<p>that there was a large contingent of purple-clad students (in particular, freshman) at the FB game this past Sat.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the student section will continue to be filled as we enter the conference portion of the schedule.</p>
<p>Being 4-0, the 'Cats have a good chance to get to a nice bowl this season (an 8-4 season is within reason) - that is, if the offense ever gets back on track (who would ever have thought that the defense would be wi nning games?).</p>
<p>Also a nice crowd for the #9 ranked men's soccer team (1,300 is impressive for soccer).</p>
<p>^ Despite less than stellar O-line play, Sutton was doing fine (getting most of his yards on his own after contact), but he missed half of last weeks game due to injury.</p>
<p>He is reported to be in the starting line-up for the Iowa game, but he likely isn't going to be 100%.</p>
<p>The O-line was the biggest concern going into this season due to the fact that pretty much everyone is a new starter.</p>
<p>That combined w/ the new OC's "concept O", which the players seem to have trouble picking up, is cause for concern (taking the 'Cats from having one of the most explosive passing attacks to one of the worst).</p>
<p>Thank goodness for the new DC - who has instilled an attacking defensive more reminiscent of '95/'96.</p>
<p>If our O starts to resemble that of last year - 8-9 wins is not out of feasibility w/ the much improved D, but if it continues to struggle (and if Sutton goes down again), 6-6 seems more likely.</p>
<p>Word out of FitzLand is that Tyrell is "great" and will start on saturday. However, Fitz is famous for being vague, especially with injury reports.
There really is no chance the Cats go 6-6. At 4-0, there are are at least 3 wins on the schedule (lose to ILL and Ohio St and the other 6 are entirely winnable). Short version: great your funny shoes on because we will be going bowling.</p>
<p>As a current Junior, I cannot describe how happy I am with Pat Fitzgerald. For those who are prospective students and alumni, we have the best football coach in the country. Not in terms of Xs and Os and Wins and Losses, but he is a perfect fit. He is a local boy from Orland Park (just south of Chicago) and a 2x Defensive National Player of the Year for Northwestern. He is in his 30s and has boundless enthusiasm. He came out to the men's soccer game on Friday and taught the freshmen the NU fight song. He is always trying to fire up the crowd during games and is a great 2nd mascot for the school. With all that said, he is the consummate professional. He enforces strong team discipline and expects his players (and NU students) to act like young adults. He runs a tight ship and he is a hero on campus.</p>
<p>I hate to see Bienen leave as President of the University, but is it too soon to suggest Fitz take his place?</p>
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There really is no chance the Cats go 6-6. At 4-0, there are are at least 3 wins on the schedule (lose to ILL and Ohio St and the other 6 are entirely winnable).
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<p>I agree, but not if Sutton isn't at least 95% healthy for the rest of the season and/or if the O continues to have problems adapting to the new "concept" offensive scheme (right now, Iowa has more yds passing than the 'Cats).</p>
<p>Btw, the BB season should also be fun this year. </p>
<p>The NIT is within the realm of possibility w/ a run at the NCAA next season (barring any major injuries).</p>