2010 Ticketcity Bowl

It was literally a year ago today in one time zone over that we cheered our way through Tampa hoping that if we were just a little bit louder or if we stomped just a little bit harder that we could will ourselves a Northwstern Football bowl game victory against those stinkers, the Auburn Tigers (who are playing this year for the National Championship. Grrr). Sadly, the odds were lined up against us as we're now looking at 62 years without a bowl victory after the 45-38 loss against the Texas Tech Titans in Dallas' historic Cotton Bowl Stadium (not to confused with the AT&T Cotton Bowl game not played in the actual Cotton Bowl).

You never could count the cardiac 'Cats out of this game despite the many times we wondered whether the offensive was going to get into a rhythm and the defensive was going to force a 3 and out.  The day started off though on a bitter cold note as we opened the door to crisp 30 degree temperatures in Dallas.  Rob, Scottie, and I bundled up to brave the cooler than average weather for Dallas, but we had to laugh a little at Rachel who probably was the smartest of us all bringing out her Detroit skiing gear!  It was much needed as we attempted to settle in for a pre-game tailgate.  I think we all just struggled through one beer or bloody mary and then called it quits. The sun was shining but the wind was whipping.  What's up with Scottie and I and bowl game weather?  Seriously, could we catch a break?  You'd think being in Florida and Texas in January, the odds would be in our favor.  At one point, I am pretty sure I couldn't feel my hands, toes, or nose. It was so bad that I couldn't even muster up a photo. If you know me, you know that's bad.  Then again, Scottie and I were coming from our holiday vacation in St. Louis so our packing had to be somewhat light.

We made the long walk (or what seemed long in the cold and wind) over to the Cotton Bowl Stadium and as we walked up the ramps to get our first view of the field, all I could think about was there better be some hot cocoa in this joint.  Our seats weren't bad but the view was certainly a bit obstructed as we were in the back part of the Northwestern section under the upper decks.  Now if we were watching baseball, I wouldn't mind as much but the upper deck was just kind of in the way of seeing the whole field.  We struggled through the 1st quarter, but eventually moved up top for a better view and the warmth of the sun.  Amen for that. By the end of the game, I was able to strip off my mittens and coat! Hooray!

As far as the rest of the game goes, well, you've probably read the recap and you've probably read about our continued curse, so I won't relive all that again, but you can flip through my photo album for all the details.  I just hope next year, we get a win, warmth, and some much needed bragging rights. This is getting to be an ugly streak for not only the 'Cats but for Scottie and I.