Northwestern University Athletics
Football Travels to Penn State
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
November 10, 1998
NORTHWESTERN (2-8, 0-7) at No. 19 Penn State (6-2, 3-2)
Date/Time: Nov. 14, 1998/11:10 a.m. CT
Site/Capacity: Beaver Stadium/93,967
Television: ESPN2
Radio: WGN (720 AM)
Although the Northwestern offense showed some signs of righting itself, its defense ran into the high-powered air assault of the Big Ten's No.1 offense and the result was a 56-21 setback to the Purdue Boilermakers. With the loss, the Wildcats dropped to 2-8 overall, 0-7 in Big Ten play.
The 'Cat offense which was dormant in its previous outing, sprang to life last Saturday. They amassed over 379 yards of offense and accumulated 23 first downs (two more than Purdue). Redshirt freshman quarterback Gavin Hoffman threw for 204 yards and three scores on a 16-of-29 performance. Two of those scoring throws went to All-American candidate DWayne Bates, while the third went to tight end Jay Tant, the first of his career.
The only constant bright spot on offense this year has been the stellar play of Biletnikoff semifinalist Bates. With his six catches for 84 yards last Saturday, he continued to move closer to the top of the Big Ten record books in career receptions (tied for second) and receiving yards (third). Bates currently leads the Big Ten this season in receptions per game (7.0), and is second in receiving yards (97.2 ypg) -- this despite playing in double coverage and being the Wildcats only go-to player most of the season. In 1996, he led the conference in receptions and receiving yards.
All-America candidate Barry Gardner led the defense with nine tackles (seven solo). In every game but one this year (UNLV), Gardner has been the leading tackler on the field. Gardner, who also had one TFL versus Purdue, leads the Big Ten in total tackles (153) and tackles per game (15.3). He now has nine TFLs on the season.
The 'Cats travel to Happy Valley for their final Big Ten game of the season. Penn State is currently 6-2 overall, 3-2 in Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions had been ranked No. 9 in the nation before falling at Michigan last Saturday. PSU leads the series with NU, 4-1. The two teams will not meet again until the 2001 season.
Penn State Series
Series Record: PSU leads, 4-1
First Meeting: 1993, NU won, 43-21
Last PSU Win at PSU: 1996, 34-9
Last NU Win at PSU: N/A
Current Series Streak: PSU, 2 games
PSU's Largest Margin of Victory: 28 pts., 45-17 in 1994
NU's Largest Margin of Victory: 11 pts., 21-10 in 1995
Head Coach Gary Barnett
Gary Barnett is in his seventh season at the helm of the Northwestern Wildcats after overseeing one of the most masterful program turnarounds in college football history. Hired in 1992, he took a school which hadn't enjoyed a winning season in 20 years, and in just four years had it sitting on top of the world as Big Ten champs. The following year, Barnett proved to the naysayers that 1995 wasn't a fluke by repeating as Big Ten champions. The 52-year-old native of Lakeland, Fla., has won every major "Coach of the Year" award, and has compiled a 34-44-1 record at Northwestern.
Prior to eight seasons as an assistant at the University of Colorado, Barnett served as the head coach for Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., for two years beginning in 1982.
Barnett graduated from the University of Missouri in 1969 with a degree in social studies, and later earned a master's degree in education from his alma mater. At Missouri, he played wide receiver and participated in the 1966 Sugar Bowl and the 1968 Gator Bowl while with the Tigers.
Facts and Firsts Following Purdue
* Barry Gardner upped his Big Ten-leading tackle total to 153. He also leads in tackles per game as well (15.3).
* With his nine-stop performance vs. Purdue, Gardner upped his career tackle total to 446. He remains in second place on NU's all-time tackle list, 57 behind Chuck Kern (503 tackles from 1977-80).
* D'Wayne Bates has caught a pass in his last 31-consecutive games, extending his NU record.
* Four of Bates' six receptions went for first downs. This brings his career total to 124 of 197 (63%).
* Bates continues to lead the Big Ten in receptions per game (7.0) and is second in receiving yards per game (97.2).
