West Lot Pirates

Episode 638: Activate the Portal

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:54:56 +0000

With March Madness in our rearview mirror, the offseason of College Basketball is upon us. As the Transfer Portal opened on Tuesday, the Wildcats find themselves in a situation we have not experienced before. Eight players have entered their names into the portal and Chris Collins now finds himself in a situation where he will need to completely rebuild the roster. How is this going to work?

Episode 637: Gotta Go!

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 02:41:56 +0000

In our latest episode, we recap Lacrosse's fantastic road trip to North Carolina and their subsequent home win against Johns Hopkins. We also continue to be baffled by the ridiculous travel-related premature ending of the softball game against Oregon.

Episode 636: Bracketology with Scott Sepich

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:37:23 +0000

With the NCAA Basketball Tournament drawing nigh, we welcome back Scott Sepich, our resident Bracketologist for his 16th season of bracket analysis.

Episode 635: Nicky Buckets Swan Song

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:29:09 +0000

Nick Martinelli finished up his Northwestern career at Welsh-Ryan with a pair of thrilling games: a last second buzzer beater against Oregon and yet another barn burner against Purdue. Tonight, we look back at the end of the hoops regular season and we check in on the rest of the spring teams.

Episode 634: Whiparound

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 02:59:10 +0000

Tonight, we check in on NU Hoops as the Men's team extended their winning streak against Indiana to 6, the Lacrosse team as they took out their frustration after their loss to Colorado, Softball as they continue to develop whilst taking on a meat grinder of a non-conference schedule and Baseball as they have started off to a very respectable 5-2 start.

Episode 633: Changing Seasons

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:52:46 +0000

As the Spring seasons for Lacrosse, Softball and Baseball (yes, we know it's February) get underway, we look at the opening weekend's games which had some good and some rough outcomes.

Episode 632: 2026 Football Schedule

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:40:21 +0000

The calendar may read January, but it's time to look ahead to the 2026 college football season, specifically, the release of the Big Ten schedule. Tonight we look at the Cats' schedule while also noting that NEXT week we find out the home venue locations. Might we see another game or two on the lake before the New Ryan Field is ready?

Episode 631: A New National Champion

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 02:24:22 +0000

With Indiana's historic win over Miami in the National Championship Game, that brings us to the end of the 2025 College Football Season. In tonight's episode, we discuss the Hoosiers and their season and how that could completely change the way we think about College Football.

Episode 630: Transfer PortalPalooza

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:54:29 +0000

Transfer portal season is here and boy, it's busy. In addition to continuing building out the offensive coaching staff under Chip Kelly, we have a flurry of faces transferring in and heading out. Tonight, we go through some of the early highlights of transfer season including our new QB, Aidan Chiles.

Episode 629: Northwestern 34-Central Michigan 7 and Chip Kelly

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:12:55 +0000

Well now! Happy Holidays indeed! The Cats went out to Detroit in the GameAbove Sports Bowl and laid it on Central Michigan with a dominant performance from the Defense. But we weren't done with the holiday surprises. Northwestern did something that we never thought would happen. They took a big swing and brought in Chip Kelly as the new OC!

Episode 628: GameAbove Sports Bowl Preview vs. Central Michigan

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:51:27 +0000

For our podcast's 15th birthday, we do what we did in our very first episode, preview the Northwestern Bowl Game. On paper, CMU looks like a middle of the road MAC team, but as we all know, the game is not played on paper. We look forward to our Boxing Day matchup with CMU and look back at the first round of CFP games.

Episode 627: It's Bowling Season!

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:12:28 +0000

As we enter the back half of December, we find ourselves in the midst of Bowl Season. Tonight, we look ahead to the GameAbove Sports Bowl in Detroit where the Cats will be taking on Central Michigan. We also catch up on the rest of the Big Ten's bowl/playoff matchups and take stock of the Basketball team as we get our final tune-up games before conference play starts in earnest.

Episode 626: Illinois 20-Northwestern 13

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:43:58 +0000

It would be easy to chalk this game up to just being a rivalry game in the snow, but there was a lot more going on than just that in Northwestern's 7 point loss to Illinois. Now with the regular season finished, we look ahead to our upcoming Bowl Game as we begin to think about a crucial 2026 campaign as we cut the ribbon on the new Ryan Field. Oh yeah, there's some coaching carousel news too...

Episode 625: Northwestern 38-Minnesota 35 and a Field Hockey National Championship

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:55:11 +0000

What a weekend! Field Hockey finished their journey to repeat as National Champions with 2 incredible wins in both the Final 4 game against North Carolina and the title game against Princeton. Football finally broke the curse of Wrigley Field, getting their first ever win at the Friendly Confines while also clinching a bowl berth for the 2nd time in 3 years under David Braun. Let's not forget the Basketball team either as they went out to the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia and played 2 great games against Virginia and South Carolina, splitting the two.

Episode 624: Michigan 24-Northwestern 22

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:24:24 +0000

The Wrigley Curse continued for the Cats as they lost to Michigan in an absolute gut-punch of a game. Northwestern made a valiant comeback and took the lead only to see Michigan drive down the field with time running out to kick the game winner. Now we look ahead to the final game at Wrigley for the foreseeable future as the Cats look to pick up win #6 and go Bowling.

Episode 623: USC 38-Northwestern 17

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:49:28 +0000

It was a tale of two halves this past Friday in LA. The first half saw two teams trading punches back and forth. But one freak play turned the game on its head and USC pulled away in the second half. We look back at this game while also celebrating a hot start to the Men's Basketball season and wishing the best of luck to both Women's Soccer and Field Hockey as they enter their respective NCAA Tournaments.

Episode 622: It's Basketball Season!

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:12:47 +0000

The Northwestern Men's Basketball season tipped off this week with a huge win over Mercyhurst. With so many new faces on the squad, we take a look at the who's who on the team. Also, with Friday's trip to LA looming, what will the football team do to slow down the high octane offense of USC.

Episode 621: Nebraska 28-Northwestern 21

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 03:39:21 +0000

It was a game much like most of the other Nebraska/Northwestern tilts in that it went back and forth and came down to the last possession. While it always stings to lose to the Huskers, the Cats still find themselves at 5-3 going into their second bye week.

Episode 620: Northwestern 19-Purdue 0

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:13:27 +0000

It could have easily been a big letdown spot coming off the huge win at Penn State last week, but the Cats came out on a mission, shutting out Purdue in front of the 1995 Rose Bowl team in the final game at Martin Stadium. Now, sitting at 5-2 on the season, the Cats make their way to Lincoln to try and keep the momentum rolling into November.

Episode 619: Northwestern 22-Penn St. 21

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:05:55 +0000

There are moments that define a program. The Rose Bowl season at Notre Dame, 54-51 vs Michigan, Victory Right against Minnesota, Noah Herron walk-off win against Ohio St. and so many more. It would not be hyperbole to look back at this weekend's win at Penn St. and include it in this list. The Cats put on as gutsy a performance as we've seen in quite some time to come away from Happy Valley with the W.

Episode 618: Northwestern 42-Louisiana-Monroe 7

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:58:27 +0000

Now this is what we're talking about! Northwestern finally put together an offensive performance that we have been looking for as they trounced ULM. Now, the Cats now find themselves not only at 3-2, but also looking ahead to a game against Penn State this weekend that all of a sudden looks a whole lot more interesting.

Episode 617: Northwestern 17-UCLA 14

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:33:12 +0000

We have been saying for some time that this game against the Bruins would be very telling in what to expect from this Northwestern squad this year. While the Cats did play a clean game and many players looked great, there were some major concerns in the strategy and game plan philosophy that we had to get into.

Episode 616: Bye Week Big Ten Check-in

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:13:43 +0000

With the Cats off this week preparing for a dreadful UCLA squad with their interim coach, we took this opportunity to take stock of the rest of the conference through the lens of our preseason thoughts. Who is looking better than we thought at the start of the season? Who is worse?

Episode 615: Oregon 34-Northwestern 14

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 03:12:08 +0000

Northwestern enters their first Bye Week with many questions still unanswered. On one hand, the Cats looked pretty decent against a monster Oregon team. On the other hand, the Offense still remains maddeningly inconsistent and mistake-prone. Today we take stock as we look ahead a week and a half to a dreadful UCLA team who just fired their coach.

Episode 614: Northwestern 42-Western Illinois 7

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:41:38 +0000

It was a lovely night for some Friday Night Lights and Northwestern did what they needed to do: lay down the wood on their FCS foe. Unfortunately, they also lost Cam Porter for the season with a leg injury. Now, with #4 Oregon looming Saturday morning, what will the Cats need to do and what should we expect to see?

Episode 613: Field Hockey Preview with Yanyan Li

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:00:56 +0000

As Northwestern's Field Hockey squad embarks on their journey to defend their National Championship, John sat down with InsideNU's Editor-in-Chief Yanyan Li to break down the 2025 team.

Episode 612: Tulane 23-Northwestern 3

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 01:58:51 +0000

That was certainly not the start to the 2025 season that anyone had anticipated. The Cats gave up 5 turnovers and the offense looked listless throughout the game. Tonight, we take a look back and try to figure out what NU will need to do to right the ship.

Episode 611: Northwestern Preview and Game Week!

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:46:27 +0000

You've heard us talk about the rest, now join us as we talk about the best! That's right, this is the moment you've all been waiting for: our in-depth preview of the 2025 Northwestern Wildcats. We'll dive deep into the defense, the offense, the special teams and much, much more.

2025 Summer Previews: Illinois

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:09 +0000

We wrap up our Summer Preview slate just as we do every year, with the battle for the Top Hat and Illinois. The Illini are coming off their best season in a while as they continue to embody the Bret Bielema system. But last year they seemed to come out on the right side of almost every close game they played. Will that luck continue into the 2025 campaign?

2025 Summer Previews: Minnesota

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:00:53 +0000

Northwestern wraps up the 2025 home (Wrigley) schedule as we welcome in the Gophers. In what may be the last game in Wrigley for the foreseeable future, PJ Fleck and the Flecktones come in looking to build on recent success. Will they have enough to make some noise at the top of the conference?

2025 Summer Previews: Michigan

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:01 +0000

Two years removed from their National Championship, Michigan looks to ride their stellar D and hope that their revamped offense can propel them back to the top of the conference.

2025 Summer Previews: USC

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:00:55 +0000

USC starts their second season in the Big Ten in a fascinating place. There is always the sense that the Trojans could/should be in the picture for the top of the conference, but for the past several years, the reality of the situation is not what the USC faithful expect. How hot is Lincoln Riley's seat? Will a rough schedule keep them from achieving where they believe they should be?

2025 Summer Previews: Nebraska

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:01 +0000

For the first time in what seems like forever, Nebraska is coming off a bowl appearance. Matt Rhule continues to reshape the program and Dylan Raiola enters his sophomore season hoping to improve on what was a solid freshman year. Will the Huskers actually make it a streak of bowling this year?

2025 Summer Previews: Purdue

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:00:50 +0000

There are very few teams in the conference that look as different from last year as Purdue. A new coaching staff led by Barry Odom brought in boatloads of transfers into West Lafayette this year. Will it be enough to get Purdue out of the Big Ten basement?

2025 Summer Previews: Penn St.

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:35:35 +0000

Penn St. comes into the 2025 season highly touted and widely considered to be among the cream of the crop in the Big Ten. They return most of their offensive weapons and make a huge hire at Defensive Coordinator. Will they be able to live up to their hype this year?

2025 Summer Previews: UCLA

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:53 +0000

It's the second season for UCLA in the Big Ten and the second season under DeShaun Foster. Coming off a 5-7 season last year, they have a lot of new faces. What will the Bruins look like when they come visit the lakefront?

2025 Summer Previews: Oregon

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:45:10 +0000

Northwestern's third game of the season marks the start of the conference slate and with it, the defending Big Ten Champions, last season's #1 seed in the Playoff and what will no doubt be the highest ranked football team to play on the Lakefront, the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks look to reload after last year's disappointing finish at the Rose Bowl and they look fully capable of making that happen.

Episode 610: Northwestern Media Day

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 03:12:12 +0000

In today's episode, we discuss David Braun, Preston Stone, Joe Himon and Anto Saka and their trip to Vegas for Big Ten Media Days. We also discuss the Jake Retzlaff transfer to Tulane and how that may impact the Cats' week 1 matchup.

2025 Summer Previews: Tulane, Western Illinois and Louisiana-Monroe

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

We continue our Summer Previews with a look at the three Non Conference matchups. The Cats start off heading down to New Orleans in late August to take on Tulane. The following week brings a Friday evening matchup against Western Illinois. In early October, the Cats welcome in Louisiana-Monroe to the lake for Northwestern's Homecoming game.

2025 Summer Previews: Indiana, Washington, Michigan St. & Iowa

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:17 +0000

Our Summer Previews continue with brief looks at the other 4 Big Ten teams Northwestern does not play this year: Indiana, Washington, Michigan St. and Iowa.

2025 Summer Previews: Ohio St., Maryland, Rutgers & Wisconsin

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:00:32 +0000

Are you ready? Because we sure are! The 2025 college football season is fast approaching so it is time for us to kick off our 15th season of Northwestern Football coverage. We start as we do every year with previews of the Big Ten teams that NU will not play this season. We start off with the defending National Champs OSU, Maryland, Rutgers and Wisconsin.

Episode 609: National Champs!!!

Wed, 28 May 2025 20:58:44 +0000

The 2025 Northwestern Spring Sports calendar closed with a huge flourish this year as the Women's Golf team won their very first National Championship with some incredible golf against the very best in the nation. Lacrosse also played for the title after a massive comeback against BC in the semifinal.

Episode 608: Back to the Postseason

Wed, 14 May 2025 01:24:43 +0000

We are fully into postseason mode for Lacrosse and Softball. The Lake Show continues into the NCAA Quarterfinals with a definitive win over Michigan. Now only a date with Penn stands between them and the Final Four. Softball rode the wave of a monster series win at UCLA into the NCAA Tournament where they will head to Clemson for their regional.

Episode 607: Spring Stretch Drives

Thu, 01 May 2025 02:04:23 +0000

It's three straight Big Ten Championships for NU Lacrosse with a couple of dramatic wins over Johns Hopkins and Maryland. Now they await their matchups in the NCAA Tournament as they look to head back to the top of the mountain. We also check in with Baseball and Softball as they both come down the stretch runs of their regular seasons and position themselves for their Big Ten Tourneys.

Episode 606: Kelly Amonte Hiller

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 03:38:51 +0000

This week we sat down with NU Lacrosse Head Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller. We're fast approaching the tail end of the regular season and the Cats are firing on all cylinders. Coming up on April 17, they look to set an all time Lacrosse attendance record at Martin Stadium in a huge matchup with Michigan. We talked with Coach Amonte Hiller about this year's team, her career and much, much more.

Episode 605: Bracketology with Scott Sepich

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 02:15:18 +0000

It's a tradition unlike any other. As the NCAA Basketball tournament tips off, we welcome back Scott Sepich for our 15th annual Bracketology analysis.

Episode 604: Kate Drohan

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 02:03:33 +0000

As Northwestern Softball is poised to begin their home slate, we sit down with Head Coach Kate Drohan to talk about this year's team as well as some of her coaching philosophy and experiences.

