[Ed. Note: this was the message I posted after the 2004 win over Ohio State, in addition to the usual post-game summary and analysis]




Last Saturday's game just might be the most exciting I've ever witnessed in person-- and not just because of the performance of the Wildcats or the game play itself.  The game was not only a night game, but a sold out one, the first fully-packed night game since the 1998 Homecoming game versus Michigan.  Unlike that game, however, which was played during a monsoon, the weather against Ohio State could not have been better for a football game.  It was, simply, the perfect environment for what would turn out to be close to the perfect game.

I'll freely admit that I didn't think it would turn out that way when I entered the stadium.  After the way the season opened, I had real doubts that this team could put a dent in Ohio State.  Thank goodness the players themselves did not doubt.  After the game one of the coaches returned from the locker room with a sign that said "Trust Yourself."  That must have been the mantra of the team prior to this match.  They showed that trust, and a lot more, in their performance.

This game was special for a variety of reasons, but a fundamental one is that for the first time in nearly a decade, we saw Northwestern put on an outstanding display at every position.  The Michigan 2000 game, until now arguably the most exciting home game in history, was thrilling to watch as a fan and it was a tremendous win, but it was an offensive display, a gun battle to see who would have the ball last.  This win over Ohio State was complete.  The offense, defense, special teams, and coaching all performed at a level that could have beaten any team in the country.

The coaching staff must be commended on their finest hour.  I've never seen a better coached game by Coach Walker and his assistants.  To a man they were prepared for this game, fired up the players like never before, and adjusted to anything the Buckeyes could even consider throwing at them.  OSU coach Jim Tressel is a tremendous coach, one of the best to head the Buckeyes.  Last Saturday Walker coached circles around him.  Walker just might be the biggest riddle in college football: when this team is down, no team can help but win against the 'Cats; when Walker's approach to a game and its players clicks, the Wildcats are a terrifying and unstoppable force. 

Yes, I had my doubts, but thank goodness I wasn't one of the saps who sold their season tickets to Buckeye fans.  It was shocking to see the number of Buckeyes sitting in Wildcat Seatbacks, on the West Side, between the thirty yard lines.  I hope that the "fans" who sold out had fun watching this game on TV.  When people who know about their school affiliation ask them if they were at Ryan Field and saw this landmark game, I wish them good luck choking out, "well, no, but I did get twice face value for my tickets so Ohio State could pack a couple more fans into our stadium."

I don't think I've ever seen the Wildcat players so excited on the sidelines.  It was heartening to see this much energy and passion and to witness such a disciplined, focused effort.  If NU can even approach that level of drive and determination in each of the remaining games this season, a bowl game is still very possible.  That it is so is a testament to the tenacity of the this year's Wildcats.

After the game my wife and I rushed from the stands and onto the field.  We just celebrated the sixteenth anniversary since our first date at NU.  We first rushed the field together in 1990, our junior year, when the 'Cats beat NIU to snap what was called the "Mini-Streak."  We also celebrated on the field in 1991, when the Wildcats beat defending Big Ten champ Illinois in a very, very emotional game; in 1995, as alumni, when NU waxed Wisconsin to earn its first bowl berth in a generation; and in 1996, after the Michigan upset.

During the Michigan 2000 win we stayed in our seats and watched the madness.  However, last Saturday was special.  For the first time in eight years we took to the field.  It was the first time I'd been on it since it became known as Ryan Field and had natural grass-- I'd only been on the AstroTurf.  Standing on the natural sod of what had been (for me) Dyche Stadium and seeing so many people, younger and older, all NU fans, share joy over this team's effort, was the best moment I've ever had as a Wildcat fan.