When it comes to Northwestern Wildcats football, everyone usually brings up 1995, and how that team re-defined the ‘Cats. But I’ve always said that it’s really a different Big Ten championship team, the 2000 squad, who really ushered in a new era for NU. Because that was the first year Randy Walker installed the spread-option offensive system, and the program has showcased exciting, fun to watch, usually pass-happy football ever since.
And the spread has really taken off across college football since then, making the Cats rather avant-garde. And it makes sense, considering the phrase “SPREAD far the fame” is right there in the fight song.
I discussed the system with Damien Anderson, star tailback on that bellwether team, and NU’s all-time leading rusher.
By Paul M. Banks
“I think you?re absolutely right. I think the ’95, ’96 team set the tone that Northwestern could play footbal on a national level, but the spread option set the tone for college football that it can be done, it can be successful: myself, Zak Kustok, Tedy Johnson, Sam Simmons.
I was putting up 200 yard games back to back.
Look at Florida, Utah, Urban Meyer and the success that they have had. Rich Rodriguez is at Michigan now, he initially started it at West Virginia,” Anderson said.
“We were coming off a 3-8 season and we [More …]
Arizona Diamondbacks Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies Florida Marlins Houston Astros
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