Episode 603: A Comeback Cut Short

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:10:13 +0000

It was Senior Night for the Men's Basketball team this week and it was a memorable one. The Cats made a furious comeback that came up just short after yet another questionable call by the officials. With just one game left in the regular season, the Cats look to punch their ticket to the Big Ten Tournament with a finale at Maryland.

Episode 602: Into the Spring/Swing of Things

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:47:32 +0000

As Lacrosse, Softball and Baseball are getting their seasons started, the Men's Basketball team comes off two very needed wins on the road. Tonight, we dive into all these topics and more.

Episode 601: A Spring Awakening

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 02:35:22 +0000

Softball and Lacrosse have both begun their seasons with an impressive start. Softball went down to Florida and game back with an impressive win over #8 Duke and a 3-2 record. Lacrosse started off strong with convincing wins over Notre Dame and Canisius.

Episode 600: 600!

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 20:27:07 +0000

It's our milestone 600th episode! However, it's not all celebration as we need to digest the news that Brooks Barnhiser is out for the season and his Northwestern career is over. We take a look at what that will potentially mean for the Cats as they make their way down the stretch of the Big Ten schedule. We also have the start of the Lacrosse and Softball seasons this weekend so we check in on them as well.

Episode 599: Lacrosse Primer with Yanyan Li

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 03:30:22 +0000

With the Women's Lacrosse season just around the corner, we welcome in Yanyan Li, Managing Editor from InsideNU to catch us up with all the changes in the program. How do the Cats move on from Izzy Scane and Co. to flip the script from last season's disappointment in the Championship game?

Episode 598: Working Overtime

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 03:12:06 +0000

Over the past two weeks, the Cats found themselves in two overtime situations, one positive, one negative and finished off with a great win over Indiana. Tonight, we look back at Nicky Buckets' game winning shot, Jalen Leach's ridiculous ejection and the Ty Berry 3 point show. We can also close the book on the 2024 college football season as Ohio State took home the National Championship.

Episode 597: Trouble with Zebras

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 03:02:42 +0000

It was a rough week for the Men's Basketball team. After a real physical game at Penn State where the free throw differential was immense, the Cats went down to West Lafayette where they ran into a Purdue squad shooting the lights out. On the bright side, we continue to see incredible returns from the Football transfer portal with some former Jackrabbits coming to Evanston to play for Zach Lujan again.

Episode 596: Transfer Portal

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 22:00:23 +0000

Happy New Year! We're back after our holiday break with some huge news from the transfer portal. QB Preston Stone tops the December class of incoming transfers and we're excited. We also react to the first two rounds of the CFP and look ahead a bit to the semifinals.

Episode 595: Basketball Barnburners

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The beginning of December brings the annual mini-conference slate where the Cats went out to Iowa and hosted Illinois. Both games were incredibly close with the Cats taking the split. Now as they head into finals and the holidays, we see just a few more chances to tune up before the Big Ten meat grinder kicks into full gear. We also start to discuss the College Football Playoff and some of the surrounding stories.

Northwestern AD Mark Jackson

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:45:30 +0000

Tonight, we sit down with new Northwestern AD Mark Jackson to discuss a wide range of topics: his background, the NIL landscape, the new Ryan Field and much much more.

Episode 594: 2x National Champion Lauren Wadas and NU's Football Finale

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 03:42:11 +0000

Prior to the season, we sat down with Lauren Wadas to preview the Field Hockey season. With the magical season they had, culminating in the program's second National Championship, we simply had to have her back on to regale us with stories from their title run. We also look back at the Football team's 38-28 loss to Illinois at Wrigley Field and begin to look ahead to what may need to change in 2025.

Episode 593: Field Hockey National Champions/Michigan 50-NU 6

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:49:58 +0000

Northwestern Field Hockey's magical season culminated with a dominant 5-0 win over St. Joe's to bring home the team's second National Championship. This week, we relive their championship run while also examining the state of the Football team after their 50-6 drubbing by Michigan.

Episode 592: Ohio State 31-Northwestern 7

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 02:40:06 +0000

We knew it was going to be a tall task to stay with Ohio State last weekend at Wrigley Field, but Northwestern really turned some heads with the way the offense came together in the first half. Now, Wildcat Nation turns their eyes to Ann Arbor, Michigan as not only the Football team plays this weekend, but Field Hockey is playing in the NCAA Final Four there as well.

Episode 591: Bye Week Musings

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 02:55:32 +0000

As the Cats get set to head into the Friendly Confines to take on Ohio State, we take a moment to reflect on the season thus far and prepare for the final stretch. We also have Field Hockey going into the NCAA Tournament as the #2 seed and Basketball getting underway with a couple early non-conference games.

Episode 590: Northwestern 26-Purdue 20

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:40:40 +0000

While it was not the prettiest game ever, you can't take anything away from the fact that the Cats went on the road and got a conference win. We now take stock of the football team going into their last 3 games of the season, while also celebrating the undefeated regular season of the Field Hockey team and the huge season opening win by the Men's Basketball team as they look to get back to the Big Dance for the third year in a row.

Episode 589: Iowa 40-Northwestern 14

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 01:28:19 +0000

Another abysmal offensive performance now leaves the Cats season teetering on the brink. With Purdue also having an epically bad season defensively, this Saturday's matchup features the Resistible Force vs. the Movable Object.

Episode 588: Wisconsin 23-Northwestern 3

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:10:35 +0000

There's really no way to sugar coat this one, this was a bad game for the Cats across the board. Now with a trip to Iowa City coming up this weekend, Northwestern will look to find some consistency on offense and see if they can put a whole 60 minutes together.

Episode 587: Northwestern 37-Maryland 10

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 01:45:16 +0000

10 point underdog? Sure. Let's go with that. Last Friday night, Northwestern made a statement with a huge win on the road against Maryland. Now the Cats come home for their final game at Martin Stadium this year against Wisconsin.

Episode 586: Indiana 41-Northwestern 24

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 02:09:21 +0000

While the result certainly wasn't what we were hoping for, there really are a lot of positives to take out of this game. The offense looked so much better than they did against Washington. Also, you've got to tip your cap to a very talented Indiana squad. Now, the Cats have a short week before they head out to the DMV to take on Maryland.

Episode 585: Bye Week

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:19:12 +0000

After a week off, the Cats return home to take on a white hot Indiana Hoosier squad who comes in with their best start since the 1960s.

Epidode 584: Washington 24-Northwestern 5

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:22:39 +0000

For Northwestern's first ever conference matchup with Washington, almost nothing went right. The offense was stymied at every opportunity, especially inside the Husky 5 yard line. Now, the Cats have a bye week to rest up and prepare for a white hot Indiana squad next week.

Episode 583: Northwestern 31-Eastern Illinois 7

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:16:11 +0000

After a shaky start, we saw the emergence of Jack Lausch as he led the Cats to a big win over EIU. Lausch had a perfect 11/11 second half throwing and we saw glimpses of what a fully armed and operational Zach Lujan offense can look like. The next task, take the show on the road out to Seattle to start conference play against Washington.

Episode 582: Duke 26-Northwestern 20 (2OT)

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 02:38:44 +0000

It was a dark and stormy night. It was a sloppy game all around and the level of play sure wasn't helped by the gale-force winds coming in off the lake. At the end of the day, Duke came away with the double overtime win leaving us all with a number of questions moving forward.

Episode 581: Northwestern 13-Miami (Ohio) 6

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 02:16:32 +0000

What a way to start the season. Northwestern unveiled the incredible facility known as Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium with a dominant defensive performance as the Cats knocked off the defending MAC champions. Tonight, we break down the game and the entire experience at the Lake.

Episode 580: Northwestern Preview

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 03:10:58 +0000

It's time! After 20 team previews, it's now time for us to turn our attention to our very own Northwestern Wildcats. Tonight, we dive deep into both the offense and defense as we prepare to kick off the season Saturday afternoon against Miami, Ohio.

2024 Summer Previews: Illinois

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

At long last we come to the end of our Summer Previews, this time with a look at our in-state rival, Illinois. This is a team that struggled on both sides of the ball last year, but will consistency at QB and OC bring them some success?

2024 Summer Previews: Michigan

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The defending National Champions underwent a number of changes coming off 2023. But unlike some other schools with changes, Michigan promoted from within. Will they have enough to compete for the crown again?

2024 Summer Previews: Ohio St.

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Coming into 2024 as the AP #2 team in the country, Ohio State has a National Championship square in their sights. But a 3 game losing streak to Michigan has the Buckeyes seeing red. Will their smothering Defense and a Chip Kelly led Offense put them back on top the Big Ten?

Episode 579: Field Hockey with Lauren Wadas

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

For the past 3 years, the Northwestern Field Hockey team has played for the National Championship, winning 1. After last season's heartbreaking shootout loss, the Cats look to climb back on top of the mountain. Superstar Lauren Wadas joins us to share stories from her international journeys and what to look for this upcoming season.

2024 Summer Previews: Purdue

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

It was a tough first year in West Lafayette for Ryan Walters as he took the reins at Purdue. But with so many returning players, will some consistency help them improve over last season?

2024 Summer Previews: Iowa

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

After yet another abysmal offensive season, Iowa finally cut ties with Brian Ferentz and brought in Tim Lester as their new OC. The Hawkeye D again looks like a behemoth that will dominate the conference. Will their O bring anything to the table this season?

2024 Summer Previews: Wisconsin

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:45:00 +0000

In year 1 under Luke Fickell Wisconsin underwent a drastic change offensively, switching to an Air Raid system. It did not go as well for them as they'd have liked, winding up 7-6. Will year 2 go better for the Badgers?

2024 Summer Previews: Maryland

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

So Maryland has some good things and some bad things going for/against them this year. Taulia is gone. That's bad. They're not in the Big Ten East anymore. That's good. They have to travel out to Oregon. That's bad. They skip Michigan and Ohio State this year. That's good. What will that mean for this season? That's what we're gonna find out.

2024 Summer Previews: Indiana

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Coming off a rough stretch of seasons since their magical 2020 run, Indiana made what many people feel to be the coaching hire of the season. Curt Cignetti comes to Bloomington with a bunch of his staff from James Madison, but will he be able to turn things around in year 1?

2024 Summer Previews: Washington

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Washington played for the National Championship last year, but in reality, pretty much the only thing that is the same for them as last year may be the uniforms. All new conference, head coach, their entire starting lineup, etc. It'll definitely be interesting to watch them adjust to their new reality.

2024 Summer Previews: Duke

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:19:41 +0000

This is not the same Duke team that we have seen in years past. Lots of changes on both sides of the ball and a big change at Head Coach. Mike Elko is off to Texas A&M and... wait... is that Manny Diaz' music?

2024 Summer Previews: Miami OH

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

We start our look at the 2024 Northwestern schedule with our opener on the lake. Miami Ohio is coming off a MAC championship last year and will be looking to potentially make a run at the Group of 5 spot in the playoff this year. They come to Evanston to try and spoil our Martin Stadium debut.

2024 Big Ten Media Days and Eastern Illinois

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

We get a two-for-one episode here today as we recap the Northwestern segments of Big Ten Media days before taking a look at our FCS opponent for the season, Eastern Illinois.

2024 Summer Previews: Minnesota

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

For the first time in what feels like an eternity, Northwestern fans look at the schedule and will say "Au Revoir Gopher." PJ Fleck's squad has been solid in recent seasons, but how will they adjust to the new non-divisional reality that the Big Ten now finds itself in?

2024 Summer Previews: Nebraska

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

For years we have been force fed the narrative that Nebraska was back only to laugh with glee as they struggled through another .500 season. With Matt Rhule in his second season and an incoming phenom at QB, could this be the year those pundits could be right? Hope not.

2024 Summer Previews: Penn St.

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Penn St. is such an interesting team this year. They lose so much off the defensive side, including their DC, but the additions they brought in are also phenomenal. Coupled with one of the top returning QBs in the conference, Penn St. could be poised to challenge for a trip to Indy.

2024 Summer Previews: Rutgers

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Rutgers was in the middle of the pack last year in the Big Ten East. But with a potential upgrade at QB and a favorable schedule, could the Scarlet Knights find their way up the standings in 2024?

2024 Summer Previews: Michigan St.

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 01:43:10 +0000

Michigan St. saw the huge influx from the Pac-12 and figured they'd get a piece of that action, hiring former Oregon State HC Jonathan Smith to try to get Sparty out of the basement of the Big Ten. How will it go in his first season in East Lansing?

2024 Summer Previews: Oregon

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:30:00 +0000

We continue our Summer Previews with the final former PAC-12 team Northwestern does not play this season. Honestly, that's a good thing. The Ducks fly their way into the Big Ten this year with their sights set to the top of the conference. With a solid D and a stud coming in at QB, there's no reason to think Oregon won't be in the mix for Indy come December.

2024 Summer Previews: UCLA

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:30:00 +0000

It's a new era for UCLA. New conference, new coach, new membership to the airlines' Diamond Platinum club. The Bruins have a brutal schedule this season in terms of travel, going as far west as Hawaii to as far east as New Jersey. What will DeShaun Foster bring to LA as UCLA joins the Big Ten?

2024 Summer Previews: USC

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:30:00 +0000

We're back! Our "season premiere" episode takes us into our Summer Previews. We kick things off with a look at one of the newest members into the Big Ten, the USC Trojans. Having to replace a Heisman winning QB is not new to USC, but how will Lincoln Riley's offence do in the Big Ten?

Episode 578: Summer Vacation

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 01:34:53 +0000

As the Lacrosse team wraps up their incredible season with a heartbreaking loss to BC in the Title Game, we take a moment and reflect on the past 10 months of Northwestern Sports.

Episode 577: Championship Weekend

Thu, 23 May 2024 15:44:04 +0000

Northwestern Lacrosse is back in the Final Four yet again and looks to defend their National Championship again this year. They will face off with a Florida squad which is white hot right now. The Gators got past North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland on their way to the Final Four. On the other side of the bracket looms either Boston College or Syracuse. We also look back at the Softball team's journey through the Austin Regional.

Episode 576: Tournament Time with Noah Coffman

Thu, 16 May 2024 02:37:47 +0000

We are deep into NCAA Tournament Time for both Softball and Lacrosse. Izzy Scane broke the all-time goals record in the massive Lax win over Denver. Now the Cats head to the Elite Eight on Thursday against Penn. Softball gets a tough draw as they head to Austin to take on St. Francis, Sienna and #1 overall seed Texas in the Regionals. To help us break it all down, we welcome back Noah Coffman to the show.

Episode 575: Championship Weekend

Wed, 08 May 2024 02:02:12 +0000

What a weekend it was! Softball captured it's third consecutive regular season title and Lacrosse won the Big Ten Tournament and will go into the NCAA tournament as the #1 Seed. To tie it all together, we were so thrilled to be a part of a super successful tailgate in conjunction with the Women's Non-Revenue Sports fan group.

Episode 574: Sydney Supple

Thu, 02 May 2024 02:50:46 +0000

As we come to the final weekend of the Softball regular season, the Cats are in the driver's seat for the Big Ten regular season title. To talk all things Softball, we welcome Sydney Supple back to the show to catch us all up on her tremendous entrance into the Softball Media world.

