Hey VFL

[DkeCat]

Really liked your post over on Vol Nation. Tried to respond, but was having trouble with registration. Mind if I copy and paste over here?

Know Your Enemy: Northwestern
Sun Tzu advises us to know our enemy. Here's Northwestern:

Background About the University

Main campus in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago (12 miles north of downtown). Campus is right on the shore of Lake Michigan -- beautiful 4-5 months out of the year, colder than a crypt the other 7-8 months. Here's the campus:

The U has a Methodist background, founded in 1851. It is named "Northwestern" because it was created to serve as an institution of higher learning for the entire Northwestern Territory of the United States (what later became known as the Mid-West).

NU (not NW, they prefer NU) is the Vandy of the B10 (though they've had a lot more football success than Vandy). Private school. Regularly ranked at the same tier as Vandy (typically, in the 10th to 20th range) in Forbes, US News & World Report, and other academic ranking guides. About 9,000 undergrads, and even more grad students--about 12,000.

EDIT: Here's an interesting historical tidbit, provided by a NU fan--Shakes3858, he's on our boards now (posted below). Evanston, the home town of NU, is pretty much the heart of the Temperence Movement and Prohibition. Now, add that to the fact that Tennessee is pretty much the heart of Moonshine country, and what do you get? Outback Bowl = 18th Amendment vs 21st Amendment Bowl! hehe.

Traditions

"Key" tradition: during the bowl game, you may notice NU fans pulling their keys out of their pockets and jingling them at kickoffs. This tradition symbolizes a bit of academic elitism. It's them saying, without words, "yes, you may be winning, but one day you'll be parking our cars." Heh.

Shoulder stripes. There's a particular broad-narrow multi-stripe pattern many teams wear (or used to wear) on the sleeves of their jerseys that originated with NU. In fact, in some quarters (read: Midwest) that pattern is called "Northwestern striping."

Looking back, I don't think the Vols ever used this particular striping pattern, though we have had uniforms with stripes on the sleeves.

The Head Coach

Pat Fitzgerald played for Northwestern as a Linebacker. In fact, he was on their team the only other time the Vols and Wildcats met on the field: the 1997 Citrus Bowl (a 48-28 Vols victory led by Peyton Manning). 1996-1997 wasn't all tears for young Fitzgerald, as he won the Nagursky and Bednarik Awards that year (as well as the previous year) as best defensive player in the nation.

Pat has been at NU since 2002, starting as DB and then LB coach, graduating to the head coaching spot in 2006 after the sudden death by heart attack of then HC Randy Walker. Fitzgerald is in his 10th year as HC for NU. He is in the College Football Hall of Fame (player).

Northwestern Football

OFFENSE

Key Players to Watch For:

• #18 QB Clayton Thorson -- 6'4", Redshirt Freshman -- has a good arm, moves/runs about as well as Dormady (not a true dual threat, but mobile).
• #21 RB Justin Jackson -- 5'11" 190lb, Sophomore -- scatback. 1,344 yards this year, 4.5 yards per touch.
• #40 "SB" Dan Vitale -- 6'2" 235lb, Senior -- this is one interesting dude. Built and used kinda like Ethan Wolf, they call him a "Superback," which--afaik--means part Tight End (he has caught 33 passes this year for 355 yds and 4 TDs), part FB/lead blocking back.
• #14 WR Christian Jones and #5 WR Miles Shuler -- more or less their Von Pearson & Josh Malone, though Jones isn't as explosive after the catch as Pearson.

NU's offense looks more or less spread, with some hurry-up at times, but also has more of a power running feel than our version of the spread. QB is typically in the shotgun at snap. They go with two-back sets much more frequently than we do. Their line seems pretty solid, both run blocking and pass pro [but EDIT--a NU fan told me that their OLine has gotten suspect in pass pro as the year played out, so they now depend more heavily on their run game ttfwiw].

DEFENSE

Their three [EDIT--five, a NU fan said to keep an eye on the last two guys listed, as well] key players seem to be:

• #94 DE Dean Lowry -- 6'6" 290lb Senior -- This is their counterpart to Barnett/Maggitt. Not quite at that level, but he can be disruptive to us if our line isn't playing their A game.
• #18 LB Anthony Walker, Jr. -- 6'1" 235lb Sophomore -- Their JRM, most explosive LB on their team.
• #23 CB Nick VanHoose -- 6'0" 190lb Senior -- their Cam Sutton counterpart.
• #27 CB Matthew Harris -- 5'11" 180lb Junior -- an NU fan said this guy's been hot in the latter part of the year.
• #16 S Godwin Igwebuike -- 6'0" 200lb Sophomore -- another defender the NU fan said to keep an eye on.

