The annual FCS "we'll pay you lots of money to get your asses kicked unless something goes horribly wrong" game is tomorrow and I know this isn't the most exciting game for Northwestern fans. After a rather surprising win with backup QB #colterquick on the road against Boston College, NU returns home to take on the Eastern Illinois Panthers. No #PersaStrong and most likely no #TrumpCard either. Is there any reason to get excited about this game? Yes, in fact, there are 10 of them. So without further ado...let's get FIRED UP!
10. Tony Romo
Sometimes you can get fired up about a game because of who used to go to the school. For example, Fitz gets fired up for Iowa because Hayden Fry used to coach the Squawks (among other reasons). Except for Cowboys fans, who suck by the way, most of America can't stand Tony Romo. The only reason the Eastern Illinois alum is in the NFL is nepotism. #Romochoke went undrafted in 2003 but luckily for him former Eastern Illinois quarterback Sean Payton was working with the Dallas Cowboys at the time. The only other guy who expressed interest was...Mike Shanahan...another Eastern Illinois guy. The man thinks he's Tom Brady when in reality the only similarity he has with #Bradylegend is they both replaced Drew Bledsoe. You've got one playoff win Romo! Congrats! Get back to me when you get to a Super Bowl.
9. It's not starting at 11:00 a.m!
Yes, it's true. In fact, so far none of NU's home games are at that dreaded early morning hour. This one is starting at 2:30. I'm not sure what the Big Ten Network is showing at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow but it can't possibly be more boring than this game...unless it's a rerun of Northwestern's "win" over Eastern Michigan in 2006 (before the BTN even existed btw). Unfortunately this later start time won't boost attendance because school hasn't started yet and most NU students are still at their respective mansions throughout the country.
8. This is the first time these two teams have met.
Remember in 2007 when Northwestern faced Northeastern for the first time? Well, it turned out to be the last time as Northeastern ended up dropping their football program due to that loss for unrelated reasons. Let's see if the 'Cats can beat the Panthers so badly they force Eastern Illinois to drop their football program as well. The fewer FCS programs, the better, in my opinion.
7. Northwestern might actually convert on 4th and 1 this week.
Of course, if the Wildcats have to go for it on fourth down, we're all in big trouble. Unless they're trying to run up the score to force EIU to drop their football program, then I approve.
6. The #freeadonis campaign finally gets some momentum.
Granted, this is my campaign and my campaign alone. But I haven't been this high on a NU football player since Arby Fields Zeke Markshausen. Adonis Smith has been in Fitz's doghouse for quite sometime for a variety of reasons. It started with him focusing too much on girls and video games. Then it was the whole "Fitz hates Iowa" thing. And more recently it was him not showing up to camp in the proper shape. But darn it, Adonis Smith is a smoooooth runner. Give that man the rock! I like Trumpy and think he should get plenty of carries when healthy, but Jacob Schmidt's role should only involve blocking. As for those other running backs...please. It's Adonis "All Day" Smith who has the most potential.
5. The chance to go to Ryan Field again.
It has the nicest grass in the nation you know. It also has hot dogs...for about a quarter...so get them while they're there!
4. Eastern Illinois attained "Tree Campus USA" status in 2010.
Hippies. (Northwestern achieved "trees get f---ed up during huge storm" status recently.)
3. This school is just plain weird.
I mean..what the hell is this? I blame Tony Romo.
2. Dan Persa will be at the game.
Sure, he probably won't play but just being in his presence makes us all better people. All hail #PersaStrong.
1. Only 35 days until the Iowa game!
Go 'Cats!
