The Northwestern Wildcats' 23-13 Win Was Especially "Bliss"ful!

While the snow fell in Evanston on Friday, I grimaced at the impending doom of winter. I also wished, if it had to snow, it would have waited until Saturday night. A Big10 battle between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Purdue Boilermakers under the snow would have been fun. The snow stopped, but the game was still a load of fun. Actually, it was quite "Bliss"ful for me.

My day started early as usual, as I arrived in time to see the Wildcats go through pre-game warm-ups. The Wildcats looked great and seemed to be especially pumped.

The Wildcats (6-3) were 6 point favorites against the Boilermakers (4-5). Statistically, the Wildcats held an edge in most categories. They have average 37 points per game, while the Boilermakers score 21.7. They gain 161.3 rushing yards versus Purdue’s 124.7. Purdue beats them in passing yards 268.8 to 236.8. Still, overall yards goes to Northwestern 398.1 to 393.5, but that is virtually even. The Wildcats average 1.8 turnovers a game, while Purdue has 2.9. That could be a big edge. I was figuring on a close game, with Northwestern winning by a field goal, maybe 17-14.

After watching pre-game drills for a while, I roamed through Wildcat Alley to check out some fun. Then I headed to Mustard’s Last Stand for a quick snack and a Coke, of course.

Next, I ventured to the east lot to meet a couple experts who would give me their insight into the game. Former Purdue QB and current QB Coach of the Chicago Bliss and Bliss Defensive Back Dominique Collins certainly know their football. They are also special friends who I haven’t seen in a while.

Matt quarterbacked Purdue from 1991-1993, throwing for 2273 yards and 12 TD’s. He ranks 16th on their all-time passing list. Pike went on to play in the NFL Europe, the Arena Football League and the AFL2. He joined the Bliss a few years ago.

Dominique was a 4 year starter on the North Central College soccer team. She has played 6 seasons for the Bliss, winning 3 Legends Football League championships, while making multiple All-Star teams. She is a beast on the field, but a total sweetheart off of it.

Naturally, Matt picked his Boilermakers to win, predicting a 28-24 victory. Dominique went with the home team, stating there would be no fourth straight overtime, with the Wildcats winning 21-7. I left them to debate the outcome, as I headed to the pressbox.

The game began, as the temperature dipped into the 20’s. The first quarter saw no scoring, but the Wildcats put up 14 points in the second to go into halftime with a 14-0 lead.

The Wildcats got the ball a couple minutes into the 2nd quarter. C. Thorson capped a 3 1/2 minute drive with a 4 yard touchdown run. The kick made it 7-0.

The Boilermakers missed a field goal and the 2 teams exchanged possessions. C. Thorson completed a pass to B. Skowronek who raced 11 yards for the score. The kick brought it to the 14-0 score at halftime.

Northwestern opened the second half with a drive lasting about 6 minutes. A 19 yard field goal made it 17-0 NU.

After another short Purdue possession, Northwestern had a 2 1/2 minute drive ending in a 24 yard field goal to make it 20-0. With 5 ½ minutes left in the third quarter, NU was firmly in command.

Three minutes later, Purdue got on the board. A 21 yard TD pass and the extra point made it 20-7 NU. Dominique’s prediction was looking pretty good at this point. Matt was not very happy at this point.

With just under 12 minutes left in the game, the Wildcats scored on a 35 yard field goal, capping a 2 minute drive. NU now lead 23-7.

The teams exchanged possessions and Purdue had the ball with 8 minutes left. Two minutes later, a 12 yard TD run made it 23-13. The 2 point conversion failed.

That was the end of the scoring as NU held on for the 23-13 win. An interception by M. McShepard ended Purdue’s final drive, sealing the NU victory.

Statistically, the Wildcats had 94 yards rushing and 296 yards passing for 390 total yards. Purdue rushed for 40 yards, passed for 398 yards and had 438 total yards. Northwestern had the ball for 33:09 to Purdue’s 26:51.

Northwestern now stands at 7-3 overall, 5-2 in conference. They have 2 games remaining. They face Minnesota (5-5) at home next week and they travel to play the Illini (2-8) the following week. The Wildcats should be favored and should win both of these games.

I really enjoyed this game. It was chilly, but not freezing (although my seat was inside). The Wildcats scored first and were in control throughout the game, but it was close enough to remain exciting. The Wildcats won, which always makes for a great day!

It was great seeing Dominique and Matt. Dominique’s prediction was closest, much to Matt’s dismay. Hey, the lady not only plays great football, she knows it! These two really made my day.

Northwestern just needs to guard against a letdown. They need to finish strong. A 9-3 record would look nice heading into the bowl season. It’s been a fun year and there is still some quality ball left to be played.