NU's defense bases off the 4-3, so their formations will look very familiar to Vols fans. Their LBs seem to line up deeper in the backfield than ours, based on the limited amount of tape I've watched. Seems they play zone more often than us as well, but that could be entirely dependent on who they face. Also like the Vols D, they have a "bend but don't break" feel to their playcalling.

SPECIAL TEAMS [got nothing yet]

Some of this could be a bit off, just initial impressions after watching a bit of tape. Anyone seeing other things?
__________________
Call me JP / Go Vols!

 

[DkeCat]

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adding a few things - you were pretty much on, but haven't started watching the Tenn games to check the comparisons.

Traditions

• Given the fact that NU believes football started 20 years ago, we don't have as many traditions (other than trying to toss marshmallows in the tubas). We also have a manufactured beginning of 4th quarter jumping thing. Not much to say about that
• Worst though, is for a while we had a tradition of losing, particularly in what we would call the dark ages, much of the 70s and 80s, driven from our old president, Bob Strotz, who viewed sports as an anathema, and counter to the schools academics. Though we have been pretty darn good since the 90s, it's difficult to escape just how bad our history was (which is why we are particularly sensitive).

Coach

• While we fans love to message board debate our coaches merits, everyone will agree that he represents Northwestern football (played or coached on 3 of our 4 10-win seasons). He has come a long way as a coach, but he still has more learning to do. Funny, at 41, believe he is one of the longest tenured coaches in FBS.

Offense

• As said many times, a definite work in progress. While our RBs and our Superback (hybrid-TE) are excellent, our OL and (particularly) our WRs have significant room for improvement. Our WRs particularly can't seem to run a clean route or get any separation. They at least have been catching the ball, which is a step up from last year, I guess. The OL has had a bunch of injuries, so guys are finding their way, but could use another year or two of seasoning.
• Our QB has been a divisive figure for NU, with a part wanting immediate success (given our history at QB) and another part realizing he is a redshirt frosh, and only really been dedicated to QB since his senior year of HS. When he lets it fly, he is pretty damn good, but he does have some mechanical (teachable) flaws, particularly on footwork. I would expect a lot of pressure on him to keep him from stepping into his throws.
• Our offense functions like the 2006 Chicago Bears, don't many any turnovers, keep the ball, let the defense make a play.

Defense

• Just fantastic and fun to watch. The best D i have seen here in 20 years. Forget the rankings, etc, I would put them up against anyone. Five all-conference players.
• Because of the athleticism, we mix up our coverage/blitzing a lot. We have a ton of speed, which is different than what we have seen in the past. However, we also have a lot of raw players, particularly our LBs and DTs that rely on their speed but have trouble with understanding the keys / reads. We are paricularly good on limiting yardage on 1st and 2nd down, and will get pressure on you.
  
• For us, the problem as just been keeping our D off the field as our O goes 3 and out, over and over again. We rotate a ton, but still difficult to have the weight on the defense to carry the team game and game again.

Special Teams

• Our kicker is not the most accurate (sometimes he forgets the whole getting your hips through a kick thing), but he hasn't missed in the 4th quarter (as someone pointed out, knock on wood) or OT, ever. Pretty decent leg, issue has always been accuracy. Makes XPs a little scary as well. Kicked three clutch field goals to beat ND in ND, a 49 yarder to put the game away against Stanford, and a time-expiring kick to beat Penn St.
• Our punter does not have a good leg, but makes up for it with hangtime and placement. Don't think we gave up any return yards all year.
• Our KR is amazing, and single-handedly won at least one, maybe two games for us, with our offense sputtering. But it is also done through fantastic blocking, which has been very underrated for us.
• Our PR is good, when he does decide to catch the ball, he is pretty quick and shifty. Unfort, he likes to let balls go, which loses us a decent amt of field position.

One other note, saw a lot on here about how Vol fans are up in arms about wanting to play Florida. For me, at least, I would rather of had Florida, because they are about as similar to us as you can get - and feel beatable. Tenn is a much tougher matchup for us.

Overall, think this is going to be a fantastic game. Really believe it is going to come down to the Northwestern offense and what, if anything, we can do with field position - otherwise the line may be right.

 

[beetlemania74]

Should also point out that Fitz is NU's all-time leader in wins by head coach. Tennessee fans will probably say that's like being the tallest midget, but given the fact that he just turned 41, it's a pretty impressive feat and one that I think will never be broken.

