On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 12:16 PM, <bwdolphin146@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I would give a scholarship to a kid who could kick off into the end zone 95
 percent of the time. I couldn't care less if he did anything else. The
 advantage to us would be huge.

 Brad Wilson
 Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

 _______________________________________________
 nwu-sports site list
 nwu-sports@tssi.com
 http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From NEONRye at aol.com  Wed Oct 21 16:12:01 2009
From: NEONRye at aol.com (NEONRye@aol.com)
Date: Wed Oct 21 16:12:29 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Talent
Message-ID: <bc7.4ef33603.3810d321@aol.com>

Well put, Jim.  Perhaps we need to think about recruiting on the  soccer 
pitch as well as the gridiron for potential PK's and Punters.
 
Paul Levinson
From CHerron604 at aol.com  Wed Oct 21 21:05:43 2009
From: CHerron604 at aol.com (CHerron604@aol.com)
Date: Wed Oct 21 21:06:05 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] JA Happ
Message-ID: <c89.50c307eb.381117f7@aol.com>

Sorry if this was already noted, but JA Happ was named Sporting News Rookie 
 of the year (according to the playoff broadcast).  The White Sox Gordon  
Beckham got the AL award.
 
Nice news in Evanston, Spring Valley and the South Side
 
Chuck Herron   Tech '85
From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Wed Oct 21 22:15:10 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Wed Oct 21 22:15:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking
In-Reply-To: <8CC20991D03F08B-1F0C-93C8@webmail-m016.sysops.aol.com>
References: <944387419-1256145394-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-206620108-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>	<fcb3ee270910211109h1c92d032i71eda7b01db223b7@mail.gmail.com>
	<8CC20991D03F08B-1F0C-93C8@webmail-m016.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <002901ca52c5$dd80a130$9881e390$@com>

Coffin Corner kicking implies that the punter has the time to actually aim the ball.

If you watch many games, you'll note that many punters barely get the ball off before one of the ends cuts in front. Ray Guy punted back when the guys coming to block, came a little slower.

The Rugby punt is an attempt to counter the fast rush. By rolling out, the punter gets away from the rush (which is aimed at where his foot will be when it meets the ball).

Of course they don't try to block every punt - if they did, they'd block a lot more of them.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 3:09 PM
To: jonathanwhodges@gmail.com; bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Kicking


Do the statistics show a decline in the 'coffin corner' kick ?  I remember the 'olden days', when Ray Guy was (or seemed to be) a master in the coffin corner style of punting.  Now it seems like we see less of it - TV commentators claim its because punters want better stats for their contracts.  On the one kind of kick that the rules actually let you aim the ball out of bounds (and away from great return guys), you would think that you'd see more of it.

Chuck Herron   Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
To: bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Wed, Oct 21, 2009 1:09 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Kicking



The problem with kickers is that they're often at the end of the recruiting
riority list and are relatively often walk-ons (NU's Stefan Demos is a
otable exception).  It's also hard to objectively look at high school stats
ith kickoffs from a different spot and field goals attempted less often
and from closer distances).
It would be nice to have a kickoff guy who could put it through the end zone
very time, BUT remember that the college kickoff spot is now the same as in
he NFL.  And even in the NFL there are few kickers who can get touchbacks
outinely, and that's with just 32 teams.  In college, there are 120 FBS
eams and 125 FCS teams (since all Div. I follows the same rules and kick
ff from the 30 now), making a total of 245 teams vying for kickers who can
ccomplish the same task.
Along the same lines, even in the NFL it's hard to find a kicker who can
ail every FG - look at Super Bowl Champ Steelers' kicker Reed who missed a
ew versus the Bears earlier this year which ended up essentially costing
hem the game.  Extrapolate the numbers and you'll see it's very difficult
o always find a reliable kicker, especially when they graduate in 4 years
f and when a team does find one.
Finally, the "rugby style" punt.  Note that college rules now don't provide
or a roughing the kicker penalty once the punter moves outside of the
-yard tackle box to either side of the snapper, so teams are doing that
ess often.  I think the real reason behind NU's use of that punting style
s for the coverage team.  Since Fitz has taken over as head coach, there
as been only one punt return for TD (that wasn't from a blocked punt), and
hat was Maclin's return in the Alamo Bowl last year (which came on a
raditional style punt that was kicked right to him).  Otherwise, NU has
one a great job of getting to the returner and limiting returns (in '07 NU
as 8th nationally allowing only 4.9 yards per punt return and this year NU
s 21st allowing just 4.4 yards per punt return; the numbers in '06 and '08
ere a bit higher thanks to blocked punt returns and Maclin's return but
ere still under 10 yards per punt).
It seems to be a calculated gamble given the leg of the kicker and the speed
f the gunners: Fitz would rather take a guaranteed 30-35 yard swing rather
han aiming for 5-10 more yards but gambling a potential big runback.  And
iven how NU had been burned by returns under Walker, I can't blame him too
uch (remember Fitz was on the sideline most of that time and likely
emembers some of those moments).  The rugby style kick is just a reliable
ay of getting that good coverage (and maybe generating a muff like against
urdue this year or Michigan last year).
Jonathan
On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 12:16 PM, <bwdolphin146@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I would give a scholarship to a kid who could kick off into the end zone 95
 percent of the time. I couldn't care less if he did anything else. The
 advantage to us would be huge.

 Brad Wilson
 Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

 _______________________________________________
 nwu-sports site list
 nwu-sports@tssi.com
 http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Thu Oct 22 05:56:11 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Thu Oct 22 05:59:39 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
Message-ID: <20091022.055611.6370.0@webmail08.dca.untd.com>

I think some level of penalties should be expected and that there is a
fine line between good aggressive play and bone-headed, out of control
play and the zebras have to err on the side of caution and may flag a
good aggressive play if it's borderline. It just seems like this year we
take them at inopportune times (after a stop on 3rd, after converting a
1st down on O, etc)

Heck, some of the players who are considered top defenders from this
program have teetered on that brink their whole career.  Kevin Bentley
was one who would be known for late hits, etc and yet he is regarded as
a great example of an NU defender - aggressive, strong play, good
tackler, etc.  Heck, DA2 was considered a great player and was twice
flagged in his career for offensive face mask....

The penalties that tick me off to no end are the focus related ones:
False Starts (especially when 10 guys move and the center still has the
ball since we've had 2 of these this season or when we have one right
after a possession change or time out)
Illegal formation (5 guys in the backfield - huh?  Can't you ask the LJ
where you are supposed to line up?)
Illegal shift
Illegal participation
Retaliation penalties
Unsportsmanlike (celebration or taunting - act like you've been there
before, as GB told the boys before they won in South Bend)

The things that tick me off more than focus related penalties are:
Missed tackles (or arm tackles on a guy who is 30 pounds heavier than
you and already running downhill AT you - get him around the waist and
pile drive him into the ground!)
Missed blocking assignments (you heard me, OL)
Poorly run routes/mis-run routes (especially those that result in an INT
- don't hold up, run, dang it!)
Fumbles once you get in traffic (two hands on the ball, all star)
Drops on perfectly catchable balls (we have such a slim margin for
error)
Trying to run between the tackles once we get inside the 10 (come on -
we've never been able to do this since we started running the spread.  I
mean NEVER.  I used to groan when RW would bring in the jumbo package
(three SBs, RB, and QB) because it NEVER EVER worked.)
Not playing to your strengths (I think the best example of a game where
we played to our strengths offensively was the 04 OSU game where Baz
rolled out on every throw beyond the quick out no step drop because our
OC knew that our OL couldn't block the NFL DL/LBs OSU brought our way.
Baz was incredibly accurate that night, the guards pulled time and time
again, and there were NO sacks ---- Coach McCall, this is a hint!).  
Not using our personnel effectively or having loyalty to an
upperclassman when there is clearly someone with more talent/drive
playing behind him.

So, one of the things that occurred to me is to play a "2QB" system -
Kafka at QB and Persa at RB (who can also throw).  It would get Persa
some much needed game experience and make it less obvious that we were
running the QB when he is in the game.  Len Williams played RB for a
season on the scout team...

Anyway, my $2 to the discussion on penalties and my irritations....

Maureen
-----Original Message-----
From: mlinhardt@netzero.com [mailto:mlinhardt@netzero.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 5:02 PM
To: Maureen Linhardt
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...


---------- Original Message ----------
From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
To: "Beamsley, Jeff" <Jeff.Beamsley@covisint.com>
Cc: bwdolphin146@yahoo.com, cherron604@aol.com,
Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com,        nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:27:40 -0500

Regarding the penalty assertion, you are right to some degree, here's
how
Walker & Fitz stack up in penalties:

*Walker / Fitzgerald*

Seasons: 7 / 3 & change
Games: 83 / 44
Winning %: .446 / .523

Average penalty yards/game: 59.1 / 41.7
Average penalty yards/game national rank (lowest to highest): 66.5 /
23.8

Average penalties/game: 7.1 / 4.7
Average penalties/game national rank (lowest to highest): 64.8 / 17.3

Note that in Fitzgerald's first year, Northwestern was #1 nationally in
both
fewest penalties/game (3.3) and fewest penalty yards/game (28.0).
Meanwhile, in Walker's Big Ten co-Championship 2000 season, NU was #108
in
yardage/game (83.1) and #109 in penalties/game (9.6).

I've looked at the NU season by season data and there is really no
correlation between penalties and winning percentage.  I'm not sure how
this
looks at a national level, but I suspect that penalties are somewhat of
a
red herring in terms of actually winning games.

The key, as others have mentioned, is the "killer instinct" type
mentality
and the ability to come up big when needed (and to avoid big mistakes
when
they would be bad).

Examples would be this year and last year - last year, NU came up with
big
plays at a lot of key points and avoided killer mistakes.  This year, NU
has
had costly turnovers (like on potential game-winning drives vs. Syracuse
and
Minnesota) along with costly penalties that have put NU behind the
chains
when the 'Cats have needed to score.

Anyways, just thought I'd share my findings.

Jonathan

On Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 1:36 PM, Beamsley, Jeff
<Jeff.Beamsley@covisint.com>wrote:

> RW's teams were some of the most penalized in the league.  As I
recall, he
> viewed it as evidence of effort.
>
> Jeff
>
>
> The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only.
It
> contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the
named
> addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or
disclose
> it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us
immediately
> and then destroy it.
>
>
> From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of cherron604@aol.com
> Sent: Tue 10/20/2009 2:27 PM
> To: Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com; bwdolphin146@yahoo.com;
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
>
>
>
>
> After a lot of years watching our guys (since 79), from very bad to
pretty
> good, I always hoped that the intangibles - avoiding stupid penalties,
> avoiding stupid mistakes, understanding complicated offenses/defenses,
> winning the 'close ones' - were more a property of well coached NU
teams -
> while we might not always out-talent or out-speed an opponent, we
could
> always outwork, outprepare, outlift, outwit, etc.  And we seemed to
have
> those intangibles that could often turn a close game into a victory.
>
>
>
> My problem this year is that I see bad penalties, mistakes, cases
where we
> should have known better, etc. and I wonder - on paper, the current
> recruiting classes definitely grade higher than the classes in the
> Barnett/early Walker era, but I am not altogether sure that those
higher
> 'grades' are translating into guys who are less prone to silly
penalties,
> mistakes, poor judgements and the like.  We also seem to be losing
'the
> close ones' lately.
>
>
>
> I have heard said that Football, like all sports is more a game of
reflex
> and instinct than thoughtful consideration (because thoughtful
consideration
> takes too long in most of us).  A pure athlete has to see a situation
and
> act instinctively.
>
>
>
> Are our guys now more instinctual, but also more subject to actions
that
> are not always as beneficial to the team ?  Why do our recruits grade
out
> better, but play in a way that is different from some earlier teams
that did
> not grade out as well ?  Or does this just prove that recruit grading
is a
> (very) inexact science ?
>
>
>
> The kind of mind wandering that takes place on a Tuesday after a
loss...
>
>
>
> Chuck Herron   Tech '85
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
> To: bwdolphin146@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 12:34 pm
> Subject: RE: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
>
>
>
>
> I agree with this, too -- and to echo what I wrote the other day,
> nfortunately.
> I had thought going into the season that we would be really, really
> ood. Defense wins, and I thought the defensive showing in 2008
signaled
> he same or better from the defense in 2009.
> Whether injury or whatever, that hasn't happened.
> Even so, and this is of course a dramatic change from Wildcat teams of
> rior generations, we are not getting blown out. Which I acknowledge is
>  backhanded compliment, and I don't mean it in that sense at all. What
>  mean is the corollary to what Brad said below -- that is, this team
is
> n every game. But as Brad points out, it hasn't been able to win the
> lose ones.
> That's because the Wildcat margin for error is so thin that one
mistake
> - and the three he lists below are spot on -- has proven the
difference
> etween W and L.
> The solution, of course, is to clean up the mistakes.
> Easier said than done, right?
>
> ----Original Message-----
> rom: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
> n Behalf Of bwdolphin146@yahoo.com
> ent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:15 AM
> o: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> ubject: [NU Sports] We're not very good ...
> But the case could be made we're three plays away from being 7-0:
> 1) Kafka's pick against Syracuse
> ) The Kafka-Stewart sure-TD bomb non-hookup against Minnesota
> ) Dunsmore fumble at MSU
> This team, unlike many NU teams of recent vintage, isn't able to win
the
> lose ones. That is a shame, because the games are there to be won, but
> hat's the way it is.
> Brad Wilson
> ent on the Sprint(r) Now Network from my BlackBerry(r)
> _______________________________________________
> wu-sports site list
> wu-sports@tssi.com
> ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> _______________________________________________
> wu-sports site list
> wu-sports@tssi.com
> ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


____________________________________________________________
Regis University MBA
Earn your MBA from Regis University, 100% online. Free info packs!
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AAAA=


From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Thu Oct 22 07:38:12 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Thu Oct 22 07:38:16 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
Message-ID: <200910221238.n9MCcCQR004052@romaine.tssi.com>

> Of course they don't try to block every punt - if they did, they'd block a lot more of them.

Like at Virginia Tech?  I believe they block a lot more punts than most teams.

It'd be interesting to compare that with how many times VT gets flagged 
for hitting the kicker and how often they get burned with a big return 
because they went for the block.

A more subtle stat might be the number of first-team players who got
injured on special teams plays at VT.  
--
Mike Nolan

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Thu Oct 22 09:20:41 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Thu Oct 22 09:20:50 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <200910221238.n9MCcCQR004052@romaine.tssi.com>
References: <200910221238.n9MCcCQR004052@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <002601ca5322$d5da08b0$818e1a10$@com>

All good points.

Blocking kicks is an art form - something you have to practice, and something that shapes the
decisions of the other team on the field.

We always taught to go for a spot a yard in front of where the kicker wound up to kick. On a
place kick you try to go the O-line side of the holder, but you don't want to hit anyone.

My observations on kicking these days is that they are really trying to aim the kicks but get in
trouble when they don't hit the ball properly. Place kickers try to miss certain guys on the
defense who are known for jumping up for a tip. (I've seen several missed FG's in the pros where
the kicker was trying to avoid the pyramid setting up on the other side of the line)

Our kickers traditionally work by themselves in one corner of the field. I don't know if there
is a true kicking coach, but when my middle son played in Greensboro, they had a volunteer
kicking coach who turned their kicking around.

Maybe we need to find someone from daBares or something?

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Mike Nolan
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 8:38 AM
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)

> Of course they don't try to block every punt - if they did, they'd block a lot more of them.

Like at Virginia Tech?  I believe they block a lot more punts than most teams.

It'd be interesting to compare that with how many times VT gets flagged 
for hitting the kicker and how often they get burned with a big return 
because they went for the block.

A more subtle stat might be the number of first-team players who got
injured on special teams plays at VT.  
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Thu Oct 22 09:28:48 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Thu Oct 22 09:28:51 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking
Message-ID: <200910221428.n9MESmDH004693@romaine.tssi.com>

> defense who are known for jumping up for a tip. (I've seen several missed FG's in the pros where
> the kicker was trying to avoid the pyramid setting up on the other side of the line)

I thought the pyramid was illegal.
--
Mike Nolan

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Thu Oct 22 09:36:56 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Thu Oct 22 09:36:53 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking
In-Reply-To: <200910221428.n9MESmDH004693@romaine.tssi.com>
References: <200910221428.n9MESmDH004693@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <000901ca5325$1afcc930$50f65b90$@com>

Probably, but you look at the defense from the kicker's perspective and it sure looks like a
pyramid forming right behind the D-Line, lined up on the middle of the goalposts.

They don't say what they do, but I see a lot of kickers going for corners rather than right down
the middle. Particularly in the pros.

rsl 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Mike Nolan
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 10:29 AM
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Kicking

> defense who are known for jumping up for a tip. (I've seen several missed FG's in the pros
where
> the kicker was trying to avoid the pyramid setting up on the other side of the line)

I thought the pyramid was illegal.
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Thu Oct 22 09:41:54 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Thu Oct 22 09:42:23 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] This league boosted attendance by giving away tickets...
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910220741i72a3fa40rb566a7fdf1aeebb8@mail.gmail.com>

Nice article by NU alum Darren Rovell on a drag racing league that boosted
attendance & revenue by giving away tickets:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/33430448#

It's obviously not a strategy that completely translates to college
football, but maybe NU can use some concepts.

One idea is just to give away tickets to one (or more) nonconference home
game(s) a year and do what they did, which is collect personal information
which can be used to directly advertise in the future (so NU can more easily
target packages to families, tailgating opportunities to 20/30-somethings,
etc.).

Jonathan
From AJWDBW at aol.com  Thu Oct 22 10:11:53 2009
From: AJWDBW at aol.com (AJWDBW@aol.com)
Date: Thu Oct 22 10:12:12 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
Message-ID: <d2e.4d6e201e.3811d039@aol.com>

When I was a youngster (Just prior to the Civil War) we would, on  
occasion, drop kick the ball for extra points. Whatever happened to  that?
Don Williams
C55
 
 
In a message dated 10/22/2009 8:21:27 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
rstetson@capps-assoc.com writes:

My  observations on kicking these days is that they are really trying to 
aim the  kicks but get in
trouble when they don't hit the ball properly. Place  kickers try to miss 
certain guys on the
defense who are known for jumping  up for a tip. (I've seen several missed 
FG's in the pros where
the kicker  was trying to avoid the pyramid setting up on the other side of 
the  line)


From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Thu Oct 22 10:22:15 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Thu Oct 22 10:22:45 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <d2e.4d6e201e.3811d039@aol.com>
References: <d2e.4d6e201e.3811d039@aol.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910220822m6f9ddf22w53731ef3f03991d6@mail.gmail.com>

Drop kicks, defined as "a kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it
as it touches the ground" is still legal in college football and the NFL.
In fact, QB Doug Flutie's last play in the NFL was converting a drop kick
for an extra point for the Patriots a few years back.

I honestly haven't seen a drop kick in college football in my experience.  I
assume it went of of style mainly due to issues with its accuracy relative
to a place kick as well as its difficulty (it must be more difficult to time
the kick so as to hit with your foot simultaneous to when it hits the
ground).

Jonathan

On Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 10:11 AM, <AJWDBW@aol.com> wrote:

> When I was a youngster (Just prior to the Civil War) we would, on
> occasion, drop kick the ball for extra points. Whatever happened to  that?
> Don Williams
> C55
>
>
> In a message dated 10/22/2009 8:21:27 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> rstetson@capps-assoc.com writes:
>
> My  observations on kicking these days is that they are really trying to
> aim the  kicks but get in
> trouble when they don't hit the ball properly. Place  kickers try to miss
> certain guys on the
> defense who are known for jumping  up for a tip. (I've seen several missed
> FG's in the pros where
> the kicker  was trying to avoid the pyramid setting up on the other side of
> the  line)
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From tbng at comcast.net  Thu Oct 22 10:22:35 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Thu Oct 22 10:22:53 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
References: <d2e.4d6e201e.3811d039@aol.com>
Message-ID: <EA4ED2AC35CA44C2A487F80392B89407@DennisMachine>

> When I was a youngster (Just prior to the Civil War) we would, on
> occasion, drop kick the ball for extra points. Whatever happened to  that?
> Don Williams
> C55

Where you the guy who helped Booth escape?

Actually, during the heyday of the drop-kick, the ball was a bit more 
rounded on each end, so it bounced more true.  That would be an iffy 
proposition with the current, pointy-ended ball. 

From tbng at comcast.net  Wed Oct 21 23:21:47 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Thu Oct 22 10:29:28 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] JA Happ
References: <c89.50c307eb.381117f7@aol.com>
Message-ID: <EDAEA0492C074946BC46F7879CEE48FF@DennisMachine>

> JA Happ was named Sporting News Rookie

GO PHILLIES GO!  Bring on those Damn Yankees!  Ya gotta have heart and the 
Phils have miles and miles of it! 

From AJWDBW at aol.com  Thu Oct 22 10:54:18 2009
From: AJWDBW at aol.com (AJWDBW@aol.com)
Date: Thu Oct 22 10:55:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
Message-ID: <bf7.6aa40f79.3811da2a@aol.com>

No.But I did live up the street from his hotel.
Don
C55
 
In a message dated 10/22/2009 9:24:30 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
tbng@comcast.net writes:

Where  you the guy who helped Booth  escape?


From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Thu Oct 22 11:25:28 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Thu Oct 22 11:25:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Think about this
Message-ID: <1510475624-1256228726-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1716011025-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Let's assume NU had won last week in a way that would make fans want to come out Saturday ... 

And then they see it's $50 a pop for Indiana?? 

Who would come? Given that we did not win, who will be coming?

Bw


Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Thu Oct 22 16:34:35 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Thu Oct 22 16:34:45 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910220822m6f9ddf22w53731ef3f03991d6@mail.gmail.com>
References: <d2e.4d6e201e.3811d039@aol.com>
	<fcb3ee270910220822m6f9ddf22w53731ef3f03991d6@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <003c01ca535f$7424fca0$5c6ef5e0$@com>

I used to be able to drop kick about 30 yds, but not far enough to make sense in a game. My Dad,
who is 90, could drop kick about 40 yards, with accuracy. It is not that difficult, altho the
good kickers used to do it on a dead run.

 

rsl

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.

Computer Applications & Support Associates

-------------------- Also ----------------------

Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball

Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]

Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 

Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968

Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)

==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========

So...

     How's that "hope" and "Change"

     Working for ya?

 

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!

================================================

 

From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 11:22 AM
To: AJWDBW@aol.com
Cc: rstetson@capps-assoc.com; nolan@romaine.tssi.com; nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)

 

Drop kicks, defined as "a kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it as it touches the
ground" is still legal in college football and the NFL.  In fact, QB Doug Flutie's last play in
the NFL was converting a drop kick for an extra point for the Patriots a few years back.

I honestly haven't seen a drop kick in college football in my experience.  I assume it went of
of style mainly due to issues with its accuracy relative to a place kick as well as its
difficulty (it must be more difficult to time the kick so as to hit with your foot simultaneous
to when it hits the ground).

Jonathan

On Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 10:11 AM, <AJWDBW@aol.com> wrote:

When I was a youngster (Just prior to the Civil War) we would, on
occasion, drop kick the ball for extra points. Whatever happened to  that?
Don Williams
C55


In a message dated 10/22/2009 8:21:27 A.M. Central Standard Time,

rstetson@capps-assoc.com writes:

My  observations on kicking these days is that they are really trying to
aim the  kicks but get in
trouble when they don't hit the ball properly. Place  kickers try to miss
certain guys on the

defense who are known for jumping  up for a tip. (I've seen several missed
FG's in the pros where
the kicker  was trying to avoid the pyramid setting up on the other side of
the  line)



_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

 

From AJWDBW at aol.com  Thu Oct 22 17:56:04 2009
From: AJWDBW at aol.com (AJWDBW@aol.com)
Date: Thu Oct 22 17:56:38 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
Message-ID: <c2c.693e6e37.38123d04@aol.com>

That was my limit, also. In those days the goal posts were on the goal line 
 and not ten yards back.
DW55
 
 
In a message dated 10/22/2009 3:34:35 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
rstetson@capps-assoc.com writes:

I  used to be able to drop kick about 30 yds, but not far enough to make 
sense in  a game. 

From michael.vance at att.net  Fri Oct 23 00:33:22 2009
From: michael.vance at att.net (Michael Vance)
Date: Fri Oct 23 00:33:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] QB change possible ?
In-Reply-To: <223fce250910211100q4d0400b2jd781eebc59a9d794@mail.gmail.com>
References: <200910211453.n9LErQmt029471@romaine.tssi.com>	<B95FF1B66CA74177B08C28DCB7AFF6CD@DennisMachine>
	<223fce250910211100q4d0400b2jd781eebc59a9d794@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <4AE14022.6030401@att.net>

During the Colts@Dolphins game on Sunday night a few weeks back, they 
discussed the key element to the Wildcat: It actually uses all 11 men on 
offense during a running play.  Let's face it, during a running play 
from a conventional formation, the only useful thing that a quarterback 
ever does is act like he still has the ball after he has handed it off.  
If that doesn't work (90% of the time), his only job is to get the hell 
out of the way and not get hit.  So you end up playing 10-on-11.  The 
Wildcat evens things up a bit, making it an 11-on-11 game because all 10 
guys who don't have the ball are available to block.  A bunch of also 
noticed that the formation at the moment the ball is snapped often looks 
a lot like the old Wishbone.

-Michael

Sportsbiz wrote:
> Amazingly timely to our discussion of the benefits of the wildcat here is a
> SI writer's take on the myths and realities of the formation.  Very
> interesting:
>
> http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/dave_hyde/10/21/wildcat/index.html?xid=siextra_newsletter102109
>
> Mark
>
> On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 11:56 AM, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>   
>> I think what Fitz was getting at in that quote is the possibility to use
>>     
>>>> Persa in a "Wildcat" formation equivalent in the red zone, which we've
>>>> actually seen a few times this year (although it typically gains a couple
>>>> yards and he's pulled for Kafka).
>>>>
>>>>         
>>> Is there anyone in the world who's been fooled when Persa came in like
>>> that?  Have any of those plays gained more than a yard or two?
>>>
>>>       
>> The Philadelphia Eagles have run the wildcat all season, and it has hardly
>> every worked there either.  What I've seen of the wildcat in either college
>> or pro is that it's a failure because everyone knows what's coming next,
>> whether it's Persa or Vick lining up at quarterback.
>> _______________________________________________
>> nwu-sports site list
>> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>
>>     
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>   

From sportsbiz at gmail.com  Fri Oct 23 05:06:57 2009
From: sportsbiz at gmail.com (Sportsbiz)
Date: Fri Oct 23 05:07:05 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] QB change possible ?
In-Reply-To: <4AE14022.6030401@att.net>
References: <200910211453.n9LErQmt029471@romaine.tssi.com>
	<B95FF1B66CA74177B08C28DCB7AFF6CD@DennisMachine>
	<223fce250910211100q4d0400b2jd781eebc59a9d794@mail.gmail.com>
	<4AE14022.6030401@att.net>
Message-ID: <223fce250910230306l776c9c27yd583ee054efa47c9@mail.gmail.com>

or the old single wing, which is what it most closely resembles in both
formation and required skill set of all of the backs in the game at the
time.

