Going all the way back to the Gary Barnett era, the Northwestern Wildcats often lose a September game that they really should not lose, and they sometimes lose that game in a manner not befitting the level of their program.
As Pat Fitzgerald has a phenomenal record in season openers, this upset usually occurs in week two, three, or four, and during the 2017 season that disappointment came in the trip to Duke. The Cats got slaughtered 41-17 in Durham, in week two of 2017, and the very next year, it happened again. Again in week two, Duke came to Evanston that time and upset the then 21st ranked Cats 21-7.
In other words, this weekend will see Northwestern looking for some redemption and revenge.
Fitzgerald said ahead of the two teams’ most recent meeting: “This is the fourth time we’ve played them since coach Cut has been there, so I think we know each other pretty well.” As the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt.
After pulling off an upset in a game they had no business being such severe underdogs in, the Northwestern Wildcats outlasted Nebraska 31-28 in Dublin, Ireland. The Aer Lingus Classic was the main storyline of week zero, but the Cats are still to receive a single vote in the AP poll. That’s what happens when you only win three games the previous season.
Meanwhile QB1 Ryan Hilinski completed 27-of-38 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns in that game, becoming the first Northwestern quarterback to throw for 300+ yards and two or more touchdowns without an interception since Brett Basanez against Michigan State in 2005. Yes, a Big Ten West quarterback threw for over 300 yards in a single game! In a win no less! NOT in a game where his side was down and trying to play catch up.
Hillinski is the first Northwestern quarterback to complete over 70 percent (71.1) of his passes and throw for 300+ yards since Clayton Thorson against Bowling Green (76.7, 370) in 2017
Prediction: Northwestern Wildcats 24, Duke Blue Devils 20
NU kicks off their home schedule with a W. In a matchup of the most socioeconomically elite and academically rigorous/prestigious school in their respective power five conferences, this one will go down to the wire.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and he co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast, part of Edge of the Crowd Network. Follow him and the website on Twitter and Instagram.