[NU Sports] God wears purple

[Dennis W. Brandt]

<I ,like Dennis,thought we would lose and lose badly.  Obviously   we lost 
but it was close.  I was at the game and deeply disappointed. <But I can 
tell you the whole experience was so enjoyable and re inforced my pride for 
my alma mater.

There is every reason to be proud of the team, which played better than I 
thought they would, although I think it is more that I overrated Auburn.  If 
anyone can bring this team into consistent respectability AND BEYOND, it is 
Pat Fitzgerald.  Even if the university continues to tie his hands in 
recruiting, he is still the right coach for NU.  It will take time to 
develop deeply talented teams, if it is possible for Northwester ever to 
obtain that goal.  Some would never have us reach it, but perhaps the new 
president has a different perspective.  Imagine NU having a great running 
back and/or a devastating pass rush yesterday.  There wouldn't have been a 
blown victory to lament.  Indeed, we might still be waiting to play in a BCS 
bowl.  Talent, properly coached, can overcome many mistakes, but we don't 
yet have that luxury and never have.  Let's get there and realistically 
Expect Victory, not wish for it.