Still don't think we should be ranked yet. But, then here we are.
http://www.insidenu.com/2015/9/13/9319085/week-2-coaches-poll-northwestern-ranked-24
http://www.insidenu.com/2015/9/13/9319085/week-2-coaches-poll-northwestern-ranked-24
#24 in the Coaches Poll
- Thread starter EvanstonCat
- Start date
We never perform well in a tossup game going in as a ranked team. But I also said we wouldn't beat Stanford going into the half only up by a TD. And I said Fitz wouldn't put the team in a position to post a shutout yesterday. So maybe times are changing?
Before the 2013 season, when was the last time we were ranked going into a P5 game, and won?
Before the 2013 season, when was the last time we were ranked going into a P5 game, and won?
Let's not worry about what has happened to past Cat teams. I don't think this team follows the conventional rules. Duke is a tough opponent and this is definitely a toss-up game. I just hope we have enough healthy OL to score enough points to win. Getting past Duke will really solidify this team.
Let's just hope we're not wearing special uniforms either, or other such irrelevant factors that don't actually affect the outcome.
Past Cat teams...special uniforms....the same guys are running the program/calling the plays (the exact same guys), and while I don't consider myself superstitious, I do believe that football is as much a psychological game as it is physical...we've lost 100% of our "big" games when we roll out special uniforms...still sends a chill up my spine when I see fans in the Gothic gear, as I do not have a fond recollection of that night.
Either way, the winds of change have been blowing over the past couple of weeks...let's keep it up.
Either way, the winds of change have been blowing over the past couple of weeks...let's keep it up.
Thing is, we break out the uniforms typically for a big game, or homecoming, and they have been tough opponents. Same thing with ranking - typically if you look at the games where we got ranked, then lost it, it was not a surprise. I get superstition, but I really don't think either is a factor.
This is an away game. We usually save the special stuff for home. And all it is really is superstition. It's the fans who think that way. The coaches aren't looking past anyone or thinking this team will win by showing up. For me, it's a matter of having the right guys to play. The injuries on the OL that is probably the weakness in our team in the first place is a concern. Our offensive skill positions seem to be settling in. The defense has playmakers. I don't think this team will be taking anyone lightly or get distracted by the polls. But if we get past Duke, it does set the schedule well.
Unless under armor wants to market a new white jersey design. They did that for Hawaii against an Ohio State
If we were in the SEC, we'd have superstar talents as third stringers more importantly, we'd have a coaching staff that makes them better. We'd probably deserve that top 10 ranking.
If we're going to be a top ten type of program, the team needs to step up and win games when we are ranked, and our fans are going to have to be big boys and girls and not fret about being ranked. Starting now. Suck it up people.
Yes! We've gone from Expect Victory to "please don't say we're any good or it might frighten us!"
Being ranked is something that NU should crave and not afraid of. Lets hope the O line is reasonably healthy and Shuler as well.