Episode 573: Football on the Lake

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 02:09:10 +0000

Finally the Football team has a place to call home while the new Ryan Field arises from the rubble of the old barn. This fall, the Cats will be playing right on the lake, in a temporary stadium built up around Martin Stadium, the home of Lacrosse and Soccer. We are also excited to be a part of a big tailgate for the Women's Non-Revenue Sports Weekend on May 4th. Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved in that.

Episode 572: Remembering Ryan Field Auction w/ Jacob Schmidt

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 02:18:25 +0000

With the NIL landscape continuously in flux, we welcome back TrueNU's Jacob Schmidt to update us on what is going on with Northwestern's efforts and talk about a tremendous fundraiser they are running. Remembering Ryan Field is auctioning off amazing artifacts from Ryan Field before it came down and all the proceeds go directly to supporting TrueNU's NIL efforts.

Episode 571: The Big Dance

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 21:41:44 +0000

It was an incredible weekend in Brooklyn for Northwestern. The Cats continued their undefeated record in the Round of 64 with a dramatic overtime win over Florida Atlantic. Even though they weren't able to pull of the incredible upset over #1 overall seed UConn, the Cats showed their heart and fought to the very end. Tonight, we look back at the weekend and relive the vibes of an incredible season.

Episode 570: Dancing Again and Bracketology w/ Scott Sepich

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:14:23 +0000

For the second consecutive year and third time ever, Northwestern is dancing in March! The Cats earned the 9 seed and will take on Florida Atlantic, one of last season's Final Four. Looming behind the Owls is (presumably) the defending champion UConn Huskies. Joining us tonight is Scott Sepich, our resident Bracketologist to talk about this year's tournament.

Episode 569: Big Ten Tourney Time

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:47:25 +0000

The Cats finished off the regular season in style as they trounced Minnesota on Senior night. Boo Buie ended his Welsh-Ryan Arena tenure in perfect fashion, draining a 3-pointer from up top, whipping up the sold-out crowd into a frenzy. Now, with a double-bye in hand, they head up to Minneapolis for the Big Ten Tournament and get ready for their second consecutive trip to the Big Dance.

Episode 568: Bumps in the Road

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 04:00:36 +0000

After an epic win on the road at Maryland, the Cats came home to take on the red hot Iowa Hawkeyes. It seems the injury bug has bitten them again as they played without Ryan Langborg again and also had Matt Nicholson go down with a lower body injury. With only 2 games left in the regular season, we'll see how deep the bench is as they take on Michigan State and Minnesota.

Episode 567: #0 is #1

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 03:45:41 +0000

With all three Pirates in attendance, Boo Buie broke the record of John Shurna and became the all-time leading scorer in Northwestern Basketball history. We relive that amazing night and look ahead to the pivotal final four games of the regular season leading into the Big Ten Tournament.

Episode 566: Night at the Archives

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:06:04 +0000

With Boo Buie just 5 points away from becoming Northwestern's all-time leading scorer, we have history on the mind as we recap an absolutely incredible evening looking through the archives and diving into the artifacts, the history and the lore of Northwestern Athletics.

Episode 565: The Women of Spring

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:30:00 +0000

As the NU Basketball team gets back on track after a pair of tough OT losses, the Women of Spring start off their respective seasons with a bang. Lacrosse started their title defense with a resounding victory over Syracuse and Softball went down to the desert and came back with 4 wins in 5 games.

Episode 564: Heavyweight Bout

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 02:38:05 +0000

Coming off their huge wins over Illinois and Ohio State, Northwestern made the trip down I-65 to West Lafayette to take on Purdue and gave the Boilermakers absolutely everything they could handle. 2 games against Purdue, 2 games went to overtime. While the outcome wasn't what the Wildcats were looking for, there is a ton to take away from that game and the week as a whole as they head into the back half of the conference schedule.

Bonus Episode: Northwestern 96-Illinois 91

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 02:55:00 +0000

After last night's titanic victory over Illinois, we just couldn't wait till next week to talk about this one. John and Erik found some time in the middle of the day to put down their thoughts about this epic win.

Episode 563: Hockey Night in Evanston

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:28:11 +0000

Tonight, we recap our fantastic experience watching the NU Hockey team in their home tournament, check in with the basketball team as they approach the toughest stretch of the schedule and announce the NU Night at the Archives event coming up in February.

Episode 562: Coaching and 'Cruiting with Matthew Shelton

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:00:01 +0000

With David Braun's coaching staff coming into focus, we talked with Wildcat Report's Managing Editor Matthew Shelton to get his thoughts on all the new hires as well as a brief look at the incoming freshman class of 2024.

Episode 561: A Winter's Pivot

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:30:10 +0000

As the 2023 College Football season came to an end with Michigan hoisting the trophy, we turn our attention to 2024 with rumors and reporting indicating imminent hires at both Offensive and Defensive Coordinator. We also formally pivot fully to Basketball season as the Men's squad dives deep into B1G play with a resounding win over Michigan State.

Episode 560: Northwestern 14-Utah 7

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 03:48:52 +0000

The saying goes "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", but for this Northwestern team, that Las Vegas Bowl trophy will be leaving Vegas and putting up permanent residence in Evanston. The Cats rode on the backs of the Defense and a gutsy performance from Ben Bryant and the Offense to grind out a 14-7 win over Utah. We take a look back at the game and start to put a bow on the 2023 season, one of the most inexplicable seasons any of us can remember.

Episode 559: Las Vegas Bowl Preview w/ Bradley Locker

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 06:13:58 +0000

This amazing 2023 Northwestern Football season arrives at its final stage, a Las Vegas Bowl matchup with Utah. To help us break down the matchup, we welcome InsideNU's Bradley Locker back to the show to take us through all the ins and outs of the game.

Episode 558:Bowling Views

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:35:23 +0000

With the Vegas Bowl just over a week away, we take a look at Northwestern's Bowl history and where this game fits in the hierarchy of relevance. Oh yeah, Basketball laid an egg against Chicago State today as well.

Episode 557: Knocking off #1 (again)

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 02:15:57 +0000

For the second consecutive season Purdue came to Welsh-Ryan arena sporting the #1 ranking. For the second consecutive season Northwestern knocked them off their perch. For the second consecutive season the students swarmed the floor after the final horn to celebrate. Tonight we bask in the glory of what may be the greatest game a Northwestern Basketball player has ever played in the Purple and White as Boo Buie went off for 31 points, 9 assists and 0 turnovers. Oh, and did we mention that NU Football is on their way to Vegas?

Episode 556: Northwestern 45-Illinois 43

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:13:28 +0000

The LOLHat is back in town! In the final ever Big Ten West game, Northwestern and Illinois put on a show that will be long remembered. Was it wild? Yeah. Was it back and forth? Sure. Did it take years off our lives? Definitely. Did it keep Illinois out of the postseason while also clinching Northwestern 2nd place in the Big Ten West and 5th place in the conference overall? Oh hell yeah!

Episode 555: Northwestern 23-Purdue 15 w/Jay Sharman

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 02:51:27 +0000

To call this season unprecedented would be putting it lightly. With a win last Saturday against Purdue, Northwestern clinched a spot in a Bowl Game this season. After the game we celebrated the end of an era as we officially close the doors on this incarnation of Ryan Field. Joining us to dive into the significance of it all is Jay Sharman from Lake The Posts and TeamWork Media to bring a historical perspective on this season and much more.

Episode 554: Northwestern 24-Wisconsin 10

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:47:44 +0000

After a dominating win against the Badgers up in Madison, it's high time that the Wildcats #RemoveTheTag and make David Braun the Head Coach moving forward. Northwestern imposed their will against Wisconsin and for all intents and purposes, the game was over at halftime. Now, the Cats return home to play what in all likelihood will be the final game at Ryan Field in its current incarnation.

Episode 553: Iowa 10-Northwestern 7

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 03:45:00 +0000

It was a rock fight at Wrigley Field with Iowa eking out the win with a last second 53 yard FG. We knew Iowa's D was good and good it was. But with 3 winnable games left on the schedule, the Wildcats drive for 6 is still quite alive.

Bonus Episode: Play the Game: A Jock and Roll Story

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 02:21:40 +0000

At our tailgate prior to the Maryland game, John had the chance to talk with Walt Versen and Roland Mesa, the Executive Producer and Director respectively of an upcoming documentary about 6 Northwestern Offensive Linemen who found themselves as the security detail for one of the hottest Rock and Roll groups of all time, Queen.

Episode 552: Northwestern 33-Maryland 27

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 02:40:00 +0000

October is over and your Northwestern Wildcats are 4-4. After a great win against Maryland, we look ahead to this weekend's game against Iowa at Wrigley Field where there's a very good chance the final score may be just like a baseball score.

Episode 551: Nebraska 17-Northwestern 9

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 02:21:05 +0000

In a game where the NU defense did everything they could to keep the Cats in it, it's a shame that the offense collapsed the way they did. Back breaking penalties, porous protection, and mental mistakes kept Northwestern out of the end zone. Now, with Maryland coming to town, we will see if this team can bounce back and get some momentum going into November.

Episode 550: Bradley Locker and David Gold from InsideNU

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 01:54:22 +0000

With the NU Bye week coming smack dab in the middle of the season, we took this opportunity to sit down with 2/3 of the Editors-in-Chief of InsideNU to get a greater sense of where the Cats are and take the temperature of the program moving forward.

Episode 549: Northwestern 23-Howard 20

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:19:43 +0000

The annual FCS game can get a little nervey and this year was no different. It was a great day for Homecoming and Northwestern came away with the W. It would be easy to look at this game and see just another Wildcat struggle with an FCS team, but it's not quite that simple.

Episode 548: Penn St. 41-Northwestern 13

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 01:53:00 +0000

While the final score looks like a blowout, if you watched this game, you know that it was anything but. Northwestern gave Penn St. everything it could handle in the first half and into the second before Penn St. started to pull away. Going into the Homecoming game against Howard, there is a lot to like about this season so far.

Episode 547: Northwestern 37-Minnesota 34

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 01:31:26 +0000

What an incredible night! Down 21 points going into the 4th quarter, Northwestern made n historic comeback, scoring virtually as time expired to send it to overtime. In classic Cardiac Cats fashion, NU came away with the victory. We relive that moment and break down this incredible game before looking ahead to this weekend's challenge against Penn State.

Episode 546: Duke 38-Northwestern 14

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:13:00 +0000

After a rough trip to Durham, Northwestern will try to put it all together as we get back into conference play with an evening tilt against Minnesota. What can we learn from that Duke game and how can we put it to use against the Gophers?

Episode 545: Northwestern 38-UTEP 7

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:50:00 +0000

Victory! At long last, Northwestern's 12 game losing skid was snapped with a decisive win over UTEP. It's wonderful to talk about a win again and tonight, we go deep into what went right for the Cats this past Saturday.

Episode 544: Rutgers 24-Northwestern 7

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:26:42 +0000

In the wide spread of possible outcomes for the season opener, if this one wasn't the worst case scenario, it was certainly close. Tonight, we try to break down the breakdown in scheme, especially offensively and try to figure out what adjustments can be made as we get into the season.

Episode 543: Northwestern @ Rutgers

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:53:04 +0000

At long last the 2023 season is here. On Sunday morning we finally will see the Wildcats in action on the field. Hopefully, we'll start to get some answers to the millions of questions surrounding this team as they start the David Braun era in New Jersey against Rutgers.

Episode 542: 2023 Northwestern Preview

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:55:30 +0000

As we approach the start of the 2023 College Football season, we can finally turn our attention to our in-depth preview of this year's Northwestern Wildcats. On paper, it may look grim, but as insane as this offseason has been, we can definitely see several different pathways to success this season.

Episode 541: Iowa, Wisconsin, Purdue and Illinois Previews

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 02:00:00 +0000

Tonight we wrap up our Summer Previews with a look at the November slate of teams for Northwestern. There are some new looks coming from Madison and West Lafayette, Iowa's D is insane and that team down south looks to keep improving. How might we stack up?

Episode 540: Conference Realignment and Nebraska/Maryland Previews

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 02:20:34 +0000

We all thought that in 2024 we would be welcoming in 2 new schools from the west coast into the Big Ten. But as the great Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friends! The Pac-12 appears to be no more and the Big Ten will be swelling to 18 teams with the addition of Oregon and Washington to the mix. We also continue our summer previews with a look at Nebraska and Maryland.

Episode 539: First Half Schedule

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 01:43:59 +0000

As we turn the calendar to August, we find ourselves within just a few weeks of the start of the football season. With all the off field trouble not going anywhere, it's time to take a look at the first six teams on the Northwestern schedule.

Episode 538: Kalyn Kahler

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 02:35:18 +0000

As the lawsuits start flying in, we had the great honor to welcome The Athletic's own Kalyn Kahler back to the show to give her thoughts and perspectives from reporting on the increasingly messy hazing scandal.

Episode 537: Administration in Turmoil

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 02:30:00 +0000

A week after the hazing scandal broke and Pat Fitzgerald was fired we still have more questions than answers. Tonight, we examine the failures of the Athletic Department in this case and the horrible situation surrounding Jim Foster and the baseball program

Episode 536: Fitzgerald Firing Aftermath

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:32:33 +0000

Where even to begin. This has been an incredibly difficult weekend for anyone associated with and fans of the Northwestern program. With the investigation into the hazing scandal finishing and leading to the firing of Pat Fitzgerald, we try to work through our feelings, talk about what happened and begin to think about where we go from here.

2023 Summer Previews: Ohio State

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

For so many years, Ohio State ran roughshod over the rest of the Big Ten. But recently, Michigan has swung the pendulum the other way. Does OSU have what it takes to get back on top?

2023 Summer Previews: Michigan

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:05:00 +0000

We start off our summer previews by examining the Big Ten teams not on Northwestern's schedule. We kick things off with a look at the defending Big Ten Champion Michigan Wolverines.

Episode 535: Catching Up with John Shurna

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 18:26:37 +0000

We had the tremendous opportunity to catch up with Northwestern Basketball's all-time points leader, MVP of the EuroCup Finals, the Baby-Faced Assassin and all-around great guy John Shurna. Join us in a wide reaching conversation about his career overseas, NU Hoops and much, much more.

Episode 534: National Champions!

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:35:00 +0000

With a dominant performance in NC this weekend, the NU Lacrosse team brought home their 8th National Championship! Tonight, we break down this incredible squad and reminisce about their amazing journey. We also reflect on the remarkable performance of the Softball team as their bid to go back to OKC came up just short against Bama.

Episode 533: Final Four and Super Regionals

Wed, 24 May 2023 19:03:00 +0000

NU Lax is back in the Final Four for the fourth consecutive year with a decisive win over Loyola Maryland. They'll head out to Cary, NC to take on Denver with a bid in the Championship game on the line. Softball advanced to the Super Regionals with dramatic wins in the Evanston Regional. Tonight, we discuss all this in addition to some news from the Football recruiting trail.

Episode 532: Noah Coffman

Tue, 16 May 2023 15:10:00 +0000

With Softball winning the Big Ten Tournament and Lacrosse advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight, we welcome back the voice of NU Spring Sports, Noah Coffman to dive deep into the details of these two amazing teams.

