The Tigers feature one of the top offenses in the SEC led by QB Chris Todd and TB Ben tate, a semi finalist for the Doak Walker Award given to the nation`s top running back. And the Wildcats boast one of the most successful offenses in the Big Ten, leading the league in First Downs and ranking second in Passing Offense and Third Down Conversions. They are led by QB Mike Kafka, who completed a Big Ten best 65.7% of his passes, and All-Big Ten Safety Brad Phillips.
“When we heard of the Auburn fans chanting at the end of the Iron Bowl” It`s great to be an Auburn Tiger” we knew there was something special about the excitement around this football team”, notes Jim McVay, Outback Bowl President/CEO. “And Northwestern is a quality team and fun to watch. These teams have everything we are looking for in a New Year`s Day match-up – They are both tough, exciting teams, extremely well coached and have some of the best fans in college football’.
“We are very pleased to welcome the Wildcats and Tigers to our Bowl” added Outback Bowl Team Selection Chairman Mitch Shriber. “We look forward to hosting the players, coaches and their fans for a tremedous week of fun in the Tampa Bay area that we like to call Football in Paradise”.
Northwestern in 2009:
The Wildcats finished with an 8-4 overall record. The Wildcats ranked in the top three of the Big Ten in eight statistical categories including Passing Offense, Turnover Margin, Third Down Conversions, Field Goals and 1st in First Downs.
Northwestern Tradition:
This is the 127th year of Northwestern football. The Wildcats have compiled an overall record of 467-614-44 including eight Big Ten Conference Championships. Northwestern is the only private school in the Big Ten Conference and it is also smallest school. Northwestern is consistently one of the leaders in graduation rate and 100% of its players graduated in 1998 and 2002. Northwestern has also produced first round picks Napolean Harris (Okland Raiders) and Luis Castillo (San Diego Chargers). The Wildcats have produced 38 All-Americans and 15 players and coaches have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Northwestern Bowls:
The Wildcats have never appeared in the Outback Bowl and have never played Auburn. This marks the 8th bowl appearance for the Wildcats. Northwestern is 1-6 in bowl games with their last appearance in the 2008 Alamo Bowl. The Wildcats lost to Missouri in overtime 30:23. The team is also 0-1 against SEC teams in bowls, losing to Tennessee in the 1997 Citrus Bowl 48:28.
Feature Players:
Northwestern`s rushing attack has been a “running back by committee” led by TB Arby Fields, who has 79 carries for 294 yards and 5 TDs. TB Scott Concannon has contributed to the rushing game with 67 carries for 240 yards and 2 TDs.
QB Mike Kafka, a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award candidate, leads the Northwestern passing game completing a Big Ten best 65.7% of his passes for 12 TDs and 7 interceptions. Kafka has also contributed to the rushing attack with 265 yards and 7 TDs. Kafka was selected to the 2009 All-Big Ten Conference Second Team by both the coaches and media. WR Andrew Brewer leads the team in receiving yards with 792 yards and 7 TDs. Brewer is also a 2009 Wuerffel Trophy finalist. WR Zeke Markshausen is the favorite target with 79 receptions for 774 yards and 3 TDs.
The defense includes S Brad Phillips who recorded a team high 84 total tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 3 sacks and 1 interception. Phillips has been selected by the coaches to the 2009 All-Big Ten Conference First Team. CB Sherrick McManis leads the team with 4 interceptions and 7 pass breakups despite missing three games due to injury. McManis also contributed 34 total tackles and 1 forced fumble. McManis has been selected by the media to the All-Big Ten Conference First Team. 2009 playboy All-American DE Corey Wootton has also contributed to the defense with 20 total tackles, 6.0 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked kick.
Place Kicker Stefan Demos is tied for first in the Big Ten with 18 field goals made. Demos made 78.3% of his field goal attempts and 31 of 32 in PAT kicking. Demos has also been selected by the coaches and media to the 2009 All-Big Ten Conference Second Team and is a Lou Groza Award semifinalist. Demos, along with Markshausen, were also named CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.
Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald:
Pat Fitzgerald became the Head Coach of the Wildcats in 2006 after being an assistant coach from 2001. Fitzgerald has posted a 27-22 record as the Wildcats Head Coach. In 2008, he was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Columbus. As a player, Fitzgerald was also the centerpiece of Northwestern`s defense and was a two-time Bronko Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik Award winner (1995&1996). In 2008, Fitzgerald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
“We`re extremely prod of our football program, which for the second straight year, finished the season by playing its best football”, says Fitzgerald. “We`re proud to represent the Big Ten on New Year`s Day at the Outback Bowl against Auburn, a tremendous opponent from the SEC. I`m thrilled for our senior class, which is one of the winningest classes in program history. Our number one goal this season was to win our bowl game. Now the opportunity is in front of us and it is time to consistently prepare every day to achieve that goal”.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to play in yhe Outback Bowl”, said Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik. “This is tremendous reward for our football players as well as our fans that have been so supportive of our program this season. We want the Auburn fans to continue that great support by traveling to Tampa Bay to enjoy the many activities in the area and cheer on the Tigers on January 1”.
“On behalf of the entire Auburn Family, we are absolutely thrilled to accept an invitation to play in the 2010 Outback Bowl”, added Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs. “Auburn has tremendous fans and I know that they will enjoy the Tampa Bay area and support Coach Chizik and the Tigers during bowl week. We want to see Raymond James Stadium packed with Auburn orange and blue on New Year`s Day”.
The Outback Bowl is celebrating its 24th year and will kickoff at 11 A.M. ET on January 1st in Raymond James Stadium. The game is telecast internationally on ESPN TV. Tickets to the Outback Bowl are $70 each and are available at Ticketmaster outlets throughout Florida, via phone at 800-745-3000 and online at www.ticketmaster.com .
Tickets are also available through the Auburn and Northwestern ticket offices. Information on the Outback Bowl game, bowl events and area hotels and attractions can be found on the bowls web site at www.OutbackBowl.com
Source: www.OutbackBowl.com
Photo: The Wildcats Family (10/24/2009). Author: Jacek Urbanczyk.
2009-10 Bowl Schedule:
http://pzfa.pl/?go=start&news=1185
Jacek Urbańczyk
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