* Bates is now tied for second place in the Big Ten record book (and tied for first in the NU record book) for career catches (197) with NU's Richard Buchanan.
* Bates now has 3,097 career receiving yards and moved up to third-place in Big Ten history. Bates is just 42 yards away from the No. 2 spot held by Penn States Bobby Engram (3,139).
* With his two touchdown catches, Bates became NU's all-time career TD receiving record. He now has 24, surpassing Buchanan's 22 career receiving scores.
* Bates has now caught at least one TD in 19 games, tying the NU record held by Buchanan.
Up Next
Following the Penn State contest, the Wildcats travel to Hawaii to take on the Rainbow Warriors. Game time for the November 21 contest is set for 10 p.m. CT. The game will not be televised.
The Captains
As voted upon by their teammates and coaches, the captains for the 1998 Northwestern football team are wide receiver D'Wayne Bates, linebacker Barry Gardner, fullback Matt Hartl and offensive lineman Bryan LaBelle. All four are seniors.
Bates, who missed last season due to a broken leg suffered in the 'Cats victory over Oklahoma in the Pigskin Classic, led the Big Ten in receptions and reception yards in 1996 and was a Playboy All-American in 1997. Gardner is in his second duty as a captain, having served in the same capacity last year. The former walk-on led the Big Ten in total tackles in 1997 and was selected first-team All-Big Ten. Hartl, who was a major force in the Wildcats' drive to the Rose Bowl in 1995, will miss this season while undergoing chemotherapy to fight Hodgkin's Disease. This is his second bout with this form of cancer. LaBelle, a roommate of Hartl's, started in all 12 games last year at tight tackle.
First Time In Prime Time
A large number of Wildcats are seeing the field for the first time on offense and defense. A look by the numbers follows:
19 have logged playing time for the first time (12 Off., 7 Def.).
14 players have started for their first time this season.
14 redshirt or true freshman have taken the field in 1998.
7 offensive linemen are lining up for their first time.
7 redshirt or true freshman have earned starts, thus far.
Big Ten Tackle Leader
Two-time captain Barry Gardner finished 1997 first in the Big Ten in total tackles (174). He also led the conference in solo stops (112) and tackles per game (14.5). This year, the All-American candidate is doing the same. Gardner currently leads the Big Ten in total tackles (153) and tackles per game (15.3).
Gardner started the 1998 season off by leading the Wildcat defense to a smothering attack against UNLV. NU limited the Rebels to just 35 yards rushing and only eight first downs. Versus Duke, Gardner tallied 19 total tackles (15 solo stops) to lead NU. At Rice, the senior led all players with 20 tackles, 13 of which were solo efforts. In Madison, he again led both teams, tallying 14 total tackles (10 solo). Versus Illinois, Gardner again led the field, this time with 12 stops. At Iowa, he was everywhere, racking up 22 tackles (14 solo), two TFLs and one interception. In the rain storm versus Michigan, Gardner again led all players, tallying 20 stops (11 solo). Versus the No. 1 ranked Buckeyes, he racked up 18 tackles, the largest number that day as well. At MSU, Gardner again was the top tackler, racking up 13 stops (10 solo). Against Purdue, he again led both teams, this time with nine tackles (seven solo). Gardner has produced double-figure tackle games in 17 of the last 21 contests.
The 1997 GTE Second-Team Academic All-American currently has 446 career stops, good for second place on NUs career tackle list. Chuck Kern holds down the top spot with 503 tackles (1977-80).
The All-American candidate's tackle line in 1998: UNLV (6), Duke (19), Rice (20), Wisconsin (14), Illinois (12), Iowa (22), Michigan (20), Ohio State (18), Michigan State (13) and Purdue (9).
National Scholar-Athlete Award Winner
Senior linebacker Barry Gardner was named a National Scholar-Athlete Award winner by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Gardner, a communications studies major with a 3.35 grade point average, is one of 10 Division I athletes who will receive a $18,000 postgraduate fellowship from the Foundation. The 1998 Class will be honored at the Foundation's 41st Annual Awards Dinner held Dec. 8 at the Waldorf-Astoria. Also honored will be the new inductees to the College Football Hall of Fame, which includes Northwestern's Alex Sarkisian (center, 1947-48).