On Fri, Oct 23, 2009 at 1:33 AM, Michael Vance <michael.vance@att.net>wrote:

> During the Colts@Dolphins game on Sunday night a few weeks back, they
> discussed the key element to the Wildcat: It actually uses all 11 men on
> offense during a running play.  Let's face it, during a running play from a
> conventional formation, the only useful thing that a quarterback ever does
> is act like he still has the ball after he has handed it off.  If that
> doesn't work (90% of the time), his only job is to get the hell out of the
> way and not get hit.  So you end up playing 10-on-11.  The Wildcat evens
> things up a bit, making it an 11-on-11 game because all 10 guys who don't
> have the ball are available to block.  A bunch of also noticed that the
> formation at the moment the ball is snapped often looks a lot like the old
> Wishbone.
>
> -Michael
>
> Sportsbiz wrote:
>
>> Amazingly timely to our discussion of the benefits of the wildcat here is
>> a
>> SI writer's take on the myths and realities of the formation.  Very
>> interesting:
>>
>>
>> http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/dave_hyde/10/21/wildcat/index.html?xid=siextra_newsletter102109
>>
>> Mark
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 11:56 AM, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> I think what Fitz was getting at in that quote is the possibility to use
>>>
>>>
>>>> Persa in a "Wildcat" formation equivalent in the red zone, which we've
>>>>> actually seen a few times this year (although it typically gains a
>>>>> couple
>>>>> yards and he's pulled for Kafka).
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Is there anyone in the world who's been fooled when Persa came in like
>>>> that?  Have any of those plays gained more than a yard or two?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> The Philadelphia Eagles have run the wildcat all season, and it has
>>> hardly
>>> every worked there either.  What I've seen of the wildcat in either
>>> college
>>> or pro is that it's a failure because everyone knows what's coming next,
>>> whether it's Persa or Vick lining up at quarterback.
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nwu-sports site list
>>> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>>> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nwu-sports site list
>> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Fri Oct 23 08:34:04 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Fri Oct 23 08:34:14 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Week 8 (resend)
Message-ID: <967552.60082.qm@web52909.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

I guess my first message never made it to some, so here's the resend ...

I think we?ve all been spoiled a bit by this college football season and the slate of quality games the past few weeks (and those of us who may not have been spoiled by the college game have enjoyed the NFL so far ? CRY ELI CRY! WHO DAT?! ? )

This week certainly has games with big-name teams and storied pasts, but no big marquee matchup for this season. But these are usually the kind of weeks that lead to some separation in the standings, so we?ll see how it works out.

No early game this week (Wednesday night is just a reminder of why Houston has no business even sniffing the top 25 ? Thursday is just sad), so get those picks in by kickoff Saturday! Happy Homecoming for those of you traveling back to Evanston and GO CATS!!!

PIGSKIN PICKS ? WEEK 8
======================
Name:

BIG TEN
-------
GAME 1: Illinois @ Purdue
WINNER:

GAME 2: Iowa @ Michigan State
WINNER:

GAME 3: Penn State @ Michigan
WINNER:

GAME 4: Minnesota @ Ohio State
WINNER:

NATIONAL
--------
GAME 5: South Florida @ Pittsburgh
WINNER:

GAME 6: Oregon State @ Southern Cal
WINNER:

GAME 7: Tennessee @ Alabama
WINNER:

GAME 8: Auburn @ Louisiana State
WINNER:

GAME 9: Texas Christian @ Brigham Young
WINNER:

GAME 10: Boston College @ Notre Dame
WINNER:

MY PICKS
========
* PURDUE 38, Illinois 20 ? On paper, the Illini should roll ? but the Boilers are playing with heart while the Illini have quit on their coach and season.

* IOWA 22, Michigan State 16 ? This one?s a dangerous trap game under the lights for the Bumblebees ? but they?ve shown composure all year and will come through again in the clutch to dash Sparty?s upset hopes.

* PENN STATE 35, Michigan 27 ? A tough call because Michigan?s always a mental block for the Nits and the Wolverines could play the role of big-time spoiler to PSU?s Pasadena and BCS hopes. But the Lions have found enough O in recent weeks to match Michigan and Forcier, and the PSU D is getting healthy.

* OHIO STATE 23, Minnesota 7 ? The Buckeye D is all-world while the offense is all a mess ? in the Shoe, they take out their frustrations on the Gophers.

* SOUTH FLORIDA 24, Pittsburgh 17 ? Tough call here as the Bulls come north, but I just can?t believe in a team that got clobbered at NC State.

* SOUTHERN CAL 42, Oregon State 13 ? The Trojans are starting to hit their stride and get big revenge on the Beavers before their big game at Oregon.

* ALABAMA 20, Tennessee 16 ? Not sure I?m as big of a Bama backer as everyone else who lept them is (though it?s fun to see just because it ticks off St. Urban) ? the squeak by a game Vols squad here.

* LSU 26, Auburn 23 ? One team is all O, the other all D ? but in Death Valley, I?ll go with LSU. This game always seems to come down to a field goal.

* BYU 31, Texas Christian 21 ? Showdown in the WAC, but after BYU lost to FSU, there?s not the same BCS implications. The Utes and Cougars have played tough foes ? TCU hasn?t so far.

* BOSTON COLLEGE 37, Notre Dame 33 ? Please St. Flutie, rid us of this curse that is the 2009 Irish. Banished from polls after losing to Michigan and barely beating the Big Ten?s lower rung, their coach whines and they magically appear in the top 25 ? only to lose to SC yet again ? but still, they?re hanging around that top 25 spot and we need to end the NBC B(C)S hype once and for all. They are not back. Please Doug!

And off the board ?

* NORTHWESTERN 34, Indiana 27 ? The road to Ford Field begins here! It would be a lot more exciting for both schools? fans if that had been said eight months ago. Even though the stands are usually empty, these two have played a pretty entertaining series in the last 10-15 years and play hard. Both need this to keep their bowl hopes alive and both have been wildly inconsistent this year. But it?s our homecoming and we owe them for that clunker of a game last year!

Picks in by Saturday kickoff!
GO CATS!!!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!
-SjT


      

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Fri Oct 23 10:18:52 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Fri Oct 23 10:18:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU v. IU
Message-ID: <448499.5454.qm@web36805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

There is no doubt that this is a must-win game for our program. Oddly, we are favored - which I never like. Ignore the fact that this game is essential for our slim post-season hopes, we simply need this win to prove that our program isn't sliding backwards. 

I know Kafka will come to play. Hopefully the O-line is ready too. I expect that Fitz made the team watch last year's debacle in Bloomington. That should motivate them to win by 30 points. 

Indiana:            10
Northwestern:    21

Victory & Honor,
Jim


      

From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Fri Oct 23 10:29:05 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Fri Oct 23 10:30:22 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU v. IU
In-Reply-To: <448499.5454.qm@web36805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <448499.5454.qm@web36805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02AB4699@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

Happy to see that we are favored.

As I posted earlier, Indiana can run the ball and they have a good
defense.  Don't know if they have been weakened by injury.

Hopefully our run offense will show up this week.  If so, we win.

Jeff 


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
On Behalf Of Jim Leonard
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 11:19 AM
To: Northwestern Wildcats
Subject: [NU Sports] NU v. IU

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

There is no doubt that this is a must-win game for our program. Oddly,
we are favored - which I never like. Ignore the fact that this game is
essential for our slim post-season hopes, we simply need this win to
prove that our program isn't sliding backwards. 

I know Kafka will come to play. Hopefully the O-line is ready too. I
expect that Fitz made the team watch last year's debacle in Bloomington.
That should motivate them to win by 30 points. 

Indiana:            10
Northwestern:    21

Victory & Honor,
Jim


      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Fri Oct 23 10:57:16 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Fri Oct 23 10:57:46 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU v. IU
In-Reply-To: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02AB4699@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>
References: <448499.5454.qm@web36805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02AB4699@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910230857m41e64893t3d43a4ea4a43d920@mail.gmail.com>

IU has suffered injuries on defense just like NU: LB Will Patterson, their
third leading tackler this year, is out, as are multiple backups both in the
secondary and on the line.  Despite the injuries, it should be a
fun/interesting game.

Go 'Cats!!!

On Fri, Oct 23, 2009 at 10:29 AM, Beamsley, Jeff <Jeff.Beamsley@covisint.com
> wrote:

> Happy to see that we are favored.
>
> As I posted earlier, Indiana can run the ball and they have a good
> defense.  Don't know if they have been weakened by injury.
>
> Hopefully our run offense will show up this week.  If so, we win.
>
> Jeff
>
>
> The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It
> contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named
> addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose
> it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately
> and then destroy it.
>
> From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
> On Behalf Of Jim Leonard
> Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 11:19 AM
> To: Northwestern Wildcats
> Subject: [NU Sports] NU v. IU
>
> Fellow Wildcat Faithful,
>
> There is no doubt that this is a must-win game for our program. Oddly,
> we are favored - which I never like. Ignore the fact that this game is
> essential for our slim post-season hopes, we simply need this win to
> prove that our program isn't sliding backwards.
>
> I know Kafka will come to play. Hopefully the O-line is ready too. I
> expect that Fitz made the team watch last year's debacle in Bloomington.
> That should motivate them to win by 30 points.
>
> Indiana:            10
> Northwestern:    21
>
> Victory & Honor,
> Jim
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From cherron604 at aol.com  Fri Oct 23 12:13:22 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Fri Oct 23 12:13:49 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <003c01ca535f$7424fca0$5c6ef5e0$@com>
References: <d2e.4d6e201e.3811d039@aol.com><fcb3ee270910220822m6f9ddf22w53731ef3f03991d6@mail.gmail.com>
	<003c01ca535f$7424fca0$5c6ef5e0$@com>
Message-ID: <8CC221B42143801-29C4-1D358@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>


To put Roy's skill in perspective, most sources claim that Wilbur 'Pete' Henry had a 45 yard drop kick, then the NFL record, in a game vs Toledo in December of 1922.

I have seen some sources that claim the college record is 65 yards, by JP Ross of the Birmingham AC in a game against Alabama in November of 1892.

There are anecdotal accounts of Jim Thorpe 'routinely' drop-kicking field goals of 50 yards, and of long drop kicks by Paddy Driscoll, but not a lot of documentation.

Doug Flutie's recent drop kick for the Patriots was an extra point.  Flutie kicked from about the 12 yard line.

Prior to Flutie, the last drop kick for points was Scooter McLean's conversion in the 1941 NFL Championship game, helping the Bears beat the Giants 37-9.

Chuck Herron   Tech 85


-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com>
To: 'Jonathan Hodges' <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>; AJWDBW@aol.com
Cc: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com; nolan@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Thu, Oct 22, 2009 4:34 pm
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)



I used to be able to drop kick about 30 yds, but not far enough to make sense in 
 game. My Dad,
ho is 90, could drop kick about 40 yards, with accuracy. It is not that 
ifficult, altho the
ood kickers used to do it on a dead run.
 
rsl
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?
 
Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================
 
From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
ent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 11:22 AM
o: AJWDBW@aol.com
c: rstetson@capps-assoc.com; nolan@romaine.tssi.com; nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
ubject: Re: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
 
Drop kicks, defined as "a kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it as it 
ouches the
round" is still legal in college football and the NFL.  In fact, QB Doug 
lutie's last play in
he NFL was converting a drop kick for an extra point for the Patriots a few 
ears back.
I honestly haven't seen a drop kick in college football in my experience.  I 
ssume it went of
f style mainly due to issues with its accuracy relative to a place kick as well 
s its
ifficulty (it must be more difficult to time the kick so as to hit with your 
oot simultaneous
o when it hits the ground).
Jonathan
On Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 10:11 AM, <AJWDBW@aol.com> wrote:
When I was a youngster (Just prior to the Civil War) we would, on
ccasion, drop kick the ball for extra points. Whatever happened to  that?
on Williams
55

n a message dated 10/22/2009 8:21:27 A.M. Central Standard Time,
rstetson@capps-assoc.com writes:
My  observations on kicking these days is that they are really trying to
im the  kicks but get in
rouble when they don't hit the ball properly. Place  kickers try to miss
ertain guys on the
defense who are known for jumping  up for a tip. (I've seen several missed
G's in the pros where
he kicker  was trying to avoid the pyramid setting up on the other side of
he  line)

_______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
 
_______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Fri Oct 23 13:13:39 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Fri Oct 23 13:13:42 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
In-Reply-To: <8CC221B42143801-29C4-1D358@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>
References: <d2e.4d6e201e.3811d039@aol.com><fcb3ee270910220822m6f9ddf22w53731ef3f03991d6@mail.gmail.com>
	<003c01ca535f$7424fca0$5c6ef5e0$@com>
	<8CC221B42143801-29C4-1D358@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <000c01ca540c$8c2cafc0$a4860f40$@com>

Members of my family who remember those loooong drop kicks would second Chuck's information. 

 

One reason Thorpe and others could kick so far was that they did the kicking on a dead run as
they were heading towards the goal line. 

 

It was a pretty good way to get 3 points, especially as time ran out and you didn't really need
a TD to win.

 

rsl

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.

Computer Applications & Support Associates

-------------------- Also ----------------------

Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball

Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]

Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 

Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968

Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)

==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========

So...

     How's that "hope" and "Change"

     Working for ya?

 

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!

================================================

 

From: cherron604@aol.com [mailto:cherron604@aol.com] 
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 1:13 PM
To: rstetson@capps-assoc.com; jonathanwhodges@gmail.com; AJWDBW@aol.com
Cc: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com; nolan@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)

 

To put Roy's skill in perspective, most sources claim that Wilbur 'Pete' Henry had a 45 yard
drop kick, then the NFL record, in a game vs Toledo in December of 1922.

 

I have seen some sources that claim the college record is 65 yards, by JP Ross of the Birmingham
AC in a game against Alabama in November of 1892.

 

There are anecdotal accounts of Jim Thorpe 'routinely' drop-kicking field goals of 50 yards, and
of long drop kicks by Paddy Driscoll, but not a lot of documentation.

 

Doug Flutie's recent drop kick for the Patriots was an extra point.  Flutie kicked from about
the 12 yard line.

 

Prior to Flutie, the last drop kick for points was Scooter McLean's conversion in the 1941 NFL
Championship game, helping the Bears beat the Giants 37-9.

 

Chuck Herron   Tech 85


-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com>
To: 'Jonathan Hodges' <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>; AJWDBW@aol.com
Cc: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com; nolan@romaine.tssi.com
Sent: Thu, Oct 22, 2009 4:34 pm
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)

I used to be able to drop kick about 30 yds, but not far enough to make sense in 
a game. My Dad,
who is 90, could drop kick about 40 yards, with accuracy. It is not that 
difficult, altho the
good kickers used to do it on a dead run.
 
 
 
rsl
 
 
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
 
Computer Applications & Support Associates
 
-------------------- Also ----------------------
 
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
 
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
 
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
 
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
 
==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
 
So...
 
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
 
     Working for ya?
 
 
 
Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
 
================================================
 
 
 
From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com <mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com?> ] 
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 11:22 AM
To: AJWDBW@aol.com
Cc: rstetson@capps-assoc.com; nolan@romaine.tssi.com; nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Kicking (fwd)
 
 
 
Drop kicks, defined as "a kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it as it 
touches the
ground" is still legal in college football and the NFL.  In fact, QB Doug 
Flutie's last play in
the NFL was converting a drop kick for an extra point for the Patriots a few 
years back.
 
I honestly haven't seen a drop kick in college football in my experience.  I 
assume it went of
of style mainly due to issues with its accuracy relative to a place kick as well 
as its
difficulty (it must be more difficult to time the kick so as to hit with your 
foot simultaneous
to when it hits the ground).
 
Jonathan
 
On Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 10:11 AM, <AJWDBW@aol.com> wrote:
 
When I was a youngster (Just prior to the Civil War) we would, on
occasion, drop kick the ball for extra points. Whatever happened to  that?
Don Williams
C55
 
 
In a message dated 10/22/2009 8:21:27 A.M. Central Standard Time,
 
rstetson@capps-assoc.com writes:
 
My  observations on kicking these days is that they are really trying to
aim the  kicks but get in
trouble when they don't hit the ball properly. Place  kickers try to miss
certain guys on the
 
defense who are known for jumping  up for a tip. (I've seen several missed
FG's in the pros where
the kicker  was trying to avoid the pyramid setting up on the other side of
the  line)
 
 
 
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
 
 
 
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 24 11:27:24 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 11:27:39 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Our Offense
Message-ID: <8CC22DE009A02B2-17D8-52FF@webmail-m019.sysops.aol.com>


We get pinned at 1 after IU punt.  Concannon has 3 pretty runs up the gut.  So what do we do?  An ill-designed, poorly-executed handoff to Arby in the backfield, where he is going east-west, not n-s.  We don't use him properly.  We just stalled, punted, and big return the other way.  This is getting scary early.

Paul Levinson
From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Sat Oct 24 11:44:28 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Sat Oct 24 11:44:35 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Have the Cats given up for the year?
Message-ID: <200910241644.n9OGiS7L017474@romaine.tssi.com>

I thought the Cats kind of lost focus at halftime last week, and so far 
nothing seems to have happened to change that impression this week.  

Barring yet another turnaround after digging themselves into a deep hole, 
I'm beginning to wonder if Northwestern will win another game this season.

The question is, have they given up?  If so, on whom?
--
Mike Nolan

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 20 23:43:17 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 24 11:46:25 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Week 8
Message-ID: <783771.97158.qm@web52907.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

I think we?ve all been spoiled a bit by this college football season and the slate of quality games the past few weeks (and those of us who may not have been spoiled by the college game have enjoyed the NFL so far ? CRY ELI CRY! WHO DAT?! ? )

This week certainly has games with big-name teams and storied pasts, but no big marquee matchup for this season. But these are usually the kind of weeks that lead to some separation in the standings, so we?ll see how it works out.

No early game this week (Wednesday night is just a reminder of why Houston has no business even sniffing the top 25 ? Thursday is just sad), so get those picks in by kickoff Saturday! Happy Homecoming for those of you traveling back to Evanston and GO CATS!!!

PIGSKIN PICKS ? WEEK 8
======================
Name: 

BIG TEN
-------
GAME 1: Illinois @ Purdue
WINNER: 

GAME 2: Iowa @ Michigan State
WINNER: 

GAME 3: Penn State @ Michigan
WINNER: 

GAME 4: Minnesota @ Ohio State
WINNER: 

NATIONAL
--------
GAME 5: South Florida @ Pittsburgh
WINNER: 

GAME 6: Oregon State @ Southern Cal
WINNER: 

GAME 7: Tennessee @ Alabama
WINNER: 

GAME 8: Auburn @ Louisiana State
WINNER: 

GAME 9: Texas Christian @ Brigham Young
WINNER: 

GAME 10: Boston College @ Notre Dame
WINNER: 

MY PICKS
========
* PURDUE 38, Illinois 20 ? On paper, the Illini should roll ? but the Boilers are playing with heart while the Illini have quit on their coach and season.

* IOWA 22, Michigan State 16 ? This one?s a dangerous trap game under the lights for the Bumblebees ? but they?ve shown composure all year and will come through again in the clutch to dash Sparty?s upset hopes.

* PENN STATE 35, Michigan 27 ? A tough call because Michigan?s always a mental block for the Nits and the Wolverines could play the role of big-time spoiler to PSU?s Pasadena and BCS hopes. But the Lions have found enough O in recent weeks to match Michigan and Forcier, and the PSU D is getting healthy.

* OHIO STATE 23, Minnesota 7 ? The Buckeye D is all-world while the offense is all a mess ? in the Shoe, they take out their frustrations on the Gophers.

* SOUTH FLORIDA 24, Pittsburgh 17 ? Tough call here as the Bulls come north, but I just can?t believe in a team that got clobbered at NC State.

* SOUTHERN CAL 42, Oregon State 13 ? The Trojans are starting to hit their stride and get big revenge on the Beavers before their big game at Oregon.

* ALABAMA 20, Tennessee 16 ? Not sure I?m as big of a Bama backer as everyone else who lept them is (though it?s fun to see just because it ticks off St. Urban) ? the squeak by a game Vols squad here.

* LSU 26, Auburn 23 ? One team is all O, the other all D ? but in Death Valley, I?ll go with LSU. This game always seems to come down to a field goal.

* BYU 31, Texas Christian 21 ? Showdown in the WAC, but after BYU lost to FSU, there?s not the same BCS implications. The Utes and Cougars have played tough foes ? TCU hasn?t so far.

* BOSTON COLLEGE 37, Notre Dame 33 ? Please St. Flutie, rid us of this curse that is the 2009 Irish. Banished from polls after losing to Michigan and barely beating the Big Ten?s lower rung, their coach whines and they magically appear in the top 25 ? only to lose to SC yet again ? but still, they?re hanging around that top 25 spot and we need to end the NBC B(C)S hype once and for all. They are not back. Please Doug!

And off the board ?

* NORTHWESTERN 34, Indiana 27 ? The road to Ford Field begins here! It would be a lot more exciting for both schools? fans if that had been said eight months ago. Even though the stands are usually empty, these two have played a pretty entertaining series in the last 10-15 years and play hard. Both need this to keep their bowl hopes alive and both have been wildly inconsistent this year. But it?s our homecoming and we owe them for that clunker of a game last year!

Picks in by Saturday kickoff!
GO CATS!!!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 24 12:10:13 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 12:10:18 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Get a special teams coach now
Message-ID: <1289854510-1256404209-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-2091625762-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

As in right now. 

Bw
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 24 12:47:13 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 12:47:18 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] If a half of football can sum up a season ...
Message-ID: <1635901748-1256406429-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1685791713-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

That one just did. 

NU outgained Indiana, had a first-down advantage by a factor of 2, fewer penalties, no turnovers ... but because of embarrassingly bad special teams, red zone struggles, terrible tackling and killer big plays trails by 11. 

How much more special teams follies can NU endure without making serious changes to how the kicking game is dealt with?? I remain baffled at the lack of attention paid to this utterly crucial part of the game. When will it stop? 

Brad Wilson
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 24 13:11:40 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 13:11:39 2009
Subject: Fw: [NU Sports] Our Offense
Message-ID: <532044743-1256407889-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1098081407-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: neonrye@aol.com
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:06:54 
To: <exequiel.sevilla@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Our Offense

Why not run on first down after nice scramble run by Kafka?  Instead, tired he slips, loses 7 and eventually throws pick.
------Original Message------
From: exequiel.sevilla@gmail.com
To: Gwia6: neonrye@aol.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Our Offense
Sent: Oct 24, 2009 12:47 PM

Not looking good, though the attendance is ok-ish for a cool damp day.  
At least it isn't raining.

IU had the ball for 9:22 of the first. Bad offense supplemented by bad  
playcalling will make this a long afternoon.

On Oct 24, 2009, at 11:27, neonrye@aol.com wrote:

>
> We get pinned at 1 after IU punt.  Concannon has 3 pretty runs up  
> the gut.  So what do we do?  An ill-designed, poorly-executed  
> handoff to Arby in the backfield, where he is going east-west, not n- 
> s.  We don't use him properly.  We just stalled, punted, and big  
> return the other way.  This is getting scary early.
>
> Paul Levinson
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Sat Oct 24 13:19:08 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Sat Oct 24 13:16:49 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Big 10 Network Announcers
Message-ID: <001001ca54d6$7a46df40$6ed49dc0$@com>

Anyone know how you apply for these positions - there are kids doing games on college stations
who are better and more knowledgeable about the spread offense, and the defenses that the guys
doing our game today.

It?s the Jockocracy gone mad!

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================



From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Sat Oct 24 13:37:35 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Sat Oct 24 13:37:39 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Get a special teams coach now
Message-ID: <200910241837.n9OIbZjE018301@romaine.tssi.com>

> As in right now. 

Um, I think we already have the full complement of coaches permitted by
the NCAA.  I cannot think of any college teams that have a coach who ONLY 
does special teams.

That means that you either have to have the head coach take on special 
teams (like Frank Beamer at VT) or have one of the assistants do
double duty.

It is not immediately obvious from the NU website who handles special
teams coaching duties.
--
Mike Nolan

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Sat Oct 24 13:45:41 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Sat Oct 24 13:45:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] What this team REALLY needs
Message-ID: <200910241845.n9OIjfj3018344@romaine.tssi.com>

What this year's Cats team REALLy needs is to set their alarm clocks for
1/2 hour earlier, it seems like they woke up part way through the second
quarter--again!

I was a little worried when they didn't recover that blocked punt, especially
after the next two possessions, but after another goal line stand and
one of the longer drives of the season, now it's anybody's ball game.
--
Mike Nolan

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Sat Oct 24 14:24:01 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:24:03 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Well, what questions have been answered?
Message-ID: <200910241924.n9OJO1A7018631@romaine.tssi.com>

Another crazy game for the Cardiac Cats, but they sure don't make it easy
for themselves or us, do they?
--
Mike Nolan

From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct 24 14:27:32 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:27:51 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Grandma's pump and the Cats
Message-ID: <B3544CC527C6483F9C030773B58F0F73@DennisMachine>

My grandparents had an old hand pump on their farm you could pump it all day and not get any water.  But pour a glass of water in it, and you could pump out water all day.  

The Cats are like that pump.  Then need the opposing team to waterboard them for a quarter or two before they start playing.  At game's end, they have fans' heads swirling.  Kafka plays a gusty game but throws three interceptions.  The running backs do nothing until Concannon starts running in the fourth quarter.  The special teams look like they came right out of the dreadful years, then they block a punt.  The defense gives up a 70-yard run on the first play but pretty much shut down the Indiana running game after that.  And somehow the other coach always manages to make one stupid decision - as in not going for a field goal in an obvious situation or punting to put the Cats deep.  What's with these guys?

Somehow, someway we managed to win this game.  That shows character, but I wish they'd start playing in a way in which they don't NEED to show character at the end because several times this season it hasn't been enough.

Do I dare hope we'll beat Penn State?
From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 24 14:29:07 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:29:14 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Well, what questions have been answered?
Message-ID: <1888380933-1256412535-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-193737315-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

My 56-year-old ticker is nearly shot.  Whar a win!  Saves the season.  I hope Mich. and PSU have a war of attrition tonight.

Paul Levinson
------Original Message------
From: Mike Nolan
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Well, what questions have been answered?
Sent: Oct 24, 2009 3:24 PM

Another crazy game for the Cardiac Cats, but they sure don't make it easy
for themselves or us, do they?
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 24 14:30:08 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:30:16 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Maybe we should start every game down 21-0
Message-ID: <170893390-1256412607-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1844896324-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

I am speechless. Wonderful day!!!