Episode 531: A Boo-tiful Return

Tue, 09 May 2023 18:29:04 +0000

As Softball and Lacrosse enter the postseason tournaments, we got a very welcome surprise from the world of basketball. Boo Buie is coming back for one more season to build on an incredible run last year. Tonight, we get into why this is such a big deal for the team and for the fans.

Episode 530: Big Ten Champs

Thu, 04 May 2023 16:01:31 +0000

The regular seasons of Softball and Lacrosse are winding down but the postseason will welcome a pair of Big Ten Champs to their respective tournaments. We also have news from the gridiron with 4 Wildcats getting drafted and 3 more invited to tryout camps. In addition, we have some new additions to the team emerging out of the transfer portal.

Episode 529: Transfer Please

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:15:40 +0000

After we check in with the white-hot Lacrosse and Softball teams, we take a deeper look at the state of transfers both coming in and going out of Northwestern.

Episode 528: NIL with Jacob Schmidt/TrueNU

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

The landscape of the opportunities for college athletes to capitalize on their Name, Image and Likeness is wild and crazy. To help us get a better handle on what NIL is and how Northwestern is participating, we are thrilled to welcome Jacob Schmidt from TrueNU, Northwestern's NIL Collective.

Episode 527: Softball with Ben Rosenberg

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:22:35 +0000

With the Vernal Equinox in our rear view mirror, our attention turns solely on the Spring Sports. To help us break down the Softball team, we welcome in Ben Rosenberg who has been following/covering this squad since 2018.

Episode 526: Magnificent March

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:41:49 +0000

Although the road ended in the 2nd round, the Northwestern Men's Basketball team showed out magnificently in Sacramento. From the win against Boise St. in the first round to a marvelous performance against UCLA that came up just short, these guys acquitted themselves exactly how we wanted to see them. Tonight, we marvel at the weekend that was, including major wins from both Softball and Lacrosse.

Episode 525: Bracketology with Scott Sepich

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:43:25 +0000

With the start of March Madness comes the oldest tradition in the history of the West Lot Pirates, our annual Bracketology pod with Scott Sepich. This time, much like back in 2017, we have something else to discuss: Northwestern's position in the tournament, what kind of matchup to expect from Boise State and a possible date with future conference foe UCLA potentially in round 2.

Episode 524: Let the Madness Begin

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

With this Sunday's win over Rutgers, the Cats enter the Big Ten Tournament as the 2nd Seed with a double bye. We try to put into perspective what kind of season this has been for NU and try to figure out how deep into March this team can go.

Episode 523: Senior Day Struggle

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 20:10:00 +0000

While the stadium and atmosphere was electric for Senior Night, it was not the result we were hoping for. We look back at Northwestern's 3rd consecutive loss (the first such losing streak this season) and try to project ahead to what we will be seeing in the Big Ten Tournament next week.

Episode 522: What Kind of Week Has It Been?

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 17:11:31 +0000

We don't think it's hyperbole to say that this past week in Northwestern sports has been one of the most eventful weeks in recent memory. Join us as we relive the drama and exaltation of the past week in both Men's and Women's Basketball, Softball and Lacrosse.

Episode 521: A Super Sunday

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:39:17 +0000

In the annals of Northwestern Sports history, there are a few seminal moments that echo throughout the ages. 54-51, Taphorn to Pardon, Victory Right, 17-15. After this Sunday, you can add another one to the list. In front of a packed Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern upset the #1 ranked Purdue Boilermakers with both Sam and John in attendance. It's still hard for us to put into words the experience of this game, but we're going to certainly try.

Episode 520: Sydney Supple

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0000

With Softball season starting this weekend in Florida we were thrilled to catch up with Sydney Supple to reminisce about last season's World Series run and preview this upcoming 2023 campaign.

Episode 519: Gassed Out?

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 21:35:00 +0000

With 6 games in 2 weeks after the Covid-related break, the Cats seem to have hit a wall, dropping their last two games. Will they be able to rest up and get things back on track as they get into the brutal back half of the conference slate?

Episode 518: Back to Action

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 04:50:00 +0000

The Northwestern Men's Basketball team came back from their Covid-related break to get things rolling again. After the drawn-out slug fest against Wisconsin, the Cats hit the road to take on Nebraska. We break down these games and look ahead to the next few games as we look to go into February as hot as we can.

Episode 517: Completed Coaching Staff and Covid Cancellations

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 20:22:59 +0000

It looks like we have finished out the hunt for our new coaching staff with the addition of SDSU DL Coach Christian Smith. Just like new DC David Braun, Smith comes with a pedigree of championship experience in FCS coming off the Jackrabbits' title this year. On the hardcourt, Men's basketball had to postpone two games this week due to Covid related illness. Will this break be what the team needs to get things right?

Episode 516: Welcome David Braun

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:45:00 +0000

It's taken quite some time for Northwestern to hire a new Defensive Coordinator, but now we know why. David Braun is coming over from North Dakota State which had still been playing up through the FCS National Championship game. Today, we break down what we know about Braun and some of the things we can expect from his D going into the 2023 campaign.

Episode 515: Basketballing out!

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:43:08 +0000

As we flip the calendar to 2023 it's time for us to take a good long look at the Men's Basketball team and their fantastic start to the season. After a big win against Illinois in front of a sold-out Welsh-Ryan Arena, the team is 11-3 and playing incredible defense. It's definitely time to pay close attention as we get into the heart of Big Ten action.

Episode 514: Bradley Locker from InsideNU

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:48:54 +0000

As Signing Day approaches we had the great pleasure of talking with Bradley Locker of InsideNU to talk about the search for Northwestern's new DC, the recruiting class and to take the temperature of how people are feeling on campus about the football team.

Episode 513: Basketball Brightside and Portal Procession

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:35:35 +0000

With conference championships over, all that's left to football season are the Bowls. Along with that, the transfer portal has officially opened and already we have seen movement. We continue to await word of any new coaching hires which will hopefully put a plug in the exodus and make NU more of a destination. Also, we find ourselves mostly through the non-conference slate of basketball and the NU Men have been making more waves that any of us expected going into this season.

Episode 512: Coaching Change

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:55:00 +0000

With the 2022 NU Football season finished off by a 41-3 drubbing by Illinois, we all knew that something had to change. That change began with the firing of Jim O'Neil, Marty Long and Dennis Springer. We discuss these changes and debate if this is enough.

Episode 511: Purdue 17-Northwestern 9

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 23:04:51 +0000

It's the week of Thanksgiving and while we don't have a lot to be thankful about regarding the play of the football team, we can definitely be thankful for the amazing runs the Field Hockey, Women's Soccer and Cross Country teams went on in their respective NCAA Championships. As far as football goes, it's Hat Week, but all our eyes are firmly pointed to after the Illinois game as we move into a very important offseason.

Episode 510: Minnesota 31-Northwestern 3

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:05:13 +0000

Another game, another big loss. This time in the frigid cold of Minnesota. With only 2 games left and injuries mounting, Northwestern will try to salvage something as we head into the offseason. Is there a glimmer of light ahead? Could be...

Episode 509: Ohio State 21-Northwestern 7

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:10:00 +0000

We've got the whole gang back together tonight to go over the windstorm of a game last Saturday. Buckle up folks, this will get spicy.

Episode 508: Iowa 33-Northwestern 13 w/Doug Lesmerises

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:12:37 +0000

When your defense makes the 131st ranked offense look like a real offense for the first time this season, there's really not much need to go too deep into the game recap. Suffice to say, Iowa cleaned Northwestern's clock last Saturday. With #2 Ohio State set to come into Ryan Field this week, we decided to change things up a bit and welcome in columnist and podcaster Doug Lesmerises to shed some light at the media's dealing with stubborn coaches.

Episode 507: Maryland 31-Northwestern 24

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:27:14 +0000

While we definitely saw sparks of life out of the offense this week, continued self-inflicted wounds and a lack of imagination in scheme led Northwestern to yet another loss. With this weekend's game against the incredible D and putrid O of Iowa looming, will the Cats be able to salvage anything out of the 2022 season?

Episode 506: Bye Week

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:35:00 +0000

With a week off to hopefully get their minds right, get healthy and get ready to play the back half of this disappointing 2022, Northwestern will head out to the east coast to take on Maryland. The Terps have their own question marks, primarily the health of their QB Taulia Tagovailoa.

Episode 505: Wisconsin 42-Northwestern 7

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:55:40 +0000

It was a gorgeous day for the 2022 NU Homecoming. Friends came back to town for the first time in a long time, the weather was spectacular, the tailgate in the East lot was rocking, and then the game started. As this season continues to spiral downhill, we start to wonder not if, but when staffing changes will come.

Episode 504: Penn State 17-Northwestern 7

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 18:10:00 +0000

It was a sloppy, rainy, turnover filled game, but at the end of the day, Penn State was able to run the football and Northwestern was not. After the Cats' 4th straight loss, they return to Ryan Field for a homecoming tilt against a Wisconsin team who just fired their Head Coach. Also, there's some big news about the future of Ryan Field and it sure looks shiny.

Episode 503: Miami, OH 17-Northwestern 14

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:30:00 +0000

Well... We close out another disappointing September with another non-conference loss. With Penn State looming ahead this weekend, what takeaways can be gleaned from the latest 0 for non-con run by the Cats?

Episode 502: Southern Illinois 31-Northwestern 24

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Ugh... Northwestern's latest September FCS defeat not only hurts the Cats' chances to go bowling in 2022, but really makes us take a deep look at the root of this systemic September issue. Join us as we re-hash last week's game with a critical eye at the coaching staff and then look ahead to the final non-conference matchup against Miami, OH.

Episode 501: Duke 31-Northwestern 23

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Northwestern's September woes reared their ugly heads once again as the Cats dug themselves a big hole that was just a little too big to clamber out of. Evan Hull and Ryan Hilinski had incredible games, but a few bounces the wrong way, fumbles an inch too soon and Duke being in the right place at the right time combined with a potent Blue Devil rushing attack was too much to overcome.

Episode 500: Joe Spivak

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:30:06 +0000

What better way to celebrate our 500th episode than to have on Joe Spivak, one of the greatest personalities to come through the NU locker room in quite some time and currently in training to become one of the next WWE Superstars. We'll also talk about this weekend's revenge spot against Duke.

Episode 499: Northwestern 31-Nebraska 28

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

If you can think of a better way to start off the 2022 season, we'd sure like to hear it. Northwestern looked fantastic throughout the game and was outright dominant down the stretch as they knocked off Nebraska in Dublin Ireland. We're going to walk you through all the highlights of this game that we will all remember for quite some time.

Episode 498: Week 0 Nebraska v. Northwestern in Dublin

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

All the previews have been done, all the books have been read, all the predictions have been made and now it's time to kick off the 2022 season with a trip to Dublin, Ireland as the Cats take on Nebraska. We'll get you ready for gameday as Northwestern looks to exact some revenge from last year's drubbing.

2022 Summer Previews: Northwestern Offense

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

For our final preview of the offseason we turn our attention to the much-maligned Northwestern Offense. We know so much about some of the position groups, RB, OL to name a few. With another potential first round LT anchoring the line and Cam Porter coming back healthy, we can hope to see some improvement. But, like every other year, so much depends on who we have under center. Will we see the necessary QB improvement in 2022?

2022 Summer Previews: Northwestern Defense

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:15:38 +0000

At last we have come to the start of the 2022 football season. With Northwestern about to fly to Ireland, we take a deep dive into the Wildcat Defense. So much went wrong last year, so we try to interrogate what happened and how we think they will address the issues for this season.

2022 Summer Previews: Illinois

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

We wrap up our Summer previews with a look at our instate rivals, the Illinois Illini. Bret Bielema only needed one year to get Illinois frisky. Will they be able to take the next step and get bowl eligible? Will we be able to get the LOLHat back to its rightful place?

2022 Summer Previews: Purdue

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

2021 was a really good season for Purdue, but they are entering 2022 having lost some MAJOR pieces of that squad. Do they have the ponies to replace guys like George Karlaftis and David Bell among others? Or will Jeff Brohm have a bigger rebuilding job ahead of him?

2022 Summer Previews: Minnesota

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 22:20:00 +0000

Coming off a successful 2021 season with a tremendous running attack, despite some brutal injuries to the RB corps, Minnesota looks to keep the momentum into 2022. Will the return of Kirk Ciarrocca bring more balance to the Gopher offense?

2022 Summer Previews: Ohio State

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 18:42:00 +0000

Ohio State is a perennial CFP contender and this year is no different. Tonight we take a look at the Buckeyes and try to get to the bottom of if the hype surrounding them is warranted.

2022 Summer Previews: Iowa

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 19:15:44 +0000

The calendar may have turned from 2021 to 2022, but with Kirk Ferentz still going strong at Iowa, it looks like we might have a very similar Hawkeye team to last season's. Will they be able to ride their dynamic Defense back to Indy or will their offensive struggles catch up to them?

2022 Summer Previews: Maryland

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 18:45:00 +0000

After making a bowl game for the first time since 2014, Maryland looks to ride their high powered offence to back-to-back winning seasons. Will their defense be the thing that keeps them from doing so?

2022 Summer Previews: Wisconsin

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Last year, Wisconsin rolled with one of the best defenses in the country but their struggles on offense kept them from going to Indy. With Jim Leonhard inexplicably not the head coach somewhere else, do the Badgers have what it takes to run back last years excellent D?

Episode 497: Big Ten Media Days

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:20:20 +0000

We take a quick break from our Summer Previews to mark the official start of NU Football's Summer Camp. Ray Niro III was honored with the #1 jersey in the first meeting of camp so there's plenty to celebrate on that front. We also discuss some of the big topics that came up at the Media Days in Indy including NIL and further expansion beyond the USC/UCLA moves.

2022 Summer Previews: Penn State

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:25:00 +0000

Getting back into conference play, Northwestern starts the month of October on the road in State College. Penn State is coming off a 7-6 2021, but locked up James Franklin to a 10 year contract extension. Will their 2022 offense bring enough to the table to help out their outstanding D?

2022 Summer Previews SIU/Miami, OH

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Northwestern's annual FCS and MAC games will always cause some apprehension amongst the fan base. This year it's no different. In fact, there may be more reason for concern. We'll take a look at Southern Illinois and Miami, OH as we round out the NU non-conference slate.

2022 Summer Previews: Duke

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

The Cats' second game of the season comes after returning from Ireland. Duke was not a great team last year but NU really put up a stinker in Durham. Will 2022 present an opportunity to exact some revenge from last year? What does Duke look like without David Cutcliffe at the helm?

2022 Summer Previews: Nebraska

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

We turn our attention to the NU schedule as we begin with a Week 0 matchup against the so-called "Greatest 3-9 team in history." Northwestern travels to the Emerald Isle to take on a Nebraska team that is trying to figure out an identity as Scott Frost's seat gets hotter and hotter. Will UNL finally make a bowl game under their Prodigal Son come home?

2022 Summer Previews: Rutgers

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

We wrap up our previews of the Big Ten teams not on Northwestern's schedule with a look at Rutgers. In 2021, many people were singing the praises of Rutgers and envisioned a good season for them. But as the legendary NU coach Dennis Green once said, they are who we thought they were. Will 2022 be any different?