Bates And New Records At Penn State
In Saturday's game at Happy Valley, Biletnikoff Semifinalist D'Wayne Bates should continue his climb up the charts in the Northwestern and Big Ten record books. The following could occur during the Wildcat/Nittany Lion contest:
* With 43 receiving yards Bates would pass PSU's Bobby Engram for second place on the Big Ten all-time career receiving yards list.
* With one reception Bates would move into sole possession of second place in the Big Ten record book and first on the NU charts for career receptions. He has 197 catches and is currently tied with NU's Richard Buchanan in both categories.
* With one more receiving TD, Bates would move into sole possession of first place in the NU record book for most games tallying a receiving touchdown. He is currently tied with Buchanan at 19 games.
* With 28 more receiving yards, Bates would surpass the 1,000-yard plateau for the second time in his career. This would be an NU record as well. He had a school-record 1,196 yards receiving in 1996.
* A look at other Bates' records appear in the note below.
Big Ten's Top Receiver
All-Big Ten receiver D'Wayne Bates returned to the Wildcat lineup in dramatic fashion after missing most of 1997 with a broken leg. Against UNLV, he caught nine passes for 156 yards and scored two touchdowns. In the process, he became the first Wildcat to record 11 games of 100 or more yards in receiving. He added to that record by going over the 100-yard mark at Iowa (127) and versus Michigan (112). The Big Ten Conference tabbed him the Offensive Player of the Week for his play against UNLV. Also this season, he became NU's all-time career receiving yards leader when he caught seven passes for 96 yards at Wisconsin. He currently leads the Big Ten in receptions per game (7.0) and is second in receiving yards per game (97.2 ypg). He also became just the fifth player in Big Ten history to amass more than 3,000 receiving yards in a career. Below are a list of some of Bates' accomplishments as a Wildcat.
* Bates has made at least one reception in his last 31-straight contests (an NU record) and 34 of 35 in his NU career.
* Bates has made at least four receptions in 23 of his last 27 games.
* 124 of his career 197 catches have been for first downs (63%).
* Bates now has 197 catches in his NU career. This tally is tied for first with Richard Buchanan (1988-90).
* Bates is in first place on the all-time NU receiving list with 3,097 yards.
* Bates set the NU single-season receiving mark in 1996 with 1,196 yards.
* Although Bates has an NU record 13 career 100-yard receiving games, he also has recorded eight other games where he has recorded between 90-99 yards receiving.
* Bates' 3,097 career receiving yards ranks third in Big Ten history.
Bates A Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist
Senior wide receiver D'Wayne Bates was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award given to the nation's best receiver. In 1996, Bates was one of the 10 semifinalists as well. The list will be narrowed down to three finalists on November 17.
Gowins Kicks His Way Into Record Book
Brian Gowins, who led the Big Ten in field goals made last year (20), is methodically kicking his way to the top of the charts in the NU record book. Below are the records the first-team All-Big Ten performer holds or is close to breaking:
* Career scoring: 244 points, first place.
* Most points scored by a kicker: 244 points, first place.
* Career field goals made: 53, first place
* Career field goals attempted: 77, first place
* Most field goals in a season: 20, first place.
* Most games making a field goal in a career: 30, tied for first place with John Duvic.
* Most consecutive games making a field goal: nine-consecutive games in 1997, first place.
* Two or more field goals in a game: nine (season), 19 (career), first place.
* Most field goals 40-yards or more: 19, first place.
* Longest field goal: 52 yards, second on NU list, two yards shy of Nick Mirkopulos' 54 yarder in 1975
Thorpe Award
Mike Nelson is one of 44 prospects for the 1998 Jim Thorpe Award given annually to the nation's best defensive back in college football. Three finalists will be invited to ESPN's College Football Awards Show, broadcast December 10 from Disney World.