Brad Wilson
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 24 14:41:28 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:41:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] I agree with Dennis ...
Message-ID: <609770587-1256413283-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1341557507-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Bill Lynch's riverboat gambling helped. Another Indy FG may well have been enough. Great jobs on 4th down by the defense. 

Might we hope that last year's defense may be back at last? Good to see Corey get a sack and Nate Williams and Brian Peters were huge. 

Beating Penn State?? Well, maybe if get behind big early ... 

Brad Wilson
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 24 14:35:25 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:43:10 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Special teams coach
Message-ID: <210330642-1256412920-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1386715155-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

NU has a superbacks coach. Might I suggest with all due respect to the superbacks that a special teams coach would be a better use of resources??

Brad Wilson
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 24 14:46:15 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:46:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Pep Rally
Message-ID: <8CC22F9C8247FCC-77BC-2841B@webmail-d010.sysops.aol.com>

Here's an interesting take on Pep Rally & Homecoming Parade:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/277461-an-embarrassing-homecoming-pep-rally-for-northwestern

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 24 14:54:48 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:55:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Morning report ...
Message-ID: <599828.33240.qm@web52907.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Whew ... and wow. It may not have had the flash of past "Cardiac Cat" comebacks (it was more of a slow burn), but today's win over Indiana was both nice to see in terms of team composure and in importance for getting to six wins.

After it was 21-0, I was frustrated and when they ran back the kick to make it 28-3, I was throwing anything not nailed down :) ... but Coach Fitz kept the team focused and they never lost belief that they would come back and win.

And as much as I've been critical of McCall this year, the third down call late (the delayed counter out of the shotgun on 3rd and long for the first) was brilliant and -- as we saw with IU at the end -- needed to run down the clock.

We still have to find a way to navigate a rough final four games, three against teams who are 18-3 and one at an old rival who has the talent to explode at any time (fingers crossed, it's Cincinnati when Juice & Co. wake up - it wouldn't hurt any in the Big Ten and would be a blow to those who think the Big Least deserves to have teams who lost to NC State and Auburn ranked ahead of Michigan or Wisconsin).

Right now, Michigan and PSU seem to be setting up for a back-and-forth thriller, as they always seem to do in Ann Arbor ... and tonight's game is a definite trap for the bumblebees ... we'll see if they can escape.

Around the league early ...

* Yawn on OSU's win. The Buckeyes aren't relevant until November, when they can win the Big Ten, or at least decide what other team does, as they play PSU and Iowa in consecutive weeks.

* Purdue may not make it to a bowl with their early hole, but they will probably be one of the better teams in the league by the end of the season (glad we played 'em early!). The only real thing of interest in that game was hearing a commentator relate a story I hadn't heard on Juice & Benn snitching out some teammates to Coach Zook on a team rule which could explain the disunity in Champaign.

We'll see after tonight how the bowl picture looks for the league, but 5-3 with PSU and Iowa up next is a heck of a lot better than 4-4 and staring at two possible BCS teams.

Happy Homecoming and GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 24 14:59:01 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 24 14:59:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Big 10 Network Announcers
In-Reply-To: <001001ca54d6$7a46df40$6ed49dc0$@com>
Message-ID: <417204.95154.qm@web52910.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

:) - when Kyle Brady and Glen Mason are your "color" guys and DiNardo and Griffin are the studio talent you know you're in trouble.

They should just go with all NU guys instead of trying to balance out former players or coaches from all the league schools -- to call some of these guys slow or dull is being kind.:)

But having the network overall is a good thing, so I'll take it!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Sat Oct 24 16:26:02 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Sat Oct 24 16:22:12 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Get a special teams coach now
In-Reply-To: <200910241837.n9OIbZjE018301@romaine.tssi.com>
References: <200910241837.n9OIbZjE018301@romaine.tssi.com>
Message-ID: <001701ca54f0$967d9fe0$c378dfa0$@com>

Fitz inherited the job as Head Coach AND Special Teams coach from RW. He said as much in his
first press conference - he "had a book on special teams" that he was going to use.

RW apparently played special teams and studied their play at other schools, he did the job the
whole time at NU and maybe even Miami (altho I don't know that for sure).

In any case, Fitz needs to spend less time with the LB's and more with the special teams, and
please contract with a kicking coach in the off season, or better find a volunteer kicker from
the alumni who live in Chicago.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Mike Nolan
Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 2:38 PM
To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Get a special teams coach now

> As in right now. 

Um, I think we already have the full complement of coaches permitted by
the NCAA.  I cannot think of any college teams that have a coach who ONLY 
does special teams.

That means that you either have to have the head coach take on special 
teams (like Frank Beamer at VT) or have one of the assistants do
double duty.

It is not immediately obvious from the NU website who handles special
teams coaching duties.
--
Mike Nolan

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 24 21:43:52 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Sat Oct 24 21:44:00 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...
Message-ID: <73817.73022.qm@web52911.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Wow - what a fantastic game in East Lansing.

One of the nameless Big Ten Network guys mentioned today how Iowa '09 reminded him of Ohio State '02, and I gotta tell you, when Stanzi threw that sideline route with four minutes left in a 6-6 game to get first and goal, I had shades of Krenzel throwing that 4th down sideline route at Purdue in the 3-6 game. Of course, OSU's went for six, while Iowa could only get a field goal - but Stanzi and company came through BIG time at the end. Big win for the Bumblebees.

A huge win for Penn State as well - Michigan has owned JoePa, especially at the Big House and yet the Nits dominated the afternoon game in every phase with an improving offense.

Our next two opponents are 15-1, should be in the top 10 if the pollsters have any brains and are looking more and more like BCS teams. We needed that win against Indiana today!:)

So what does this do to the bowl picture? To the latest crystal ball ...

* On the B(C)S double-dipping, it's looking better and better each day now. The Big XII is a one-bid league unless Texas loses the title game. The ACC and Big East are one-bid leagues every year. The only two Pac 10 teams capable of getting bids play each other next week. The only darkhorse could be those pesky Irish. The pollsters bought Charlie's whining and kept them on the cusp of the top 25 despite having the same record AND LOSING TO Michigan, who was ranked 5-7 spots below them. With another "miracle" win today, the Irish could finish 10-2 and be an attractive spot to fill seats amid the crappy offerings the B(C)S is promising this year. Blech.

The latest guess ...

TITLE GAME: Florida vs. Texas - Until I see Bama look good on offense and defense in a game, the Gators are a lock ... and Texas just has to win out to get payback from being robbed last year.

ROSE BOWL: USC vs. Iowa - With 3 of the final 4 at home, the Hawks only have the OSU road trip left ... and that could be moot in terms of Pasadena if the Bucks lose in Happy Valley the prior week. Iowa's foe will be determined next week in Eugene.

ORANGE BOWL: Penn State vs. Virginia Tech - That weeping you heard earlier was Orange Bowl folks' crying over Miami's loss to Clemson - now it's back to the Hokies ... again ... and no hometown team. So they bring in 11-1 PSU to fill seats in a game that SHOULD be a September east-coast rivalry game every year.

SUGAR BOWL: Alabama vs. Cincinnati - Yawn. Bama better not get creamed by a mid-major again or the Sugar folk will invite LSU instead. As for Cincy, write 'em in now despite all the hype about the new powers in the Big Least -- WV lost to Auburn, Pitt to NC State. Quit trying to make another league sound better than the Big Ten now that the Big XII's overratedness has been exposed, ABC!

FIESTA BOWL: Boise State vs. Notre Dame - It's looking more and more like the Irish will take that last spot, unless TCU makes a run or Oregon keeps it close next week.

CITRUS BOWL: Ohio State vs. LSU - Great defenses, weak offenses.

OUTBACK BOWL: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee - Two annoying young coaches.

CHAMPS BOWL: Michigan vs. Clemson - Party like it's the early 80s!

ALAMO BOWL: Minnesota vs. Nebraska - The Huskers are fading fast but still fill seats, and the MSU @ Minny game next week will decide the Big Ten team.

INSIGHT BOWL: Michigan State vs. Kansas - Again, if we can make this a football/hoops doubleheader THEN you'd sell some tickets!

MOTOR CITY BOWL: Northwestern vs. Central Michigan - Beat the Illini to get to six and the reward is Detroit and a hot QB. Ouch.

Hard to see anyone else in the league getting to six. Indiana has a shot if they can beat Wisky at home (otherwise they have to win at Iowa City or Happy Valley).

Big win today and a great game to cap off the evening. Things certainly step up the next two weeks, but for now at least, the clock tower is purple!:)

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Sat Oct 24 21:55:17 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Sat Oct 24 21:55:05 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] According to Lindsey
Message-ID: <003101ca551e$95611d70$c0235850$@com>

Today's 25 point turnaround is an NU record.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================




From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 24 22:16:08 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 22:16:28 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...
In-Reply-To: <73817.73022.qm@web52911.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <73817.73022.qm@web52911.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <8CC2338A132D6A5-1440-D194@webmail-m076.sysops.aol.com>


Stephen,

Certainly agree with you on the Spartans-Hawkeyes game.  Incredible last few minutes.   I know that Iowa is one of our big rivals, but I know that Ferentz, the team and staff are very good people, having taken my partner and his family under their wings a few years ago when my partner's son needed a very serious brain operation in Iowa City, and then had to spend 6 months there with his mom recuperating.  So I was very happy at the last second TD, especially since it helps the BT keep the 2 BCS invitation scenario more likely.

However, while I don't think we should go overboard about the significance of today's comeback win, I believe we have a realistic shot to finish at 7-5, although 5-7 is certainly a strong possibility as well.  If, and it's a big if, we can get our injured warriors on "D" back for at least the Illini game and then Wisky, even if we lose the next 2 weeks, we can still finish out with a road win and a home win.  The Zookers are reeling and don't have a QB at this point, while we have always played the Badgers tough.  We need to at least make a decent showing against Joe Pa next Sat. with a national ESPN audience (I just looked and the Mich-Illinois match-up, an awful game, is actually on ABC Regional.  What a joke!

If we can continue to run the ball a little (and I am not particularly optimistic that we can), then maybe we can hang in against PSU.  We can't throw every down, as eventually Kafka will throw some picks, which against the Lions will be more devastating than what happened against Indy.

Finally, totally agree with your earlier post.  The misdirection running play (or whatever you call it) that brought us down close to the goal line at the end of the game was one of best calls McCall has ever made.  It totally faked me (and everyone else) out.  However, the double reverse with Markshausen was idiotic.  He is not a speed burner, and that's what is needed on that kind of play.  Instead of playing to his strengths (great hands, great routes, great concentration), it was a play calling for the kind of pure athleticism that he doesn't have.  I don't mean to be critical, by the way, of the player.  He is a noble 'Cat--tough, clutch, focused--even without great speed.  And kudos to Brewer--his TD catch and YAC, breaking the tackle, was thrilling.

We all can be proud of the Purple and White today--greatest comeback ever (25 points down)--no quit--clutch at the end--Fitz has his "young men"back on track, after some very shaky moments.  Today was the "Yin" to the "Yang" of the flop vs. MSU a couple of years ago.  

Paul Levinson


-----Original Message-----
From: SjT (Stephen J. Truog) <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Sat, Oct 24, 2009 10:43 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...



Wow - what a fantastic game in East Lansing.
One of the nameless Big Ten Network guys mentioned today how Iowa '09 reminded 
im of Ohio State '02, and I gotta tell you, when Stanzi threw that sideline 
oute with four minutes left in a 6-6 game to get first and goal, I had shades 
f Krenzel throwing that 4th down sideline route at Purdue in the 3-6 game. Of 
ourse, OSU's went for six, while Iowa could only get a field goal - but Stanzi 
nd company came through BIG time at the end. Big win for the Bumblebees.
A huge win for Penn State as well - Michigan has owned JoePa, especially at the 
ig House and yet the Nits dominated the afternoon game in every phase with an 
mproving offense.
Our next two opponents are 15-1, should be in the top 10 if the pollsters have 
ny brains and are looking more and more like BCS teams. We needed that win 
gainst Indiana today!:)
So what does this do to the bowl picture? To the latest crystal ball ...
* On the B(C)S double-dipping, it's looking better and better each day now. The 
ig XII is a one-bid league unless Texas loses the title game. The ACC and Big 
ast are one-bid leagues every year. The only two Pac 10 teams capable of 
etting bids play each other next week. The only darkhorse could be those pesky 
rish. The pollsters bought Charlie's whining and kept them on the cusp of the 
op 25 despite having the same record AND LOSING TO Michigan, who was ranked 5-7 
pots below them. With another "miracle" win today, the Irish could finish 10-2 
nd be an attractive spot to fill seats amid the crappy offerings the B(C)S is 
romising this year. Blech.
The latest guess ...
TITLE GAME: Florida vs. Texas - Until I see Bama look good on offense and 
efense in a game, the Gators are a lock ... and Texas just has to win out to 
et payback from being robbed last year.
ROSE BOWL: USC vs. Iowa - With 3 of the final 4 at home, the Hawks only have the 
SU road trip left ... and that could be moot in terms of Pasadena if the Bucks 
ose in Happy Valley the prior week. Iowa's foe will be determined next week in 
ugene.
ORANGE BOWL: Penn State vs. Virginia Tech - That weeping you heard earlier was 
range Bowl folks' crying over Miami's loss to Clemson - now it's back to the 
okies ... again ... and no hometown team. So they bring in 11-1 PSU to fill 
eats in a game that SHOULD be a September east-coast rivalry game every year.
SUGAR BOWL: Alabama vs. Cincinnati - Yawn. Bama better not get creamed by a 
id-major again or the Sugar folk will invite LSU instead. As for Cincy, write 
em in now despite all the hype about the new powers in the Big Least -- WV lost 
o Auburn, Pitt to NC State. Quit trying to make another league sound better 
han the Big Ten now that the Big XII's overratedness has been exposed, ABC!
FIESTA BOWL: Boise State vs. Notre Dame - It's looking more and more like the 
rish will take that last spot, unless TCU makes a run or Oregon keeps it close 
ext week.
CITRUS BOWL: Ohio State vs. LSU - Great defenses, weak offenses.
OUTBACK BOWL: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee - Two annoying young coaches.
CHAMPS BOWL: Michigan vs. Clemson - Party like it's the early 80s!
ALAMO BOWL: Minnesota vs. Nebraska - The Huskers are fading fast but still fill 
eats, and the MSU @ Minny game next week will decide the Big Ten team.
INSIGHT BOWL: Michigan State vs. Kansas - Again, if we can make this a 
ootball/hoops doubleheader THEN you'd sell some tickets!
MOTOR CITY BOWL: Northwestern vs. Central Michigan - Beat the Illini to get to 
ix and the reward is Detroit and a hot QB. Ouch.
Hard to see anyone else in the league getting to six. Indiana has a shot if they 
an beat Wisky at home (otherwise they have to win at Iowa City or Happy 
alley).
Big win today and a great game to cap off the evening. Things certainly step up 
he next two weeks, but for now at least, the clock tower is purple!:)
GO CATS!!!
SjT
* * * * * * * * *
TEPHEN J. TRUOG
jtruog@yahoo.com
O CATS!!!

     
_______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sat Oct 24 22:20:02 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 24 22:20:12 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] According to Lindsey
Message-ID: <d2e.4db763fa.38151de2@aol.com>

An amazing comeback, poor Indiana, who can hate those schmucks. On the  
other hand, I will consider this year a great success if we upset Iowa, my all  
time least favorite team, go CATS!!!!!
From johnl at mac.com  Sun Oct 25 00:36:22 2009
From: johnl at mac.com (Labbe John)
Date: Sun Oct 25 00:36:45 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] According to Lindsey
In-Reply-To: <d2e.4db763fa.38151de2@aol.com>
References: <d2e.4db763fa.38151de2@aol.com>
Message-ID: <C4F9A318-792D-42C9-BA45-F0A3F75FDA71@mac.com>

Yeah, I've heard it said several times on TV that our game today was  
our biggest comeback ever in football.  And it's on NUSports.com

When we were down 14-0, I said, "No problem, this is Illinois 1995."
When we were down 21-0, I said, "Minnesota 2000.  We can do this."
When we were down 28-3, I had nothing left to say.

In the 2000 Minnesota game, we overcame a deficit of 35-14 late in the  
third quarter.  That was a more dramatic comeback as we scored 27  
unanswered points all in the final 18 minutes of the game.  I had  
forgotten that in 2007 we also overcame a 35-14 deficit to Minnesota,  
winning in double overtime.

But apparently, those two Minnesota games were our biggest comebacks  
before today.  Which also means we had never before come back from  
21-0, as we did today.

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102409aac.html



On Oct 24, 2009, at 10:20 PM, MHRJGScott@aol.com wrote:

> An amazing comeback, poor Indiana, who can hate those schmucks. On the
> other hand, I will consider this year a great success if we upset  
> Iowa, my all
> time least favorite team, go CATS!!!!!
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From tbng at comcast.net  Sun Oct 25 08:13:44 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sun Oct 25 08:14:03 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] What would you say if . . .
Message-ID: <38577943756343A497BE1E737344E6DE@DennisMachine>

Scott Concannon is named the starting running back?

We spot Penn State three touchdowns so we can start playing from the beginning of the game?

We actually put more than 300 fans in the stands next Saturday?
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sun Oct 25 09:07:38 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sun Oct 25 09:08:08 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Get a special teams coach now
In-Reply-To: <001701ca54f0$967d9fe0$c378dfa0$@com>
References: <200910241837.n9OIbZjE018301@romaine.tssi.com> 
	<001701ca54f0$967d9fe0$c378dfa0$@com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910250707q75137877s5415bac1322dcb8@mail.gmail.com>

All of this talk about getting a special teams coach is really upsetting me
because it's no magic bullet.

For one thing, multiple coaches on NU's staff have had plenty of experience
coaching portions of special teams.  Fitz's primary role is likely to call
the plays on special teams, not to coach all aspects of it.  He utilizes
most assistants to help coach ST, like Hankwitz who has been a DC longer
than Fitz has been involved in organized football, so he has plenty of
experience coaching coverage units.

And on the kicking side, Demos has the skills and has gotten off some
booming kicks/punts before and has shown the ability.  Hiring a ST coach
won't keep his leg from wearing down from handling all kicking duties or to
pick out the most competent kicker/punter.

Yes, the return game hasn't been that strong this year, but NU has had a few
decent returns (like Brewer's following the safety) and has been close to
breaking some others.  A ST coach may help, but then again it's not like NU
has a lack of other coaches who have designed return plays.

Plus, a special teams coach can scheme all they want, but if the guys on the
field don't execute (stay in their lanes, make tackles, get off blocks, make
good kicks, etc.), then it won't do a bit of good.

Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 4:26 PM, Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com>wrote:

> Fitz inherited the job as Head Coach AND Special Teams coach from RW. He
> said as much in his
> first press conference - he "had a book on special teams" that he was going
> to use.
>
> RW apparently played special teams and studied their play at other schools,
> he did the job the
> whole time at NU and maybe even Miami (altho I don't know that for sure).
>
> In any case, Fitz needs to spend less time with the LB's and more with the
> special teams, and
> please contract with a kicking coach in the off season, or better find a
> volunteer kicker from
> the alumni who live in Chicago.
>
> rsl
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
> Computer Applications & Support Associates
> -------------------- Also ----------------------
> Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
> Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
> Northwestern University - Speech 1974 -
> Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
> Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
> ==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
> So...
>     How's that "hope" and "Change"
>     Working for ya?
>
> Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
> ================================================
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On
> Behalf Of Mike Nolan
> Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 2:38 PM
> To: nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com
> Subject: [NU Sports] Get a special teams coach now
>
> > As in right now.
>
> Um, I think we already have the full complement of coaches permitted by
> the NCAA.  I cannot think of any college teams that have a coach who ONLY
> does special teams.
>
> That means that you either have to have the head coach take on special
> teams (like Frank Beamer at VT) or have one of the assistants do
> double duty.
>
> It is not immediately obvious from the NU website who handles special
> teams coaching duties.
> --
> Mike Nolan
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sun Oct 25 09:18:48 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sun Oct 25 09:19:19 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...
In-Reply-To: <8CC2338A132D6A5-1440-D194@webmail-m076.sysops.aol.com>
References: <73817.73022.qm@web52911.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
	<8CC2338A132D6A5-1440-D194@webmail-m076.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910250718n16d69bdds60d49075f78327aa@mail.gmail.com>

I agree, this season still has a ways to go.  Getting within one win of bowl
eligibility was essential at this point to have any hope of postseason play
down the stretch, and with Illinois in full collapse mode one can definitely
see a 6th win there.

One thing that some mentioned at the game was that NU hasn't really played a
"complete game" all season against FBS/I-A competition.  There's basically
always been a relatively inexplicable period of time in each game,
especially for the defense (1st quarter vs. Syracuse, most of 1st half vs
Purdue, 3rd quarter vs MSU, most of 1st half vs Indiana).  If NU could put
together a "complete game" who knows what they're capable of (remembering
they've basically been "in" every game this year).

PSU and Iowa will be VERY tough games, but I suspect that at least one of
them will be a lot closer than many expect.

Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 10:16 PM, <neonrye@aol.com> wrote:

>
> Stephen,
>
> Certainly agree with you on the Spartans-Hawkeyes game.  Incredible last
> few minutes.   I know that Iowa is one of our big rivals, but I know that
> Ferentz, the team and staff are very good people, having taken my partner
> and his family under their wings a few years ago when my partner's son
> needed a very serious brain operation in Iowa City, and then had to spend 6
> months there with his mom recuperating.  So I was very happy at the last
> second TD, especially since it helps the BT keep the 2 BCS invitation
> scenario more likely.
>
> However, while I don't think we should go overboard about the significance
> of today's comeback win, I believe we have a realistic shot to finish at
> 7-5, although 5-7 is certainly a strong possibility as well.  If, and it's a
> big if, we can get our injured warriors on "D" back for at least the Illini
> game and then Wisky, even if we lose the next 2 weeks, we can still finish
> out with a road win and a home win.  The Zookers are reeling and don't have
> a QB at this point, while we have always played the Badgers tough.  We need
> to at least make a decent showing against Joe Pa next Sat. with a national
> ESPN audience (I just looked and the Mich-Illinois match-up, an awful game,
> is actually on ABC Regional.  What a joke!
>
> If we can continue to run the ball a little (and I am not particularly
> optimistic that we can), then maybe we can hang in against PSU.  We can't
> throw every down, as eventually Kafka will throw some picks, which against
> the Lions will be more devastating than what happened against Indy.
>
> Finally, totally agree with your earlier post.  The misdirection running
> play (or whatever you call it) that brought us down close to the goal line
> at the end of the game was one of best calls McCall has ever made.  It
> totally faked me (and everyone else) out.  However, the double reverse with
> Markshausen was idiotic.  He is not a speed burner, and that's what is
> needed on that kind of play.  Instead of playing to his strengths (great
> hands, great routes, great concentration), it was a play calling for the
> kind of pure athleticism that he doesn't have.  I don't mean to be critical,
> by the way, of the player.  He is a noble 'Cat--tough, clutch, focused--even
> without great speed.  And kudos to Brewer--his TD catch and YAC, breaking
> the tackle, was thrilling.
>
> We all can be proud of the Purple and White today--greatest comeback ever
> (25 points down)--no quit--clutch at the end--Fitz has his "young men"back
> on track, after some very shaky moments.  Today was the "Yin" to the "Yang"
> of the flop vs. MSU a couple of years ago.
>
> Paul Levinson
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: SjT (Stephen J. Truog) <sjtruog@yahoo.com>
> To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
> Sent: Sat, Oct 24, 2009 10:43 pm
> Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...
>
>
>
> Wow - what a fantastic game in East Lansing.
> One of the nameless Big Ten Network guys mentioned today how Iowa '09
> reminded
> im of Ohio State '02, and I gotta tell you, when Stanzi threw that sideline
> oute with four minutes left in a 6-6 game to get first and goal, I had
> shades
> f Krenzel throwing that 4th down sideline route at Purdue in the 3-6 game.
> Of
> ourse, OSU's went for six, while Iowa could only get a field goal - but
> Stanzi
> nd company came through BIG time at the end. Big win for the Bumblebees.
> A huge win for Penn State as well - Michigan has owned JoePa, especially at
> the
> ig House and yet the Nits dominated the afternoon game in every phase with
> an
> mproving offense.
> Our next two opponents are 15-1, should be in the top 10 if the pollsters
> have
> ny brains and are looking more and more like BCS teams. We needed that win
> gainst Indiana today!:)
> So what does this do to the bowl picture? To the latest crystal ball ...
> * On the B(C)S double-dipping, it's looking better and better each day now.
> The
> ig XII is a one-bid league unless Texas loses the title game. The ACC and
> Big
> ast are one-bid leagues every year. The only two Pac 10 teams capable of
> etting bids play each other next week. The only darkhorse could be those
> pesky
> rish. The pollsters bought Charlie's whining and kept them on the cusp of
> the
> op 25 despite having the same record AND LOSING TO Michigan, who was ranked
> 5-7
> pots below them. With another "miracle" win today, the Irish could finish
> 10-2
> nd be an attractive spot to fill seats amid the crappy offerings the B(C)S
> is
> romising this year. Blech.
> The latest guess ...
> TITLE GAME: Florida vs. Texas - Until I see Bama look good on offense and
> efense in a game, the Gators are a lock ... and Texas just has to win out
> to
> et payback from being robbed last year.
> ROSE BOWL: USC vs. Iowa - With 3 of the final 4 at home, the Hawks only
> have the
> SU road trip left ... and that could be moot in terms of Pasadena if the
> Bucks
> ose in Happy Valley the prior week. Iowa's foe will be determined next week
> in
> ugene.
> ORANGE BOWL: Penn State vs. Virginia Tech - That weeping you heard earlier
> was
> range Bowl folks' crying over Miami's loss to Clemson - now it's back to
> the
> okies ... again ... and no hometown team. So they bring in 11-1 PSU to fill
> eats in a game that SHOULD be a September east-coast rivalry game every
> year.
> SUGAR BOWL: Alabama vs. Cincinnati - Yawn. Bama better not get creamed by a
> id-major again or the Sugar folk will invite LSU instead. As for Cincy,
> write
> em in now despite all the hype about the new powers in the Big Least -- WV
> lost
> o Auburn, Pitt to NC State. Quit trying to make another league sound better
> han the Big Ten now that the Big XII's overratedness has been exposed, ABC!
> FIESTA BOWL: Boise State vs. Notre Dame - It's looking more and more like
> the
> rish will take that last spot, unless TCU makes a run or Oregon keeps it
> close
> ext week.
> CITRUS BOWL: Ohio State vs. LSU - Great defenses, weak offenses.
> OUTBACK BOWL: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee - Two annoying young coaches.
> CHAMPS BOWL: Michigan vs. Clemson - Party like it's the early 80s!
> ALAMO BOWL: Minnesota vs. Nebraska - The Huskers are fading fast but still
> fill
> eats, and the MSU @ Minny game next week will decide the Big Ten team.
> INSIGHT BOWL: Michigan State vs. Kansas - Again, if we can make this a
> ootball/hoops doubleheader THEN you'd sell some tickets!
> MOTOR CITY BOWL: Northwestern vs. Central Michigan - Beat the Illini to get
> to
> ix and the reward is Detroit and a hot QB. Ouch.
> Hard to see anyone else in the league getting to six. Indiana has a shot if
> they
> an beat Wisky at home (otherwise they have to win at Iowa City or Happy
> alley).
> Big win today and a great game to cap off the evening. Things certainly
> step up
> he next two weeks, but for now at least, the clock tower is purple!:)
> GO CATS!!!
> SjT
> * * * * * * * * *
> TEPHEN J. TRUOG
> jtruog@yahoo.com
> O CATS!!!
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> wu-sports site list
> wu-sports@tssi.com
> ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
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> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Sun Oct 25 10:47:29 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Sun Oct 25 10:47:36 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] 2/3 of the season in the books
Message-ID: <779103.80375.qm@web36801.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

A win is a win, but I cannot mask my disappointment that they spotted Indiana 21 points before they took the game seriously. 

