Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Ready For 2005 Opener
8/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 29, 2005
NU-Ohio Game Notes
Download Free Acrobat Reader
The Game
After opening on the road the past four years, Northwestern will unveil its 2005 squad at Ryan Field this Saturday, Sept. 3 versus Mid-American Conference foe Ohio University. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. The game is being televised by ESPNU, the newest network of the ESPN family.
Northwestern carries a five-game home winning streak into its 117th season of intercollegiate football. Last year, the Wildcats went a perfect 4-0 at home vs. Big Ten foes, the first time they accomplished that since their 1996 conference championship season.
The Wildcats are replacing numerous starters from their 6-6 team of a year ago. Offensively, just four starters are back, led by fourth-year starting quarterback Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator). Basanez, who ranks second among all active Division I-A players in career passing yardage (6,958), was recently named a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award candidate. Also returning are wide receivers Mark Philmore (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Reynoldsburg), Jonathan Fields (Sweeny, Texas/Sweeny) and offensive tackle Zach Strief (Milford, Ohio/ Milford).
Defensively, four starters are back from last year's season-opening lineup. Three of those four are NU's linebackers, led by All-Big Ten middle `backer Tim McGarigle (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick). The fourth starter is defensive tackle Barry Cofield (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights).
Northwestern was expecting to field a club with more veterans once it had concluded the spring season. But since mid-June, the Wildcats have lost five starters -- three (Loren Howard, Jeff Backes, Bryan Heinz) to injuries, and two (Brandon Horn, Trevor Rees) to suspensions.
The Bobcats are making their debut under first-year head coach Frank Solich, the former Nebraska head mentor (1998-2003). Solich ranks sixth on the I-A active coaches win percentage list with a .753 (58-19) mark. Ohio is returning 14 offensive and defensive starters from a team that went 4-7 (2-6 in the MAC) last year.
Tickets are still available for Saturday's opener: $30 for reserved seats and $15 for end-zone seats. It is also NU Faculty & Staff Day, North Shore Community Day and Youth Football Day. Tickets, purchased in advance, are $15 for these groups. It is also "Take a Kid to the Game Day" -- two children are admitted free with one regular adult ticket. This offer is valid only on game day and may not be combined with other offers. Children must be in eighth grade or under.
The Broadcasts
Radio -- WGN (720 AM) will carry the game live on the internet (wgnradio.com) with its pregame show at 10:30 a.m. The radio broadcast will air live on WCPT (850 AM) due to a previously scheduled Chicago Cubs baseball game. Dave Eanet (play-by-play) and Ted Albrecht (analyst) call the action. WNUR (89.3), NU's student radio station, also will carry the game live. The contest is also available on the XM Satellite Radio network.
Television -- ESPNU is televising the game to a national audience. Mike Adamle (play-by-play) and Randy Wright (analyst) call the action. The game is also a part of ESPN's GamePlan package.
(For a complete set of notes, please download the PDF above.)
