Nov. 23, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern, which concluded the 2008 regular season with an impressive 27-10 victory over Illinois on Saturday, has landed in the top-25 of all four major FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) national polls.
The Wildcats earned a No. 20 ranking -- their highest of the season -- in this week's USA Today Coaches' poll. In the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) standings, Northwestern is ranked No. 24.
Northwestern is also positioned 24th in both the Associated Press and Harris Interactive polls.
By winning three of their last four games, the 'Cats concluded the regular season at 9-3. They became just the fifth team in school history to win nine or more contests in a season.
"I'm proud of the way our team finished the regular season," said NU coach Pat Fitzgerald. "We talk all the time around here about playing your best football in November. This group did that. Now it's time to get to work on one of our season goals, and that's win our bowl game."
Northwestern will take this week off before resuming bowl preparations with a pair of practices on Dec. 2 and 4. The remainder of the Wildcats' bowl practice schedule will be determined once their bowl destination is announced on Sunday, Dec. 7.