So now we are 5-3. I think NU is now on a new post-season watch list that I call 'bowl questionable'. We may get to 6-6, but I'm not sure we're having a bowl-worthy season. Still, if we sneak in to Detroit - I'll take it. 

We always leave a win on the field (Syracuse this year) and we always steal one that we shouldn't have won. I expect that will still happen in one of our remaining games. Penn State could be a trap game since it's post-Michigan and pre-Ohio State for them. On the road at Iowa seems less likely. If we are 6-5 going into the Wisconsin game knowing that it's for a post-season appearance then we may pull out all the stops and steal one from the Badgers. 

Looking at the bottom half of the conference:
- I assume Purdue, Indiana, and Illinois will not get to 6 wins, but Purdue and Indiana certainly could. 
- 4-4 MSU has @Minnesota, Western Michigan, @Purdue, Penn State. 
- 4-4 Minnesota has MSU, Illinois, South Dakota State, @Iowa. 

So it's possible that the Big Ten could have anywhere from three to five teams at 6-6 at the end of the year. We need our annual upset so that we will not be one of them. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim


      

From DPENDERG at aol.com  Sun Oct 25 10:54:35 2009
From: DPENDERG at aol.com (DPENDERG@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct 25 10:55:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...
Message-ID: <d06.6282b709.3815cebb@aol.com>

 
I think we have to be brutally honest.  To defeat either PSU or  Iowa, Cats 
will have to play a virtually perfect, 60-minute game, a  possibility that 
based on what we've seen this year is quite  remote.  Both the Lions and 
Hawks have so many weapons and any sloppy  tackling, turnovers, or poor OL play 
by the Cats would be lethal.  A win in  either game would be among the 
biggest upsets of the year in college  football.  Cat fans always dream, but the 
reality is much more difficult to  navigate.  
 
 
 
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>  http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
_______________________________________________
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From tbng at comcast.net  Sun Oct 25 13:25:06 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sun Oct 25 13:25:15 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State
References: <779103.80375.qm@web36801.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <F745910FEB5144BFB4A866A4DE2A4123@DennisMachine>

I can tell you that Penn State fans are very worried that NU might be a trap 
game.  I predict we'll either win a close one or lose by 35 or more.  I 
recall losing to Wake Forest and then beating Michigan in '96.  That season 
we got beat up at Penn State, who lost to Iowa, and we proceeded to hammer 
Iowa on the road the following week.  Will we at last peak this week?  Will 
Corey's foot heal? 

From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sun Oct 25 15:52:05 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sun Oct 25 15:52:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] I agree on beating Iowa
Message-ID: <733297285-1256503918-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1467359838-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Who I detest almost as much as Illinois, but why stop there? Let's warm up for the Bumblebees by decking Penn State this Saturday!  

Brad Wilson
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From CHerron604 at aol.com  Sun Oct 25 17:49:51 2009
From: CHerron604 at aol.com (CHerron604@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct 25 17:50:18 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Pep Rally
Message-ID: <c57.62601522.3816300f@aol.com>

I am glad Aaron Morse has an opinion.  Perhaps next time he'll share  it 
with his 6 friends, and spare the rest of us.  
 
If our pep rallies arent up to Aaron's standards (Texas A&M ?   Ohio State 
?), that's unfortunate.
 
If Aaron is bothered that students express thoughts deeper than 'Go Cats!'  
or 'IU sucks!' then he should probably follow some other program...
 
We expect our administration to handle pep rallies and parades  poorly.  
They're here to hire professors.
 
Chuck Herron   Tech '85
 
 
In a message dated 10/24/2009 2:49:46 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
neonrye@aol.com writes:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/277461-an-embarrassing-homecoming-pep-ral
ly-for-northwestern


From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Sun Oct 25 19:00:08 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Sun Oct 25 19:00:52 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...
In-Reply-To: <d06.6282b709.3815cebb@aol.com>
References: <d06.6282b709.3815cebb@aol.com>
Message-ID: <01910DA2-B529-4583-890F-37362C5CB2B6@covisint.com>

I don't think we have to play a perfect game to win.

Our d just has to keep the game close so that we can steal something  
at the end.

That's one area where we may have an advantage over PSU.

If they play a flat game and we can win the turn over battle, we know  
how to score at the end of the game.

Also pray for terrible weather. That may help keep the game close too.

Jeff

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 25, 2009, at 11:55 AM, "DPENDERG@aol.com" <DPENDERG@aol.com>  
wrote:

>
>
> I think we have to be brutally honest.  To defeat either PSU or   
> Iowa, Cats
> will have to play a virtually perfect, 60-minute game, a   
> possibility that
> based on what we've seen this year is quite  remote.  Both the Lions  
> and
> Hawks have so many weapons and any sloppy  tackling, turnovers, or  
> poor OL play
> by the Cats would be lethal.  A win in  either game would be among the
> biggest upsets of the year in college  football.  Cat fans always  
> dream, but the
> reality is much more difficult to  navigate.
>
>
>
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> >  http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> 
The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

> nwu-sports  site  list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>

From DPENDERG at aol.com  Sun Oct 25 19:35:14 2009
From: DPENDERG at aol.com (DPENDERG@aol.com)
Date: Sun Oct 25 19:35:39 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...
Message-ID: <c4f.53d4ff9a.381648c2@aol.com>

 
I don't think we have the comparable athletic talent to stay with PSU  
unless we avoid turnovers, penalties, sloppy tackling and poor blocking.   
Whether or not that qualifies as a "perfect" game, I guess, depends on  one's own 
definition.  But we have to play substantially better than we  have in any 
game this season against PSU or Iowa to have even a remote  chance to win.  
I doubt either team will be flat at this time of the  year and so much at 
stake.  
 
 
In a message dated 10/25/2009 8:00:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
Jeff.Beamsley@covisint.com writes:

 
I don't think we have to play a perfect game to win.


Our d just has to keep the game close so that we can steal something at  
the end.


That's one area where we may have an advantage over PSU. 


If they play a flat game and we can win the turn over battle, we know how  
to score at the end of the game.


Also pray for terrible weather. That may help keep the game close  too. 


Jeff 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 25, 2009, at 11:55 AM, "_DPENDERG@aol.com_ (mailto:DPENDERG@aol.com) 
" <_DPENDERG@aol.com_ (mailto:DPENDERG@aol.com) > wrote:






I think we have to be brutally honest.  To defeat  either PSU or  Iowa, Cats
will have to play a virtually perfect,  60-minute game, a  possibility that
based on what we've seen this  year is quite  remote.  Both the Lions and
Hawks have so many  weapons and any sloppy  tackling, turnovers, or poor OL 
play
by the  Cats would be lethal.  A win in  either game would be among  the
biggest upsets of the year in college  football.  Cat fans  always dream, 
but the
reality is much more difficult to   navigate. 



> nwu-sports site list
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(http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports) 
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From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Sun Oct 25 20:05:50 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Sun Oct 25 20:07:07 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Evening report ...
In-Reply-To: <c4f.53d4ff9a.381648c2@aol.com>
References: <c4f.53d4ff9a.381648c2@aol.com>
Message-ID: <49B1C7C5-F88D-4F1E-92A0-8E3E201F13BB@covisint.com>

I agree that PSU has better athletes and on most days would beat our  
guys.

Fortunately our guys only have to play them once next Saturday.

Anything can happen in a one game series.

Our guys came out flat last week. PSU could easy do the same this week.

I agree that in order to keep it close we have to win the turnover  
battle. Beyond that, it's hard to say what the key plays will be that  
keep the game close.

Bottom line:  we don't have to make every play to win. We just have to  
keep the game close, but we'll need their help to do it.

Jeff

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 25, 2009, at 8:35 PM, "DPENDERG@aol.com" <DPENDERG@aol.com>  
wrote:

> I don't think we have the comparable athletic talent to stay with  
> PSU unless we avoid turnovers, penalties, sloppy tackling and poor  
> blocking.  Whether or not that qualifies as a "perfect" game, I  
> guess, depends on one's own definition.  But we have to play  
> substantially better than we  have in any game this season against  
> PSU or Iowa to have even a remote chance to win.  I doubt either  
> team will be flat at this time of the year and so much at stake.
>
>
> In a message dated 10/25/2009 8:00:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Jeff.Beamsley@covisint.com 
>  writes:
> I don't think we have to play a perfect game to win.
>
> Our d just has to keep the game close so that we can steal something  
> at the end.
>
> That's one area where we may have an advantage over PSU.
>
> If they play a flat game and we can win the turn over battle, we  
> know how to score at the end of the game.
>
> Also pray for terrible weather. That may help keep the game close too.
>
> Jeff
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Oct 25, 2009, at 11:55 AM, "DPENDERG@aol.com" <DPENDERG@aol.com>  
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I think we have to be brutally honest.  To defeat either PSU or   
>> Iowa, Cats
>> will have to play a virtually perfect, 60-minute game, a   
>> possibility that
>> based on what we've seen this year is quite  remote.  Both the  
>> Lions and
>> Hawks have so many weapons and any sloppy  tackling, turnovers, or  
>> poor OL play
>> by the Cats would be lethal.  A win in  either game would be among  
>> the
>> biggest upsets of the year in college  football.  Cat fans always  
>> dream, but the
>> reality is much more difficult to  navigate.
>>
>>
>>
>> > nwu-sports site list
>> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
>> >  http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>> >
>>
>
> The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee  
> only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you  
> are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy  
> or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in  
> error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.
>>
>> nwu-sports  site  list
>> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nwu-sports site list
>> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>
>>
>
>
From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 26 11:44:43 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Mon Oct 26 11:44:52 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Random Indiana Game Musings
In-Reply-To: <733297285-1256503918-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1467359838-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <30855.35614.qm@web33107.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Busy weekend, some belated thoughts:

As Indiana was lining up to snap the ball from their own 1 yard line, I just about wet myself when I realized that we had a #47 lined up at CB in place of the familiar #24. I could practically see the game-clinching 99-yard TD pass happening before my eyes as I went diving under my bleacher seat for the roster printout. 

Of course, as we now know, Mr. Weina was a key to the victory. Sure, the blocked punt was huge (watching the game tape, he almost had one earlier in the game as well), but the real key was his solid defensive play through that second half. Welcome to the annals of Wildcat history Mr. Weina. I surely hope McManis is back at full speed next week, but I'm positive we'll be seeing more of #47 in the weeks and years to come. 

And how about Concannon? Having been semi-impressed with him in spring and fall scrimmages, I've been kind of intrigued to see what he could do when it really mattered, and it turns out, he can do quite a lot. 

Granted, he had more room to run that Arby did, but he also made a lot more out of the holes that were there. I still have high hopes and expectations for Arby, but right now, Concannon seems much more adept and finding room and finishing runs. He also had a key blitz pickup on the TD bomb to Brewer. 

The second coming of Tyrell Sutton? Nope. But someone who might play a role in more victories down the road? Absolutely. 

Finally, please, please, please: no more rugby style punts. Ever. And that's not just hindsight--I was going ballastic when I saw Demos going rugby-style the second time out, even before he line-drived the thing into a long return. 

Sure, the rugby thing can work, and has for us at times, but Demos' percentage on those things is just too low. For every long, unreturnable roller, her shanks a couple out of bounds or line-drivers one straight to the returner. Demos does just fine regular" style punting, and has enough on his plate practicing that in addition to FG and KO duties. So, ditch the rugby thing forever. 

Looking ahead, can we beat Penn State? I think it's possible. We probably need some injured bodies back. I do think the D will be stout enough to keep things close, but the offense is going to have to be a lot sharper throughout. I'll go ahead and drink my Kool Aid and believe it can happen. 

In the meantime, props to the Cats for showing a ton of heart and desire, if not always perfect execution.

Tom


From cherron604 at aol.com  Mon Oct 26 15:55:18 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 26 15:55:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
Message-ID: <8CC2495C26E4515-1A48-2887D@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>


Saw that this weeks game is opening at 13.5, that seems a little low.  Also, unless we can pull off a major upset either hosting Penn State or hosting Wisconsin, It looks like we are destined to spend Saturday, December 26 in Detroit (or at least from 1 to 4 pm).  Has this game typically been a day game ?

I'm assuming 

Iowa           12-0  BCS-1
Penn State  11-1 BCS-2
Wisconsin   10-2 Citrus (or whatever they call it now)
Ohio State    8-4  Outback
Michigan      7-5  Alamo
Michigan St  7-5  Tempe
Minnesota    6-6  Champs
NU               6-6   Detroit

I'd love Tempe or Orlando #2, but without the upsets, I don't see any possibility.  Not even a shot at an exotic wildcard berth - Indiana, Purdue and Illinois won't reach 6.  Does anybody think that we might beat out the Gophers for the 6th Big Ten Bowl ?  Or does 20,000 attendance make that impossible ?

Well at least the travel might work out ok - flights to Detroit should be light on Christmas night, and return flights shouldn't be bad on a Saturday night.

I really wish we'd drop this Detroit bowl - most don't want to attend at all, and those that do will probably spend about 24 hours in Detroit, maybe one hotel night and 2 meals.

Another sad fact is that had we gone 9-3 this year, like last year, we probably would have been bumped down below the two 7-5 teams, and fallen to the Champs bowl instead of the Alamo.

Chuck Herron   Tech '85
From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Mon Oct 26 16:09:40 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Mon Oct 26 16:10:21 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <8CC2495C26E4515-1A48-2887D@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC2495C26E4515-1A48-2887D@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910261409n2f455bf2s4d6ce9ed2bb789c2@mail.gmail.com>

Note that the Champs Sports Bowl (Orlando) picks ahead of the Alamo and
behind the Outback Bowls this year.  Otherwise, your bowl pick order is
correct.

That's also assuming that all of the teams win the games that they are
supposed to win, and as we've already seen, that's a big jump.  It's still
early to start making huge assumptions (although NU at 6-6 is a fairly safe
bet), since big Iowa @ OSU and OSU @ PSU games are still left on the slate.

Finally, keep in mind that last year just 4 bowl eligible teams in FBS/I-A
were left at home: Bowling Green, San Jose State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and
Arkansas State.  All bowl eligible teams from BCS conferences got to go
somewhere.  There are 34 bowl games (68 spots) this year.  As of today,
there are 74 teams with .500 or better records in FBS/I-A.  That means even
if NU ends up 6-6 and the Big Ten doesn't get a second BCS berth, there
could still be an open spot somewhere.

But I wouldn't start getting too worked up until NU does lock up that 6th
win and we have a better idea how the rest of the conference is doing,
especially with some big games coming up as well as some games between teams
in the middle that will help thin out the herd (6 Big Ten teams have either
4 or 5 wins right now and nobody has technically been eliminated from bowl
contention yet).

Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 3:55 PM, <cherron604@aol.com> wrote:

>
> Saw that this weeks game is opening at 13.5, that seems a little low.
>  Also, unless we can pull off a major upset either hosting Penn State or
> hosting Wisconsin, It looks like we are destined to spend Saturday, December
> 26 in Detroit (or at least from 1 to 4 pm).  Has this game typically been a
> day game ?
>
> I'm assuming
>
> Iowa           12-0  BCS-1
> Penn State  11-1 BCS-2
> Wisconsin   10-2 Citrus (or whatever they call it now)
> Ohio State    8-4  Outback
> Michigan      7-5  Alamo
> Michigan St  7-5  Tempe
> Minnesota    6-6  Champs
> NU               6-6   Detroit
>
> I'd love Tempe or Orlando #2, but without the upsets, I don't see any
> possibility.  Not even a shot at an exotic wildcard berth - Indiana, Purdue
> and Illinois won't reach 6.  Does anybody think that we might beat out the
> Gophers for the 6th Big Ten Bowl ?  Or does 20,000 attendance make that
> impossible ?
>
> Well at least the travel might work out ok - flights to Detroit should be
> light on Christmas night, and return flights shouldn't be bad on a Saturday
> night.
>
> I really wish we'd drop this Detroit bowl - most don't want to attend at
> all, and those that do will probably spend about 24 hours in Detroit, maybe
> one hotel night and 2 meals.
>
> Another sad fact is that had we gone 9-3 this year, like last year, we
> probably would have been bumped down below the two 7-5 teams, and fallen to
> the Champs bowl instead of the Alamo.
>
> Chuck Herron   Tech '85
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Mon Oct 26 16:17:02 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Mon Oct 26 16:17:37 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <8CC2495C26E4515-1A48-2887D@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC2495C26E4515-1A48-2887D@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02AB4C9F@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

If we beat PSU, they will have two losses with a tough game to play at
OSU.  They could drop out of the BCS.

Hopefully, though, that win even at 6-6 would leapfrog us over MN.

Which means we go to Detroit and MN stays home.  

The REAL problem with the Motor City Bowl is not the location.  Those
who have attended previous games can attest that Ford Field is probably
one of the best indoor facility in the country.  Since I can see the
field out my office window, I can also attest that there are a lot to do
in the area too. 

The REAL problem is that CMU has a very good football team and will
likely beat either MN or NU.

Jeff 


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
On Behalf Of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 4:55 PM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes


Saw that this weeks game is opening at 13.5, that seems a little low.
Also, unless we can pull off a major upset either hosting Penn State or
hosting Wisconsin, It looks like we are destined to spend Saturday,
December 26 in Detroit (or at least from 1 to 4 pm).  Has this game
typically been a day game ?

I'm assuming 

Iowa           12-0  BCS-1
Penn State  11-1 BCS-2
Wisconsin   10-2 Citrus (or whatever they call it now)
Ohio State    8-4  Outback
Michigan      7-5  Alamo
Michigan St  7-5  Tempe
Minnesota    6-6  Champs
NU               6-6   Detroit

I'd love Tempe or Orlando #2, but without the upsets, I don't see any
possibility.  Not even a shot at an exotic wildcard berth - Indiana,
Purdue and Illinois won't reach 6.  Does anybody think that we might
beat out the Gophers for the 6th Big Ten Bowl ?  Or does 20,000
attendance make that impossible ?

Well at least the travel might work out ok - flights to Detroit should
be light on Christmas night, and return flights shouldn't be bad on a
Saturday night.

I really wish we'd drop this Detroit bowl - most don't want to attend at
all, and those that do will probably spend about 24 hours in Detroit,
maybe one hotel night and 2 meals.

Another sad fact is that had we gone 9-3 this year, like last year, we
probably would have been bumped down below the two 7-5 teams, and fallen
to the Champs bowl instead of the Alamo.

Chuck Herron   Tech '85
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 26 16:31:51 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Mon Oct 26 16:31:57 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <8CC2495C26E4515-1A48-2887D@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <937461.78062.qm@web33104.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

> Saw that this weeks game is opening at 13.5, that seems a
> little low.? Also, unless we can pull off a major upset
> either hosting Penn State or hosting Wisconsin, It looks
> like we are destined to spend Saturday, December 26 in
> Detroit (or at least from 1 to 4 pm).? Has this game
> typically been a day game ?

Frankly, I don't think we deserve to go to a bowl game if we end the season 6-6. 

Assuming the mostly likely 6-6 scenario (beating Illinois, losing to PSU, Iowa, and Wisconsin), we really won't have beaten anyone good. Just check (for example) the Sagarin ratings for our opponents--it's not pretty. 

Now, give me 7-5 season with a win over any one of those three, and it's a different story. 

Aside from some admitted loss-of-faith during the first half on Saturday (and thank goodness the team had more confidence in its abilities than I did), I do think we are capable of beating anyone left on the schedule. Maybe. Barely.

Who knows, maybe we'll beat everyone left. Where would we end up then?

Tom



From artmiller_news at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 26 17:05:53 2009
From: artmiller_news at yahoo.com (Arthur Miller)
Date: Mon Oct 26 17:10:48 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <937461.78062.qm@web33104.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <528233.82494.qm@web113808.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>



--- On Mon, 10/26/09, Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com> wrote:

> From: Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
> Frankly, I don't think we deserve to go to a bowl game if
> we end the season 6-6. 
> 
> Assuming the mostly likely 6-6 scenario (beating Illinois,
> losing to PSU, Iowa, and Wisconsin), we really won't have
> beaten anyone good. Just check (for example) the Sagarin
> ratings for our opponents--it's not pretty. 

Absolutely right, Tom. God knows I love our Cats, but if all we can manage over the rest of the season is to beat Illinois, we will be one of the least-qualified bowl teams in history.


      

From NEONRye at aol.com  Mon Oct 26 17:45:16 2009
From: NEONRye at aol.com (NEONRye@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 26 17:45:48 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
Message-ID: <d36.57327c07.3817807c@aol.com>

Have to lend my support to Tom's and Art's spot-on comments.    Assuming we 
beat the Illini, unless we win one of the remaining "Big 3", here's  whom 
we will have beaten to "achieve" bowl eligibility:
 
Towson
E. Michigan
Purdue
Miami Ohio
Indiana
Illinois 
 
Not exactly a "Murderers Row", with a couple of the foes having no wins or  
1 or 2 wins at most.  And, couple that with that painful loss at 'Cuse  
(which, while improved, is still a horrible team), and we will barely be  
deserving, as much as I hate to admit it.  Yet I still see a silver lining  
through this cloud.
 
If we can upset Joe Pa, Bumblebees or Bucky, then we're talking.  And  I 
remain hopeful that there is one "statement" game left in Fitz's "tank" for  
this team.  One game, as others have stated, where the team plays Four  
inspired, gutsy, competent, mistake-free Quarters of football, and shocks the  
world.  As I noted Sat. night in a post, in order for this dream scenario  to 
be realistic, we need to "get healthy" in a hurry.  Our decimated  Secondary 
and Offensive Backfield must each regain some players who have been  
sidelined.  And finally, Corey Wooton has to find the formula that made him  a 
projected First Rounder.  He seemed to have more spark last week, and I  think 
maybe this Saturday will be his breakout game, as his foot heals and his  
knee gets stronger.  The goal-line stand by the "D" vs. Indy is something  
that has to give that unit a lot of confidence that they are getting back to 
the  standards set by last year's squad, even with all of the injuries to  
overcome.  
 
Paul Levinson
From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Mon Oct 26 19:10:42 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Mon Oct 26 19:11:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
Message-ID: <d5f.5b505c7a.38179482@aol.com>

Right on, how about all three, you say I'm a dreamer?
 
If we can upset Joe Pa, Bumblebees or Bucky, then we're  talking
From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 26 21:19:52 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Mon Oct 26 21:20:01 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <8CC2495C26E4515-1A48-2887D@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <591246.32903.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

First off, if we get to six wins, we ABSOLUTELY deserve a bowl. There are PLENTY of less qualified six-win, seven-win or even eight-win teams (have you SEEN the Big East?!?!). Plus, we've been left home a few times with six wins.

That's the way this idiotic B(C)S system is set up - there is no incentive to play tough teams outside of league play. We played by the same rules as everyone else, we got six wins ... therefore we deserve to get the extra practice and mid-level exposure of a mid-level bowl. Besides, NU is not a program that can turn its nose up at a bowl yet. Maybe someday, but for now, we'll take the bowl. Will Notre Dame turn down a B(C)S bid if they get in at 10-2 against an awful schedule? Hecks no!

Secondly ... Jeff's absolutely right about Detroit. Great stadium, nice downtown - it's just a no-win game for any Big Ten team. A loss is an embarrassment, a win is no big deal (even though the MAC is underrated). Central Michigan is a DARN good team. Their loss was to Arizona (a top 20 team) - they won at MSU. They certainly deserve just as much consideration for the top 25 right now as Houston (who gave up 50+ to UTEP ... UTEP!!!) or Pitt (who lost at woeful NC State) or BYU (blown out at home vs. FSU/TCU ... beat overrated OU).

Finally, as for Chuck's bowl picks, aside from the Alamo/Champs order, I'd agree right now (OSU could top Wisky if they beat Iowa). The Big Ten is looking more and more like a lock for the B(C)S if PSU and Iowa win out (or even if Iowa loses at OSU, since they'd still go to Pasadena).

- SEC = 2 bids ... only question is Bama/LSU for Sugar vs. Cincy
- Big East = 1 bid ... despite the ABC hype, this is a woeful league as the Mountaineers were crushed by Auburn at home and Pitt lost at NC State
- ACC = 1 bid ... Miami looked like a possible second, but they blew it and Georgia Tech doesn't have following to get an at-large bid ... plus, everyone in that league will be 6-6 by December anyway.
- Big XII = 1 bid ... Okie State blew their chance vs. Houston unless they take Texas to the brink on Saturday, and Nebraska has utterly collapsed after looking like a strong contender, so unless someone upsets the Horns, it's one and done.
- Pac 10 = 1 bid ... the only two teams capable of meriting an at-large bid play each other this week and will give the loser a second loss. If it's a close game and TCU or ND trips up, they could sneak another in.
- At-large = 1 bid, possible 2 ... Boise State seems to be in, TCU is surging but still has Utah and Notre Dame is lurking thanks to Charlie's whining. Hmmm ...

Mack whines and jumps Cal to get the at-large bid.
St. Urban whines and magically leapfrogs Michigan for a title shot.
Charlie whines and get ranked ahead of a Michigan team with the same record WHO THE IRISH LOST TO ... and keeps their BCS hope alive.

Lloyd Carr, who whined about nearly everything during his tenure, stays silent and "dignified" and watches a title shot slip away.

The lesson? Crying works in the B(C)S. Just reason #24601 that the B(C)S absolutely and utterly sucks ... though still not as much as major league baseball. :)

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 26 23:22:23 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Mon Oct 26 23:22:31 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Standings and Polls
Message-ID: <488483.8026.qm@web52904.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Week 9 lineup on the way, but first to the standings ...

No upset specials came through in week 9, though some of you were this/close on Bama or MSU! There was one unanimous pick -- USC over Oregon State -- and even that wasn't safe most of the night.

No upsets meant a good week for most people -- especially our top five, who continued to distance themselves from the pack with 9-1 or 10-0 marks.

We also have some new entrants into the standings as they reached the required 3/4 participation level - let's hope they stay in for the long haul, as we're nearing the 2/3 mark on the season.