2022 Summer Previews: Michigan State

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 19:14:58 +0000

Our previews continue as we break down the Big Ten teams not on NU's schedule this season. After signing Mel Tucker to a massive contract extension, Michigan State is certainly all in. But how do you replace the best RB in college football last year?

2022 Summer Previews: Indiana

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

The previews of the Big Ten teams not on Northwestern's 2022 schedule continues with a look at Indiana. After a brilliant 2020 season, the Hoosiers fell way off in 2021 (where have we heard that before...) Will Tom Allen be able to flip the switch again to take Indiana back to the 2020 level of greatness? Or will the power of the East Division be too much for the Hoosiers to handle?

2022 Summer Previews: Michigan

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 20:10:16 +0000

We start our Summer Previews with a look at the Big Ten teams that Northwestern does not play this season. What better place to begin than with the defending Big Ten Champions, the Michigan Wolverines. Can they rekindle the magic of 2021 and make it back to Indy?

Episode 496: Softball Wrapup

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 03:25:00 +0000

With a magical season cut short by a juggernaut of an Oklahoma squad, the NU Softball team made some big news a 5 seniors announced they'll be back to finish the job in OKC next year. Then, we make our pivot to the 2022 Football season as we get set for our annual previews coming very soon.

Episode 495: Ticket to OKC

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 04:03:08 +0000

It was arguably the greatest Super Regional in Softball history. Northwestern and Arizona State traded haymakers deep into the night and the Cats, on the arm of Danielle Williams and the bats of Jordyn Rudd, Maeve Nelson, Hannah Cady, Rachel Lewis and many more, prevailed and punched their ticket to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.

Episode 494: Softball Super Regional w/ Noah Coffman

Fri, 27 May 2022 03:59:36 +0000

As the Northwestern Softball team heads down to the desert to take on Arizona State in the Super Regionals, we welcome in Noah Coffman to help us dive in to this team on a whole other level.

Episode 493: Tournament Weekend and Recruiting Windfall

Sun, 22 May 2022 04:09:30 +0000

What an incredible weekend we are having in Northwestern athletics right now. From the Jon Rothstein happy hour to Lacrosse dominating their way to the National Semifinals to Softball cruising their way to the championship game in the Evanston regional to a massive Football recruiting commitment wave, it's an exciting time to wear the Purple and White.

Episode 492: Tournament Time

Tue, 10 May 2022 19:04:03 +0000

Big congratulations to the NU Softball team for winning the Big Ten Championship. Now, they're on to the Big Ten Tournament this weekend hoping to put a stamp on their chances of hosting NCAA Regionals/Super Regionals. Lacrosse is into the NCAA Tournament as well, drawing the 4 seed and a first round matchup against Central Michigan. A win would pit them up against either Michigan or Notre Dame, each of whom they've played this season.

2022 NFL Draft 1st Round w/ Winning Cures Everything

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 18:21:05 +0000

It's time for our annual tradition of livecasting the first round of the NFL Draft with our friends over at Winning Cures Everything.

Episode 491: Winging It

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:01:26 +0000

This week Veronica Burton became the second Wildcat ever taken in the top 10 picks of the WNBA Draft as she heads to Dallas as the 7th overall selection. We celebrate that, continue to rock and roll with the Softball and Lacrosse teams before we check in on some Football recruiting news and look at the USFL with a Northwestern view.

Episode 490: Slugging to the Moon (Welsh-Ryan Roof)

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 18:15:57 +0000

With Softball off to a wonderful start to Conference play (5-1), we have to take a closer look at the season of Rachel Lewis. She's not only hitting the cover off the ball, she's making her way up to the top of the NU record books. Lacrosse is also white hot as they gear up for the home stretch of the regular season. We've also got some transfer news as well on this episode of the West Lot Pirates.

Episode 489: Softball Sweep!

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000

If you're not watching this NU Softball team absolutely dominate all comers this season, now is the time to fix that. The Cats finished off their early season barnstorming tour with a decisive sweep of the weekend series at Mizzou, knocking off the 18th ranked Tigers and no-hitting a very talented Stanford squad. This week we also celebrate Ryan Deakin's National Championship in wrestling, continue to marvel at the Lacrosse domination and check in on our NCAA Men's and Women's brackets before previewing the NCAA Hockey tourney.

Episode 488: Bracketology with Scott Sepich

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 05:20:10 +0000

March Madness is upon us yet again! However, a grave injustice exists as the NU Women's team was snubbed from the NCAA tournament this year, thus ending the fabulous NU career of Veronica Burton. To help us wrap our heads around the Men's tournament, we welcome our own Bracketologist, Scott Sepich back to the show.

Episode 487: Spectacular Spring

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who braved the elements to come out to Welsh-Ryan Arena with us last week to honor the Seniors on the Women's Basketball team. Tonight, we recap that game and pay well deserved homage to the Softball and Lacrosse squads for their phenomenal performances last weekend.

Episode 486: Conquering Clearwater

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The NU Softball team is off to a tremendous start to the season as they announced their presence with authority this weekend down in Florida. Knocking off 2 top 15 teams and barely losing to another sends a message to the rest of the College Softball world that the Cats are ready for action. We also check in on the start of the Lacrosse season and the ends of the Men's and Women's Basketball seasons.

Episode 485: Spring Sports Primer

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

With Softball and Lacrosse starting their seasons this week and both Men's and Women's hoops riding win streaks, it is definitely a busy time at Northwestern. Join us as we whip around checking in on everyone.

Episode 484: Signing Day and February Check In

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

It was an anti-climactic signing day for the NU Football team, although they did get one late signee. We check in on the hardcourt to see the fight still there for both the men and women, even if the results aren't quite what they'd like.

Episode 483: Rocky Road at Welsh-Ryan

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:07:02 +0000

The Northwestern Men's and Women's Basketball teams are in a bit of a funk right now. Sure, the men had a huge upset on the road at Michigan State, but with every opportunity to knock off #8 Wisconsin at home, the same issues we've seen for the past 4.5 years came and bit us on the butt. The women are also on the struggle bus a little after their big win at Iowa. Can either team right the ship as we get into the thick of conference play?

Episode 482: NIL Mania

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

With the blockbuster move of Brandon Joseph to Notre Dame through the transfer portal, we need to take a look at some of the fundamental reasons someone might be looking to move. NIL is a part of it, but certainly not the only factor. Join us as we try to examine these issues while also trying to chart a course for NU Football through the murky waters ahead.

Episode 481: Bowl Preview Part 3

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Tonight we finish our preview of the Bowl games, try not to tear our hair out after a major NU Basketball decommit and remember the legendary John Madden.

Episode 480: Bowl Preview Part 2

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Tonight, we talk about Ryan Smith, reportedly the new NU CB coach coming in from Virginia Tech. We also have our first recruit commitment for the 2023 season and it's a doozy! Then we have a quick check on hoops before breaking down the next round of Bowl Games.

Episode 479: Signing Day and Bowl Preview Part 1

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's signing day! Today Northwestern welcomes in 15 incoming freshmen into the football program. We discuss the signings and the guys who will be coming to Evanston next season. Also, we start our 2021 Bowl previews with a look at the bowl games up through Christmas Day.

Episode 478: Is that Joe Spivak's Music?

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

With the football early signing period a week away and both Men's and Women's basketball starting a little bit of conference play, we had to check in on some of the big news items coming out of Evanston including Joe Spivak getting an opportunity to join the WWE and potentially become a professional wrestler.

Episode 477: Illinois 47-Northwestern 14

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 20:28:06 +0000

After another disappointing outing, Northwestern can finally wrap up the 2021 campaign. As we start to turn our attention to the 2022 season, there are still many things left to figure out. What activity will we see in the Transfer Portal? What kind of coaching changes will we see? How will this season affect the recruiting class? We also check in with Men's and Women's Hoops as they really get into the thick of the non-conference slate.

Episode 476: National Champion Field Hockey/Purdue 32-Northwestern 14

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to the Northwestern Field Hockey team for winning their first National Championship in program history! The Cats finished off their magical run through the NCAA Tournament with a 2-1 win over Harvard in the Final 4 and a 2-0 blanking of Liberty in the title game! Elsewhere, at Wrigley Field, the football team lost their 5th straight game. The season comes down to the final game this weekend as the Cats hope to keep the LOLHat in Evanston as they travel downstate to take on the Illini. We've also got some news from the hardcourt in both Men's and Women's Hoops.

Episode 475: Wisconsin 35-Northwestern 7

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:20:31 +0000

The season continues to disappoint with yet another rough loss, this time to Wisconsin, instead of breaking down the game, we start to look ahead to where the program is going. It's thoughtful, it's insightful and there are metaphors referring to Disney kingdoms. Plus, the game at Wrigley Field is this weekend. All is not doom and gloom however as Field Hockey is in the Final 4 and both Men's and Women's hoops are off to undefeated starts.

Episode 474: Iowa 17-Northwestern 12

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

With all the ways Northwestern has lost this year, the one we've been missing is that late game gut punch. Well, not anymore. Tonight, Sam and John go over the game with Scuzz calling in poolside from his family vacation.

Episode 473: Minnesota 41-Northwestern 14

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 18:10:01 +0000

Well, we knew that the Minnesota OL was amazing and that it really didn't matter who was running the ball for them. Already down their top 2 RBs for the season and their 3rd RB going out early, they still had 2 backs go for over 100 yards as they controlled the ball and the clock, wearing out the NU defense. The Cats' season seems to be circling down the drain, but with Iowa coming into Ryan Field this weekend, we will get to see another offense just as lost as NU's is.

Episode 472: Michigan 33-Northwestern 7

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

It was a tale of two halves in Ann Arbor last week. While the Cats hung in there for the first half, the second half was a different story as Michigan took their decisive time of possession advantage and wore the NU defense down. Now we enter the heart of the western division schedule as we take on the Gophers this Saturday afternoon. For the first time in several years, all three of us will be in attendance!

Episode 471: Northwestern 21-Rutgers 7

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

It's amazing how much one win can change the mindset of a fan base. Northwestern came off their bye week and did pretty much whatever they wanted against Rutgers. This weekend's matchup against Michigan, however, is going to be a totally different beast. But there is a path to victory there. Join us as we trace that path out for you.

Episode 470: Bye Week Breather

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

With a week off to regroup, we reset our expectations for the back half of the season. Rutgers is coming to town this weekend and we outline a path to victory. We also discuss the announcement of the next President of Northwestern, Dr. Rebecca Blank.

Episode 469: Nebraska 56-Northwestern 7

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0000

There's really not much we can say about this game. It was awful in every sense of the word. With Northwestern's bye week upon us, this is an opportunity to take stock and see what kind of changes the Cats can make as we get into the back half of the schedule.

Episode 468: Northwestern 35-Ohio 6

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0000

A lot of things went right in Northwestern's big win over Ohio, but there are definitely still some things to work on and questions to be answered. This week, the Cats head west to Lincoln to take on Nebraska under the lights. Nebraska's Defense is much improved, but is there a blueprint to moving the ball against them? Can Adrian Martinez be stopped by anyone other than himself?

Episode 467: Duke 30-Northwestern 23

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 04:10:28 +0000

To call that first half against Duke a miserable time would be too generous. There are a lot of adjectives that we could use to describe it, but fundamentally, it was just embarrassing. The second half was a different story, but the Cats just ran out of time. We feel your pain as we try to figure out what the hell is going on with this team and how we can mentally re-adjust our expectations for the rest of the season.

Episode 466: Northwestern 24-Indiana St. 6 w/Jay Sharman

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:05:42 +0000

While Indiana State was certainly what the doctor ordered to get the bad taste of the opener out of our mouths, there is still some rumblings of discontent amongst Wildcat faithful. We had to bring in Jay Sharman (aka Lake the Posts) to help us take the temperature of the fanbase, get our heads around the annual "September Swoon" and prepare us all mentally for this weekend's game against Duke.

Episode 465: Michigan State 38-Northwestern 21

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 05:21:06 +0000

Well, that is certainly not how we wanted to start the season. Things went south for the Cats starting from the very first play of the game. However, instead of giving our knee-jerk reactions, we took some time, broke down the film and really dissected what went wrong last Friday in Evanston.

Episode 464: Northwestern vs. Michigan State

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 04:59:21 +0000

It's Game Week! As we all get set for Friday night's opener, we take you deep into the trenches with everything you need to know about Northwestern and as much as we can figure out about Michigan State. We're ready to kick this season off with a bang!

2021 Summer Previews: Northwestern Offense

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:08:39 +0000

At long last, we come to the finish line of our summer previews. Today we preview our very own Northwestern Wildcats. However, there is so much to say about this team, we would be hard pressed to cover the entire team in one episode. Last episode, we took a deep dive into the NU Defense and tonight we wrap it all up with a look at the O. It's the second season of the Mike Bajakian experience and we hand the keys to Hunter Johnson. While there are quite a few new faces, you might find that there is a lot to be excited about.

2021 Summer Previews: Northwestern Defense

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 03:39:49 +0000

At long last, we come to the finish line of our summer previews. Today we preview our very own Northwestern Wildcats. However, there is so much to say about this team, we would be hard pressed to cover the entire team in one episode. So tonight, we take a deep dive into the NU Defense. There is a lot of speculation with what we might see from Jim O'Neil's D, but one thing that we all know is that we have an All-American roaming the secondary.

2021 Summer Previews: Illinois

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:55:00 +0000

It's a new era in Champaign as Bret Bielema takes over from Lovie Smith. He does have his work cut out for him as there was not a ton in the cupboard. Does Bret have the wherewithal to get the Illini back to respectability? Will our streak of LOLHat ownership continue?

2021 Summer Previews: Purdue

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:50:27 +0000

While they have had flashes of excitement, generally Purdue has not lived up to expectations in the Jeff Brohm era. Now with another change at Defensive Coordinator and the graduation of Rondale Moore coupled with a brutal schedule, will the Boilers be able to show some improvement?

Episode 463: Porter/Johnson Emergency Pod

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 02:39:07 +0000

Fly the red pirate flag for an emergency podcast. When news broke that Cam Porter was done for the year and Hunter Johnson was named starting QB, we had to jump right on with our thoughts. Take a breath folks, this is not the end of the world.

2021 Summer Previews: Wisconsin

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 04:55:00 +0000

Last year, Wisconsin was widely touted as the class of the Big Ten West. As we all know, that was not exactly what happened. This year, the Badgers look to have a stacked defense and it will be tough to put up points against them. Will their offense be able to put up the points they need to make it to Indy?

2021 Summer Previews: Iowa

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 17:51:27 +0000

It seems like we know exactly what Iowa is going to be year after year. Solid D, stout running attack, great OL. After coming in 2nd in the west last year, will the 2021 Hawkeyes "more of the same" approach put them in position to go to Indy in December?

2021 Summer Previews: Minnesota

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 04:55:00 +0000

The 2020 Gophers were a trendy pick to follow up their great 2019 season and contend for the Big Ten West. However, that was not to be as their defense faltered and they struggled to keep points off the board. Will PJ Fleck be able to shore up the D and keep the offense a'rowing back into the western title picture?

