By Woodrow Carroll
After suffering a shocking upset at the hands of Northern Illinois University, there was a feeling that Notre Dame would be fired up when they played Purdue last Saturday at Purdue. It was true!
Notre Dame (2-1) won, 66-7, and were up 42-0 at halftime.
Historical note! While the game Northern Illinois vs. Notre Dame game was the first meeting between the two, Illinois state’s other two FBS schools, Illinois and Northwestern, have a history with the Irish. A very one sided history, in Notre Dame’s favor.
Notre Dame and Illinois have faced each other 12 times with the Irish victorious on 11 occasions and a 0-0 tie in 1937.
As for Northwestern and Notre Dame, the long series between the Wildcats and Irish has Notre Dame in the lead, 38-9-2. Strangely enough, Northwestern defeted Notre Dame four straight games between 1959-1962.
Then, Notre Dame hired Northwestern’s coach, Ara Parseghian, who guided the Irish to National Championships in 1966 and 1973.
How do you evaluate Purdue (1-1), with a 49-0 victory over Indiana State followed by the mauling at the hands of the Irish. Go figure!
Off last weekend, Northern Illinois had a week to bask in the glory of its upset over Notre Dame, which made national news. The Huskies will play host to Buffalo (2-1) Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2:30 p.m. in the MAC opener for each team.
Toughest college football conference? At first glance, the SEC would appear to deserve the honor due to the number of teams in the Top 25 poll. Georgia, Texas, Alabama, LSU among others are ranked high and/or well regarded. And, deservedly so! However, if you would like a plug for the 18-team Big Ten, here goes.
Every team in the Big Ten has a .500 or better overall record at the beginning of the week. Over in the SEC, Mississippi State, Florida and Kentucky come into this week action with 1-2 records. Just like in a political debate, you pick and choose along the way depending on the team you support.
Illinois (3-0) defeated Central Michigan, 30-9. With Illinois at home, they drew a very good crowd with 51,498 in Memorial Stadium. After last week’s sellout game against Kansas, attendance size was very good for a MAC team opponent. Additionally, the Fighting Illini have made their way into the bottom wrung of the poll’s Top 25.
Illinois will be tested Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in a battle against Nebraska. The two conference foes, each 3-0, will seek to further recognition. Both the Illini and the Cornhuskers know that a victory in Lincoln will move the team up in the polls. And, a loss will most likely remove the loser from the Top 25.
Northwestern will play at Washington Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.. The two Big Ten teams each have 2-1 records and will be Northwestern’s first road game of this season.
Northwestern is coming off a 31-7 victory over Eastern Illinois at home last Saturday.
Washington is in its first season in the Big Ten. Last season, Washington ended up taking on Michigan in the National Championship Game, won by Michigan, 34-13. A repeat of last season’s success is highly unlikely for the Washington Huskies who lost 24-19 to state rival, and former Pac-12 foe Washington State, last weekend.