To the big board ...

TW  Name              Wk 8   Record   Pct.    US  Ovrl  WP
----------------------------------------------------------
 1) B. Taylor         10-0    76-19   .800     0    2    8
 1) A. Wolfson         9-1    76-19   .800     0    2    8
 3) M. Zilka           9-1    66-19   .776     0    0    7
 4) J. Hodges         10-0    72-23   .758     0    0    8
 4) T. McAdams         9-1    72-23   .758     0    2    8
 6) M. Ament           9-1    70-25   .737     0    2    8
 7) C. Herron         10-0    58-22   .725     0    0    7
 8) I. Embrekts        ---    50-20   .714     0    2    6
 9) B. Waldele         8-2    46-19   .708     0    2    6
10) C. Rossi           9-1    66-29   .695     0    3    8
11) R. Stahl           6-4    65-30   .684     0    4    8
12) E. Steffe          8-2    54-26   .675     0    1    7
13) C. Zahn            8-2    50-25   .667     0    1    6
14) S. Truog           7-3    63-32   .663     0    1    8
15) J. Bendat          9-1    43-22   .662     0    4    6
16) B. Wilson          ---    49-26   .653     0    0    6
17) K. Sevilla         8-2    61-34   .642     0    1    8
18) B. Winkler         7-3    50-30   .625     0    1    7
19) P. Groves          ---    44-31   .587     0    0    6
20) J. Leonard         7-3    54-41   .568     0    1    8
21) L. Martinaitis     ---    47-38   .553     0    1    7
22) A. McInturff       5-5    52-43   .547     0    4    8
-----
xx) R. Bradshaw        ---    22- 8   .733     0    0    2
xx) P. Wolfe           ---    18-12   .600     0    0    2
xx) C. Bailey          ---    14- 1   .933     0    0    1
xx) S. Wolfson         ---    12- 3   .800     0    0    1
xx) J. Wall            ---    11- 4   .733     0    0    1

And now for the latest rankings ...

LW TW SjTOP 25
==============
01 01 FLORIDA (7-0) ? Sloppy, but still the team to beat
02 02 TEXAS (7-0) ? Finally looked like a contendah
03 03 IOWA (8-0) ? Thrilling finish = team of destiny?
04 04 ALABAMA (7-0) ? Virtual loss = no threat to Gators
05 05 BOISE STATE (7-0) ? Holding BCS breath that TCU loses
07 06 CINCINNATI (7-0) ? Rolling through a weak league
12 07 TCU (8-0) ? Finally a win to merit BCS consideration
06 08 SOUTHERN CAL (6-1) ? Huge showdown with Ducks next
08 09 LSU (6-1) ? Big game with Bama looms for Tigers
09 10 PENN STATE (7-1) ? Erased Maize Mental Block with ease
11 11 OREGON (6-1) ? Could they be the ones to finally unseat SC?
13 12 OKLAHOMA STATE (6-1) ? Title on the line when Texas visits
14 13 GEORGIA TECH (7-1) ? Need Hokies to lose for BCS shot
15 14 VIRGINIA TECH (5-2) ? Back in driver?s seat for Orange Bowl
16 15 OHIO STATE (6-2) ? Still hold Pasadena in their hands
17 16 UTAH (6-1) ? Big game ahead with TCU for possible BCS shot
23 17 SOUTH CAROLINA (6-2) ? Spurrier as Gator?s only threat?
10 18 MIAMI (5-2) ? Blew their chance at the BCS ? doh!
24 19 MISSISSIPPI (5-2) ? Still not out of the SEC hunt
25 20 WISCONSIN (5-2) ? Got to rest up for stretch run
NR 21 ARIZONA (5-2) ? A darkhorse in the Pac 10 race?
NR 22 PITTSBURGH (7-1) ? Still uneasy about Big Least ?
NR 23 WEST VIRGINIA (6-1) ? ? but running out of teams
NR 24 CALIFORNIA (5-2) ? Two big losses, but to good teams
NR 25 CENTRAL MICHIGAN (7-1) ? A better alt. than Houston!

DROPPED OUT: (18) South Florida, (19) Boston College, (20) BYU, (21) Kansas, (22) Michigan
ON THE VERGE: Houston, Notre Dame

Picks coming next!
GO CATS!!!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 26 23:23:27 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Mon Oct 26 23:23:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PIGSKIN PICKS - Week 9
Message-ID: <928732.8966.qm@web52904.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Here's the lineup for week nine. Picks due by Saturday ...

PIGSKIN PICKS ? WEEK NINE

One one hand, I?m thrilled that the Cats and Saints showed that they can come back from 28-3 and 24-3 deficits respectively last week ? on the other hand, THAT WAS NOT FUN (well, until the end at least)! ?

It?s not a deep week in terms of big games, and the Big Ten is saving the rest of their mega-matchups for November, but we have what is essentially a battle for the Pac 10 title in Eugene and one for the Big XII title in Stillwater.
	
No Thursday night game, so get the picks in by kickoff Saturday!

PIGSKIN PICKS ? WEEK 9
======================
Name: 

BIG TEN
-------
GAME 1: Michigan @ Illinois
WINNER: 

GAME 2: Indiana @ Iowa
WINNER: 

GAME 3: Michigan State @ Minnesota
WINNER: 

GAME 4: Purdue @ Wisconsin
WINNER: 

GAME 5: New Mexico State @ Ohio State
WINNER: 

NATIONAL
--------
GAME 6: Florida vs. Georgia (@ Jacksonville)
WINNER: 

GAME 7: Texas @ Oklahoma State
WINNER: 

GAME 8: Southern Cal @ Oregon
WINNER: 

GAME 9: South Carolina @ Tennessee
WINNER: 

GAME 10: Central Michigan @ Boston College
WINNER: 

MY PICKS
========
* MICHIGAN 41, Illinois 27 ? You get the feeling Illinois is going to sneak out one with their talent, but I just can?t pick it until I see it.

* IOWA 24, Indiana 9 ? The Hawkeyes have an early letdown at home, but pull away in the second half.

* MINNESOTA 27, Michigan State 21 ? The road to Tempe begins here! A big game for bowl pecking order, but not much else ? go with the home team.

* WISCONSIN 31, Purdue 23 ? Will the ?New Hope Brigade? play away from Ross-Ade? Could be a dangerous game for Bucky, but at home they pull it out.

* OHIO STATE 37, New Mexico State 7 ? I guess the Bucks can take this week off with a brutal November schedule ahead.

* FLORIDA 45, Georgia 17 ? Remember when this used to be a good game?

* TEXAS 28, Oklahoma State 17 ? A week ago ? or with White back ? I might like the Cowpoke upset at home, but McCoy and the Horns see Pasadena in front of them and aren?t going to let it slip away on the road this year.

* USC 47, Oregon 34 ? Should be a fun shootout under the lights in Autzen ? the Ducks have come a long way since Boise State and I?m cheering for them, but until proven otherwise, SC is king of the west.

* SOUTH CAROLINA 16, Tennessee 9 ? Could be an upset here, but Kiffin?s no Spurrier yet, and the ole? ball coach loves beating up on the Vols.

* CENTRAL MICHIGAN 35, Boston College 31 ? The Chippewas certainly deserve just as much top 25 consideration as ?we gave up a bazillion points to UTEP? Houston or ?we lost at sucky sucky NC State? Pitt ? they get some measure of respect with another big road win over a BCS conference team here.

And off the board ?

* PENN STATE 34, Northwestern 17 ? The Cats can?t dig an early hole this week, as the Lions are starting to click on offense. PSU might be looking ahead to OSU, but the Lions pull away after halftime.

Picks in by Saturday kickoff!
GO CATS!!!
GEAUX SAINTS!!!
-SjT




* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


      

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Tue Oct 27 08:46:13 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Tue Oct 27 08:46:44 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <591246.32903.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <8CC2495C26E4515-1A48-2887D@webmail-m093.sysops.aol.com> 
	<591246.32903.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910270646p2d7c2b97pd668b5da48e4298e@mail.gmail.com>

Regarding your BCS bid scenarios:

- SEC: 2, I agree - they're almost guaranteed 2 at this point.
- At-Large: 1, There is no way that 2 get in.  Only the top ranked team is
guaranteed a spot out of the non-automatic qualifiers, and as we saw last
year (when TCU was eligible but didn't get in), there is no way they'll take
a school with a smaller fan base if they don't have to.
- ACC: 1-2, Georgia Tech has essentially punched a ticket to the ACC
championship game unless they slip up against Wake Forest or Duke (the only
ACC teams they have left on the schedule).  Virginia Tech is dangerous since
they're 5-2 and still highly ranked; if GT gets the automatic bid, VT could
still get an at-large spot.
- Big XII: 1, Barring a big upset (OkSt over Texas this week or a Texas loss
in the championship game), it looks like Texas or bust.  But remember that
big upsets have happened here before.
- Big East: 1, Pitt, Cincy, and WVa all still play each other and will
likely get only one spot between the three.
- Pac-10: 1-2, USC-Oregon is a huge game this week, but the loser could
still sneak in.
- Big Ten: 1-2, OSU still plays both PSU and Iowa, but all must avoid upsets
down the stretch to stay in contention.
- ND: possible, like others have mentioned they're #23 now and all they need
to do is get to #14 or higher to be eligible (#8 or higher makes it
automatic).  They're toughest remaining opponent is Pitt.

So, with just 10 bids there are likely to be up to 12 legitimate contenders;
be wary of those upsets down the stretch.

Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 9:19 PM, SjT (Stephen J. Truog)
<sjtruog@yahoo.com>wrote:

> First off, if we get to six wins, we ABSOLUTELY deserve a bowl. There are
> PLENTY of less qualified six-win, seven-win or even eight-win teams (have
> you SEEN the Big East?!?!). Plus, we've been left home a few times with six
> wins.
>
> That's the way this idiotic B(C)S system is set up - there is no incentive
> to play tough teams outside of league play. We played by the same rules as
> everyone else, we got six wins ... therefore we deserve to get the extra
> practice and mid-level exposure of a mid-level bowl. Besides, NU is not a
> program that can turn its nose up at a bowl yet. Maybe someday, but for now,
> we'll take the bowl. Will Notre Dame turn down a B(C)S bid if they get in at
> 10-2 against an awful schedule? Hecks no!
>
> Secondly ... Jeff's absolutely right about Detroit. Great stadium, nice
> downtown - it's just a no-win game for any Big Ten team. A loss is an
> embarrassment, a win is no big deal (even though the MAC is underrated).
> Central Michigan is a DARN good team. Their loss was to Arizona (a top 20
> team) - they won at MSU. They certainly deserve just as much consideration
> for the top 25 right now as Houston (who gave up 50+ to UTEP ... UTEP!!!) or
> Pitt (who lost at woeful NC State) or BYU (blown out at home vs. FSU/TCU ...
> beat overrated OU).
>
> Finally, as for Chuck's bowl picks, aside from the Alamo/Champs order, I'd
> agree right now (OSU could top Wisky if they beat Iowa). The Big Ten is
> looking more and more like a lock for the B(C)S if PSU and Iowa win out (or
> even if Iowa loses at OSU, since they'd still go to Pasadena).
>
> - SEC = 2 bids ... only question is Bama/LSU for Sugar vs. Cincy
> - Big East = 1 bid ... despite the ABC hype, this is a woeful league as the
> Mountaineers were crushed by Auburn at home and Pitt lost at NC State
> - ACC = 1 bid ... Miami looked like a possible second, but they blew it and
> Georgia Tech doesn't have following to get an at-large bid ... plus,
> everyone in that league will be 6-6 by December anyway.
> - Big XII = 1 bid ... Okie State blew their chance vs. Houston unless they
> take Texas to the brink on Saturday, and Nebraska has utterly collapsed
> after looking like a strong contender, so unless someone upsets the Horns,
> it's one and done.
> - Pac 10 = 1 bid ... the only two teams capable of meriting an at-large bid
> play each other this week and will give the loser a second loss. If it's a
> close game and TCU or ND trips up, they could sneak another in.
> - At-large = 1 bid, possible 2 ... Boise State seems to be in, TCU is
> surging but still has Utah and Notre Dame is lurking thanks to Charlie's
> whining. Hmmm ...
>
> Mack whines and jumps Cal to get the at-large bid.
> St. Urban whines and magically leapfrogs Michigan for a title shot.
> Charlie whines and get ranked ahead of a Michigan team with the same record
> WHO THE IRISH LOST TO ... and keeps their BCS hope alive.
>
> Lloyd Carr, who whined about nearly everything during his tenure, stays
> silent and "dignified" and watches a title shot slip away.
>
> The lesson? Crying works in the B(C)S. Just reason #24601 that the B(C)S
> absolutely and utterly sucks ... though still not as much as major league
> baseball. :)
>
> GO CATS!!!
> -SjT
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From cherron604 at aol.com  Tue Oct 27 11:34:33 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 27 11:35:05 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <528233.82494.qm@web113808.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <8CC253A7F8B1A86-4CB0-5570@webmail-d075.sysops.aol.com>


I think that one of the important 'lessons' that our program has to learn is how to make a bowl every year, whether we are good (last year) or bad (this year).  We have to learn to avoid those flameout years, like Illinois is having.  Players, coaches and administrators all have lessons to learn and techniques to refine (i.e. scheduling, placement of n-c games, marketing) to get to the point where we are one of those programs that always goes bowling. 

Fitz is succeeding in making us a 'Bowl caliber' team every year, that gets us recognition from fans, media and prospective recruits.

Next step is to get better talent, so the good years outnumber the so-so years.

But whether good or so-so, we need to go to get the extra practices, increase the exposure, reward the players, and plant the idea in everybody's mind that Northwestern is a bowl-type program.  This will separate us from Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, and maybe a couple of others.

Chuck Herron   Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Arthur Miller <artmiller_news@yahoo.com>
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com; Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com>
Sent: Mon, Oct 26, 2009 5:05 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes




--- On Mon, 10/26/09, Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com> wrote:
> From: Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com>
 Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
 Frankly, I don't think we deserve to go to a bowl game if
 we end the season 6-6. 
 
 Assuming the mostly likely 6-6 scenario (beating Illinois,
 losing to PSU, Iowa, and Wisconsin), we really won't have
 beaten anyone good. Just check (for example) the Sagarin
 ratings for our opponents--it's not pretty. 
Absolutely right, Tom. God knows I love our Cats, but if all we can manage over 
he rest of the season is to beat Illinois, we will be one of the 
east-qualified bowl teams in history.

     
_______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From tbng at comcast.net  Tue Oct 27 12:01:53 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Tue Oct 27 12:02:04 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
References: <8CC253A7F8B1A86-4CB0-5570@webmail-d075.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <FCB31801B23B43CB8A7EDC99587DAFB1@DennisMachine>

<Fitz is succeeding in making us a 'Bowl caliber' team every year, that gets 
us recognition from fans, media and prospective recruits.

We may become "bowl-eligible" principally because we schedule wimp 
pre-season opponents like Towson, Eastern Michigan, Miami of Ohio, and 
Syracuse.  Even then, only once in the last fifteen years have we beaten all 
four of our wimp non-conference opponents and often struggle even when we do 
win.  Quite a contrast from my senior year ('67) when we played number-one 
ranked Miami (and won) and highly ranked Missouri, and the year following we 
took on O. J. Simpson's USC team.  A weak pre-season schedule doesn't make 
NU unusual, but it doesn't make us a quality program either.  What we 
clearly have accomplished is not being the doormat we were in the past, but 
that is not good enough anymore.  I want a legitimate shot at beating Penn 
State, Michigan, and especially Ohio State every season, and I want to see 
some pre-season games against quality teams and have a good chance at 
winning those, too.  Anything less is a loser's mentality.  Recruiting 
better talent is the only way that can happen.  It may take another five to 
ten seasons for Fitz to pull it off, but once the stream starts flowing, it 
will tend to keep flowing. 

From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 27 12:42:54 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Tue Oct 27 12:43:13 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <591246.32903.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <234359.20039.qm@web33108.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

> There are PLENTY of less
> qualified six-win, seven-win or even eight-win teams (have
> you SEEN the Big East?!?!). 

Let's see--the worst team in the Big East is....Syracuse.

Who beat us.

As Lee Corso would say: "Uh oh!" 

:-)

Tom



From hakirsch at aol.com  Tue Oct 27 12:47:39 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 27 12:48:12 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <d36.57327c07.3817807c@aol.com>
References: <d36.57327c07.3817807c@aol.com>
Message-ID: <8CC2544B5933168-D94-66EE@webmail-m099.sysops.aol.com>


I will be going to the game on Saturday and am not optimistic about this one nor any of the other 2 contender teams on the docket. Any thing can happen in college so no one can go the bank with it, but given that we have only beaten lousy teams and some of those by a  few hairs, I think we are looking at 6 wins.  I would not turn down any bowl bids at 6-6, but I dont think we would be deserving of any unless we pull one upset.

In general I am concerned about NU and Fitz-Quite honestly, I would say we are a cut below mediocrity-I have been a big supporter of his allowing him a few years given his youth and unexpected ascension.  Last year he proved he knew how to win, but if this year is indicative of the next few years (and we need to wait and see how we do in 2010 and 2011) I would seriously consider replacing him with a seasoned guy if we dont improve--My goals for the team are to be at least .500 in conf most years and go to a bowl every other year or so--as well as running a clean program where our graduation rate is among the highest in the country. These are not super high standards, but ones that I think can make us proud as part of the NU family if achieved. And right now I am pessimistic about achieving these the next few years.

Harry
-----Original Message-----
From: NEONRye@aol.com
To: artmiller_news@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com; tkmaycock@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, Oct 26, 2009 3:45 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes



Have to lend my support to Tom's and Art's spot-on comments.    Assuming we 
eat the Illini, unless we win one of the remaining "Big 3", here's  whom 
e will have beaten to "achieve" bowl eligibility:

owson
. Michigan
urdue
iami Ohio
ndiana
llinois 

ot exactly a "Murderers Row", with a couple of the foes having no wins or  
 or 2 wins at most.  And, couple that with that painful loss at 'Cuse  
which, while improved, is still a horrible team), and we will barely be  
eserving, as much as I hate to admit it.  Yet I still see a silver lining  
hrough this cloud.

f we can upset Joe Pa, Bumblebees or Bucky, then we're talking.  And  I 
emain hopeful that there is one "statement" game left in Fitz's "tank" for  
his team.  One game, as others have stated, where the team plays Four  
nspired, gutsy, competent, mistake-free Quarters of football, and shocks the  
orld.  As I noted Sat. night in a post, in order for this dream scenario  to 
e realistic, we need to "get healthy" in a hurry.  Our decimated  Secondary 
nd Offensive Backfield must each regain some players who have been  
idelined.  And finally, Corey Wooton has to find the formula that made him  a 
rojected First Rounder.  He seemed to have more spark last week, and I  think 
aybe this Saturday will be his breakout game, as his foot heals and his  
nee gets stronger.  The goal-line stand by the "D" vs. Indy is something  
hat has to give that unit a lot of confidence that they are getting back to 
he  standards set by last year's squad, even with all of the injuries to  
vercome.  

aul Levinson
______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From tbng at comcast.net  Tue Oct 27 12:57:46 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Tue Oct 27 12:58:24 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
References: <d36.57327c07.3817807c@aol.com>
	<8CC2544B5933168-D94-66EE@webmail-m099.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <CD39B639766C4F6FB67561C9E06EA5EA@DennisMachine>

<I would seriously consider replacing him [Fitz] with a seasoned guy if we 
dont improve

Don't even think about it.  He's not had enough time to turn the program 
around.  No less than five years and probably more is necessary.

<My goals for the team are to be at least .500 in conf most years and go to 
a bowl every other year or so--as well as running a clean program where our 
graduation rate is among the highest in the country. These are not super 
high standards

You're right.  Those aren't high standards.  I am certain Fitz's are far 
higher.


From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Tue Oct 27 13:12:58 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Tue Oct 27 13:13:27 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <CD39B639766C4F6FB67561C9E06EA5EA@DennisMachine>
References: <d36.57327c07.3817807c@aol.com>
	<8CC2544B5933168-D94-66EE@webmail-m099.sysops.aol.com> 
	<CD39B639766C4F6FB67561C9E06EA5EA@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910271112p638445c3o3427a8a30044bd54@mail.gmail.com>

>
> Don't even think about it.  He's not had enough time to turn the program
> around.  No less than five years and probably more is necessary.


I agree, anyone even thinking of firing Fitz at this point is nuts, and
thankfully the NU administration would never consider such a move.  He's in
the midst of his fourth season at NU and has a 24-21 record (12-16 Big Ten
record) with one bowl berth and one year of bowl eligibility with no berth
so far.

He knows the right way to do things, he's an energetic, and he's shown he
can recruit the types of student-athletes that NU wants.  Yes, he's taken
his lumps, particularly over his first two years when he was basically
thrown into the fire with a coaching staff that wasn't fully his, but he's
also learning and improving.

Thankfully the NU administration (now, at least) has its head on straight
and is doing things for the long-term.  Attendance may still be an ongoing
issue, but they have found the right guy to lead the football program and
have scheduling set up to allow NU to stay competitive.

Regarding scheduling, NU is doing the right thing by scheduling an FCS/I-AA
team, 2 "mid-majors", and a "peer" (i.e. BCS conference academic-focused
school) each season in nonconference play.  Yes, playing the traditional
powers brings some excitement and can help fill the stands, but the fact is
that most don't want to play NU in a home-and-home series since they can now
just bring in a lower level team who they can pay off for a home game.  This
means that if NU wanted to play a schedule that some here are calling for,
they'd be playing top teams on the road every year and have just 4 or 5 home
games, which won't work to keep the athletic department afloat.

The scheduling philosophy NU is using now allows them to get 7 home games
per year, which brings in the revenue needed to keep NU athletics going.  It
also allows NU to get to a bowl, which means more money, attention,
recruiting advantages, and the extra 20 practices after the season.

Hopefully Fitz can lead NU to a second straight bowl berth (for only the
second time ever) and win one (for only the second time ever) which will
hopefully quiet any rumblings going on.

Jonathan
From hakirsch at aol.com  Tue Oct 27 13:24:10 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 27 13:24:35 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910271112p638445c3o3427a8a30044bd54@mail.gmail.com>
References: <d36.57327c07.3817807c@aol.com><8CC2544B5933168-D94-66EE@webmail-m099.sysops.aol.com>
	<CD39B639766C4F6FB67561C9E06EA5EA@DennisMachine>
	<fcb3ee270910271112p638445c3o3427a8a30044bd54@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8CC2549D0349E21-D94-71FF@webmail-m099.sysops.aol.com>


Folks--I am not suggesting we get rid of him now--just saying that if we have 2 more years like this one is turning out to be, he will have had 5 years of of  sub medicore performance  with one strong year--If that is his record, i would suggest that he be replaced--

Harry

-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Hodges <jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
To: Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Tue, Oct 27, 2009 11:12 am
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes



>
 Don't even think about it.  He's not had enough time to turn the program
 around.  No less than five years and probably more is necessary.

 agree, anyone even thinking of firing Fitz at this point is nuts, and
hankfully the NU administration would never consider such a move.  He's in
he midst of his fourth season at NU and has a 24-21 record (12-16 Big Ten
ecord) with one bowl berth and one year of bowl eligibility with no berth
o far.
He knows the right way to do things, he's an energetic, and he's shown he
an recruit the types of student-athletes that NU wants.  Yes, he's taken
is lumps, particularly over his first two years when he was basically
hrown into the fire with a coaching staff that wasn't fully his, but he's
lso learning and improving.
Thankfully the NU administration (now, at least) has its head on straight
nd is doing things for the long-term.  Attendance may still be an ongoing
ssue, but they have found the right guy to lead the football program and
ave scheduling set up to allow NU to stay competitive.
Regarding scheduling, NU is doing the right thing by scheduling an FCS/I-AA
eam, 2 "mid-majors", and a "peer" (i.e. BCS conference academic-focused
chool) each season in nonconference play.  Yes, playing the traditional
owers brings some excitement and can help fill the stands, but the fact is
hat most don't want to play NU in a home-and-home series since they can now
ust bring in a lower level team who they can pay off for a home game.  This
eans that if NU wanted to play a schedule that some here are calling for,
hey'd be playing top teams on the road every year and have just 4 or 5 home
ames, which won't work to keep the athletic department afloat.
The scheduling philosophy NU is using now allows them to get 7 home games
er year, which brings in the revenue needed to keep NU athletics going.  It
lso allows NU to get to a bowl, which means more money, attention,
ecruiting advantages, and the extra 20 practices after the season.
Hopefully Fitz can lead NU to a second straight bowl berth (for only the
econd time ever) and win one (for only the second time ever) which will
opefully quiet any rumblings going on.
Jonathan
______________________________________________
wu-sports site list
wu-sports@tssi.com
ttp://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From cherron604 at aol.com  Tue Oct 27 13:28:37 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 27 13:29:10 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <FCB31801B23B43CB8A7EDC99587DAFB1@DennisMachine>
References: <8CC253A7F8B1A86-4CB0-5570@webmail-d075.sysops.aol.com>
	<FCB31801B23B43CB8A7EDC99587DAFB1@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <8CC254A6F054AC0-4CB0-7C00@webmail-d075.sysops.aol.com>


I agree with Dennis that we have to do better.  I am afraid, however that the era of the tough non-conf game is gone.  As examples, here are the three teams Dennis mentioned:

Penn State - Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois
Michigan - Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Delaware State
Ohio State - Navy, Southern Cal, Toledo, New Mexico State

And the rest of our mates:

Iowa - Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Arizona, Arkansas St
Wisconsin - Northern Illinois, Fresno St, Wofford, Hawaii
Michigan State - Montana St, Central Michigan, Notre Dame, Western Michigan

Minnesota - Syracuse, Air Force, Cal, South Dakota St
Purdue - Toledo, Oregon, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame
Indiana - Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, Akron, Virginia
Illinois - Missouri, Illinois St, Cincinnati, Fresno St

And I believe that we have to play a non-conference schedule that is equivalent to those of our conference mates, and it would seem that we do.

Everybody is playing the 
a) 'win 4 n-c, go 6-2 in conference and make a big bowl' game or
b) 'win 4 n-c, go 2-6 in conference and just make a bowl' game, so we have to as well.


Chuck Herron   Tech '85


-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Tue, Oct 27, 2009 12:01 pm
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes


<Fitz is succeeding in making us a 'Bowl caliber' team every year, that gets us recognition from fans, media and prospective recruits. 
 
