The opening game of the Pat Simmons era started on a sour note, when Jonathan Fields, tabbed for kick and punt retun duties had to be helpd off the field. It would later be announced the injury was a torn muscle in the shoulder, and he would be out 2-3 months. The Wildcat offense started quickly, with starting back Terrell Jordan taking the first play 22 yards on a left side run. The drive would quickly fizzle out, but was re-ignited by a Adam Kadela INT. Once again the NW pilot light went out, as a missed field goal and a Basanez INT killed the next two drives. Kadela once again proved to be 'Johnny on the Spot' with a fumble recovery on Ohio's first play following the INT. Ohio would finally get the offensive output going, with QB Austen Everson finding holes in the 'Cats zone defense for passes of 44 and 35, the latter going for the game's first score. Things would get worse, as Basanez would commit his second turnover, fumbling on an attempt option. Ohio wasted no time, scoring on just one play when Kalvin MCrae went untouched 35 yards for the score. Looking to atone for his previous mistakes, Basanez fired a pass under tremendous pressure to WR Kim Thompson, who broke one tackle and was free down the sideline for a huge 79 yard TD catch, catapulting the 'Cats back into the game, down 14-7.

The second quarter continued the NW surge of momentum, putting pressure on Everson, and forcing Ohio's 3rd turnover on an INT by NickelBack Cory Dious. The offense would put together a wonderful 3 and out, forcing the defense to once again hold more than its fair share of the bargain. And they did, this time it was Reggie McPherson's turn to pick Everson off. Luckily for Ohio, they have Superman!, better known as T.J. Wright, who in one play showcased his tremendous 53" vertical, Jerry Rice type hands, and his sub 4.25 speed in one amazing INT and 25 yard return, setting the Bobcats up at their own 30. Lucky for the faithful 23 fans who showed up today at Ryan Field, Superman! doesn't play offense and the 'Cats held to field goal. That would mean the offense would grace the field, likely a warm up act for the punt team. But No! Spearked by the 2-minute drill, or the kick in the ass by Coach Simmons, the Wildcats converted a 3rd and 12 for a first down! A no-huddle call sent the team running aimlessly to the line of scrimmage, with Brett Basanez calling out numbers, colors, letters, and maybe even jock strap size in a wonderful attempt to look like he actually knew what he was doing. It would work, as a Sutton run and 2 Basanez completions led to first downs. 1st and goal from the 6, and the call from the Northwestern Radio Network.
"Brett under center. Twin receivers left. Snap, drops, rolling right..now plants, got man..WIDE OPEN...incomplete. Wide open in the back of the endzone stodd Tyrell Sutton, and Basanez missed him by at least 3 yards."
He would redeem himself, humming a 92 MPH dart to the back of the endzone, right to the Stick-Um hands of Shaun Herbert, sending the Cats into the half trailing by 3.

The second half would start with the Ohio Bobcats with the ball, which they wouldnt have long thanks to "White Moss" Scott Manle outjumping the secondary on what would end up to be a 61 yard pass. He'd strike once again, this time from 12 yards for another Ohio TD. Superman! would strike again on NW's next drive, coming from 5 yards away and covering another man, to make a super swat on 3rd down. Cries of "Cheeser!!" echo'd through the headsets of Northwestern's coaches, as the evil Frank Solich calls for a HB direct on the 7 yard line. NW would beat the cheese, but the 24 yard FG was gouda. The next drive saw the offensive line blow ass, as Ohio took down the NW quarterback twice, leading to another kick that was softer than an unborn infant's. Another NW drive saw Ohio LB Matt Muncy lineup as NW's fullback for a 3rd and 2 stop, then All-Universe Dion Byrum made Northwestern look like a bunch of white kids in a 100-Meter dash, scampering 61 yards for a punt return TD, giving the Bobcats a 20 point lead. Another 3 and out saw this sideline exchange. Bynum would fumble the punt return, giving the NW offense another chance to fuck up. Which they do, when Basanez completes a pretty pass to the Ohio safety, sending the racaous 12 people left in attendance into a frenzy of booing as the clock ticks away on the 3rd quarter.

Mark Philmore hauls in a short Basanez pass, then takes off down the sideline, finally being pushed out at the 1. A quick Terrell Jordan run cuts the Ohio lead to 13, at 34-21. Needing a big stop, Coach Simmons called on his defense, which has played well, but been stuck in some really bad positions. He called on them so much, he forgot to signal in the first play of the drive, leading to a 9 yard completion. Paying attention..Simmons sees the unbeliable become true...FUMBLE! Picked up by McGargigle..and taken TO THE HOUSE! The extra point sending the lead to 6, as the masses pour back into Ryan Field, bringing the total attendance to 33! Then comes yet another ohio 3 and out! Northwestern is still alive! But wait..the offense has to play again. A quiet hush falls over the stadium, wondering who will fuck up next. But they dont! A Basanez sneak gives them a first down! Sutton for 9! Basanez for 3! They are driving! A slight bump in the road puts the Cats at 3rd and 4. Basanez spreads the field, and takes off, picking up a first down by a yard! The next play is in the air..Its deep...its...TOUCHDOWN! Ohh my! Basanez has led a comeback! 37 yards to Brandon Horn! A 5th string WR! Its Panda-Freakin-Moneaum! Northwestern 35! Ohio 34! 2:21 left! Everson hits Mayle for a big pass down the sideline, pushing the ball to the Ohio 45, as the clock ticks under 2 minutes. Blitz pressure is picked up by Ohio and a huge pass to the TE Corey Logan, 37 yards, sees the ball rest at the 13. Under a minute now. 3rd and 4, Ohio with a timeout. Huge play. Handoff to McRae is stopped short! Field Goal! Its a chipshot for Rossman, whos hit 2 today. Kick is up and it is true. 37-35. Basanez has 3 timeouts, and 54 seconds to get Northwestern win #1.

'The Drive', as it could be called forever on, starts at the 38, thanks to Tyrell Sutton's great kickoff return, The first play, as pass complete to Thompson, crosses mid-field to the Ohio 41, but a sack forces a NW timeout and a 2nd and 17, 48 yards away from a win. A quick pass nets 3, but drains pression seconds off the clock. Ohio is flagged for offsides..and my VCR will shutoff if I dont press a button in 30 seconds..Damn thing. Back to the action. 3rd and 8! CAUGHT! CAUGHT! MIDDLE OF THE FIELD! TO THE 17! 11 seconds to go! Timeout Wildcats! The shotgun pass doesnt get off before Basanez is wrapped up in the backfield, a loss of 9, and Northwestern is forced to take their final timeout. The ball rests at the 26... Its a 43 yard attempt.. The snap...

The hold...

The KICK....

WIDE LEFT!

Ohio takes a knee, and runs out the final 2 seconds. Solich is drenched with Gatorade, Pat Simmons is stunned.

The game folks..Is over.

Greatness score of 771.