The seventh question of our Ten Questions series: can Northwestern compete in the new Big Ten?

They want to be like the cool kids

"The renovations to the north end of the stadium will decrease the official seating capacity from 40,004 to 35,018."

@lou v talked to four-star 2026 TE Mack Sutter, whose father, uncle and cousin played at NU, about finally getting an offer from the Wildcats and his relationship with the program under a new staff.

There were five visitors to Northwestern this weekend and there are some headliners.

First off, two are existing commits: WR Carson Grove and S Tito Williams

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Now, for the other three:

2024 QB Ryan Boe

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2024 S Sean Martin

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2024 DE Qayvier Johnson

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I know the immediate follow up here is who has offers, I'm working to find that out but for now what I have is the list. Next week is going to be Lucas Austin, which we knew, and another OL which they're playing close to the vest. 12 days to NSD, could be some fireworks.

UPDATE: All three of the new visitors have received offers.

Looks like they will be coming to Evanston in 2026. Scheduled for October 10th in the new stadium.

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Seeing this description a lot lately which I believe describes formations with two tight ends. Heard this in BTN's training camp review of Washington. Any thoughts on why this offensive play set is gaining favor? Seems to me when I hear Lujan's offense is run friendly and given Wright isn't known for passing accuracy plus NU has a ton of tight ends including at least two who are experienced - that NU is a big time candidate for 12 set offense. Thoughts?

The seventh question of our Ten Questions series: can Northwestern compete in the new Big Ten?

Frustrating Lujan wouldn't talk to WR. But looks like he sat down with Pete Nakos of On3. Anyone have a subscription who'd be willing to share the article?
https://www.on3.com/news/new-northw...nator-zach-lujan-transfer-portal-quarterback/

First day of practice was Thursday. Just 4 weeks till Hydroxide.

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350,000 spectators watched the 5 sessions of Rugby 7's. France a 15's power but never a threat in 7's surprised Fiji in the final sparked by Antoine DuPont, arguably the best 15's player in the world.
The USA was in the same pool with both finalists. The USA has been a power in 7's for the last 10 years , thanks to 2 spectacular players, Perry Baker and Carlin Isles. Isles chose not to compete in the Olympics because of a new job. He was described by British pundit, Nigel Starmer-Smith, as the fastest rugby player to have ever played the game

I prefer 15's but to a novice 7's may be more attractive.

If you would like to compare the 2 disciplines, I would suggest watching the second test between # 1 S. Africa and #2 Ireland completed 2 weeks ago. The brutal physicality of 15's was demonstrated . There was enough blood to offend the squeamish and 2 S. Africans suffered fractured tibias-one taped up his leg and finished the game. Both teams shook hands, embracing each other after a spectacular finish to the game

NU starts with 3 non-conference games, vs Miami (OH), Duke, and E. Illinois.
The B1G schedule is: Washington, Indiana, Maryland, Wisconsin, Iowa, Purdue, dOSU, Michigan, Illinois.

A 3-0 start would be awesome, especially beating my other alma mater Duke would be sweet.

Going 6-3 in the B1G would seem to be a reasonable, though not easy, goal.

9-3 for the season would be very acceptable.

B1G wins: Indiana, Maryland, Wisconsin, Iowa, Purdue, Illinois.

Starts when?

I'm set for an interview with offensive coordinator Zach Lujan this afternoon at 2 pm. My planned questions will start briefly on his background and journey to NU, then focus on the QB evaluation on roster, system install and adapting to the Big Ten.

It'll be a little bit shorter than my interview with Braun, that was set for a half hour and ran about 35 minutes, this is set for 20 minutes. The plan is to edit and clarify the transcript from the interview and it will run as a premium story tomorrow morning.

As I passed the stadium this morning I saw the first noticeable demolition. The brick exterior wall of the ticket office was starting to be taken down. I'm not aware of NU setting up a webcam for this project, like they did with WRA. However, I pass the stadium nearly every day and plan to occasionally post pictures so others can track the progress. I hope others will contribute pictures as well. Most of my pictures will be taken from a moving bus on Central St. so it'll be a limited view of the site.