We may become "bowl-eligible" principally because we schedule wimp pre-season opponents like Towson, Eastern Michigan, Miami of Ohio, and Syracuse. Even then, only once in the last fifteen years have we beaten all four of our wimp non-conference opponents and often struggle even when we do win. Quite a contrast from my senior year ('67) when we played number-one ranked Miami (and won) and highly ranked Missouri, and the year following we took on O. J. Simpson's USC team. A weak pre-season schedule doesn't make NU unusual, but it doesn't make us a quality program either. What we clearly have accomplished is not being the doormat we were in the past, but that is not good enough anymore. I want a legitimate shot at beating Penn State, Michigan, and especially Ohio State every season, and I want to see some pre-season games against quality teams and have a good chance at winning those, too. Anything less is a loser's mentality. Recruiting better talent is the only way that can happen. It may take another five to ten seasons for Fitz to pull it off, but once the stream starts flowing, it will tend to keep flowing.  
_______________________________________________ 
nwu-sports site list 
nwu-sports@tssi.com 
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports 

=
From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Tue Oct 27 13:47:27 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Tue Oct 27 13:47:31 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes 
Message-ID: <200910271847.n9RIlRcX018347@romaine.tssi.com>

> I will be going to the game on Saturday and am not optimistic about this one nor any of the other 2 contender teams on the docket. Any thing can happen in college so no one can go the bank with it, but given that we have only beaten lousy teams and some of those by a  few hairs, I think we are looking at 6 wins.  I would not turn down any bowl bids at 6-6, but I dont think we would be deserving of any unless we pull one upset.

Personally, I expected this to be a down year compared to 2008, and that
was before taking any injuries into account.  6-6 is not what I was hoping
for, but 8-4 was probably the high end of my expectations, and that's
still within the realm of the possible, though unlikely.  (But teams can 
have really BAD days, who in their right mind expected Nebraska to tie 
a school record with EIGHT turnovers at home against ISU?  I'm actually
looking forward to the Iowa game, they've been living on the edge much
of the season, maybe they'll have that really bad game against us.)  

Most good teams are only an injury or two away from mediocrity, look at 
Oklahoma without Bradford, for example.  And aside from the perennial 
top teams (a group that evolves over time, it wasn't that many years ago 
that USC and Alabama were just good teams and FSU and Nebraska were 
top teams), many ordinary teams are only one or two star players away 
from being top 25 caliber teams.  (That's somewhat simplistic, I realize, 
because often what makes for a star player is a strong supporting cast, 
especially on the offensive line.  And can you have a great quarterback 
with no quality receivers?)

Am I worried about the future at NU?  Absolutely not!  Are there things
to fix in the short term, and things to get more consistenly better at over
the long term.  Yes!!  But the defense, which was suspect under RW, seems 
to be (mostly) on the upswing under Fitz.  

And as Notre Dame learned the hard way, you NEVER turn down a bowl invitation,
even if you don't think you really deserve one.  (With around 58 teams
getting bowl bids, they can't all be top 25 programs, after all.)

The extra practices alone are worth going, and the extra national 
exposure doesn't hurt, either, even if you lose the game.
--
Mike Nolan

From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Tue Oct 27 14:16:29 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Tue Oct 27 14:16:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
Message-ID: <200910271916.n9RJGT2d018514@romaine.tssi.com>

> We may become "bowl-eligible" principally because we schedule wimp 
> pre-season opponents like Towson, Eastern Michigan, Miami of Ohio, and 
> Syracuse.  Even then, only once in the last fifteen years have we beaten all 
> four of our wimp non-conference opponents and often struggle even when we do 
> win.  Quite a contrast from my senior year ('67) when we played number-one 
> ranked Miami (and won) and highly ranked Missouri, and the year following we 
> took on O. J. Simpson's USC team.  A weak pre-season schedule doesn't make 
> NU unusual, but it doesn't make us a quality program either.  

Scheduling is one of the hardest tasks at many schools.  According to
multiple sources in Lincoln, Nebraska has turned Northwestern down more 
than once in the last 10 years, in part because Nebraska doesn't want a 
home-home series, and in part because Northwestern can be the kind of 
hungry team that can come in, pull off an upset, and put the season in 
the dumper.  (That's probably affecting the Cats' ability to schedule 
other teams as well, it's one of the penalties for becoming a team that 
isn't a guaranteed cupcake.)  

But I agree with the long-standing comments from Stephen and others,
the BCS has NOT given teams a reason to schedule games they could lose.

BTW, I hear that Iowa would like to drop both Iowa State and Northern Iowa
from upcoming schedules, but the Iowa politicians would have a hissy fit.
--
Mike Nolan

From tbng at comcast.net  Tue Oct 27 15:17:46 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Tue Oct 27 15:17:59 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
References: <8CC253A7F8B1A86-4CB0-5570@webmail-d075.sysops.aol.com>
	<FCB31801B23B43CB8A7EDC99587DAFB1@DennisMachine>
	<8CC254A6F054AC0-4CB0-7C00@webmail-d075.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <3EEA513244994833BA39258C8F7642D6@DennisMachine>

Wel-l-l-l, ya might wanna look at some of those weak teams you're comparin' our schedule to.  Notre Dame isn't a pushover, much as we wish they were.  Navy and their triple option is always a challenge as Ohio State learned and nearly lost.  Southern Cal?  'Nuff said about them.  Cal and Missouri are no milquetoasts, and Cincinnati and Oregon are ranked in the top ten.  And ask Michigan State about Central Michigan.

And on an unrelated note, anyone catch Fitz's comments about injuries in the post-game press conference.  Injuries are up all around, he said, and it's because teams are playing a twelve-game schedule with only 85 players.  Was he lobbying for fewer games or larger rosters?
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: cherron604@aol.com 
  To: tbng@comcast.net ; nwu-sports@tssi.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 2:28 PM
  Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes


  I agree with Dennis that we have to do better.  I am afraid, however that the era of the tough non-conf game is gone.  As examples, here are the three teams Dennis mentioned:

  Penn State - Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois
  Michigan - Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Delaware State
  Ohio State - Navy, Southern Cal, Toledo, New Mexico State

  And the rest of our mates:

  Iowa - Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Arizona, Arkansas St
  Wisconsin - Northern Illinois, Fresno St, Wofford, Hawaii
  Michigan State - Montana St, Central Michigan, Notre Dame, Western Michigan

  Minnesota - Syracuse, Air Force, Cal, South Dakota St
  Purdue - Toledo, Oregon, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame
  Indiana - Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, Akron, Virginia
  Illinois - Missouri, Illinois St, Cincinnati, Fresno St

  And I believe that we have to play a non-conference schedule that is equivalent to those of our conference mates, and it would seem that we do.

  Everybody is playing the 
  a) 'win 4 n-c, go 6-2 in conference and make a big bowl' game or
  b) 'win 4 n-c, go 2-6 in conference and just make a bowl' game, so we have to as well.


  Chuck Herron   Tech '85


  -----Original Message-----
  From: Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>
  To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
  Sent: Tue, Oct 27, 2009 12:01 pm
  Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes


  <Fitz is succeeding in making us a 'Bowl caliber' team every year, that gets us recognition from fans, media and prospective recruits. 
   
  We may become "bowl-eligible" principally because we schedule wimp pre-season opponents like Towson, Eastern Michigan, Miami of Ohio, and Syracuse. Even then, only once in the last fifteen years have we beaten all four of our wimp non-conference opponents and often struggle even when we do win. Quite a contrast from my senior year ('67) when we played number-one ranked Miami (and won) and highly ranked Missouri, and the year following we took on O. J. Simpson's USC team. A weak pre-season schedule doesn't make NU unusual, but it doesn't make us a quality program either. What we clearly have accomplished is not being the doormat we were in the past, but that is not good enough anymore. I want a legitimate shot at beating Penn State, Michigan, and especially Ohio State every season, and I want to see some pre-season games against quality teams and have a good chance at winning those, too. Anything less is a loser's mentality. Recruiting better talent is the only way that can happen. It may take another five to ten seasons for Fitz to pull it off, but once the stream starts flowing, it will tend to keep flowing.  
  _______________________________________________ 
  nwu-sports site list 
  nwu-sports@tssi.com 
  http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports 
From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Tue Oct 27 15:43:54 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 27 15:44:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
Message-ID: <ca1.65de37a7.3818b58a@aol.com>

Hopefully the old Sports Illustrated curse works in our favor this week as  
there is an excellent article about Joe Pa in the latest  edition.
From NEONRye at aol.com  Tue Oct 27 18:15:18 2009
From: NEONRye at aol.com (NEONRye@aol.com)
Date: Tue Oct 27 18:15:40 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
Message-ID: <c6f.40984c50.3818d906@aol.com>

Harry,
 
You and I have been "list buddies" for years, and I love your posts, but I  
have to take issue on this one.  Seriously, we may never do better than  
having Fitz as HC.  No one, I mean no one, who has held or will hold the  
position of Head Coach will ever care or feel for the University like Pat  
Fitzgerald.  He is Purple and White to his core, and he GETS IT--i.e., what  
being an NU student-athlete is all about.  Our best chance of ever building  a 
continuing program where we hopefully reload rather than rebuild is with Fitz 
 in charge (aided by Hankwitz, a fabulous teacher who seems to relate well 
to the  "young men" on defense, notwithstanding the age gap).   He 
understands  the ethos and the values of our program--he lived it and he epitomizes 
it.   Having met him a couple of times, I can say that he is earnest, honest, 
 plain-spoken, humorous and passionate.  And he is a Chicagoan and  
midwesterner all the way, which ultimately should help in marketing.  With  Fitz I 
don't worry every week about who might come after him, as I don't believe  
he is looking to leave like his original mentor, Gary B.  In that regard,  he 
more closely resembles his second mentor, Randy W.  Yes, the team is not  
meeting expectations this year in some respects, but the problems we all  
anticipated (lack of a running game, inexperienced offensive line, 
vulnerability  to injuries to key players) have, not surprisingly, surfaced and taken 
their  toll.   But our players never quit, and they may have turned a corner  
last Saturday.  Let's look at our glass with Fitz as half-full, not  
half-empty.
 
Paul Levinson
From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 27 18:51:13 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Tue Oct 27 18:51:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <c6f.40984c50.3818d906@aol.com>
References: <c6f.40984c50.3818d906@aol.com>
Message-ID: <565811.42915.qm@web36805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Paul's email just reminded me of something I am rather proud of. I cannot remember the last time one of our football player's made the news for a negative reason. Not many of the big schools with sellout crowds can say that. Fitz definitely gets it. 

Victory & Honor,
Jim





----- Original Message ----
From: "NEONRye@aol.com" <NEONRye@aol.com>
To: Hakirsch@aol.com; tkmaycock@yahoo.com; nwu-sports@tssi.com; artmiller_news@yahoo.com
Sent: Tue, October 27, 2009 6:15:18 PM
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes

Harry,

You and I have been "list buddies" for years, and I love your posts, but I  
have to take issue on this one.  Seriously, we may never do better than  
having Fitz as HC.  No one, I mean no one, who has held or will hold the  
position of Head Coach will ever care or feel for the University like Pat  
Fitzgerald.  He is Purple and White to his core, and he GETS IT--i.e., what  
being an NU student-athlete is all about.  Our best chance of ever building  a 
continuing program where we hopefully reload rather than rebuild is with Fitz 
in charge (aided by Hankwitz, a fabulous teacher who seems to relate well 
to the  "young men" on defense, notwithstanding the age gap).   He 
understands  the ethos and the values of our program--he lived it and he epitomizes 
it.   Having met him a couple of times, I can say that he is earnest, honest, 
plain-spoken, humorous and passionate.  And he is a Chicagoan and  
midwesterner all the way, which ultimately should help in marketing.  With  Fitz I 
don't worry every week about who might come after him, as I don't believe  
he is looking to leave like his original mentor, Gary B.  In that regard,  he 
more closely resembles his second mentor, Randy W.  Yes, the team is not  
meeting expectations this year in some respects, but the problems we all  
anticipated (lack of a running game, inexperienced offensive line, 
vulnerability  to injuries to key players) have, not surprisingly, surfaced and taken 
their  toll.   But our players never quit, and they may have turned a corner  
last Saturday.  Let's look at our glass with Fitz as half-full, not  
half-empty.

Paul Levinson
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 27 20:13:06 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Tue Oct 27 20:13:24 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <8CC2549D0349E21-D94-71FF@webmail-m099.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <139860.64600.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Unless there's a major scandal, Fitz gets 20 years minimum. Heck, I'd give him a lifetime contract right now.

He **IS** Northwestern. He **IS** our JoePa.

Thankfully our new president seems to get that.

In his first three seasons, he improved by 3 wins each year. This year is a setback, but considering that we lost our entire offensive skill set to graduation and most of our defensive leaders have been injured part or all of the year, getting to six wins for a third straight season would be a very good job.

Fitz has more than proven himself to be a Northwestern Man through and through -- I don't want to hear even a whisper of otherwise until 2030!:)

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!




      

From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Tue Oct 27 20:21:13 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Tue Oct 27 20:21:20 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <8CC254A6F054AC0-4CB0-7C00@webmail-d075.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <374957.96215.qm@web52902.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

> I agree with Dennis that we have to do better.? I am
> afraid, however that the era of the tough non-conf game is
> gone.? As examples, here are the three teams Dennis

There is absolutely no reason to schedule a tough non conference game in the current B(C)S system.

Ohio State has done more than its share by scheduling one mega-game with Texas or USC each season. Michigan has Notre Dame (though these powers have had their struggles) and PSU usually gets one as well (Miami and ND in the past, Alabama in the future).

That's more than most major conference teams do. The SEC won't even tiptoe outside of their comfy humid confines unless they have a big G on their helmets ... USC has to because the idiot voters never give the west coast credit and drop SC 10 spots after a loss that only drops an SEC team 1 spot ... Texas has done so on and off, but usually the Horns and OU just play for the Red River Rivalry game.

That's the way it is.

It makes absolutely no sense for NU to schedule anything other than what we're scheduling.

Our schedule is a bit easier this year with Michigan and Ohio State off of it, but we still play games at Iowa City and East Lansing and at home against PSU and Wisconsin.

Like I said, we've been left out with six wins before - I will have absolutely no problems if we get to six wins and take the bowl invite.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


      

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Tue Oct 27 20:58:57 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Tue Oct 27 20:56:40 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <139860.64600.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
References: <8CC2549D0349E21-D94-71FF@webmail-m099.sysops.aol.com>
	<139860.64600.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <006901ca5772$36393ed0$a2abbc70$@com>

Actually, Fitz is doing about as well as RW was doing and I don't seem to remember any talk of
dumping him right before he died.

Anyway, the seniors this year are essentially Randy's last class - the rest of the kids are
truly Fitz' and how they perform down the road will set the tone for the future Fitz led
Wildcats.

As we raise the level of players coming in again, we have the problem that when one of them gets
hurt because he is playing a year or two early, we have to fall back on a kid who probably
wouldn't be recruited now. We also will be dealing with kids in their first 2 years of college
ball who in normal situations would sit out until they are Redshirt Juniors (the way they do at
many other Div I schools.) 

Naw, Fitz is doing fine - he's got to start winning with kids that came to NU to play for him,
not someone else. Just hang in there - we're playing .500 ball with a mixed bag of upper and
lower classmen. Wait until we start letting the kids learn the system for 3 years.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of SjT (Stephen
J. Truog)
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 9:13 PM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes

Unless there's a major scandal, Fitz gets 20 years minimum. Heck, I'd give him a lifetime
contract right now.

He **IS** Northwestern. He **IS** our JoePa.

Thankfully our new president seems to get that.

In his first three seasons, he improved by 3 wins each year. This year is a setback, but
considering that we lost our entire offensive skill set to graduation and most of our defensive
leaders have been injured part or all of the year, getting to six wins for a third straight
season would be a very good job.

Fitz has more than proven himself to be a Northwestern Man through and through -- I don't want
to hear even a whisper of otherwise until 2030!:)

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!




      

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From Winkler_Brian_H at cat.com  Wed Oct 28 10:46:22 2009
From: Winkler_Brian_H at cat.com (Brian H. Winkler)
Date: Wed Oct 28 10:49:47 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <3EEA513244994833BA39258C8F7642D6@DennisMachine>
Message-ID: <OFF5357286.3DEDD00A-ON8625765D.00562DEC-8625765D.0056A4CC@notes.cat.com>

Dennis brings up an interesting point about injuries being up all around. 
With  teams playing 12 games now, the "bye week" that occurred during the 
Big ten season given 11 teams is being filled with a non-conference foe. 
Even the NFL has bye weeks which allow nagging injuries to heal and 
provide a break.  Maybe NU should considering building in a bye week mid 
season in future scheduling given we can now go later into the Fall.





"Dennis W. Brandt" <tbng@comcast.net> 
Sent by: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
10/27/2009 03:18 PM

To
<nwu-sports@tssi.com>
cc

Subject
Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes




Caterpillar: Confidential Green Retain Until: 11/26/2009 



Wel-l-l-l, ya might wanna look at some of those weak teams you're 
comparin' our schedule to.  Notre Dame isn't a pushover, much as we wish 
they were.  Navy and their triple option is always a challenge as Ohio 
State learned and nearly lost.  Southern Cal?  'Nuff said about them.  Cal 
and Missouri are no milquetoasts, and Cincinnati and Oregon are ranked in 
the top ten.  And ask Michigan State about Central Michigan.

And on an unrelated note, anyone catch Fitz's comments about injuries in 
the post-game press conference.  Injuries are up all around, he said, and 
it's because teams are playing a twelve-game schedule with only 85 
players.  Was he lobbying for fewer games or larger rosters?
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: cherron604@aol.com 
  To: tbng@comcast.net ; nwu-sports@tssi.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 2:28 PM
  Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes


  I agree with Dennis that we have to do better.  I am afraid, however 
that the era of the tough non-conf game is gone.  As examples, here are 
the three teams Dennis mentioned:

  Penn State - Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois
  Michigan - Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Delaware 
State
  Ohio State - Navy, Southern Cal, Toledo, New Mexico State

  And the rest of our mates:

  Iowa - Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Arizona, Arkansas St
  Wisconsin - Northern Illinois, Fresno St, Wofford, Hawaii
  Michigan State - Montana St, Central Michigan, Notre Dame, Western 
Michigan

  Minnesota - Syracuse, Air Force, Cal, South Dakota St
  Purdue - Toledo, Oregon, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame
  Indiana - Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, Akron, Virginia
  Illinois - Missouri, Illinois St, Cincinnati, Fresno St

  And I believe that we have to play a non-conference schedule that is 
equivalent to those of our conference mates, and it would seem that we do.

  Everybody is playing the 
  a) 'win 4 n-c, go 6-2 in conference and make a big bowl' game or
  b) 'win 4 n-c, go 2-6 in conference and just make a bowl' game, so we 
have to as well.


  Chuck Herron   Tech '85


  -----Original Message-----
  From: Dennis W. Brandt <tbng@comcast.net>
  To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
  Sent: Tue, Oct 27, 2009 12:01 pm
  Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes


  <Fitz is succeeding in making us a 'Bowl caliber' team every year, that 
gets us recognition from fans, media and prospective recruits. 
 
  We may become "bowl-eligible" principally because we schedule wimp 
pre-season opponents like Towson, Eastern Michigan, Miami of Ohio, and 
Syracuse. Even then, only once in the last fifteen years have we beaten 
all four of our wimp non-conference opponents and often struggle even when 
we do win. Quite a contrast from my senior year ('67) when we played 
number-one ranked Miami (and won) and highly ranked Missouri, and the year 
following we took on O. J. Simpson's USC team. A weak pre-season schedule 
doesn't make NU unusual, but it doesn't make us a quality program either. 
What we clearly have accomplished is not being the doormat we were in the 
past, but that is not good enough anymore. I want a legitimate shot at 
beating Penn State, Michigan, and especially Ohio State every season, and 
I want to see some pre-season games against quality teams and have a good 
chance at winning those, too. Anything less is a loser's mentality. 
Recruiting better talent is the only way that can happen. It may take 
another five to ten seasons for Fitz to pull it off, but once the stream 
starts flowing, it will tend to keep flowing. 
  _______________________________________________ 
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From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Wed Oct 28 11:09:11 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Wed Oct 28 11:09:17 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Injuries in the Big Ten
Message-ID: <791138.46560.qm@web36805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

ESPN is now reporting that Eric Decker will miss the rest of regular season with a sprained left foot. If he'd have missed our game, we may well have won. However, he's an outstanding college player and I hate to see his career end on crutches. 

This will have an impact on Minnesota's bowl hopes too. Their remaining games are: MSU, Illinois, South Dakota State, and @Iowa. Without Decker I would expect them to lose to MSU and Iowa. He has been responsible for over 50% of their offense, so this may open the door for an upset by one of the other two and actually keep the Gophers from getting 6 wins. It's unlikely, but possible. 

And the Hawkeyes are without RB Adam Robinson for the rest of the year. They'll be relying on a true freshman Brandon Wegher - although he has played an already has 300+ yards this year. 

Go Cats!
Jim



      

From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Wed Oct 28 11:19:16 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Wed Oct 28 11:23:03 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
Message-ID: <20091028.111916.22615.5@webmail07.dca.untd.com>

I would rather not go into the Saturday after Thanksgiving and Fitz points that out in commenting how it is nice the players get to spend Thanksgiving with their families.

Personally we almost always go on vacation over Thanksgiving.  Now we could use Thanksgiving week as an addditional bye and play a game the week after that.  The problem with that is as season ticket holder the weather gets more iffy/miserable as you transition between fall and winter.

---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Brian H. Winkler" <Winkler_Brian_H@cat.com>

Dennis brings up an interesting point about injuries being up all around. 
With  teams playing 12 games now, the "bye week" that occurred during the 
Big ten season given 11 teams is being filled with a non-conference foe. 
Even the NFL has bye weeks which allow nagging injuries to heal and 
provide a break.  Maybe NU should considering building in a bye week mid 
season in future scheduling given we can now go later into the Fall.





____________________________________________________________
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Earn your MBA from Post University. Free textbooks for new students!
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From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Wed Oct 28 21:12:50 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Wed Oct 28 21:12:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Penn State and Bowl hopes
In-Reply-To: <20091028.111916.22615.5@webmail07.dca.untd.com>
Message-ID: <935834.77058.qm@web52902.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

> I would rather not go into the
> Saturday after Thanksgiving and Fitz points that out in

I think things are going that way, unfortunately. If the Big Ten wants to be a big league, according to the experts, they need to spread out their season.

I agree with the spreading out part -- both for the bye weeks to recover and for the not having 2 months off before the bowls -- but would rather it be the weekend after Thanksgiving.

The Big East and Pac 10 are both scheduling games during "championship" weekend after the holiday weekend annually now. It would be wise for the Big Ten to try and get in on that weekend as well if that's the way things are in the B(C)S era.

We may want to start out by just trying a few games (as the Big East and Pac 10 have) -- maybe the MSU-PSU and OSU-Michigan games moving? Then we can see about the rest.

As for attendance, I'm not sure it would hurt NU much given how little we're producing now ... maybe the days after Thanksgiving might be a boost? And I'm sure it won't hurt the large state schools. The only ones who might be hurt by extending into the weekend after the turkey could be the "it's basketball season now - who cares about our no-bowl team" schools -- namely Indiana, Purdue and Illinois.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

PS - It is nice for the football players to have Thanksgiving with family - but fewer teams get to do that these days ... and basketball teams travel over Christmas vacation, other teams "work" over spring break, etc. The NCAA could care less about that ... or Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night games ... the only thing they get worried about is the horror of a couple extra playoff games!:)


      

From mlinhardt at netzero.com  Thu Oct 29 07:40:13 2009
From: mlinhardt at netzero.com (mlinhardt@netzero.com)
Date: Thu Oct 29 07:43:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Napo's brother
Message-ID: <20091029.074013.16558.0@webmail07.dca.untd.com>

Sandburg (6-3) at Hinsdale Central (7-2) 
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhills/sports/highschools/1851316,clarendon-hills-hcpigskin-102909-s1.article

"...Sophomore defensive back Jemell Harris was promoted to the varsity. His brother Napoleon Harris is a linebacker with the Oakland Raiders..."

I am sure he is on the radar, but if he has any of the mad skills that his borther had we need him in the class of 2015.  I still recall him chasing down the Gopher in the Victory Right game.

____________________________________________________________
Art School
The Art Institutes: Get Class Info for a School Near You!
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From cherron604 at aol.com  Thu Oct 29 11:06:01 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Thu Oct 29 11:06:25 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] JoePa Comedy Tour
Message-ID: <8CC26C8D8302CC4-2508-24835@webmail-d091.sysops.aol.com>


The JoePa comedy tour continues, with a stop this week in Chicago:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=rivals-331761&prov=rivals&type=lgns

Whether the confusion is real or made up, these press conferences are generally entertaining.  JoePa has also become one of Fitz' greatest fans - the transcript is full of praise.  An example:

"Your last trip to Northwestern, you had the big drive at the end with Smolko on fourth down and the touchdown to Derrick Williams. That was early in that season. How much of a turning point do you think winning the game the way you did late helped turn around that season and maybe, even larger perspective, the 2005 season?
I don?t even know what you?re talking about.

I don?t even know what you?re talking about.
You had fourth down and Michael Robinson hit Smolko.
Was that at Northwestern?

Was that at Northwestern?
Yes, then you had the late touchdown.
I?m glad Smolko caught it. I probably didn?t know he was in the game.

I?m glad Smolko caught it. I probably didn?t know he was in the game.
It was early in the season.
Geez, you guys, when I write my book I?ll put all that stuff in it. I don?t know. That?s 100 years ago to me. I don?t go to bed thinking about what we did 20 years ago. I go to bed thinking what we?ve got to do this Saturday. All right. Hope it doesn?t come down to the fourth. But it might. It might come down we?re just trying to hang on for our lives.

Geez, you guys, when I write my book I?ll put all that stuff in it. I don?t know. That?s 100 years ago to me. I don?t go to bed thinking about what we did 20 years ago. I go to bed thinking what we?ve got to do this Saturday. All right. Hope it doesn?t come down to the fourth. But it might. It might come down we?re just trying to hang on for our lives.
Indiana had that game all wrapped up, they thought, at halftime. I think it was 28-3. Am I right? 28-3. They came out; and Northwestern, I?m a little prejudice, but Northwestern?s got a bunch of kids I really like, and I really like Fitzgerald. I think he?s a heck of a coach. I don?t know a lot of his staff, but their kids play college football the way you like to see it played. They play every down. And they?re tough and smart and they adjust well, and we?re going to have a tough football game on our hands."

I fear sometimes that if he heard some of our complaining, he'd start berating us.  I have not heard him say these kind of things about say, Ron Zook.  I appreciate the man's honesty as well - if somebody asks me about events from four years ago, I am not going to remember very much either.

Oh well, hopefully JoePa's awe  of being in Fitz' presence will give us a little help on Saturday (joke).

Chuck Herron   Tech '85
From cherron604 at aol.com  Thu Oct 29 11:11:01 2009
From: cherron604 at aol.com (cherron604@aol.com)
Date: Thu Oct 29 11:11:20 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Unpleasant memories
Message-ID: <8CC26C98AE43BD1-2508-249A2@webmail-d091.sysops.aol.com>


The game mentioned previously - a very unpleasant memory

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=rivals-331375&prov=rivals&type=lgns

Chuck Herron   Tech '85
From nolan at romaine.tssi.com  Thu Oct 29 11:38:34 2009
From: nolan at romaine.tssi.com (Mike Nolan)
Date: Thu Oct 29 11:38:38 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] JoePa Comedy Tour
Message-ID: <200910291638.n9TGcY2R030244@romaine.tssi.com>

Joe Pa has forgotten more about football than most of us could ever know.

