[NU Sports] Reviewing the rivalries ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

As we wake up still basking in the glow of another win over IO_A (though also with the sadness of losing Persa), it's always fun to look at our three rivalries in recent years.

We can debate the meaning of rivalry and whether or not these schools take us seriously as rivals ... but the truth is that these are usually the three biggest games of the season for NU fans and players and winning them can make any problems go away and keep a smile on your face well into spring football. As you can see, the Cats have done pretty well in these games in the "modern era" (i.e. since 1995) and even better in the recent Fitzgerald era. Hopefully we can keep it up in Wrigley against the Ill-ini.

But before focusing on the friendly confines, a look and tres rivals:

ILLINOIS (The traditional rival)
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* Record since 1995: 10-5
* Record in last five: 4-1

Three to remember ...
* 2000: The awesome offensive thumping that gave us a share of the title
* 1995: The fourth down run by Autry to keep Pasadena hopes alive
* 2004: The overtime punt return for TD for another extra-time victory

WISCONSIN (The border rival)
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* Record since 1995: 6-5
* Record in last five: 3-2

Three to remember ...
* 1996: The Dayne fumble, the Bates catch ... take a knee, Barry!
* 2005: A slow first half, an explosive second half, especially Sutton!
* 1995: Sweet stuff at the goal line completes the shutout

IOWA (The real rival)
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* Record since 1995: 9-5
* Record in last five: 4-1

Three to remember ...
* 1995: Gameday in frozen Evanston, Ismaeli's return to seal it!
* 1996: The shucking of the corn and total ground domination in Kinnick
* 2005: 58 minutes of awful play followed by 2 minutes of amazing

GO CATS!!! BEAT ILLINOIS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!! GEAUX SAINTS!!!
Super Bowl XLIV Champions!
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