Is it logical to think that our new OC is on a staff that has yet to play in a bowl game, this bowl season? The fact that we have not yet named one, after relieving Coach Bajakian of his duties, makes me think that the new OC still has responsibilities with his current team.

2025 Commit Angelo Ciaravino said "Game, Blouses."

Of course it's a one-off highlight, but impressive look nonetheless.

Callen Campbell has prepared his whole life in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. to be a college football player. Thanks to his hard work in a gym in the garage, the right phone call at the right time, and a village of coaches, he got on Northwestern's radar. Check out our profile on the early enrollee from the UP.

This CFP snub was likely the nail in the coffin for FSU and the ACC…

It seems like the longer these decisions drag on the more negatively they impact players' confidence in the program. In fairness to both the impacted coaches and the players, it seems like this should be done the day after a bowl win or loss. Then, the remainder of the coaching staff can begin to reassure orphaned players who have lost a position coach or coordinator.

Northwestern (9-2, 1-0 Big Ten) hosts Jackson State (4-8) tonight at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Tip off is scheduled for 7 pm and the game will air on Peacock.

Last non-con of the season!

Nicholson looks like he gained too much weight and is hesitant to do anything on offense. Preston isn’t very talented. Just a hard worker ala Tydus last year. Hunger has the upside and will open up so much for the other 4 on the floor.

No surprise here.
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GM recruiting and retention

While we were ahead by a touchdown it wasn't until the Defense was able to stop two fourth down attempts by Utah that a win looked likely despite just minutes remaining on the clock. Then when the Wildcats got the ball for the final series it wasn't until #2 performed an heroic quarterback run for a first down that victory was assured as it then became possible to run the clock out by taking a knee(s). Here are some photos of those events as captured from my seat in the stands:





And below is a photo of Side Line Reporter Stormy as she congratulated Coach Braun on the win.

(It was among the photos that I had texted to my daughter, who is a friend of Sormy. My daughter then texted back to me while I was still at the Stadium, "She enjoyed the photos."

It has almost been a week since attending our Bowl Game and I finally had a chance to see it as recorded on the DVR. I was surprised to see very few crowd shots of Purple fans in the stands . One that stood out was just after the interception as the first quarter was coming to a close.

So to remedy the situation, here are a few of my own shots of Wildcat Fans in the Stands starting off with NoChores and BosCat who were seated behind me. I have even included a TV Screenshot of the aforementioned broadcast view that was texted to me during the game in which he circled the finding of me with camera in hand.

At the end is a shot of Wildcat Willie and the Northwestern Cheerleaders looking up to the Purple Contingent.

Here are our takeaways from tonight’s win, including remarks from Chris Collins on the passing of former DePaul head coach and Northwestern broadcaster Joey Meyer.

Something to whet your appetite for 2024.....

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Cats Utah leads the way with 3.09M viewers thru the first two weeks of bowl season (basically including games thru Christmas). I’m sure that will get surpassed by multiple this week and all the NYD games, but still a pretty solid ratings outcome.

Maybe someone else can embed the chart from the article for bowl week 2, I’m on phone right now. Highest of the first week of bowl season was the UCLA game with 2.38M. So we are comfortably ahead.

We benefited from the ABC viewing window, but still was up over 25% from last year’s Las Vegas Bowl, granted that was earlier start time. We were up against an NFL game on the day (Bills), but that was on Peacock which may mitigate that a bit.

And we won. Good for any recruits that watched and for our TV numbers in conference discussions down the road…

Go Cats

Under 4 min left with McNeese State (Lake Charles LA) Cowboys leading mighty Michigan by 10 points. Hope they can hold on. The Wolverine broadcasters sound as if they're covering a funeral.

Our three grandchildren are all McNeese grads, so I can't help feeling much satisfaction.

Cool

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What do people think the worst case is assuming we keep losing key players and don't bring in Replacements from the portal including quarterback. Could we get back to just winning one or two games given how difficult schedule is? On a best case basis assuming we keep our remaining key players and bring in a couple of Oline and a quarterback could we get back to a bowl game?

How in the hell did he ever get to be a B1G OC in the first place. He doesn't call a vertical pass when Ute-Ugh D lines-up 8 in the box. Then when the 'Cats have a 4th & goal at the half yard line, calls an over-the-top pass to a blanketed, well-covered TE. This Hoe-Joe hasn't a clue regarding what play to call given the situation at hand. Dave B... Time to start calling your own plays - NOW!!!

Just saw the Holiday Bowl battle of the bands on tv between USC and Louisville in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown San Diego. The Holiday Bowl is now played at Petco Park. The Padres spent around $2M to reconfigure the ballpark to host the event. I’m bringing this up for a couple of reasons. The new venue downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter at Petco is a much better experience than the old Qualcomm Stadium in our game there in 2018. Downtown hotels and even staying in Coronado will be a better tourist experience than staying in Mission Valley.

With the demise of the PAC12 it is likely that the BigTen will return as the replacement for the PAC12 participant slot. I’m hoping the Cats will return to this bowl game at this new improved venue. And no, I don’t want to see a rematch with Utah! 😂
(Based on what I observed on tv tonight, a rematch with USC would be fun!)

Anyone know of any good heart surgeons practicing in FL?

Merde

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Thought the ABC guys had a very interesting convo about Fitz near the end of the first half when we were driving for the field goal attempt. Said they reached out to him and he conveyed his pride in the players but couldn’t comment more because of pending litigation. Also said “everyone” they spoke to thought the hazing allegations were hogwash, including an assistant coach who called them “made up” and said NU has the best culture he’s ever been part of. Also of note, Braun said he talks to Fitz occasionally but not frequently, as it’s an “awkward situation.”

The biggest item of interest for ESPN was the Minnesota QB's fiance. Understandable. Very cute.

These announcers were the C team, particularly compared to the team the other night for the NU game.