[NU Sports] bowl frustrations

[Brad Wilson]

I concur with those who say it is delightful to enjoy a competitive team, one that never quits. As I said to my disconsolate NU-watching buddy during the game Saturday, "At least we're never boring., Never dull watching NU." Having watched my share of massacres in the 1980's, the idea of four straight bowl games is remarkable in itself.

I do not concur with those who say NU needs to lower its standards for 4-star recruits. Either they make it or they don't and that is an admission-office decision, period. And that is as it should be. Stanford has lower standards for studs? Shame on Stanford.


However, four elements of frustration for me.

One, NU is SOOOOO close. Look, lose 54-14 to Texas A&M and well, fine, they were a lot better. But NU was ONE stop or ONE big play from winning. And that has been the case the last 4 bowls though of course the two OT losses were sheer agony.  ONE play away from ending the bowl streak .... AUGH. I would almost say I'd rather lose 66-17 or so but I was at that debacle and actually, no, I wouldn't. But so close ... aren't we due for a break from the sporting gods?


Two,  watching the Sun Bowl, or the Pinstripe Bowl, I know NU could have -- probably would have -- beaten UCLA and Iowa State. NU needs a matchup like that. I appreciate what Delany and Phillips do to move "up" the bowl ladder, but maybe NU's best hope to win would come in a year where the BT gets just one BCS spot to even out the bowl matchups a little. I do believe the bowl streak hurts recruiting and the impression of NU as a competitive program.

Three, why does NU dig holes in every bowl? Why do the 'Cats fall behind badly at the start and have to scramble back? How can they not be ready to play in a bowl game? 


Four, the constant drumbeat of allowing 3rd down conversions hurts my head. The defense on 3rd downs needs to either a) get a pass rush on or b) cover the receivers tightly. NU does neither. This is a recipe for disaster. I'd trade getting beaten deep once or twice (which happens anyway) for some sacks and hurries that could create turnovers.

Brad Wilson










 
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