Also will point out that NU football is at the top of the APR rankings (graduation rates) nearly every year. Not sure what UT fans think about that, but as a NU alumnus, it's something I'm very proud of.

 

[elgatoloco]

I don't know about the key thing, though. When I attended it was simply a way to make noise at the game AFAIK. Bringing a cowbell or other noisemaker would have required thought and effort.

 

[Hungry Jack]

The OP offers great scouting report. Well done!

It seems the game could hinge on special teams, in particular the UT return game vs. our coverage. Our punter exasperates some who look at gross punting average, but our punt coverage has been outstanding by emphasizing not out kicking coverages and being directionally sound. KO coverage has also been quite good.

We were concerned about this matchup going into Duke, but ironically it was the NU return game that turned the tide when vault returned the 2nd half kick for a TD, punctuated by a comically effective block by Warren Long that sent a Dukie barrel rolling down the field.

But I think the Cats will have their hands full with UT's explosive returners. In a game where the teams seem to present similar schemes on offense and defense, the third phase could be the differentiator.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Thanks, DKECat. I don't mind at all you copying that post from VN back to here. And I really appreciate your own thoughts and the rundown on your team!

It's funny that you mention your WRs can't seem to get any separation. That has been a common complaint by Vols fans about our own receiving corps this year. Also like your team, our OL is absolutely a work in progress. Better this year than last, but far from the dominance we'd like to see in them.

I was impressed with your RS-freshman QB's arm and gameplay in the Stanford game. Thought he showed poise and great accuracy. I understand that may have been a little more hot-and-cold as the season played out, but he really looked good to me in the footage I watched.

And your D looked really good from what I saw yesterday, as well (gonna watch another game today, if I can).

This will be a really good bowl game, I think. Could be a nail-biter right down to the end, unless one side or the other finds something to exploit. I'm looking forward to it eagerly.

Best,
JP

p.s. I absolutely understand the note about trouble registering on VolNation. Freak, the site owner/manager, is an excellent host, really outstanding in every way you'd want of a forum host, and yet it took me over a week to get registered when I joined. Think sometimes the applications can just be overwhelming, RL gets in the way, etc. That or he was trying to figure out whether I was an ex-Vols football player (VFL is sometimes interpreted as ex-team member, though that's not what it means for me...just a fan for life).

 

[DkeCat]

Should also point out that Fitz is NU's all-time leader in wins by head coach. Tennessee fans will probably say that's like being the tallest midget, but given the fact that he just turned 41, it's a pretty impressive feat and one that I think will never be broken.

Also will point out that NU football is at the top of the APR rankings (graduation rates) nearly every year. Not sure what UT fans think about that, but as a NU alumnus, it's something I'm very proud of.

Two more good points. The APR thing brings a lot of pride to most NU fans (though there are a small few that would be willing to trade it for wins).

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Should also point out that Fitz is NU's all-time leader in wins by head coach. Tennessee fans will probably say that's like being the tallest midget, but given the fact that he just turned 41, it's a pretty impressive feat and one that I think will never be broken.

Also will point out that NU football is at the top of the APR rankings (graduation rates) nearly every year. Not sure what UT fans think about that, but as a NU alumnus, it's something I'm very proud of.

Yep, APR and academics are important at Tennessee, too, with a huge amount of credit going to Butch Jones, the other sport coaches, and AD Dave Hart for emphasizing academics so strongly over the past few years. I'm positive we're not up top where you guys are, but I know we're above average for the nation, and rising still.

 

[GlideCat]

NU (not NW, they prefer NU)

If the post included nothing other than this, he would have endeared himself to Cats fans.

 

[chicagocatfan24]

I'll never understand why people give a shit about "NU" vs. "NW". I know it's "Northwestern University" and not "North Western", but honestly, is it that big a deal at all? Seems like the most petty thing on the planet to care about.

 

[NJCat83588]

I'll never understand why people give a shit about "NU" vs. "NW". I know it's "Northwestern University" and not "North Western", but honestly, is it that big a deal at all? Seems like the most petty thing on the planet to care about.

Cause we hate getting confused with the railroad.....

 

[GlideCat]

I'll never understand why people give a shit about "NU" vs. "NW". I know it's "Northwestern University" and not "North Western", but honestly, is it that big a deal at all? Seems like the most petty thing on the planet to care about.

Names are important. Its like political correctness. I have no problem with it. Most of it is just being polite. Call someone what they ask to be called. How hard is that? If a woman introduces herself as "Jennifer" don't call her "Jenny." If someone wants to be called "African-American" call them that. It is just good manners to take the few seconds to get it right. To continue to refer to someone by a different name when you know what they prefer is intentionally belittling. Why do it?