2021 Summer Previews: Michigan

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 01:20:00 +0000

Last season was an absolute train wreck for Michigan, especially defensively. Jim Harbaugh seems to be walking on thinner and thinner ice, but as of yet, he hasn't fallen through. Will the so-called "quarterback whisperer" finally have a QB shine in his system? Or will that atrocious D from last year continue to bite them in the butt?

2021 Summer Previews: Rutgers

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 19:35:32 +0000

Under Greg Schiano, Rutgers is looking to turn around what can only be described as an abysmal experience in the Big Ten. In 2020 Rutgers showed a few flashes of excitement, primarily on Offense. Their Defense, on the other hand, was brutal. With a palpable upswing in recruiting, will the Scarlet Knights make noise in 2021?

2021 Summer Previews: Nebraska

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 18:35:53 +0000

Nebraska has been a middle to bottom team in the Big Ten West not only in the entirety of Scott Frost's tenure as coach, but pretty much since the moment they joined the Big Ten. After another disappointing season, will 2021 be the year Nebraska turns the corner? Or will Frost be looking for work after the season?

Episode 462: Media Days and Conference Realignment

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 01:12:49 +0000

Today, we revel in our latest recruiting commitment, recap the Big Ten Media Days and react to the opening salvo in the latest round of conference realignment as Texas and Oklahoma look to move to the SEC.

2021 Summer Previews: Ohio

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 18:36:12 +0000

Northwestern rounds out its non-conference slate with a little MACtion. Ohio had a late coaching change as Frank Solich retired, but long time OC Tim Albin takes over. Since Ohio only played 3 games in 2020, what do we really know about the Bobcats?

2021 Summer Previews: Indiana St/Duke

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 18:52:19 +0000

In a 2-for-1 preview pod, we take a look at Indiana State and Duke, the 2nd and 3rd games on the Northwestern schedule. The Sycamores haven't played a game since 2019 as they opted out of the 2020 season, so there is not much hard information on them. So we speculate as to what they might look like. Then we turn our attention to Durham, NC as Duke tries to rebound from a dismal 2020 campaign. But do they have the horses to get it done?

Episode 461: T-Shirts

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0000

We have an announcement to make! This year, by popular demand, we are releasing a T-Shirt to help raise money for the Evanston Community Foundation. T-Shirts will go on sale on Friday. July 17th. For more information, go to westlotpirates.com and check our Twitter feed.

2021 Summer Previews: Michigan State

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:10:00 +0000

Tonight, we begin to preview the teams on Northwestern's schedule. The Wildcats will open up the season looking for revenge from last year's surprise loss to Michigan State. Sparty comes in to Evanston trying to fix a lot of holes in the roster and developing a culture under Mel Tucker. Will they start to put things together enough to make noise in opening week?

2021 Summer Previews: Maryland

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:36:03 +0000

The 2020 Maryland Terrapins were the model of inconsistency. While their defense was awful at times last year, the offense showed some potential at times. Will a return to normalcy help the Terps move up in the loaded Big Ten East?

2021 Summer Previews: Penn State

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Tonight, we continue our 2021 Summer Previews with a look at Penn State. After a 0-5 start last year, they finished off with 4 consecutive wins. Nevertheless, everyone in Happy Valley looked at 2020 as a lost season. They bring back a lot statistically, but will it be enough to get them back into the mix at the top of the East Division?

Episode 460: Playoff Expansion, SCOTUS and Recruiting Bonanza

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:32:43 +0000

With all the huge news on the national scene, we take a quick break from our summer previews to discuss the CFP expansion possibility, the SCOTUS 9-0 ruling against the NCAA and a flurry of recruits committing to Northwestern.

2021 Summer Previews: Indiana

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:55:00 +0000

Indiana had a magical 2020 season as Tom Allen's plan took them to new heights. With many of the same pieces of the puzzle returning in 2021, will this be the season to get them to Indy?

2021 Summer Previews: Ohio State

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:55:00 +0000

It's the moment you've been waiting for, our 2021 Summer Previews! As per tradition, we kick off the series with a look at the Big Ten teams that Northwestern will not be playing this season. Ohio State is coming off another Big Ten Championship and a trip to the National Championship game. As you can imagine, they lose a lot of top talent off last year's squad, but with the sheer amount of talent in Columbus, will that turnover even be an issue?

Episode 459: Derrick Gragg and Summer Preview Primer

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 18:47:00 +0000

Northwestern finally has a new Athletic Director. Derrick Gragg had his welcoming press conference this week and we react to the hire. Then, we kick off our annual tradition with our Summer Previews. Before we start talking team by team, we try to get a handle on the over-arching storylines that we expect to see this season.

Episode 458: Spring Wrap-Up

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 19:06:26 +0000

As we come to the verge of our 2021 Summer Football Previews, we need to put a bow on the spring sports. Lacrosse made a valiant run to the NCAA Final Four before falling to Syracuse. Softball made it into the NCAA Tournament as well before falling to Kentucky in their sectional. Also, June brings the end to the on-campus recruiting dead period, so we expect to see quite a bit of activity this month on the recruiting front in all sports.

Episode 457: The 10 Day AD

Thu, 13 May 2021 04:34:57 +0000

To call the past 10 days in the world of Northwestern Athletics crazy would be an understatement of epic proportions. Today, the Mike Polisky era came to an abrupt end as he announced his resignation just 10 days after accepting the job. Tonight, we raised the emergency pod beacon so we can try to make sense of what all just happened and where we go from here.

Episode 456: Lia Assimakopoulos and Ella Brockway

Wed, 05 May 2021 05:10:38 +0000

Northwestern's hire of new Athletic Director Mike Polisky is, in a word, divisive. This is a very complicated situation and to help us process everything we welcome in former Daily Northwestern Sports Editor Ella Brockway and former InsideNU Editor-In-Chief Lia Assimakopoulos to discuss all the different facets of the hiring.

2021 NFL 1st Round Live Draft Pod

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 04:34:39 +0000

We join forces with our good friends at Winning Cures Everything to discuss the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft as it happens. It's wild, it's crazy and it's a whole lot of fun!

Episode 455: Kalyn Kahler

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 04:38:45 +0000

We continue our run-up to the NFL Draft as we sat down with Defector Media and Northwestern's own Kalyn Kahler. Tonight, we cover her journey from Sports Illustrated to Defector before we dive into the 2021 NFL Draft and some of the fun things she's hearing from behind the scenes.

Episode 454: Tim Chapman

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:27:01 +0000

As we start our run-up to the NFL Draft, this week, we welcome in Tim Chapman, author of ChampioN Underdog: The Improbable Success of the 1995 Northwestern Football Team. We reminisce about the amazing Rose Bowl run that 95 team went on, dive into some of the great stories from the book and from the writing of the book.

Episode 453: NCAA Tournament and Spring Sports Bonanza

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 14:26:09 +0000

Northwestern made an exciting run to the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball tournament in San Antonio before running into a spectacular Louisville squad. Tonight, we recap the two games in Texas before turning our attention to the insanely successful runs pretty much every spring sport are undergoing in Evanston.

Episode 452: Bracketology with Scott Sepich

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:09:17 +0000

After last year's hiatus, it's great to have the NCAA Tournaments back in our lives. We would be remiss if we didn't bring back our resident bracketologist Scott Sepich to come talk about this years Men's and Women's tournaments. The NU Women picked up a 7 seed and will face UCF in round 1 with a potential matchup against Louisville in round 2. We talk all this and more with Scott tonight.

Episode 451: Jordan Ash

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 19:19:57 +0000

As another disappointing season from the Men's Basketball team comes to a close, we sat down with former Wildcat guard Jordan Ash to discuss the team, his background coming up in the Chicago Catholic League and talk about his brand new podcast.

Episode 450: Checking in on Collins

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 03:40:12 +0000

With the 2020-21 Men's Basketball team spiraling down towards another disappointing season, it's time we take stock of the direction of the program. We are now 4 years removed from the magical run to the NCAA Tournament, but things are looking pretty bleak. Is it time to move on? What impact will the new Athletic Director have on the situation? We also catch up with the Women and start to look ahead to Lacrosse and Softball as the spring season starts to get underway.

Episode 449: Signing Day with @NUFBRecruiting

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:59:47 +0000

For the first time in a few years, there was some actual drama to the February Signing Day. Northwestern brought in two highly regarded WR signees today and to talk about them, and the rest of the 2021 class, we sat down with @NUFBRecruiting to discuss.

Episode 448: New Leadership

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 05:36:26 +0000

The Northwestern world is abuzz with the news of a new QB and Defensive Coordinator. Ryan Hilinski has announced his transfer from South Carolina to Northwestern and Jim O'Neil will soon be announced as the new DC. This week, we talk all about these new additions and how they might impact the team in 2021.

Episode 447: National Championship Game

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 05:22:37 +0000

With the 2020 college football season now officially behind us, we look back at where Northwestern finds itself in the grand scheme of things, examine the comings and goings of the transfer portal and check in on both men's and women's hoops as we get deeper into conference play.

Episode 446: Northwestern 35-Auburn 19

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 05:32:28 +0000

Citrus Bowl Champions! That has a nice ring to it. Tonight, we look back at Northwestern's dominating performance over Auburn, reflect on the season, pay homage to Coach Hankwitz and begin to think about where this team goes for the 2021 season

Episode 445: Citrus Bowl v/Auburn and Surging Basketball

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:13:22 +0000

For the first time in Northwestern history and only the 3rd time ever, the Cats are ranked in the top 20 in both Men's and Women's Hoops and Football (not to mention the top 10 ranking in US News and World report for the school itself.) Tonight, we talk about the Men's team and their amazing week of wins over Michigan St., Indiana and Ohio St. before we turn our attention to the Citrus Bowl game against Auburn coming up on New Year's Day.

Episode 444: Ohio State 22-Northwestern 10

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 20:38:43 +0000

While the outcome was not what we had in mind, the effort on the field was anything but disappointing. Tonight, we recap the Big Ten Championship game, then we discuss the colossal upset by the Men's Basketball team over Michigan State. After that, we will try to talk everyone off the ledge who is worried about the several football players entering the transfer portal before we begin to look ahead to the Citrus Bowl against Auburn

Episode 443: Northwestern 28-Illinois 10 with Jay Sharman (LTP)

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:43:58 +0000

For the sixth consecutive year, the Hat stays in Evanston! More importantly, Northwestern is back in the Big Ten Championship game for the second time in three years! With so much on the line, we had to bring in Jay Sharman from Lake the Posts to join us as we talk about last week's game and preview the title game against Ohio State.

Episode 442: Adam Rittenberg

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 05:11:42 +0000

With the Northwestern/Minnesota game cancelled, Northwestern is back in the Big Ten Title game for the second time in three years. The LOLHat is on the line this weekend as the Cats look to finish off the 2020 regular season. Tonight, we welcome back ESPN's Adam Rittenberg to the show to help us make sense of this wild, wacky season. Then we look ahead to this weekend's action.

Episode 441: Michigan State 29-Northwestern 20

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 05:21:49 +0000

Did it suck to lose to MSU? Sure. Was it frustrating to have the possibility of a playoff berth dashed? Damn straight it was. Does this loss take away any positive momentum the Cats have had thus far and virtually end the season? Not even remotely! The Wildcats have every opportunity to win the Big Ten West and go to Indy to play for the Conference Championship. Tonight, we are here to talk Wildcat Nation off the ledge and refocus on where this team can still go.

Episode 440: Northwestern 17-Wisconsin 7

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 06:18:07 +0000

We expected a defensive, low-scoring, pound-it-out slugfest of a game and this did not disappoint. Northwestern unleashed its stifling defense and shut down the Badgers almost entirely, cementing the Cats' place on top of the Big Ten West. With only 3 games left, NU is certainly in the driver's seat for their second Big Ten Championship appearance in three years. But this game felt even bigger than that. It has been a long time since the Cats have been on a stage this big with this much on the line and came out on top, so it's worth savoring.

Episode 439: Northwestern 27-Purdue 20

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:30:56 +0000

We're halfway through the season and NU passed their biggest test to date. The Purdue offense is as dynamic as any we'll see all season and the Cat's D was up to the challenge. Keeping David Bell in check and only allowing 2 total yards rushing, Northwestern held on for another one-possession victory.

Episode 438: Northwestern 21-Nebraska 13

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 05:31:49 +0000

In what has become a very underrated rivalry, the battle of NU, Northwestern continued to show defensive dominance, especially in the second half, and knocked off the Cornhuskers. While the offense was shaky at times, the D has yet to allow a single point in the second half of any game this season. However, with the high flying Purdue Boilermakers on deck, can the Cats continue to pitch second half shutouts?

Episode 437: Northwestern 21-Iowa 20

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:35 +0000

Going into this game, we said we knew who both Iowa and Northwestern were. We also know exactly how these two teams play one another. This year's game was no departure from the norm. The Cats continue their streak of wins in Iowa City as we break it down. Then we look ahead to the red-headed stepchildren of the Big Ten, Nebraska.

Episode 436: Northwestern 43-Maryland 3

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 04:29:36 +0000

Well now! Northwestern kicked off the 2020 campaign with a resounding win over a hapless Maryland squad. So many positives to take away from this one starting with Peyton Ramsey, Mike Bajakian's Offense, the OL, you name it! And that's just on the offensive side of the ball. Join us for a jumbo-sized recap and look ahead to this upcoming week's Halloween tilt in Iowa City against the Hawkeyes.

Episode 435: Opening Night- Maryland @ Northwestern

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 03:58:01 +0000

It's taken a long time and a lot of very hard work by so many people, but finally, we have Northwestern Football coming up this weekend. Tonight, we preview the game against Maryland and discuss the possibilities of this upcoming season.

2020 Season Previews: Northwestern

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:27:27 +0000

With just over a week to go before the 2020 Northwestern season gets underway, it's high time we take a deep dive into our beloved Wildcats. With Fitz keeping the depth chart and opt-out lists in a safe with more security than Fort Knox, all we can do is analyze this squad from afar. Who will take the reins at QB this year? Who will step up to be our key pass rush specialist? Will we have a deep threat offensively? So many questions that we try to answer.

2020 Season Previews: Illinois

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 03:19:27 +0000

We wrap up our preseason previews with a look at that little school down south. Northwestern has kept the LoLHat 7 of the past 8 seasons, even as bad as last year's team was. Will Illinois' insane luck in the turnover game continue into this season? Will it even matter?

2020 Season Previews: Minnesota

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 18:46:31 +0000

Of all our 2019 previews, Minnesota was easily the one we were most off on. Their offense looks like it will be decent again, but with the loss of their top defensive players, will that derail their chances to make noise in the West this year?

2020 Season Previews: Wisconsin

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 06:05:00 +0000

Wisconsin comes into the 2020 season as possibly the best team in the Big Ten West, at least on paper. With no COVID opt outs, what we expected to see sure looks like it will be what we do see. But without the home field advantage that Camp Randall brings them, can they put together another Western Division title run?

Episode 434: Schedule 3.0

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 18:16:15 +0000

As we get closer and closer to kicking off the Northwestern 2020 season, we take a look at the schedule put out by the Big Ten and break it down on a high level.

Episode 433: Fire it up!