EDIT: After a second look the wall is still standing. It was obscured by a large piece of equipment when I passed by yesterday. There had been activity over the last couple of weeks that seemed like they were clearing out the interior of the ticket office. I wouldn't be surprised if it's one of the first sections to go when the demolition does begin.

EDIT2: NU sent an email this morning saying the demolition was set to begin.

Here are a few pictures from the past week, mostly of staging equipment and erecting the perimeter fence. Maybe at some point I'll figure out how to embed images here.

Pic 1
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Pic 4

I am a bit surprised no names have leaked out to the media. I will take the positive spin that NU is truly doing their due diligence. This is such a critical hire, no more mistakes.

Herrrrrrre we go. Right into the meat grinder. Right off the top.

Miami of Ohio is probably the MAC's best team.

The Redhawks have EASILY the best defense in the MAC. It might be the best defense outside of the power conferences...and against the run, this isn't even a conversation. This defense saw its best player from last year transfer to Oklahoma, and it brings back a load of guys who were just about at that same level...including 2 linebackers who would both start in the Big Ten.

The Miami offense isn't at the same level...but it DOES have a QB who has been very effective when healthy.

What can we say? This one is a massive test.

If the same team that showed up against Utah in Las Vegas shows up on August 31, and we find quick answers at QB...we could start 2024 with a statement win.

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Youtube Link

Thanks as always!
Sam, John and Scuzz/The West Lot Pirates

Herrrrrrre we go. Right into the meat grinder. Right off the top.

Miami of Ohio is probably the MAC's best team.

The Redhawks have EASILY the best defense in the MAC. It might be the best defense outside of the power conferences...and against the run, this isn't even a conversation. This defense saw its best player from last year transfer to Oklahoma, and it brings back a load of guys who were just about at that same level...including 2 linebackers who would both start in the Big Ten.

The Miami offense isn't at the same level...but it DOES have a QB who has been very effective when healthy.

What can we say? This one is a massive test.

If the same team that showed up against Utah in Las Vegas shows up on August 31, and we find quick answers at QB...we could start 2024 with a statement win.

ITunes Link
Youtube Link

Thanks as always!
Sam, John and Scuzz/The West Lot Pirates

We did this one a little out-of-order, so that we could add our Media Days thoughts on the front end of a pod where we knew we'd be talking a little less about the team...

...which NO ONE should read as a slight against Eastern Illinois, our FCS opponent, since this game ALMOST ALWAYS turns into a house of horrors.

Just like 2023 NU, 2023 EIU was a well-coached team led by its conference's Coach of the Year.

Does Eastern have a Jimmy G or Romo under center this time? Certainly not. Do we have a massive talent advantage? Of course. But EIU had the #1 scoring D in the conference because they were great at forcing turnovers. This one could be a walk in the park...or, you know, it could be like every other FCS game...

ITunes Link
Youtube Link

Thanks as always!
Sam, John, and Scuzz/The West Lot Pirates

We did this one a little out-of-order, so that we could add our Media Days thoughts on the front end of a pod where we knew we'd be talking a little less about the team...

...which NO ONE should read as a slight against Eastern Illinois, our FCS opponent, since this game ALMOST ALWAYS turns into a house of horrors.

Just like 2023 NU, 2023 EIU was a well-coached team led by its conference's Coach of the Year.

Does Eastern have a Jimmy G or Romo under center this time? Certainly not. Do we have a massive talent advantage? Of course. But EIU had the #1 scoring D in their conference because they were great at forcing turnovers. This one could be a walk in the park...or, you know, it could be like every other FCS game...

ITunes Link
Youtube Link

Thanks as always!
Sam, John, and Scuzz/The West Lot Pirates

I talked to local 2026 OL Owen Fors on his visit to Northwestern, the offer he picked up from the Wildcats, and where they rank for him in his recruitment.

I talked to local 2026 OL Owen Fors on his visit to Northwestern, the offer he picked up from the Wildcats, and where they rank for him in his recruitment.

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The window has reopened and Northwestern's first public offer in July goes to Barrington (Ill.) tackle Owen Fors in the Class of 2026.