[NU Sports] Meineke Bowl

[neonrye at aol.com]

Hey Listers,

Is anybody out there?  Where are all of the emails I was expecting to read on the eve of our big bowl game?   It has been so quiet I thought maybe I was somehow thrown off of the List.

I have no prediction to make, other than to say that I would love to see us get off to a good start for a change in a bowl game.  Other than the Sun Bowl vs. UCLA and the Alamo Bowl vs. Mizzou, I can't remember us breaking in front.  Usually we get down by at least 2 TD's before we remember why we are there.  I know that A & M ihas proved to be a first-half terror, second-half dog this year, but I would hate to count on a late comeback against a team that, at least on paper, seems to have a decided edge in talent and probably depth.  

We need a big game tomorrow out of our Special Teamers, especially Venric Mark, as field position will be very important.  If Danny P. has a short field to work with, he will put a lot of points up, and it will ease the pressure on our running attack.

I will be watching the game at our traditional NYC suburban gathering at Buffalo Wild Wings in Stamford, CT.  The University has taken our email "invitation" and extended it to incoming freshmen recently accepted as "Early Decision" candidates.  I am "hosting" the event, pinch-hitting for Ken Monroe, who has done a superb job building our group to an established gig, and who will be in Chicago for the game.   I am looking forward to teaching the new kids "Go U Northwestern", which, of course, we sing after every 'Cat score (lubricated with "Purple Shots" to celebrate).  Hopefully, those of you in Houston we hear our voices raised in song throughout the day.  Please root them home.  It's time to end the drought.

Go 'Cats!  And Happy New Year (which it will especially be, if there is a Purple celebration when the Fourth Quarter ends).

Paul Levinson