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 03:34:16 +0000

Wow. What a month. With all of the twists and turns and tumult we finally have official word that the Big Ten will indeed be playing football this fall. We discuss the Big Ten's return to play plan and what it might mean for Northwestern.

Episode 432: Shut it Down

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 18:37:48 +0000

Well, we hoped that this day wouldn't come, but we feared that it was inevitable. The Big Ten and Pac 12 have cancelled all fall sports with the intention of holding a spring football season. Tonight, we unpack our feelings on everything here and turn an uncertain eye towards the spring of 2021.

Episode 431: New Schedule

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 18:40:26 +0000

We take a quick break from our summer previews to talk about the new Big Ten schedule that was just announced. Northwestern adds a date with Michigan at the end of the season and the schedule is peppered with flexibility in case of cancelled games and COVID outbreaks. We go through the new schedule and briefly touch on what some of the other Power 5 conferences are doing this season.

2020 Summer Previews: Purdue

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 01:59:43 +0000

Purdue's offense was downright scary last year, and that was with their wunderkind Rondale Moore injured for most of the season. Combine him with David Bell and Purdue will definitely score points this season. Will their D be able to make a stop?

2020 Summer Previews: Iowa

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 14:00:25 +0000

When you consider the Iowa Hawkeyes this year, there is a huge elephant in the room where it comes to their off-field issues they have been dealing with this spring/summer. Of course we are going to discuss that, but what do we think of Iowa's chances ON the field?

2020 Summer Previews: Nebraska

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

If you ask the national media, Nebraska is primed to win the national championship year after year. But we all know better. To say Nebraska has struggled since joining the Big Ten would be putting it mildly. Scott Frost enters his 3rd season back in Lincoln, but does he have a team that can make any noise in the West?

2020 Summer Previews: Maryland

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

The Terps have struggled since joining the Big Ten, which is putting it mildly. Coming off a brutal 3-9 campaign last year, Mike Locksley is trying to put it all together. But will their defense get in the way of what might be an emerging offense?

2020 Summer Previews: Penn St.

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 03:52:32 +0000

Penn State comes into 2020 coming off an excellent 2019 season. They return what might be the best defensive player in the country in Micah Parsons and they poached Minnesota's OC. But will that be enough to take them over the top in the East?

2020 Summer Previews: Michigan State

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Sparty comes into the season with a brand new Head Coach in Mel Tucker. They are going through a complete culture change, but will a new regime be able to make the changes necessary in these bizarre times?

2020 Summer Previews: Michigan

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Michigan has yet to topple their rivals down south in the Jim Harbaugh era. Will this be the year they get off the schneid? Also, with the news that the Big Ten will be going to a conference-only schedule for the season, could the Wolverines show up on Northwestern's schedule?

2020 Summer Previews: Ohio St.

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

We usually kick off our Summer Previews with a look at the Big Ten teams not on Northwestern's schedule, but with the announcement that the Big Ten is going to a 10 game, conference only schedule this year, this preview could become much more relevant if the schedule breaks a certain way. Coming off another Big Ten Championship and a close loss to Clemson in the Playoffs, will Ohio St. just reload for another title run this year?

2020 Summer Previews: Rutgers

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

We kick off our Summer Previews with a look at the Big Ten teams not on Northwestern's schedule this year. If you think this is the season that Rutgers could finally put something together in the Big Ten East, maybe you should think again.

2020 Summer Previews: Indiana

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

We kick off our Summer Previews with a look at the Big Ten teams not on Northwestern's schedule this year. Indiana is a team who you really shouldn't sleep on. They might be better than you think they ought to be.

Episode 430: Summer Preview Primer

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 04:17:44 +0000

We're back after a brief hiatus and our summer previews are ready to go. We will get into each team on Northwestern's schedule and touch on at the Big Ten teams Northwestern won't play this year. Before we do that, we have to catch up on some news and notes.

Episode 429: Checking In

Sat, 30 May 2020 05:37:06 +0000

This week we have seen a little news coming out of the Northwestern Football program with Fitz and Co. taking to Zoom to catch up with the media. Not a lot of real news to report, but it's been a minute since we all caught up.

Episode 428: Recruiting Updates

Mon, 11 May 2020 03:16:36 +0000

After a little down time after NFL Draft, we catch up on some recruiting news from the NU Football team.

2020 Live NFL Draft with Winning Cures Everything

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 05:11:20 +0000

It's our annual tradition, the live draft podcast. This year we were joined by our good friends over at Winning Cures Everything. Enjoy the chaos!

Episode 427: Paul Hletko-FEW Spirits

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 03:15:13 +0000

In our second pod of the week, we sat down with Paul Hletko, the founder of FEW Spirits to talk about how he started the first distillery in Evanston and some of the interesting things they are doing there.

Episode 426: Quarantine Trivia Answers Part 2

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 03:26:09 +0000

This week, we are recapping the final four days of our Quarantine Trivia challenge. Thanks to everyone who participated! We had a lot of fun putting this together and it seems that you all had a lot of fun playing along with us.

Episode 425: Quarantine Trivia Answers Part 1

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:29:38 +0000

After the first three days of trivia, we jump on real quick to go over the answers so far.

Episode 424: Quarantine Bar Trivia

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 02:58:50 +0000

This week need to wipe some egg off our face after our position last week that Northwestern would probably not get any recruits to chose the Cats over some of the top schools in the country. Caleb Tiernan proved us wrong less than 24 hours after our pod posted last week. Also, we have a fun game of Wildcat Football Trivia starting this week.

Episode 423: Recruiting Thought Experiment

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 02:04:47 +0000

To take your mind off of the state of the world, we bring you an interesting thought experiment. Today, we look back at the past 10 years of Northwestern football recruiting and look at it from a different perspective.

Episode 422: (Imaginary) Bracketology with Scott Sepich

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 03:03:47 +0000

With the whole world turned upside down by the global pandemic, we aren't going to do our usual bracketology podcast. However, we would be remiss if we didn't bring in Scott Sepich, our resident bracket expert to talk about what might have been in March Madness this year.

Episode 421: Lisa Byington

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 03:22:06 +0000

This week, we welcome in Lisa Byington, former NU Basketball player and current broadcaster for BTN, FOX, CBS/Turner and more. Lisa brings so much first-hand knowledge about this year's women's team after calling the Big Ten Tournament. What does an early departure mean for the ladies moving into the Big Dance? How do they compare to the all-time NU greats? All this and more including a new QB who has emerged from the transfer portal in this week's episode.

Episode 420: Big Ten Champs!

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 21:27:10 +0000

With a thrashing of Illinois, the Northwestern Women's Basketball team are Big Ten Champions for the first time in 30 years. With the Big Ten Tournament going on this week we celebrate these amazing women and start to look ahead to the NCAA tournament.

Episode 419: Alex Miller

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 21:42:17 +0000

This week, we welcome in former Northwestern DL Alex Miller and talk about his preparations for the NFL draft and his Pro Day coming up in a couple weeks. We also celebrate the #14 Women's hoops team as they are on the brink of setting a record for most wins in a season for NU. Finally, football spring practice is underway and we check in on the gridiron.

Episode 418: Down the Stretch

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 16:09:45 +0000

The NU Ladies continue to roll through the B1G. After close wins over Michigan and Nebraska, Lindsey Pulliam found her shot as she and Veronica Burton combined for 50 points as the Cats laid the smack down over Rutgers, the top defensive team in the conference. We also catch up with Lax, Softball, Men's Hoops, Baseball and the XFL. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 417: Kalyn Kahler

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 16:44:45 +0000

Today we talk with Kalyn Kahler of Sports Illustrated. Kalyn is a national NFL reporter and a former NU Cheerleader. We have a fantastic discussion on her career, the NFL, reporting and cheerleading. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 416: Meetups, Mayhem and Mahomes

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 15:48:54 +0000

The ladies are rolling again! The three of us all got together with a bunch of our friends and listeners to take in the great win over Michigan. If the NCAA tournament were to start today, the committee says the Cats would be a 4 seed and host the opening two rounds of play. In a shocking move, Mark D'Antonio abruptly steps down at Michigan State. Where does Sparty go from here? Finally, Mike Kafka gets a Super Bowl ring as the Chiefs knock off the 49ers in a really fun Super Bowl. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 415: Turtle Trouble

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 20:30:15 +0000

Well, all good things must come to an end and that is true for the Women's 7 game win streak. The Cats ran into a Maryland team intent on avenging their thrashing at Welsh-Ryan on New Year's Eve. However, even with that road loss, the Cats remain ranked, dropping only one spot to 23. The Men's team dropped a tough one to Ohio State this week as well. It's closer to spring than we can imagine at this point and both Lacrosse and Softball are going into their 2020 campaigns ranked. Lacrosse at #3 and Softball at #14.

Episode 414: Rank This!

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 16:37:04 +0000

Finally, the AP voters have come to their senses and have ranked the NU Women's Hoops team. A huge comeback win over Indiana in OT and a thorough drubbing of Penn State has the Cats sitting at #22. On the Men's front, Boo Buie came back from injury and the guys keep scrapping. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 413: Basketball Update and National Championship Recap

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 21:05:21 +0000

The NU Women's Hoops team is on a roll! Big wins over Minnesota and Purdue have the Cats on the doorstep of the Top 25 with a huge matchup against Indiana forthcoming. The Men's team finally won a conference game as they beat Nebraska. Still, they are going through all sorts of growing pains. In addition, we can't forget the amazing season LSU completed with their title win over Clemson. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 412: Happy New Year

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 20:37:27 +0000

Happy New Year everyone! Welcome to 2020. This week we check in on Women's and Men's Basketball before going over some of the storylines coming out of Bowl Season. Then, we get you ready for Monday's National Championship game between LSU and Clemson. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 411-Part 2:Bowl Preview Part 2

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 21:48:55 +0000

In this jumbo 2 part episode, we continue the discussion on Mike Bajakian and what his new offense might look like at NU and we talk about the 2020 incoming recruiting class. Both Men's and Women's Hoops are getting ready for conference play so we check in with them. Finally, we go through the rest of the College Football Bowl slate in part 2.

Episode 411-Part 1:Northwestern Roundup

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 21:32:24 +0000

Episode 410: Mike Bajakian Deep Dive and Bowl Preview Pt. 1

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 04:45:58 +0000

As Mike Bajakian officially takes the OC job at Northwestern, many people are wondering what we should expect to see out of his offense. This week, we look into Bajakian's career to this point and try to glean some insights. The Early Signing period begins tomorrow for Football as well and there may be some excitement surrounding the Cats. We also begin our annual Bowl Previews. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 409: Adam Rittenberg

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:12:46 +0000

This week, we welcome in ESPN Senior Writer Adam Rittenberg to the show. As Northwestern is set to announce the hiring of Mike Bajakian as the new OC, we need to tap into the knowledge of an expert to tell us more about what to expect from the hire. We also discuss the state of the program and get a quick sense of the college football landscape as we rapidly approach bowl season. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 408: Northwestern 29-Illinois 10

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 19:58:36 +0000

The LOLHat stays in Evanston for the 5th consecutive year! The Cats finish off a forgettable year with a win over Illinois and the removal of OC Mick McCall. There's also excitement over both the Women's and Men's Basketball teams. Plus, NU unveils an amazing new program to drive fundraising to women's sports. All this and more in this week's episode.

Episode 407: Minnesota 38-Northwestern 22

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:21:45 +0000

A special Thanksgiving Eve episode for you. We look back at the Minnesota game and keep riding the wild QB carousel. With only the LOLHat to play for this weekend, we look at Illinois and then discuss rivalry week in general. Speaking of carousels and amusement parks, the Men's Basketball team looks like they are going to be a roller coaster this non-conference season.

Episode 406: Northwestern 45-UMass 6

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:02:32 +0000

While it wasn't a surprise that Northwestern beat UMass, it was still nice to see a win. Tonight, we look deeper at some storylines from the game and a comparison to the last season that we had a quarterback battle. Next, we preview this weekend's Minnesota game where we try to play spoiler.

Episode 405: Purdue 24-Northwestern 22

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 21:53:37 +0000

While it wasn't a complete and total bummer of a game, NU still came away from the matchup with another L on the record. There were some positive takeaways though including the faintest heartbeat of an offense. With a woeful UMass squad coming into Evanston this weekend, let's see what kind of momentum the Cats can muster going into the end of the season.

Episode 404: Indiana 34-Northwestern 3

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 19:44:55 +0000

This week, instead of going over the Indiana game point by point, we start to look ahead at possible new offensive coordinators assuming that McCall is not at NU next year. We also have Purdue coming to Evanston this week and we discuss reasons to stay positive at the game.

Episode 403: Iowa 20-Northwestern 0

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 15:42:05 +0000

In this episode, the action on the field takes a back seat to the news of Hunter Johnson's family illness and how that has affected him the past month or so. In light of this news, we need to re-evaluate how we have perceived Fitz's vagueness on the QB situation. We also look ahead to Indiana, a team with a solid offense but the weakest D we have seen in several weeks.

Episode 402: Ohio State 52-Northwestern 3

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 19:30:28 +0000

Despite the terrible game action, we actually had a wonderful time at this game. Tonight, we welcome in Chris and Gary from the Winning Cures Everything podcast to reminisce about the weekend before we look ahead to Homecoming against Iowa.

Episode 401: Ohio State Preview

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 14:43:40 +0000

After a Bye Week, the skies are clouding as the incoming hurricane from Columbus heads towards Evanston. It's Ohio State week and the Buckeyes look fearsome. Can the Cats finally find some offensive rhythm and make this a contest?

Episode 400: Nebraska 13-Northwestern 10

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 15:39:03 +0000

Another week, another disappointing performance by the Northwestern offense. The second bye week is upon us, but the storm clouds of the following Friday night's visit by Ohio State are floating in on the horizon. Is there any reason to think anything is going to change offensively for the Cats over this week off?

Episode 399: Wisconsin 24-Northwestern 15

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:23:30 +0000

Frustrations abound with the Northwestern offense after another lackluster game plan against Wisconsin. The defense balled out, but giving up 2 defensive scores to Wisconsin really drove the final nail in the coffin. Will a porous Nebraska defense be the cure for what ails the Cats?

Episode 398: Michigan St. 31-Northwestern 10

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:39:45 +0000

In one of the worst performances we've seen from the Wildcats in quite some time, are there any positives or silver linings to take away? What about this weekend's game against Wisconsin? It's not all doom and gloom though, but it's a good cathartic experience.

Episode 397: Northwestern 30-UNLV 14

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 20:30:00 +0000

To quote former NU Head Coach Denny Green, UNLV was who we thought they were! Northwestern took care of business against the Rebels and showed enough to hopefully put to bed many of the concerns we had coming out of Stanford. But with MSU and their terrifying defense coming up this weekend, what can we expect to see on Saturday?

Episode 396: UNLV Preview

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 21:01:32 +0000

After a much needed bye week for us to all quiet our minds and take some breaths after the Stanford game, we gear up for UNLV and the Northwestern home opener.

Episode 395: Stanford 17-Northwestern 7

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 20:15:59 +0000

Well... dang. That was a rough display of football this past Saturday, but not all is doom and gloom. Join us on a 90 minute cathartic experience as we digest the Cats' loss in Palo Alto and we're pretty sure you'll feel better after it.

