Today, the Northwestern Wildcats ended their 64 year old bowl drought. They upped their record in bowl games to 2-9. And they did it over an SEC team no less, the once 11th ranked Mississippi St Bulldogs. In 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks ended their 49 year old Stanley Cup drought. In 2005, the Chicago White Sox ended their 88 year World Series drought. So now that leaves only two: Northwestern basketball, who’ve never made a NCAA Tourney. Well, with how they’ve played at home lately, their injuries and a RPI of 105, I’d say they have to wait a year- at least. And the Chicago Cubs 104 year Sahara like drought? They lost 101 games last year, so don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
Let’s get back to what the Cats accomplished today.
They became just the third 10 win team in school history, and Pat Fitzgerald became the all-time winningest coach in school history with 50. I know, I know just 50 wins for your all-time #1 coach is less than impressive. But still the 64 year drought is over and Fitz said it best “We tell our guys, act like you’ve been there before. We’ve never been here before!”
He came to the podium with a stuffed monkey head. The Cats won 34-20, and as well as their offense played. The defense really brought their A game to the table, picking of MSU QB Tyler Russell, who has legit NFL Draft stock, four times and sacking him four times. Today was a day for celebration.
“I’m kind of sad there’s no confetti,” said linebacker David Nwabuisi.
The Cats took advantage of the absence of CB/PR Johnathan Banks, the Thorpe award winner as the nation’s best DB and likely the second corner to be taken in the NFL Draft. He left the game in the second quarter with an injury and did not return. It was not deemed extremely serious though.
NU safety Jared Carpenter named MVP of the game
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, a Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Chicago Tribune.com, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
A Fulbright scholar, published author and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; he’s also a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.