Best Conditioned Athletes
Strength coach Larry Lilja is legendary at NU for the grueling workouts that he puts the Wildcats through. His top five conditioned players with their bench and 40-yard dash statistics are:
1) LB Barry Gardner: Bench (435), 40 Yard Dash (4.68)
2) DL Jeff Dyra: Bench (425), 40 Yard Dash (4.88)
3) FB Sean Bennett: Bench (375), 40 Yard Dash (4.51)
4) TE John Cerasani: Bench (404), 40 Yard Dash (4.97)
5) FS Rashad Morton: Bench (335), 40 Yard Dash (4.54)
Youth Movement
True freshmen who have played this season are Kevin Bentley, a linebacker from Van Nuys, Calif., Blake Henry, an offensive tackle from Towson, Md., Wayne Lucier, a tight end/offensive tackle from Salem, N.H., Billy Silva, a linebacker from San Diego, Calif., Sam Simmons, a wide receiver from Kansas City, Mo. and Rashidi Wheeler, a defensive back from Ontario, Calif.
A Star In The Making
True freshman Sam Simmons is the brightest star of the 1998 recruiting class, thus far. Simmons, who is ranked third in the nation in kickoff returns, has turned quite a few heads in the 'Cats first nine games. Of the 20 offensive plays he has held the ball this season (15 rushes, five receptions), nine have gone for first downs, including all five receptions. In addition, Simmons made a remarkable 46-yard TD grab at Wisconsin and had a 67-yard kick return at Rice. Below is a look at the wide receivers statistics:
Kick Returns: 16 for 489 yards, 30.6 average, long of 67
Receiving: five for 132 yards, 26.4 average, one TD, long of 46
Rushing: 15 for 52 yards, 3.5 average, long of 11
Wildcats On The Tube
Since 1995, 42 of NU's 46 contests have been televised. In 1997, 11 of NU's games were selected for broadcast: This season, the Duke (ESPN Regional), Wisconsin (ESPN Regional), Illinois (ESPN Regional), Iowa (ESPN2) Michigan (ESPN), Ohio State (ESPN2), Michigan State (ESPN2), Purdue (ESPN Regional) and Penn State (ESPN2) games have been selected for broadcast. The UNLV (Las Vegas T.V. 33) game was televised in its market only, while the Rice and Hawaii contests were not televised.
Since NU football was first televised on October 27, 1951, when the 'Cats entertained the Wisconsin Badgers at Northwestern, the Wildcats have been featured on 92 occasions.
Award Winners
Below is a list award winners, thus far, for the 1998 season:
D'Wayne Bates, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week -- 9/7
Brian Gowins, Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week -- 9/21
Barry Gardner, National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete -- 10/28
Nationally Ranked
The following Wildcats were ranked among the national leaders (Big Ten ranking in parenthesis) in the following categories:
Kickoff Return: Sam Simmons, 32.43 ypr -- 3rd (1st)
Pass Receptions: D'Wayne Bates, 7.00 cpg -- 10th (1st)
Receiving Yards: D'Wayne Bates, 97.20 ypg -- 20th (2nd)
Punting: J.J. Standring, 41.43 avg. -- 40th (4th)
Field Goals: Brian Gowins, 1.20 fgpg -- (t) 34th (5th)
The Champions
Following the Purdue contest, the NU coaching staff named the following players as plaque winners of the weekly "Champion Club." O-Line: none; O-Back: none; D-Line: none; D-Back: none.; Kick: none; Rookie: Jason Brown; Scout: Gladston Taylor.
The Gary Barnett Show
Look for The Gary Barnett Show Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 3:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Chicago. The show will be repeated at 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 and 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 12. Dave Eanet, the voice of Wildcat Football on WGN Radio, serves as the host.
A new feature this year is "Ask the Coach." Fans can send in their questions to Coach Barnett at nusports.com and if their question is read on the show, they'll receive an Northwestern football cap courtesy of adidas and NU.
Lost In (Cyber) Space
Head coach Gary Barnett will take part in a live chat session each Wednesday from 7 to 7:15 p.m. during the football season. Fans can log on at nusports.com and go to the football page. The feature, which began on Wednesday, Sept. 9, was the most highly attended chat session that fansonly.com (nusports.coms web server) has ever had. Barnett was also the featured guest on America On-Line's Athlete Direct Prime last month.
