<p>arbiter213: Looks like you got your wish. Northwestern 27-10 over Illinois today closing out the season at 9-3.</p>
<p>With UNC, Pitt, Miami and Maryland losing this week, Northwestern should have little trouble ending 2008 with a top 25 ranking not only in the BCS but in the Harris, AP and Coaches polls as well.</p>
<p>The one unresolved question - which Bowl for the Wildcats ???</p>
<p>^if oregon state wins the next game, we'll go to alamo; otherwise, we will go to the outback bowl in tampa on jan 1! i am rooting against oregon state! i don't want to see a rematch at the rose bowl anyway!</p>
<p>Champs Sports is another possibility.</p>
<p>All in all a pretty successful season for the gridiron 'Cats (aside from the loss to UI, albeit partially due to injuries) - finishing the regular season ranked 20th in the Coach's poll and 24th in all the others (including the BCS; the 'Cats can still move up if teams ahead of lose).</p>
<p>The fact that the 'Cats did this w/o their best player for more than half the season, Sutton, and w/ their starting QB missing a couple of games and key losses on the D (Arrington, Browne, etc.) is truly remarkable.</p>
<p>Unlike the past 7-8 years where good seasons have predicated the 'Cats winning in shootouts, this season (thanks to Coach Hankawitz), the D led the way (and should be even better next year - unless Wootten goes pro early).</p>
<p>Of all the possible foes, Okla St. would be the most formidable.</p>
<p>SCarolina, Vandy, Mizzou, Neb., etc., otoh, all have weaknesses.</p>
<p>Here's video of students rushing the field after the Illinois win.</p>
<p>YouTube</a> - NU students rush the field, Nov 22, 2008</p>
<p>And let's not forget the hardcourt 'Cats are 3-0 w/ 3 easy wins.</p>
<p>We'll see how good the frosh are when the team faces their 1st test against Butler.</p>
<p>If Northwestern plays Vanderbilt, they can name it the Brain Bowl.</p>
<p>k&s,</p>
<p>care to give us some prediction/analysis on bowl projection?</p>
<p>Let's wait until we see what happens w/ Oregon/Oregon St.</p>
<p>But if we are talking Oregon St. as Pac-10 champs, I think there is a good chance that Iowa jumps us (btw, I think MSU is going to lose by a fair margin in their bowl and that Iowa is going end their season on a winning note - Iowa is just the better team now that they have their QB situation settled; Iowa has much better O and D lines than MSU).</p>
<p>All the bowl projection says we are going to get screwed!</p>
<p>O ye of little faith! Forgoe your dark employ!</p>
<p>Indeed, have some faith Sam. I think we're going to Tampa. Iowa is not duh Ohio State or Michigag. </p>
<p>I'll see you on the beach ;)</p>
<p>I'd say NU's chance of a Jan. 1 bowl has increased due to the hard work by the AD Phillips.</p>
<p>Wildcats at #22 nationally in the BCS, Harris and Coaches polls with a chance to finish the season at #21 if Missouri gets obliterated (likely) by Oklahoma this weekend</p>
<p>Alamo Bowl is still a very good bowl and the payout isn't much lower than Outback. But if we get jumped, our players need to take it well and that can be a challenge. I remember how Cal got jumped by Texas few years ago and they ended up losing big at the Holiday Bowl. They played like they didn't want to be there! That's why I really hope we get the Outback Bowl.</p>
<p>Also, BC losing to Virginia Tech might bump us up.</p>
<p>"if Missouri gets obliterated (likely) by Oklahoma this weekend"</p>
<p>^^ I'd say veryy likely. Hope NU gets that 21 spot.... And OU dominates lol. :D</p>
<p>arbiter213,</p>
<p>i am losing hope. even the tampa newspaper is expecting iowa.</p>
<p>Top reason why Outback will pick us over Iowa:</p>
<p>Corn</a> (C, CBOT): Daily Commodity Futures Price Chart: Dec., 2008 :D</p>
<p>Good year for NU. Congrats. They looked very good all year unlike another team I know from up I90/94 a couple hours. Enjoy wherever you end up going. I know UW fans loved the Alamo Bowl.</p>
<p>Thanks barrons. We will be rooting for UW (Champs Sports?).</p>
<p>Wow...I just saw two things I've never seen before:
1. NORTHWESTERN basketball on ESPN!!!
2. Our team beat a ACC team (Florida State)!!!</p>
<p>WOW!!!!</p>
<p>Iowa will jump over NU:</p>
<p>Capital One: Michigan State
Outback: Iowa
Alamo: NU</p>
<p>The bowls will pick a lower ranked and inferior Iowa team over NU every time.<br>
The plowjockeys work the bowl committees every year. They Commit to(and do) buy alot of tickets and send alot of fans. Not much to do in Iowa in the winter. Cant even farm.</p>