But then, Joe Pa has probably forgotten about a lot of things he experienced, like the 
President Lincoln. :-)
--
Mike Nolan

From Willie.Weinbaum at espn.com  Thu Oct 29 11:41:51 2009
From: Willie.Weinbaum at espn.com (Weinbaum, Willie)
Date: Thu Oct 29 11:43:11 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Unpleasant memories
In-Reply-To: <8CC26C98AE43BD1-2508-249A2@webmail-d091.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CC26C98AE43BD1-2508-249A2@webmail-d091.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <1A352B6D99069C49B8B94EE0884C0A65011240F6F0@XCHGNY1.corp.espn.pvt>

FYI - - the writer, Lou Prato, is former director of Medill's Washington grad program in broadcast journalism (aka "Medill News Service").

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of cherron604@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 12:11 PM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Unpleasant memories


The game mentioned previously - a very unpleasant memory

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=rivals-331375&prov=rivals&type=lgns

Chuck Herron   Tech '85
_______________________________________________
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Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Thu Oct 29 12:54:18 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Thu Oct 29 12:54:26 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] JoePa, and Concannon
In-Reply-To: <591246.32903.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <235648.29438.qm@web33106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

If you haven't already done so, read Skip's column on Paterno. It's one of the best things I've read, on any subject, in a long while:

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102809aac.html

I'm reminded that whatever else happens, it'll be a privilege for me to once again sit in the stands and watch Mr. Paterno coach his team. 

Skip also has another nice "Quick Hitters" column up.

On another subject entirely, I was looking at Scott Concannon's bio, and noted that in just one game in HS, he had 

"324 total yards and four TD's (just eight rushing attempts) ... Had TD runs of 98 and 99 yards in the contest, along with a 96-yard screen pass."

Wow. 

Now, I'm hoping we don't get pinned inside our 5 yard line at any point on Saturday. But if we do, could we somehow arrange for Scott to rip off another of those 90-yard plays?

Tom



From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Thu Oct 29 12:58:30 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Thu Oct 29 12:58:43 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] JoePa, and Concannon
In-Reply-To: <235648.29438.qm@web33106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <591246.32903.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
	<235648.29438.qm@web33106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02BDDE49@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

Suspect Joe Pa's safeties may be able to run Scott down.  Would be nice
to see them try though.

Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
On Behalf Of Tom Maycock
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 1:54 PM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] JoePa, and Concannon

If you haven't already done so, read Skip's column on Paterno. It's one
of the best things I've read, on any subject, in a long while:

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102809aac.html

I'm reminded that whatever else happens, it'll be a privilege for me to
once again sit in the stands and watch Mr. Paterno coach his team. 

Skip also has another nice "Quick Hitters" column up.

On another subject entirely, I was looking at Scott Concannon's bio, and
noted that in just one game in HS, he had 

"324 total yards and four TD's (just eight rushing attempts) ... Had TD
runs of 98 and 99 yards in the contest, along with a 96-yard screen
pass."

Wow. 

Now, I'm hoping we don't get pinned inside our 5 yard line at any point
on Saturday. But if we do, could we somehow arrange for Scott to rip off
another of those 90-yard plays?

Tom



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From sjtruog at yahoo.com  Thu Oct 29 21:49:28 2009
From: sjtruog at yahoo.com (SjT (Stephen J. Truog))
Date: Thu Oct 29 21:49:35 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] JoePa Comedy Tour
In-Reply-To: <8CC26C8D8302CC4-2508-24835@webmail-d091.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <33843.15346.qm@web52908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>

Thanks for the transcript - a good read. I have a feeling that JoePa's pulling the press' leg half the time he's talking to them just for fun.:)

I'm certain his comments on Fitz are sincere, though, and I think it's because he sees a lot of himself in Fitz. I sure hope he's right about that and that Fitz is on our sidelines 40 years later with 300 or so wins. But when you think of what PSU and Beaver Stadium were when JoePa came, you're right that he would chide anyone for expecting instant results -- he built PSU from the ground up and hopefully Fitz can do the same for NU.

I also see a lot of similarities in the types of players that go to the NFL from the two programs. Granted, PSU has had a lot more ... but their "flashy" stars who were drafted rarely seem to work out (Blair Thomas, Curtis Enis, Lavar Arrington, etc.) ... the similarity is in the ones who make it on teams and stay there. PSU and NU have produced some terrific team players and role players in the NFL in the last couple decades - solid teammates who may not get all the attention, but play solid, fundamental football. A lot of that character and work ethic to keep working hard even in the pros has to go back to their college coach.

As for Saturday, not sure what to expect. It should be a fun atmosphere under the lights with our biggest "name" opponent of the year filling the stands (hopefully). PSU's offense has found their rhythm lately but they can still have dry spells. Let's hope for one on Saturday and play hard and smart on O and see what happens ...

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog@yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!



      

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Thu Oct 29 22:08:16 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Thu Oct 29 22:08:05 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] another PSU-NU link....
Message-ID: <008e01ca590e$39b7ee10$ad27ca30$@com>

Don't forget that Ron Vanderlinden was Fitz' coach then mentor at Maryland prior to the shuffle
that left Van at PSU and Fitz out west.

There are more than a few Maryland fans around here that think that Van's work up at PSU has led
to many top Maryland players heading north to play for the Nits.

Anyway, Fitz will have two hands to shake after the game Saturday.

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================




From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Fri Oct 30 06:33:17 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Fri Oct 30 06:32:53 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Boooo!
Message-ID: <00c501ca5954$c66da5c0$5348f140$@com>

Teddy Greenstein in the Trib reports that according to the NU Media guys, our Cats are 6-1 on
Halloween.

The guys are coming as the Cardiac Cats?

Boo

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================




From johnl at mac.com  Fri Oct 30 08:52:31 2009
From: johnl at mac.com (John Labbe)
Date: Fri Oct 30 08:52:59 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Boooo!
In-Reply-To: <11925475676565794755550828823331655801-Webmail@me.com>
References: <11925475676565794755550828823331655801-Webmail@me.com>
Message-ID: <94352589533694708427518418551206424693-Webmail@me.com>

You left out part of the statistic.  The Cats are said to be 6-1 at HOME on Halloween.  Our road record on Halloween isn't so good.

Our only other game in the modern era (1995-present by my definition) on Halloween was in 1998 when we lost badly to Michigan State on the road in the midst of an 0-8 Big Ten campaign.

Our last victory (home or away) on Halloween was at home over Indiana in 1959.  50 years ago.  Under Ara Parseghian.  And the Cats were ranked number 2 in the nation at that time.  Our first victory ever on Halloween was at home in 1895 over Lake Forest-Rush Medical.

We've only won one road game ever on Halloween:  A 12-11 victory over Illinois in 1903, our only Big Ten win that year, but good enough to win a share of the Big Ten Championship with a 1-0-2 record (we tied Chicago and Wisconsin).

So how will we fair against Penn State?  No predictions here, but let's hope that as the sun sets over Ryan Field tomorrow, the ghouls and goblins are wearing purple.






On Friday, October 30, 2009, at 06:33AM, "Roy Lamberton" <rstetson@capps-assoc.com> wrote:
>Teddy Greenstein in the Trib reports that according to the NU Media guys, our Cats are 6-1 on
>Halloween.
>
>The guys are coming as the Cardiac Cats?
>
>Boo
>
>rsl
>
>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
>Computer Applications & Support Associates
>-------------------- Also ----------------------
>Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
>Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
>Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
>Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
>Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
>==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
>So...
>     How's that "hope" and "Change"
>     Working for ya?
>
>Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
>================================================
>
>
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>nwu-sports site list
>nwu-sports@tssi.com
>http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Fri Oct 30 11:28:37 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Fri Oct 30 11:28:43 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU vs. PSU
Message-ID: <189256.89022.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

All I can do tomorrow is hope. Penn State is clearly the better team, but an upset is possible. I just hope that our coaches have the players ready and focused at the starting whistle. We CANNOT spot the Lions 14+ points and hope to come back. We need to strike early and take some chances. 

Penn State:      27
Northwestern:  28

Victory & Honor,
Jim


      

From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Fri Oct 30 12:24:55 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Fri Oct 30 12:25:11 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] NU vs. PSU
In-Reply-To: <189256.89022.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <189256.89022.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA02BDE170@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

As wiser men have said, hope is not a strategy.

Looks like it is going to be a beautiful crisp fall afternoon.  Perfect
for football.  Unfortunately, not so good for the underdog.  Anything is
possible, so we'll get an opportunity to see if our guys can rise to the
challenge.

Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com]
On Behalf Of Jim Leonard
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 12:29 PM
To: Northwestern Wildcats
Subject: [NU Sports] NU vs. PSU

Fellow Wildcat Faithful,

All I can do tomorrow is hope. Penn State is clearly the better team,
but an upset is possible. I just hope that our coaches have the players
ready and focused at the starting whistle. We CANNOT spot the Lions 14+
points and hope to come back. We need to strike early and take some
chances. 

Penn State:      27
Northwestern:  28

Victory & Honor,
Jim


      

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From thehaze at earthlink.net  Fri Oct 30 15:03:16 2009
From: thehaze at earthlink.net (Jim Bendat)
Date: Fri Oct 30 15:03:45 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Boooo!
Message-ID: <12941897.1256932996536.JavaMail.root@wamui-junio.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

Here's the program cover from our last Halloween victory - exactly 50 years ago, in 1959.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2221050081_e59f1f82b9.jpg


-----Original Message-----
>From: John Labbe <johnl@mac.com>
>Sent: Oct 30, 2009 9:52 AM
>To: Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com>
>Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
>Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Boooo!
>
>You left out part of the statistic.  The Cats are said to be 6-1 at HOME on Halloween.  Our road record on Halloween isn't so good.
>
>Our only other game in the modern era (1995-present by my definition) on Halloween was in 1998 when we lost badly to Michigan State on the road in the midst of an 0-8 Big Ten campaign.
>
>Our last victory (home or away) on Halloween was at home over Indiana in 1959.  50 years ago.  Under Ara Parseghian.  And the Cats were ranked number 2 in the nation at that time.  Our first victory ever on Halloween was at home in 1895 over Lake Forest-Rush Medical.
>
>We've only won one road game ever on Halloween:  A 12-11 victory over Illinois in 1903, our only Big Ten win that year, but good enough to win a share of the Big Ten Championship with a 1-0-2 record (we tied Chicago and Wisconsin).
>
>So how will we fair against Penn State?  No predictions here, but let's hope that as the sun sets over Ryan Field tomorrow, the ghouls and goblins are wearing purple.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>On Friday, October 30, 2009, at 06:33AM, "Roy Lamberton" <rstetson@capps-assoc.com> wrote:
>>Teddy Greenstein in the Trib reports that according to the NU Media guys, our Cats are 6-1 on
>>Halloween.
>>
>>The guys are coming as the Cardiac Cats?
>>
>>Boo
>>
>>rsl
>>
>>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>>Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
>>Computer Applications & Support Associates
>>-------------------- Also ----------------------
>>Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
>>Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
>>Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
>>Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
>>Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
>>==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
>>So...
>>     How's that "hope" and "Change"
>>     Working for ya?
>>
>>Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
>>================================================
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>nwu-sports site list
>>nwu-sports@tssi.com
>>http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>
>>
>
>_______________________________________________
>nwu-sports site list
>nwu-sports@tssi.com
>http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Fri Oct 30 16:13:39 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Fri Oct 30 16:13:15 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Boooo!
In-Reply-To: <12941897.1256932996536.JavaMail.root@wamui-junio.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
References: <12941897.1256932996536.JavaMail.root@wamui-junio.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Message-ID: <001a01ca59a5$da30d630$8e928290$@com>

I like this whole thread when I read that the Cats were 6-1 on Halloween.

Oh well

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Jim Bendat
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 4:03 PM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Boooo!

Here's the program cover from our last Halloween victory - exactly 50 years ago, in 1959.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2221050081_e59f1f82b9.jpg


-----Original Message-----
>From: John Labbe <johnl@mac.com>
>Sent: Oct 30, 2009 9:52 AM
>To: Roy Lamberton <rstetson@capps-assoc.com>
>Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
>Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Boooo!
>
>You left out part of the statistic.  The Cats are said to be 6-1 at HOME on Halloween.  Our road record on Halloween isn't so good.
>
>Our only other game in the modern era (1995-present by my definition) on Halloween was in 1998 when we lost badly to Michigan State on the road in the midst of an 0-8 Big Ten campaign.
>
>Our last victory (home or away) on Halloween was at home over Indiana in 1959.  50 years ago.  Under Ara Parseghian.  And the Cats were ranked number 2 in the nation at that time.  Our first victory ever on Halloween was at home in 1895 over Lake Forest-Rush Medical.
>
>We've only won one road game ever on Halloween:  A 12-11 victory over Illinois in 1903, our only Big Ten win that year, but good enough to win a share of the Big Ten Championship with a 1-0-2 record (we tied Chicago and Wisconsin).
>
>So how will we fair against Penn State?  No predictions here, but let's hope that as the sun sets over Ryan Field tomorrow, the ghouls and goblins are wearing purple.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>On Friday, October 30, 2009, at 06:33AM, "Roy Lamberton" <rstetson@capps-assoc.com> wrote:
>>Teddy Greenstein in the Trib reports that according to the NU Media guys, our Cats are 6-1 on
>>Halloween.
>>
>>The guys are coming as the Cardiac Cats?
>>
>>Boo
>>
>>rsl
>>
>>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>>Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
>>Computer Applications & Support Associates
>>-------------------- Also ----------------------
>>Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
>>Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
>>Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
>>Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
>>Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
>>==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========
>>So...
>>     How's that "hope" and "Change"
>>     Working for ya?
>>
>>Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
>>================================================
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>nwu-sports site list
>>nwu-sports@tssi.com
>>http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>>
>>
>
>_______________________________________________
>nwu-sports site list
>nwu-sports@tssi.com
>http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From sportsbiz at gmail.com  Fri Oct 30 16:57:21 2009
From: sportsbiz at gmail.com (Mark S. Ament)
Date: Fri Oct 30 16:57:31 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Boooo!
In-Reply-To: <001a01ca59a5$da30d630$8e928290$@com>
Message-ID: <4aeb6140.0807c00a.3a6a.ffff94be@mx.google.com>

I'll be at the game tomorrow,
making it my first appearance at Ryan in a couple of years. ?Thought I would check in with the group and see if anyone else is going/tailgating or getting together before the game. ?The are still a lot of you I haven't hqd the pleasure of meeting in person and would welcome the oppotunity.

By the way, my record in Ryan in the modern era is 4-1. ?We won't talk about my record in Dyche.

Mark


Mark S. Ament
sportsbiz@gmail.com


--sent from my Palm Pre

Roy Lamberton wrote:

I like this whole thread when I read that the Cats were 6-1 on Halloween.



Oh well



rsl



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate &amp; Unix Guru.

Computer Applications &amp; Support Associates

-------------------- Also ----------------------

Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball

Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]

Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 

Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968

Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)

==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========

So...

     How's that "hope" and "Change"

     Working for ya?



Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!

================================================



-----Original Message-----

From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Jim Bendat

Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 4:03 PM

To: nwu-sports@tssi.com

Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Boooo!



Here's the program cover from our last Halloween victory - exactly 50 years ago, in 1959.



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2221050081_e59f1f82b9.jpg





-----Original Message-----

>From: John Labbe &lt;johnl@mac.com>

>Sent: Oct 30, 2009 9:52 AM

>To: Roy Lamberton &lt;rstetson@capps-assoc.com>

>Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com

>Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Boooo!

>

>You left out part of the statistic.  The Cats are said to be 6-1 at HOME on Halloween.  Our road record on Halloween isn't so good.

>

>Our only other game in the modern era (1995-present by my definition) on Halloween was in 1998 when we lost badly to Michigan State on the road in the midst of an 0-8 Big Ten campaign.

>

>Our last victory (home or away) on Halloween was at home over Indiana in 1959.  50 years ago.  Under Ara Parseghian.  And the Cats were ranked number 2 in the nation at that time.  Our first victory ever on Halloween was at home in 1895 over Lake Forest-Rush Medical.

>

>We've only won one road game ever on Halloween:  A 12-11 victory over Illinois in 1903, our only Big Ten win that year, but good enough to win a share of the Big Ten Championship with a 1-0-2 record (we tied Chicago and Wisconsin).

>

>So how will we fair against Penn State?  No predictions here, but let's hope that as the sun sets over Ryan Field tomorrow, the ghouls and goblins are wearing purple.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>On Friday, October 30, 2009, at 06:33AM, "Roy Lamberton" &lt;rstetson@capps-assoc.com> wrote:

>>Teddy Greenstein in the Trib reports that according to the NU Media guys, our Cats are 6-1 on

>>Halloween.

>>

>>The guys are coming as the Cardiac Cats?

>>

>>Boo

>>

>>rsl

>>

>>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>>Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate &amp; Unix Guru.

>>Computer Applications &amp; Support Associates

>>-------------------- Also ----------------------

>>Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball

>>Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]

>>Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 

>>Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968

>>Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)

>>==========  Go Cats -  Beat 'em All  ===========

>>So...

>>     How's that "hope" and "Change"

>>     Working for ya?

>>

>>Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!

>>================================================

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>_______________________________________________

>>nwu-sports site list

>>nwu-sports@tssi.com

>>http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

>>

>>

>

>_______________________________________________

>nwu-sports site list

>nwu-sports@tssi.com

>http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports





_______________________________________________

nwu-sports site list

nwu-sports@tssi.com

http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports





_______________________________________________

nwu-sports site list

nwu-sports@tssi.com

http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Fri Oct 30 21:11:15 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Fri Oct 30 21:11:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] HIGH SCHOOL REPORT and a PS
Message-ID: <c43.5098b8b3.381cf6c3@aol.com>

I know some are not interested but we get so few blue chip recruits from  
Florida, I would like to report that Olympia starring Trevor Siemien  knocked 
off the #3 team in Florida the Apopka blue darters in a huge upset. On  the 
other hand, as much as I appreciate JoPa's praise for Fitz, I hear the  
godfather's advice "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" JoPa is a  
very nice man until he slits your throat.
From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 31 08:56:43 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Sat Oct 31 08:56:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Is this upset Saturday?
Message-ID: <823724.36836.qm@web36804.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

It seems that there's one weekend every year when numerous ranked teams fall. This weekend's schedule has already seen #13 Virginia Tech and #21 West Virginia lose. I certainly hope the Cats can but Penn State on the list. 

Go Cats!!
Jim



      

From Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com  Sat Oct 31 13:27:32 2009
From: Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com (Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal))
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:28:49 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
Message-ID: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.

 

At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.

 

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 13:31:39 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:31:50 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
Message-ID: <1218820132-1257013890-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1024334289-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Alan,
But couldn't Indy win jeopardize our bowl chances down the road?

Paul 
------Original Message------
From: Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
Sent: Oct 31, 2009 2:27 PM

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.

 

At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.

 

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sat Oct 31 13:32:22 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:32:50 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
In-Reply-To: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com>

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could hurt
NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid and an
Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <
Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

> God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
> seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
> sure win against the Corn People.
>
>
>
> At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
> few minutes left in the third.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>



-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com
From hakirsch at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 13:36:07 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:36:32 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
Message-ID: <1985006525-1257014168-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1488094422-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Its a windy,cold day here in evanston today.  
Go Cats

Harry
------Original Message------
From: Jonathan Hodges
Sender: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
Sent: Oct 31, 2009 1:32 PM

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could hurt
NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid and an
Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <
Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

> God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
> seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
> sure win against the Corn People.
>
>
>
> At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
> few minutes left in the third.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>



-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com
_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com  Sat Oct 31 13:36:07 2009
From: Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com (Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal))
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:36:51 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
In-Reply-To: <fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
	<fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>

Iowa is not that good. I would be delighted to see them lose.

 

Beyond which, I would on general principle like to see Iowa lose.

 

God love Ricky Stanzi and another interception!

 

Beyond which - our bowl prospects are within our control. 

 

 

 

From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:32 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

 

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could
hurt NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid
and an Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
<Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.



At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.



_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com

From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 31 13:41:06 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:42:12 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
In-Reply-To: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com><fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Message-ID: <407673442-1257014520-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-728904809-@bda100.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

My head says root for Iowa, but my heart says Alan is right on all points. In particular, we control our own destiny.

Go Cats!
Tom
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:36:07 
To: Jonathan Hodges<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

Iowa is not that good. I would be delighted to see them lose.

 

Beyond which, I would on general principle like to see Iowa lose.

 

God love Ricky Stanzi and another interception!

 

Beyond which - our bowl prospects are within our control. 

 

 

 

From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:32 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

 

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could
hurt NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid
and an Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
<Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.



At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.



_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 13:43:20 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:43:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
Message-ID: <d35.5920007d.381ddf48@aol.com>

Absolutely, Iowa could play the hounds of hell and I would root for the  
hounds.
From Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com  Sat Oct 31 13:43:32 2009
From: Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com (Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal))
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:44:17 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
In-Reply-To: <407673442-1257014520-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-728904809-@bda100.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com><fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
	<407673442-1257014520-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-728904809-@bda100.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>

I would just like to add, by the way, that while I understand fully that
Penn State deserves to be favored by two TDs or whatever -- if, and this
is a big if, if Scott Concannon gives us a running game today, I really
like our chances.



-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Maycock [mailto:tkmaycock@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:41 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal); nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com;
Jonathan Hodges
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

My head says root for Iowa, but my heart says Alan is right on all
points. In particular, we control our own destiny.

Go Cats!
Tom
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:36:07 
To: Jonathan Hodges<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

Iowa is not that good. I would be delighted to see them lose.

 

Beyond which, I would on general principle like to see Iowa lose.

 

God love Ricky Stanzi and another interception!

 

Beyond which - our bowl prospects are within our control. 

 

 

 

From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:32 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

 

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could
hurt NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid
and an Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
<Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.



At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.



_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 13:46:15 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:46:23 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
In-Reply-To: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com><fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com><407673442-1257014520-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-728904809-@bda100.bisx.prod.on.blackberry><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Message-ID: <505375837-1257014774-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1731118914-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Only if we get off to good start for a change.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:43:32 
To: <tkmaycock@yahoo.com>; <nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com>; Jonathan Hodges<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

I would just like to add, by the way, that while I understand fully that
Penn State deserves to be favored by two TDs or whatever -- if, and this
is a big if, if Scott Concannon gives us a running game today, I really
like our chances.



-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Maycock [mailto:tkmaycock@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:41 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal); nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com;
Jonathan Hodges
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

My head says root for Iowa, but my heart says Alan is right on all
points. In particular, we control our own destiny.

Go Cats!
Tom
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:36:07 
To: Jonathan Hodges<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

Iowa is not that good. I would be delighted to see them lose.

 

Beyond which, I would on general principle like to see Iowa lose.

 

God love Ricky Stanzi and another interception!

 

Beyond which - our bowl prospects are within our control. 

 

 

 

From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:32 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

 

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could
hurt NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid
and an Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
<Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.



At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.



_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com  Sat Oct 31 13:57:34 2009
From: Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com (Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal))
Date: Sat Oct 31 13:58:42 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
In-Reply-To: <505375837-1257014774-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1731118914-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com><fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com><407673442-1257014520-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-728904809-@bda100.bisx.prod.on.blackberry><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
	<505375837-1257014774-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1731118914-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>
Message-ID: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A640@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>

Right. We can't spot Penn State 21 points.

Also: excellent effort by me to label this Indiana-Illinois, when of
course it's Iowa. Duh.

And with Iowa now ahead by four, the lesson of college football -- you
can't not capitalize on your opportunities.



-----Original Message-----
From: neonrye@aol.com [mailto:neonrye@aol.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:46 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal); nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com;
tkmaycock@yahoo.com; Jonathan Hodges
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

Only if we get off to good start for a change.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:43:32 
To: <tkmaycock@yahoo.com>; <nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com>; Jonathan
Hodges<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

I would just like to add, by the way, that while I understand fully that
Penn State deserves to be favored by two TDs or whatever -- if, and this
is a big if, if Scott Concannon gives us a running game today, I really
like our chances.



-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Maycock [mailto:tkmaycock@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:41 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal); nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com;
Jonathan Hodges
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

My head says root for Iowa, but my heart says Alan is right on all
points. In particular, we control our own destiny.

Go Cats!
Tom
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:36:07 
To: Jonathan Hodges<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

Iowa is not that good. I would be delighted to see them lose.

 

Beyond which, I would on general principle like to see Iowa lose.

 

God love Ricky Stanzi and another interception!

 

Beyond which - our bowl prospects are within our control. 

 

 

 

From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:32 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

 

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could
hurt NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid
and an Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
<Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.



At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.



_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From rstetson at capps-assoc.com  Sat Oct 31 14:35:31 2009
From: rstetson at capps-assoc.com (Roy Lamberton)
Date: Sat Oct 31 14:35:01 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
In-Reply-To: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>	<fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com>
	<33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Message-ID: <005501ca5a61$4f50bfa0$edf23ee0$@com>

I guess we'll just have to hope dOSU knocks them off - which then puts dOSU in the driver's
seat...

AGAIN!

rsl

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roy S. Lamberton - Senior Associate & Unix Guru.
Computer Applications & Support Associates
-------------------- Also ----------------------
Commissioner Delaware American Legion Baseball
Retired Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician [R]
Northwestern University - Speech 1974 - 
Chi Phi: Pi 1974, KD 1968
Publisher Emeritus: Purple Reign (Fox Sports)
==========  Go Cats -? Beat 'em All  ===========
So...
     How's that "hope" and "Change"
     Working for ya?

Don't re-elect nobody, not even yo mama!
================================================


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com] On Behalf Of Abrahamson,
Alan (NBC Universal)
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 2:36 PM
To: Jonathan Hodges
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

Iowa is not that good. I would be delighted to see them lose.

 

Beyond which, I would on general principle like to see Iowa lose.

 

God love Ricky Stanzi and another interception!

 

Beyond which - our bowl prospects are within our control. 

 

 

 

From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:32 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

 

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could
hurt NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid
and an Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
<Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.



At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.



_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From hakirsch at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 15:33:56 2009
From: hakirsch at aol.com (hakirsch@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 15:34:05 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois
In-Reply-To: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63A@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com><fcb3ee270910311132q365a276ar89d8fca63f24d7ff@mail.gmail.com><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63D@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com><407673442-1257014520-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-728904809-@bda100.bisx.prod.on.blackberry><33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF0B67A63F@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Message-ID: <714997283-1257021236-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-1118134579-@bda949.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Oy
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:43:32 
To: <tkmaycock@yahoo.com>; <nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com>; Jonathan Hodges<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

I would just like to add, by the way, that while I understand fully that
Penn State deserves to be favored by two TDs or whatever -- if, and this
is a big if, if Scott Concannon gives us a running game today, I really
like our chances.



