During spring practice of Bates' freshman year, injuries rendered a position move from
quarterback to
receiver to add depth to the
scout team after injuries.
[3] Bates' collegiate debut came during an away game against
Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium, a memorable experience for Bates, who grew up idolizing
Rocket Ismail and the
Fighting Irish.
[2] Entering the game, Bates and the Wildcats were 28-point underdogs to the ninth-ranked Fighting Irish. In the third quarter, Bates caught a touchdown pass from quarterback
Steve Schnur stretching the NU lead to 17-9. Northwestern would hold on to win and stun Notre Dame, 17-15.
[4] Bates continued to excel throughout his freshman campaign, helping lead Northwestern to the
1996 Rose Bowl, where he had seven receptions for 145 yards in a losing effort. Bates finished 1995 with 49 catches and 889 receiving yards, both Northwestern and
Big Ten Freshman Records. For his efforts, he was named second team All-Big Ten.
[5]