[NU Sports] Fwd: Meineke Bowl

[Eric Kunkel]

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Kunkel <wildelk2 at aol.com>
To: neonrye <neonrye at aol.com>
Sent: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 4:35 am
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Meineke Bowl


Paul and List Friends,


   Part of the lack of list traffic may be that some of us believe 6-6 (and 6-7 UCLA...still can't believe they are in a bowl) teams don't belong in bowl season; that the whole thing is watered down.  I believe that the number of bowls finally went past "the tipping point: a few years ago when over 1/2 of Div. 1-A (70 out of 120 teams) can qualify for a bowl.  I'm all for lots of games, but we as fans have a right not to pay attention to games that are merely a one game extension/$ producer to the regular season. 
   With that said, the rules are such that NU will play Texas A&M.  It will be a tough number with Mabin and Mafuli out; Vince Browne will need to live up to the hype and get after Tannyhill; force turnovers. Like Nebraska, how are we going to respond when A&M nails a quick TD? That will happen today.  Is our offense going to do didly squat and give the ball right back like we did late last year and mid-season this year?  Or, like after Nebraska scores do we stuff it down their esophagus and get the 2 score lead back? 
   Let's face it, A&M has a bit of a yellow streak. Just not falling into an early hole (Thanks Paul) and making them play from behind would be a good start. Make them press.  In other words, play with them and as Pat said before the NU-NU game, "we need to take the fight to them".  Defense and how we respond to big plays will be the deciding factors today.


Let's git er' done Cats!!                 Eric
  



-----Original Message-----
From: neonrye <neonrye at aol.com>
To: nwu-sports <nwu-sports at tssi.com>
Sent: Fri, Dec 30, 2011 6:44 pm
Subject: [NU Sports] Meineke Bowl



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
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