-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Maycock [mailto:tkmaycock@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:41 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal); nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com;
Jonathan Hodges
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

My head says root for Iowa, but my heart says Alan is right on all
points. In particular, we control our own destiny.

Go Cats!
Tom
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)" <Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:36:07 
To: Jonathan Hodges<jonathanwhodges@gmail.com>
Cc: <nwu-sports@tssi.com>
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

Iowa is not that good. I would be delighted to see them lose.

 

Beyond which, I would on general principle like to see Iowa lose.

 

God love Ricky Stanzi and another interception!

 

Beyond which - our bowl prospects are within our control. 

 

 

 

From: Jonathan Hodges [mailto:jonathanwhodges@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:32 AM
To: Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Cc: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Indiana-Illinois

 

I always love to see the upset, but in this case an Indiana win could
hurt NU, since Indiana is potentially competing with NU for a bowl bid
and an Iowa loss could make the Big Ten's bid to get 2 into the BCS more
precarious.  In any case, NU has a chance to take care of business later
today.

Go 'Cats!!!
Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
<Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

God, I am rooting for the Hoosiers, and they (with the help of the refs)
seem to be finding every which way to try to give away what should be a
sure win against the Corn People.



At least the kid just made this last field goal. 24-14, Indiana, with a
few minutes left in the third.



_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports




-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
1237 Emerson St Apt 2
Evanston, IL  60201-3577
(847) 736-2449
jonathanwhodges@gmail.com

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports

From tbng at comcast.net  Sat Oct 31 18:06:21 2009
From: tbng at comcast.net (Dennis W. Brandt)
Date: Sat Oct 31 18:06:34 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Down 2 scores in the 4th
Message-ID: <5E5AC9E2D44A4E26949B23DCDC31C0D7@DennisMachine>

The crushing weight of Penn State has finally fallen upon the Cats.  They played hard but missed way too many tackles, and the loss of Kafka was a killer.  They finally looked like deer in headlights.  We need more talent - more speed, more quickness, more size, more strength.  And couldn't they have put in some protection packages to give Persa more time to pass?

Dear Lord, please don't let the Phillies lose tonight, too.
From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 18:39:54 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 18:40:23 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Down 2 scores in the 4th
Message-ID: <d40.53070b29.381e24ca@aol.com>

Yes Kafka was our only hope, happy feet Persa and a tough Penn St offensive 
 mix..well, same old story. Please beat the bees.
From Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com  Sat Oct 31 18:45:10 2009
From: Alan.Abrahamson at nbcsports.com (Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal))
Date: Sat Oct 31 18:45:41 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Post-game thought
Message-ID: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF08A7BFA1@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>

Yech. 

From scottzel at gmail.com  Sat Oct 31 18:57:33 2009
From: scottzel at gmail.com (Scott Zeller)
Date: Sat Oct 31 18:58:06 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Post-game thought
In-Reply-To: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF08A7BFA1@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF08A7BFA1@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Message-ID: <9a9d92d30910311657y15429e41pbb41e6fc5aeb29f1@mail.gmail.com>

I really wonder how the game would have turned out had Kafka not gone down.
NU was clicking on all cylinders prior to that. Still held them till the
4th, but the defense can't be expected to keep a team like PSU in check when
every offensive series is a 3-and-out with a punt to midfield. The D was
gassed at the end, and who can blame them? They rarely had a chance to rest.

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 4:45 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <
Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:

> Yech.
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Sat Oct 31 19:12:22 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Sat Oct 31 19:13:58 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Down 2 scores in the 4th
References: <5E5AC9E2D44A4E26949B23DCDC31C0D7@DennisMachine>
	<2A082B0A-A8B5-484E-BBB0-494C69AE7176@covisint.com>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA026009C3@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

With all due respect, I'm tired of the complaint that we don't have enough talent to compete. 

If It was Clark that went down at that start of the second half rather than Kafka PSU would have struggled too. They would have become one dimensional, had a bunch of three and outs, and we likely would have worn down their defense in the same that they wore down ours.

We proved we had both the ability and desire to play these guys even up. So how do you explain that?

Jeff 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 31, 2009, at 7:06 PM, "Dennis W. Brandt" <tbng@comcast.net> wrote:



	The crushing weight of Penn State has finally fallen upon the Cats.  They played hard but missed way too many tackles, and the loss of Kafka was a killer.  They finally looked like deer in headlights.  We need more talent - more speed, more quickness, more size, more strength.  And couldn't they have put in some protection packages to give Persa more time to pass?
	
	Dear Lord, please don't let the Phillies lose tonight, too.
	
The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

	nwu-sports site list
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From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sat Oct 31 19:32:31 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sat Oct 31 19:34:21 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Post-game thought
In-Reply-To: <9a9d92d30910311657y15429e41pbb41e6fc5aeb29f1@mail.gmail.com>
References: <33C4F11DF8639640A51C79CB484166FF08A7BFA1@RKFMLVEM02.e2k.ad.ge.com>
	<9a9d92d30910311657y15429e41pbb41e6fc5aeb29f1@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910311732v20bc9201jb5148958ce16a3ae@mail.gmail.com>

I agree, when Persa came into the game, the passing game obviously
suffered.  PSU brought their D up to take out the short passing game, and
Persa didn't have time to go deep, so that was that.  Before that, though,
the offense was moving the ball well.

The D also did a nice job minus the two back-to-back plays when they were
deceived and let PSU rack up long TDs.  I was a bit surprised because I
expected that to be the way it looked all day.

Next week will be interesting; Iowa is definitely vulnerable although NU
can't afford any mistakes (once again).

Also, the game atmosphere was good today, it was too bad the stands weren't
completely full.

Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 6:57 PM, Scott Zeller <scottzel@gmail.com> wrote:

> I really wonder how the game would have turned out had Kafka not gone down.
> NU was clicking on all cylinders prior to that. Still held them till the
> 4th, but the defense can't be expected to keep a team like PSU in check
> when
> every offensive series is a 3-and-out with a punt to midfield. The D was
> gassed at the end, and who can blame them? They rarely had a chance to
> rest.
>
> On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 4:45 PM, Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal) <
> Alan.Abrahamson@nbcsports.com> wrote:
>
> > Yech.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nwu-sports site list
> > nwu-sports@tssi.com
> > http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
> >
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 19:34:00 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 19:34:35 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Post-Mortem
Message-ID: <8CC28A223AD4FD0-59C0-C245@webmail-d015.sysops.aol.com>


I watched game at Sports Bar in Westchester County with some other alums (a new NU Club of NY tradition that started today).  Unfortunately, there was no sound on the TV, so it took some time for me to realize that Kafka was out for the game.  I assume he pulled a hammy or quad--never did hear what the injury was.

The good:  We played very tough and poised for 3 quarters, and really would have had a chance if our QB didn't go down.

The bad:  No "O" in Second Half; little protection for Persa, and his inability to pick up second and third options or to get rid of ball before going down.

The good:  Persa is one fast athlete.  He is intriguing for the future, although his lack of size worries me, along with, as noted, the happy feet.

The very bad:  While the NU fans looked good and frenzied on the tube (as I said, I could not hear them), the sparse crowd really worries me.  We used to pack the house for Joe Pa.  I can't imagine we had more than 30,000 today, if that--for a nationally televised, under-the-lights, Halloween Purplelapooza event vs. one of top teams and attractions in Big Ten and in the country.  If we can't get a better crowd under these conditions--with decent weather to boot--I fear that maybe the conference will begin to think we are not holding up our end of the "bargain".  We simply are not drawing enough fans, and the visuals on TV are awful.  As I write this I am watcdhing Oregon hosting USC at Autzen--packed house; Minny hosting MSU--full boat; Tennessee sticking it to Spurrier's Gamecocks--the usual 100,000 plus at Rocky Top.  And yet up the Lake from the thrid largest city in the nation we have nowhere near capacity--in "intimate" Ryan Field.  This trend is very, very troublesome.  Our "crowds" make it appear that we compete in the MAC, not the Big Ten.

More bad:  With Illinois' rout of Wolverines the game in 2 weeks now looks, at best, like a "push"--and that's only if Kafka can play--and at top level.  Next week has the potential for looking like the Alamo--and I am not talking about the Bowl or the Stadium--given our offensive inefficiency after Kafka went down.  Our bowl hopes are teetering.  Meanwhile, Minny is now up 14-0 on Spartans, who are well into their annual swoon.    It's tough to figure who will end up as bowl-eligible.  Even Michigan is currently "on the bubble" after today's disaster.

Paul Levinson

Paul Levinson
From sportsbiz at gmail.com  Sat Oct 31 19:52:25 2009
From: sportsbiz at gmail.com (Mark S. Ament)
Date: Sat Oct 31 19:53:09 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Post-Mortem
In-Reply-To: <8CC28A223AD4FD0-59C0-C245@webmail-d015.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <4aecdba3.9553f10a.74fa.7cbc@mx.google.com>

While the crowd worries are legitimate and something the athletic department needs to address sooner rather than later, don't think for a minute that our membership in the Big Ten could be in jeopardy. Not ever going to happen. It's simply not the way these schools operate and the ties, both athletic and as important, at least in this conference, academic are too deep and too important to each member to even contemplate such a move.

That said, the athletic department needs to do some serious markting and can start by wooing the Chicago media which still treat us as an out of town team.
Mark


Mark S. Ament
sportsbiz@gmail.com


--sent from my Palm Pre

neonrye@aol.com wrote:



I watched game at Sports Bar in Westchester County with some other alums (a new NU Club of NY tradition that started today).  Unfortunately, there was no sound on the TV, so it took some time for me to realize that Kafka was out for the game.  I assume he pulled a hammy or quad--never did hear what the injury was.



The good:  We played very tough and poised for 3 quarters, and really would have had a chance if our QB didn't go down.



The bad:  No "O" in Second Half; little protection for Persa, and his inability to pick up second and third options or to get rid of ball before going down.



The good:  Persa is one fast athlete.  He is intriguing for the future, although his lack of size worries me, along with, as noted, the happy feet.



The very bad:  While the NU fans looked good and frenzied on the tube (as I said, I could not hear them), the sparse crowd really worries me.  We used to pack the house for Joe Pa.  I can't imagine we had more than 30,000 today, if that--for a nationally televised, under-the-lights, Halloween Purplelapooza event vs. one of top teams and attractions in Big Ten and in the country.  If we can't get a better crowd under these conditions--with decent weather to boot--I fear that maybe the conference will begin to think we are not holding up our end of the "bargain".  We simply are not drawing enough fans, and the visuals on TV are awful.  As I write this I am watcdhing Oregon hosting USC at Autzen--packed house; Minny hosting MSU--full boat; Tennessee sticking it to Spurrier's Gamecocks--the usual 100,000 plus at Rocky Top.  And yet up the Lake from the thrid largest city in the nation we have nowhere near capacity--in "intimate" Ryan Field.  This trend is very, very troublesome.  Our "crowds" make it appear that we compete in the MAC, not the Big Ten.



More bad:  With Illinois' rout of Wolverines the game in 2 weeks now looks, at best, like a "push"--and that's only if Kafka can play--and at top level.  Next week has the potential for looking like the Alamo--and I am not talking about the Bowl or the Stadium--given our offensive inefficiency after Kafka went down.  Our bowl hopes are teetering.  Meanwhile, Minny is now up 14-0 on Spartans, who are well into their annual swoon.    It's tough to figure who will end up as bowl-eligible.  Even Michigan is currently "on the bubble" after today's disaster.



Paul Levinson



Paul Levinson

_______________________________________________

nwu-sports site list

nwu-sports@tssi.com

http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From neonrye at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 19:55:59 2009
From: neonrye at aol.com (neonrye@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 19:56:29 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Post-Mortem
In-Reply-To: <4aecdba3.9553f10a.74fa.7cbc@mx.google.com>
References: <8CC28A223AD4FD0-59C0-C245@webmail-d015.sysops.aol.com><4aecdba3.9553f10a.74fa.7cbc@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <1553327604-1257036961-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-285654239-@bda564.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

Mark,
You probably are right, but we look like a poor relative...an expensive one to be sure.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Mark S. Ament" <sportsbiz@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:52:25 
To: neonrye@aol.com<neonrye@aol.com>; nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com<nwu-sports@romaine.tssi.com>
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Post-Mortem

While the crowd worries are legitimate and something the athletic department needs to address sooner rather than later, don't think for a minute that our membership in the Big Ten could be in jeopardy. Not ever going to happen. It's simply not the way these schools operate and the ties, both athletic and as important, at least in this conference, academic are too deep and too important to each member to even contemplate such a move.

That said, the athletic department needs to do some serious markting and can start by wooing the Chicago media which still treat us as an out of town team.
Mark


Mark S. Ament
sportsbiz@gmail.com


--sent from my Palm Pre

neonrye@aol.com wrote:



I watched game at Sports Bar in Westchester County with some other alums (a new NU Club of NY tradition that started today).  Unfortunately, there was no sound on the TV, so it took some time for me to realize that Kafka was out for the game.  I assume he pulled a hammy or quad--never did hear what the injury was.



The good:  We played very tough and poised for 3 quarters, and really would have had a chance if our QB didn't go down.



The bad:  No "O" in Second Half; little protection for Persa, and his inability to pick up second and third options or to get rid of ball before going down.



The good:  Persa is one fast athlete.  He is intriguing for the future, although his lack of size worries me, along with, as noted, the happy feet.



The very bad:  While the NU fans looked good and frenzied on the tube (as I said, I could not hear them), the sparse crowd really worries me.  We used to pack the house for Joe Pa.  I can't imagine we had more than 30,000 today, if that--for a nationally televised, under-the-lights, Halloween Purplelapooza event vs. one of top teams and attractions in Big Ten and in the country.  If we can't get a better crowd under these conditions--with decent weather to boot--I fear that maybe the conference will begin to think we are not holding up our end of the "bargain".  We simply are not drawing enough fans, and the visuals on TV are awful.  As I write this I am watcdhing Oregon hosting USC at Autzen--packed house; Minny hosting MSU--full boat; Tennessee sticking it to Spurrier's Gamecocks--the usual 100,000 plus at Rocky Top.  And yet up the Lake from the thrid largest city in the nation we have nowhere near capacity--in "intimate" Ryan Field.  This trend is very, very troublesome.  Our "crowds" make it appear that we compete in the MAC, not the Big Ten.



More bad:  With Illinois' rout of Wolverines the game in 2 weeks now looks, at best, like a "push"--and that's only if Kafka can play--and at top level.  Next week has the potential for looking like the Alamo--and I am not talking about the Bowl or the Stadium--given our offensive inefficiency after Kafka went down.  Our bowl hopes are teetering.  Meanwhile, Minny is now up 14-0 on Spartans, who are well into their annual swoon.    It's tough to figure who will end up as bowl-eligible.  Even Michigan is currently "on the bubble" after today's disaster.



Paul Levinson



Paul Levinson

_______________________________________________

nwu-sports site list

nwu-sports@tssi.com

http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports


From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sat Oct 31 20:00:06 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sat Oct 31 20:00:53 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Post-Mortem
In-Reply-To: <4aecdba3.9553f10a.74fa.7cbc@mx.google.com>
References: <8CC28A223AD4FD0-59C0-C245@webmail-d015.sysops.aol.com> 
	<4aecdba3.9553f10a.74fa.7cbc@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910311800j39b27449p6ab2d09327756f2f@mail.gmail.com>

I agree that there's no way the Big Ten would give NU the boot, there's just
way too much history there (plus, it's not like they didn't have plenty of
on-the-field reasons to get rid of NU in the 80's but didn't).

Like I've said numerous times and we've discussed a ton on this list, the
attendance issue is the biggest problem facing NU football right now, and
there is no easy fix.  Trust me, the NU athletic department is doing its
best to get people to the game - they've run a lot more targeted marketing
and a ton of promos this year to no avail.  It will take a concerted effort
over time and possibly some new stuff to get fans in the seats.  Don't blame
the athletic dept. for a lack of trying, though (their relative lack of
resources also doesn't help).

Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 7:52 PM, Mark S. Ament <sportsbiz@gmail.com> wrote:

> While the crowd worries are legitimate and something the athletic
> department needs to address sooner rather than later, don't think for a
> minute that our membership in the Big Ten could be in jeopardy. Not ever
> going to happen. It's simply not the way these schools operate and the ties,
> both athletic and as important, at least in this conference, academic are
> too deep and too important to each member to even contemplate such a move.
>
> That said, the athletic department needs to do some serious markting and
> can start by wooing the Chicago media which still treat us as an out of town
> team.
> Mark
>
>
> Mark S. Ament
> sportsbiz@gmail.com
>
>
> --sent from my Palm Pre
>
> neonrye@aol.com wrote:
>
>
>
> I watched game at Sports Bar in Westchester County with some other alums (a
> new NU Club of NY tradition that started today).  Unfortunately, there was
> no sound on the TV, so it took some time for me to realize that Kafka was
> out for the game.  I assume he pulled a hammy or quad--never did hear what
> the injury was.
>
>
>
> The good:  We played very tough and poised for 3 quarters, and really would
> have had a chance if our QB didn't go down.
>
>
>
> The bad:  No "O" in Second Half; little protection for Persa, and his
> inability to pick up second and third options or to get rid of ball before
> going down.
>
>
>
> The good:  Persa is one fast athlete.  He is intriguing for the future,
> although his lack of size worries me, along with, as noted, the happy feet.
>
>
>
> The very bad:  While the NU fans looked good and frenzied on the tube (as I
> said, I could not hear them), the sparse crowd really worries me.  We used
> to pack the house for Joe Pa.  I can't imagine we had more than 30,000
> today, if that--for a nationally televised, under-the-lights, Halloween
> Purplelapooza event vs. one of top teams and attractions in Big Ten and in
> the country.  If we can't get a better crowd under these conditions--with
> decent weather to boot--I fear that maybe the conference will begin to think
> we are not holding up our end of the "bargain".  We simply are not drawing
> enough fans, and the visuals on TV are awful.  As I write this I am
> watcdhing Oregon hosting USC at Autzen--packed house; Minny hosting
> MSU--full boat; Tennessee sticking it to Spurrier's Gamecocks--the usual
> 100,000 plus at Rocky Top.  And yet up the Lake from the thrid largest city
> in the nation we have nowhere near capacity--in "intimate" Ryan Field.  This
> trend is very, very troublesome.  Our "crowds" make it appear that we
> compete in the MAC, not the Big Ten.
>
>
>
> More bad:  With Illinois' rout of Wolverines the game in 2 weeks now looks,
> at best, like a "push"--and that's only if Kafka can play--and at top level.
>  Next week has the potential for looking like the Alamo--and I am not
> talking about the Bowl or the Stadium--given our offensive inefficiency
> after Kafka went down.  Our bowl hopes are teetering.  Meanwhile, Minny is
> now up 14-0 on Spartans, who are well into their annual swoon.    It's tough
> to figure who will end up as bowl-eligible.  Even Michigan is currently "on
> the bubble" after today's disaster.
>
>
>
> Paul Levinson
>
>
>
> Paul Levinson
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> nwu-sports site list
>
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
>
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
From thehaze at earthlink.net  Sat Oct 31 20:04:44 2009
From: thehaze at earthlink.net (Jim Bendat)
Date: Sat Oct 31 20:05:27 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Persa is not the answer for next year
Message-ID: <1427179.1257037485073.JavaMail.root@wamui-june.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

I've now seen enough of Dan Persa to tell me that that he should not be our QB of the future. I sure hope Evan Watkins or the new recruit from Florida will step up. Persa is too small and seems too often to be lost out there. -- Jim B.

From MHRJGScott at aol.com  Sat Oct 31 20:14:29 2009
From: MHRJGScott at aol.com (MHRJGScott@aol.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 20:15:02 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Persa is not the answer for next year
Message-ID: <d21.5ade7c8a.381e3af5@aol.com>

I agree, they said he was the iron cat i.e. strongest guy on the team, I do 
 not think so.
From Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com  Sat Oct 31 20:13:05 2009
From: Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com (Beamsley, Jeff)
Date: Sat Oct 31 20:16:20 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Persa is not the answer for next year
References: <1427179.1257037485073.JavaMail.root@wamui-june.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Message-ID: <FA7822545C26F244823CA5D312ABBDEA026009C6@nasa-dtw-ex006.nasa.cpwr.corp>

You may be right, but that was the way I felt about Kafka before the season started based on his fill-in performances last year.
 
I did win the game against Minny, but only by running the ball.  
 
I have been pleasantly surprised at how well Kafka has thrown the ball this year, so it may be possible for Persa to make similar strides during the off season too.
 
Jeff


The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.


From: nwu-sports-bounces@tssi.com on behalf of Jim Bendat
Sent: Sat 10/31/2009 9:04 PM
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Persa is not the answer for next year



I've now seen enough of Dan Persa to tell me that that he should not be our QB of the future. I sure hope Evan Watkins or the new recruit from Florida will step up. Persa is too small and seems too often to be lost out there. -- Jim B.

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
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From bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 31 20:18:53 2009
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com (bwdolphin146@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct 31 20:19:33 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Have to point out
Message-ID: <869236569-1257038334-cardhu_decombobulator_blackberry.rim.net-161835589-@bda367.bisx.prod.on.blackberry>

.. Jervain Matthews' two dropped kickoffs killed NU field position. Fitz finally got him out, thank goodness. And the punting was dreadful. 

But without Kafka we didn't have much of a chance. Too bad; with Kafka I think the game comes down to the fourth quarter.  Ah well. 

Brad Wilson
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 31 21:55:22 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Sat Oct 31 21:55:28 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] Persa is not the answer for next year
In-Reply-To: <1427179.1257037485073.JavaMail.root@wamui-june.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
References: <1427179.1257037485073.JavaMail.root@wamui-june.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Message-ID: <211657.92790.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

I wasn't overly impressed by Persa's performance today, but I cannot judge his potential from what I saw. The O-line was awful tonight and he was basically running backwards once the snap arrived. I think he can win games for us if he has 2-3 seconds to find a receiver. I sure hope so, because if Kafka really did injure his hamstring, he's probably not going to play next week. 

Go Cats!
Jim





----- Original Message ----
From: Jim Bendat <thehaze@earthlink.net>
To: nwu-sports@tssi.com
Sent: Sat, October 31, 2009 8:04:44 PM
Subject: [NU Sports] Persa is not the answer for next year

I've now seen enough of Dan Persa to tell me that that he should not be our QB of the future. I sure hope Evan Watkins or the new recruit from Florida will step up. Persa is too small and seems too often to be lost out there. -- Jim B.

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports@tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports



      

From tkmaycock at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 31 22:18:40 2009
From: tkmaycock at yahoo.com (Tom Maycock)
Date: Sat Oct 31 22:18:47 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PSU game
In-Reply-To: <211657.92790.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <230201.84322.qm@web33107.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Quote from JoPa says it all:

On if Penn State made adjustments in the second half...

"The adjustment we made is their quarterback got hurt."

A gutsy, well-coached effort almost the entire game. They even hung tough in the 3rd quarter, when the offense was no longer holding up its end of the deal. 

PSU was bound to bust a play or two eventually, and I'm not sure we could have kept up even with a healthy Kafka, but it would have been close to the end. Too much spark, precision, execution, and confidence went out along with Mike, and our D ended up on the field way too much as a result.

As far as Persa being the answer for next year, I think it would be silly to judge his future prospects based on tonight's performance. See the other JoePa quotes--they got real aggressive on the pass rush once Kafka went out, and Dan was running for his life most of the 2nd half. I'm sure they guessed correctly that a redshirt sophomore with virtually no reps was not going to be anywhere near as ready as our very talented 5th year senior.

I really feel for Kafka--he was playing at a very, very high level before he went down. I sure wish we could have seen what might have happened had he not been injured.

Tom

From jleonard518 at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 31 22:38:33 2009
From: jleonard518 at yahoo.com (Jim Leonard)
Date: Sat Oct 31 22:38:38 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] MSUcks
Message-ID: <851762.15308.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

I just watched the 4th quarter of the Minnesota-MSU game. Adam Weber had a career night with 416 yards and 5 TDs. But, the painful part was that MSU was down 34-42 with 3 minutes left. MSU forces a punt and then runs into the punter, giving Minnesota a game-clinching 1st down. Mark Dantonio looks like he doesn't want to board the plane back to East Lansing. 

Go Cats!
Jim


      

From jonathanwhodges at gmail.com  Sat Oct 31 22:51:12 2009
From: jonathanwhodges at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodges)
Date: Sat Oct 31 22:52:40 2009
Subject: [NU Sports] PSU game
In-Reply-To: <230201.84322.qm@web33107.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <211657.92790.qm@web36807.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<230201.84322.qm@web33107.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <fcb3ee270910312051q25c547c4gd320dc9ed210425e@mail.gmail.com>

I agree, Kafka had the offense running on all cylinders early and the air
was definitely let out of the tires when he went down.  Hopefully he'll be
back soon.

It's amazing how similar this situation is to what happened last year when
Bacher went down and Kafka came in.  When Kafka came in at the end of the
Indiana game, many thought that he was a joke.  Even after his
record-setting performance at Minnesota, many dismissed him as just a runner
who can't throw.

Now, despite leading the conference in passing yards coming into this game,
many realized that Kafka is indeed a good passer, and have now moved on to
dismiss Persa when he was thrown into the fire.

If Kafka is indeed sidelined for next week's game, it will be interesting to
see what kind of game plan that they can put together for Persa, who has
pretty good speed.  He definitely wasn't helped by PSU's intense pass rush
(especially in the fourth when NU was forced into passing situations almost
exclusively).  Timing is key in the short passing game, and it takes at
least some practice time to build that up.

Anyways, don't count out the 'Cats down the stretch this year.

Jonathan

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 10:18 PM, Tom Maycock <tkmaycock@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Quote from JoPa says it all:
>
> On if Penn State made adjustments in the second half...
>
> "The adjustment we made is their quarterback got hurt."
>
> A gutsy, well-coached effort almost the entire game. They even hung tough
> in the 3rd quarter, when the offense was no longer holding up its end of the
> deal.
>
> PSU was bound to bust a play or two eventually, and I'm not sure we could
> have kept up even with a healthy Kafka, but it would have been close to the
> end. Too much spark, precision, execution, and confidence went out along
> with Mike, and our D ended up on the field way too much as a result.
>
> As far as Persa being the answer for next year, I think it would be silly
> to judge his future prospects based on tonight's performance. See the other
> JoePa quotes--they got real aggressive on the pass rush once Kafka went out,
> and Dan was running for his life most of the 2nd half. I'm sure they guessed
> correctly that a redshirt sophomore with virtually no reps was not going to
> be anywhere near as ready as our very talented 5th year senior.
>
> I really feel for Kafka--he was playing at a very, very high level before
> he went down. I sure wish we could have seen what might have happened had he
> not been injured.
>
> Tom
>
> _______________________________________________
> nwu-sports site list
> nwu-sports@tssi.com
> http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports
>
