By Matt Forman and Jake Simpson

SAN ANTONIO — A brief look at the 2008 Alamo Bowl.

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From his first game at Northwestern, Tyrell Sutton has been the focal point of the Wildcats’ offense. The senior running back first made his mark in 2005, rushing for a program-record 244 yards against Wisconsin. Sutton surpassed 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, relying on a mix of agility and breakaway speed, but he has struggled to stay healthy ever since. He missed six games in his junior season with a high ankle sprain. Continue reading »

Ann Arbor, Mich. — Facing fourth and three in NU territory, Michigan’s offense was stymied on a pass breakup by Brad Phillips.

The defense did its job. The same cannot be said for the offense.

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Ohio State faced a third-and-8 at its own 32-yard line near the end of the third quarter. Northwestern brought the blitz on quarterback Terrelle Pryor, but the freshman escaped the rush, broke a tackle and ran for the line of scrimmage.

Known for his running ability, Pryor likely could have gotten close to a first down with his legs. But that is not what he did.

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November 4, 2000 — What happened at Ryan Field that day would drastically alter the way Big Ten football, and football across the country, is played.

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Sunday morning. The quietest time in college football. This is the day for the NFL action. The only winners and losers are in the rankings, and the seats at Ryan Field are empty.

But while fans sleep off their hangovers and sportscasters recap the previous day’s action, the two gurus of Northwestern football are hard at work. The end of Saturday’s game is the just the beginning of next Saturday’s preparation.

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Syracuse quarterback Andrew Robinson dropped back, looked left and with his eyes fixed on his receiver, fired toward the sideline.

Northwestern safety Brendan Smith read the play all the way. The redshirt junior swooped in, picked off the throw and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown, putting the Wildcats ahead 23-10 with 2:13 left in the third quarter of their 30-10 victory.

But the play meant more than just a 13-point-cushion. It symbolized something bigger - that the Wildcats defense might show some teeth this season, thanks to the hiring of highly respected defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz.

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