Sept. 4, 2006
Northwestern FB Game Notes (vs. New Hampshire)
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The Game
Coming off an emotional 21-3 season-opening victory at Miami (Ohio), Northwestern returns home to face NCAA Division I-AA power New Hampshire at 1 p.m. this Saturday at Ryan Field. This is the only the second time in Northwestern football history that the Wildcats are facing a non-Division I-A school in the modern era. New Hampshire, which has yet to play in 2006, is ranked No. 2 nationally among I-AA programs.
Saturday's contest -- which pits a pair of schools with the nickname Wildcats -- will not be televised.
A number of special events will be held before and during the game to honor and remember former head coach Randy Walker, who passed away suddenly this past summer. (For a complete list of events/activities, see the next section on this page.)
In its opener last Thursday, the NU Wildcats used a solid defense and some timely special teams' play to defeat the RedHawks. Northwestern held Miami to 72 rushing yards and 247 yards overall. The Wildcat defense recorded five sacks, nearly half of the team total (12) that NU compiled in 2005.
This week, Northwestern will need another solid defensive effort as it faces an outstanding offense, led by UNH quarterback and 2005 Walter Payton Award (I-AA's version of the Heisman) runner-up Ricky Santos. The 2005 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year has thrown for 7,115 yards and 70 touchdowns in just two seasons of competition. He also has a career completion percentage of 67.1. Santos is also dangerous on the ground, having rushed for 788 career yards, including 505 a year ago. He ran for a career-high 165 yards in the Wildcats' 2005 NCAA win over Colgate.
Santos has a favorite target in senior All-American David Ball. Ball, who has 3,541 career receiving yards, is just six touchdown receptions shy of surpassing Jerry Rice's all-time NCAA record of 50 career TD catches. Ball is also on pace to surpass Rice's NCAA receiving yardage mark, needing 1,153 yards this season.
Eighth-year head coach Sean McDonnell has taken the UNH program to new heights over the past two seasons, leading the Wildcats to two consecutive NCAA quarterfinal appearances, a first-place national ranking at the conclusion of the 2005 regular season, and a share of the 2005 Atlantic 10 Conference title. UNH's 11 wins (11-2) was the most in school history in 2005.
Northwestern to Honor Randy Walker This Saturday
After being honored by his alma mater last week, Randy Walker will be remembered and feted this weekend by the Northwestern community. A number of activities are scheduled, including:
Moment of silence and ceremonial coin toss with the Walker family prior to kickoff.
Prior to and throughout the game, fans can stop by Touchdown Terrace and sign a large card, which will be given to the Walker family after the game. Fans can also contribute to the Walker Fund on Touchdown Terrace.
The driveway that runs parallel with the Nicolet Football Center and Ryan Field, and starts at Ashland Avenue, will be named "Walker Way." When the Wildcats arrive approximately two-and-a-half hours (10:30 a.m.) before kickoff, fans are invited to line "Walker Way" and "Walk with Us."
A limited number of Walker visors will be distributed to fans who attend the game. Visors will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Northwestern's Marching Band will perform a special halftime show in honor of Walker. One of the songs the band will play is "Amazing Grace."
Saturday is Heroes' Day, and fans can email Northwestern's marketing office at wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu and share their thoughts on why Coach Walker was their hero.
Tickets are still available for Saturday's contest: $30 for reserved seats and $20 for end-zone seats. Saturday is Heroes' Day (all identified armed service and public safety officials and their families are admitted free) and Band Day. Tickets can be purchased by calling 847-491-CATS or ordering online at Northwestern's web site, NUsports.com.
A Tribute to Coach "Walk"
In addition to the special ceremonies that are taking place at this Saturday's home opener, the Wildcats are remembering their former head mentor by wearing a rectangular patch on their jersey that is positioned over the heart. The patch is white with a black border, and has the word "WALK" inscribed in black. Northwestern's coaches and staff also will have "WALK" printed on their game-day gear.
Two "WALK" logos will be painted on Ryan Field for Northwestern's six home games.
(For a complete set of notes, download the PDF above.)