 

[hdhntr1]

I don't know about the key thing, though. When I attended it was simply a way to make noise at the game AFAIK. Bringing a cowbell or other noisemaker would have required thought and effort.

I thought it was to signify a key play which often a kickoff was. And certain other plays as well. Key third downs on D for example.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Names are important. Its like political correctness. I have no problem with it. Most of it is just being polite. Call someone what they ask to be called. How hard is that? If a woman introduces herself as "Jennifer" don't call her "Jenny." If someone wants to be called "African-American" call them that. It is just good manners to take the few seconds to get it right. To continue to refer to someone by a different name when you know what they prefer is intentionally belittling. Why do it?

I agree entirely, Glide. And not only do I respect people's wishes by using the name they prefer, I also go out of my way to use the person's name each time I speak with them. It costs nothing and lets them know I'm engaged with them directly, not as a faceless representative of a larger group.

 

[chicagocatfan24]

Names are important. Its like political correctness. I have no problem with it. Most of it is just being polite. Call someone what they ask to be called. How hard is that? If a woman introduces herself as "Jennifer" don't call her "Jenny." If someone wants to be called "African-American" call them that. It is just good manners to take the few seconds to get it right. To continue to refer to someone by a different name when you know what they prefer is intentionally belittling. Why do it?

You just compared the difference between being called "NU" to "NW" to a person preferring to be called an African American or not. This is maybe the worst analogy I've ever heard.... It's stupid initials.

It has nothing to do with political correctness. It's meaningless, and if it gets someone that riled up, they are completely too sensitive. It's something almost the entire country does outside of Northwestern fans. ESPN does it. Yahoo does it.

Can outsiders not a abbreviate them "N'Western"? Because I see that a lot too.

 

[chicagocatfan24]

VFL I prefer you refer to Northwestern as NW for now on. In fact, from here on out I will be referring to Northwestern as NW solely out of spite for how annoying the NU/NU diatribes have become to me

 

[GlideCat]

You just compared the difference between being called "NU" to "NW" to a person preferring to be called an African American or not. This is maybe the worst analogy I've ever heard.... It's stupid initials.

It has nothing to do with political correctness. It's meaningless, and if it gets someone that riled up, they are completely too sensitive. It's something almost the entire country does outside of Northwestern fans. ESPN does it. Yahoo does it.

Can outsiders not a abbreviate them "N'Western"? Because I see that a lot too.

Okay. Then go with the analogy of calling a woman "Jenny" when she asks to be called "Jennifer." You are right. The world will not end if she just accepts what is a common shortening of her name. But if she prefers to be called Jennifer and lets you know it, then why not? It is just polite.

 

[chicagocatfan24]

If a person wanted to be called Jennifer, Daniel, Thomas, whatever, instead of any other accepted form of their name I'd respect that and act accordingly... But we're not talking about a person here.

It's be one thing if UT fans are blatantly trolling by calling me NU "NW" just to be assholes but they're not. When the common outside abbreviation of Northwestern is "NW" and they're hammering away on their keyboards a mile a minute and don't think twice, I don't think it's worth getting pissed off at.

 

[GlideCat]

If a person wanted to be called Jennifer, Daniel, Thomas, whatever, instead of any other accepted form of their name I'd respect that and act accordingly... But we're not talking about a person here.

It's be one thing if UT fans are blatantly trolling by calling me NU "NW" just to be assholes but they're not. When the common outside abbreviation of Northwestern is "NW" and they're hammering away on their keyboards a mile a minute and don't think twice, I don't think it's worth getting pissed off at.

Ticked off? Who is ticked off? I am much more annoyed with Nebraska since the University of Nebraska being NU makes no sense, does not match their own history, and was dictated to them by a conference that no longer exists. The obsessive/compulsive in me just can't take that one.

And... being a lover of irony... I am enjoying the fact that you are so upset about something as trivial as people getting upset over something trivial.

 

[chicagocatfan24]

WELL IM UPSET WITH YOU BEING SO UPSET ABOUT ME BEING UPSET

 

[VFL-82-JP]

VFL I prefer you refer to Northwestern as NW for now on. In fact, from here on out I will be referring to Northwestern as NW solely out of spite for how annoying the NU/NU diatribes have become to me

Hehe, I'm sorry Chicago, I can't do that. I honestly do try to call people by the names they prefer, and I've got a pretty clear sense that most NU fans prefer NU over NW.

But you've made me smile about all this, you and Glide, and I do appreciate that.