Episode 394: GAMEWEEK! Northwestern @ Stanford

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:14:01 +0000

It is finally here! The start of the 2019 Northwestern Football season. In this episode, we preview the Cats and how they look to match up with Stanford. We then break down the schedule and come up with our official predictions.

2019 Summer Previews: Illinois

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 03:43:22 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! The LOL Hat has made its residence in Evanston for the past 4 years. Illinois looks like it's going to be a train wreck again this year. Is there any reason to be concerned? Short answer: no, but listen to the pod for more analysis as we wrap up our 2019 Summer Previews.

Episode 393: Ella Brockway

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 03:25:41 +0000

In this episode, we are so excited to welcome in Ella Brockway, Sports Editor of the Daily Northwestern and winner of the 2019 William R Reed award for B1G Student Journalism. We talk NU Football and how things are looking from an on-campus perspective.

2019 Summer Previews: Minnesota

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 03:34:48 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opponents. Minnesota has been frisky under PJ Fleck, but will their injury concerns impede their ascent to the top of the west?

2019 Summer Previews: UMass

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:30:55 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opponents. Northwestern wraps up the Non-Conference slate with a visit from the UMass Minutemen. It's a nice break from the slog of conference play, but is this a team NU can overlook?

2019 Summer Previews: Purdue

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 04:09:49 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opponents. Purdue was very exciting last year, though the results weren't always positive. Jeff Brohm is back after eschewing his Alma Mater and Rondale Moore is another year older. Can their D make some strides and turn the Boilermakers into Big Ten West contenders?

2019 Summer Previews: Indiana

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 20:53:23 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opponents. Indiana is an interesting team to look at. They may not be in the top tier of the B1G East, but they are definitely not in the bottom tier either. There's enough talent here to make some noise, but will it be enough?

2019 Summer Previews: Iowa

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 04:08:54 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opponents. We all remember last year when the Cats went into Iowa City to win the West. This year's Hawkeye defense looks very daunting, but can their offense withstand losing their two 1st round TEs?

2019 Summer Previews: Ohio State

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 03:38:00 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opponents. Ohio State comes into the season as 2x defending B1G champs (as we all know from last season). There is a lot of turnover both in the roster and the coaching staff. While there is no doubting the potential of the talent in Columbus, is there any reason to think there might be some cracks in their shells?

2019 Summer Previews: Nebraska

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 20:46:43 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opponents. Nebraska has been the offseason darlings of the national media. Can Scott Frost work the same second year magic he did at UCF? Will any defender earn a black shirt? It's time to preview the team we love to hate, Nebraska.

2019 Summer Previews: Wisconsin

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:21:27 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opponents. NU hits the road, traveling up I-90 to Madison as the Badgers try to rebound from a 2018 that was not what Wisconsin is used to. Can the Cats make it 2 in a row over Bucky?

2019 Summer Previews: Michigan St.

Sun, 28 Jul 2019 01:07:13 +0000

Northwestern starts conference play by welcoming in the Michigan State Spartans. Amazing D and questions on O make Sparty a very interesting team to examine.

2019 Summer Previews: UNLV

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 21:01:53 +0000

After a Bye Week, Northwestern comes home for their opener against UNLV. If you follow the Cats at all, this game should terrify you. On paper, UNLV is a middle-bottom tier Mountain West team, but as we all know, you can never take teams like that lightly.

Episode 392: B1G Media Days

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 19:22:19 +0000

In this episode, we take a quick breather from our Summer Previews to recap the Big Ten Media Days. Sam and John attended the massive luncheon and have plenty to report. Plus, we welcome Bryant McIntosh back to campus as he takes his first steps into the coaching world.

2019 Summer Previews: Stanford

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 00:10:27 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! We dive into the Northwestern schedule and highlight the Cats' opening weekend trip out west to take on Stanford. The Cardinal had a bit of an odd season last year, can they right the ship or will they continue to ride on their reputation.

2019 Summer Previews: Michigan

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 20:15:17 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! As always, we start our previews by discussing the Big Ten Teams not on Northwestern's schedule. Michigan comes into the season with all the expectations in the world. Do they have the talent and wherewithal to finally climb the mountain that is Ohio St.?

2019 Summer Previews: Maryland

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 21:48:04 +0000

The 2019 West Lot Pirates Summer Previews are here! As always, we start our previews by discussing the Big Ten Teams not on Northwestern's schedule. Maryland comes into the season trying to wipe the slate clean from the tumultuous 2018 season. Can they rally together under their new coach to make some noise in the Big Ten East?

2019 Summer Previews: Penn St

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 20:21:23 +0000

In today's episode, we continue to look at the Big Ten teams that Northwestern does not play in 2019. We set our sights to Happy Valley and look at Penn State.

2019 Summer Previews: Rutgers

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 03:07:56 +0000

We get into our Summer Previews with a look at the Big Ten teams Northwestern doesn't play this year. Yes, that does mean we need to talk about Rutgers.

Episode 391: 10 Burning Questions

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 21:07:31 +0000

As we get closer and closer to our Summer Previews, it's time we take a look at some of the burning questions we have going into the season.

Episode 390: Transition to Summer

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 04:03:15 +0000

With our Summer Previews fast approaching, we catch up on all the latest news and notes surrounding the 'Cats.

Episode 389: Spring Sports Wrap-up

Sun, 02 Jun 2019 03:37:52 +0000

Northwestern Lacrosse made the Final 4 and Softball made the Super Regionals! Scuzz and John recap the Tournament runs of both of these phenomenal squads as we close the door on the 2019 Spring sports.

Episode 388: Spring Sports Tourney Time

Sun, 12 May 2019 20:11:45 +0000

Lacrosse and Softball are entering their respective postseasons and we need to discuss. We also talk about the latest Football commits on the OL and what it means for the Cats moving forward.

2019 Live NFL 1st Round with Winning Cures Everything

Sat, 27 Apr 2019 00:54:44 +0000

Our annual tradition continues! We welcome in Gary Segars from the Winning Cures Everything Podcast as we watch and analyze the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Episode 387: Softball/Lax and NFL Draft Preview

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 19:59:09 +0000

With the NFL Draft just a week away, we look at the possibilities for the graduating Wildcats in the pros. Also, the end of the season is fast approaching for Lacrosse and Softball and we need to check in as each squad prepares for postseason play.

Episode 386: WNIT Championship Game: Arizona 56-Northwestern 42

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 19:20:12 +0000

It's said that "all good things must come to an end." This adage holds true when talking about Northwestern's run through the WNIT tournament. The Cats ran into a swarming defense in the desert as Arizona exploded in the 2nd Quarter and held on from there for the win. In this episode, we look back at the game and also celebrate win #600 for Kate and Caryl Drohan as coaches of the Softball team. Women's Lacrosse continues its brutal schedule and continues to put the ball in the net.

Episode 385: WNIT Championship Preview

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 03:46:03 +0000

With a wire-to-wire win over James Madison, Northwestern Women's Hoops is off to the WNIT Championship game! We look at the Cats' run through the tournament as they look to continue their run as road warriors in the desert against Arizona. We also look at the College Hockey tournament and the Final Four of the Men's Hoops tournament.

Episode 384: Bracketology with Scott Sepich

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:03:40 +0000

In a tradition unlike any other, our resident bracketologist Scott Sepich joins us once again to break down the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Episode 383: Wildcat Fandom with Emily Harriott

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 19:30:10 +0000

This week, outgoing Wildside president Emily Harriott joins the pod to talk NU Fandom, the "Shriek" and much much more.

Episode 382: Softball and Spring Practice

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 19:25:27 +0000

With the Men's Basketball season almost behind us (thankfully) we really need to celebrate the amazing start of the NU Softball team. Spring Football practice is underway as well and we discuss some of the news coming out of the "Fitz Carlton."

Episode 381: Spring Sports Roundup

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 20:06:12 +0000

With Northwestern's spring sports getting their seasons started, we check in on the great starts to Lacrosse and Softball before we try to put this season of Men's Basketball in context with other rough seasons in the past 8 years. Finally, we check in on the first two weekends of the AAF spring football league.

Episode 380: Super Bowl Recap and Spring Football

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 19:52:23 +0000

This week, we look back at the relative dud of a Super Bowl and look ahead to the beginning of the AAF, the new spring football league. It's also time to check in with the Men's and Women's Basketball teams before we put a bow on the 2019 Football signing day.

Episode 379: Super Bowl Preview with Chris Giannini

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 18:36:18 +0000

With the Super Bowl just days away, we welcome in Chris Giannini from the Winning Cures Everything podcast to break down the matchup. We also talk about the shooting woes of the Men's Basketball team and the newest RB recruit for Football.

Episode 378: Basketball Turnaround?

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 05:20:08 +0000

This week, we discuss the Basketball team's much needed 2 game win streak as they try to turn things around as they move into February. We also talk about our deep dive into Northwestern Recruiting and Development and look at some of the more surprising position groups that we found.

Episode 377: College Football Wrap-up

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 20:11:35 +0000

As Clemson wins the crown as National Champions for 2018 we take a look back at the end of the Bowl season. We also talk some hoops and discuss our deep dive into Northwestern Recruiting and Development.

Episode 376: Northwestern 31-Utah 20

Sat, 05 Jan 2019 20:01:12 +0000

Northwestern is Holiday Bowl Champs! After an amazing 3rd Quarter comeback in the rain, the 'Cats pull off their 3rd straight bowl win and 4th consecutive winning season, two things that have never happened in Northwestern history. In this episode, we talk about the game, breaking it down in a very detailed manner before we begin to pivot to football offseason and basketball conference play.

Episode 375: Holiday Bowl Preview: Utah

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 20:42:44 +0000

It's finally Game Week for Northwestern. This episode, we dive deep into the Holiday Bowl as we examine the Utah Utes and the match-up with the Cats. We also finish up our previews of the rest of the Bowl slate.

Episode 374: Early Signing Day and Bowl Previews Part 2

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 21:10:19 +0000

Early Signing Day is here! We take a quick look at the 18 guys making up the incoming class of 2019, take stock of the Men's Basketball team during the winter break and preview the second stretch of Bowl Games.

Episode 373: Bowl Previews Part 1 and Adam Cushing

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 05:09:23 +0000

This week we discuss Adam Cushing's departure from the Northwestern coaching staff to take over the helm at Eastern Illinois. After a check in with the Men's Basketball team, we begin our Bowl Previews with a look at the first week's slate of games.

Episode 372: Ohio State 45-Northwestern 24

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 20:36:32 +0000

It was a very emotional game and Northwestern showed out mightily, but alas, was not able to come out of Indianapolis with a Big Ten Title. We recap the game and dive into the deeper meaning of the weekend before we begin to turn our attention to the Holiday Bowl against Utah.

Episode 371: Northwestern 24-Illinois 16 and B1G Title Preview

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 04:01:37 +0000

There's not a lot to say about the 'Cats retention of the LOLHat but we do give that game its due before we look ahead to the Big Ten Title game this Saturday against Ohio State.

Episode 370: Northwestern 24-Minnesota 14

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 20:34:26 +0000

It was a very workmanlike win in the frigid Twin Cities. We talk about the game and then gear up for the battle of the Hat.

Episode 369: Minnesota Preview and Basketball Primer

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 20:38:22 +0000

For our second pod this week, we preview the Minnesota game and take an early look at the Men's Basketball squad as they tip off their season at the New Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Episode 368: Northwestern 14-Iowa 10

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 20:03:55 +0000

Big Ten West Champs! We couldn't wait till mid-week to talk about Northwestern's win over Iowa that clinched a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game in Indy.

Episode 367: Notre Dame 31-Northwestern 21

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 20:37:12 +0000

In a game that was both monumental and meaningless at the same time, Northwestern showed out very well against a very good Notre Dame squad. Fortunately, with Purdue's win over Iowa, we have strengthened our hold on the top of the Big Ten West going into Iowa City this weekend.

Episode 366: Northwestern 31-Wisconsin 17

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 02:21:07 +0000

Wow. Talk about a perfect weekend for Northwestern Football. A resounding win over Wisconsin and some help from Penn St. and Michigan St. puts the Cats alone in first place in the west. This weekend brings in Notre Dame for a game that is both massive and inconsequential at the same time.

Episode 365: Northwestern 18-Rutgers 15

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 18:54:28 +0000

Ugh. I'm not sure what word better describes last weekend's win at Rutgers. We briefly discuss that game before we preview the most important game at Ryan Field since 2013 as 1st place in the Big Ten West is on the line against Wisconsin.

Episode 364: Northwestern 34-Nebraska 31

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 19:18:39 +0000

No big deal, just another emergence of the Cardiac Cats winning a game after trailing by 10 with 3 minutes to play, converting a 99 yard TD drive with under 2 minutes to go and no time outs and taking Nebraska to OT. We look back at all the craziness of the Homecoming game and look ahead to Rutgers.

Episode 363: Northwestern 29-Michigan State 19

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 18:47:15 +0000

It's real nice to get out of a rough September and start October off with a quality win on the road. Sam and John go over the Cats big win in East Lansing and preview this weekend's Homecoming tilt against the winless Cornhuskers.

Episode 362: Michigan 20-Northwestern 17 with Dan Persa

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 03:36:55 +0000

After a frustrating loss to Michigan where Northwestern continued their pattern of not scoring in the second half, we look back at the game. We also welcome in former Northwestern QB Dan Persa for his thoughts on the Cats as well as his increasing presence in sports broadcasting.

Episode 361: Bye Week

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:48:21 +0000

What should have been a bye week filled with rest and healing instead turned into a very momentous week with the sudden retirement of Jeremy Larkin. This week, we look at the ramifications on the field for the 'Cats as we preview Saturday's matchup against Michigan. To lighten the mood, we also discuss our favorite games in the past 20+ years of our Northwestern fandom.

Episode 360: Akron 39-Northwestern 34

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 18:58:22 +0000

Yup. It happened again. Northwestern lost to a MAC school when everyone thought they would walk all over them. It might have been painful, but in this week's episode, we find some sanity in the situation.

Episode 359: Duke 21-Northwestern 7

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 02:51:33 +0000

It wasn't what we had in mind for our home opener as the Wildcat offense sputtered for most of the afternoon. We discuss the Duke game, preview this weekend's night game against Akron and whip around the rest of the conference.

Episode 358: Northwestern 31-Purdue 27

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 18:46:57 +0000

That's the way to get the season started on the right foot. Northwestern made the quick trip down to West Lafayette on the opening Thursday night under the lights and ESPN cameras and came out with the W. We break down the game and look ahead to our home opener against Duke.

Episode 357: Northwestern Preview and Week 1

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 18:30:40 +0000

It's finally here! The 2018 season kicks off tomorrow and we are ready to rock and roll! Today, we preview our own Northwestern Wildcats and look ahead to Week 1 as we head to West Lafayette to take on Purdue.

2018 Summer Previews: Illinois

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:58:35 +0000

Ah yes... The Illini. Not much more to say than that, but we'll look into Lovie Smith's squad as they try to get out of the basement of the Big Ten West.

2018 Summer Previews: Minnesota

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:33:37 +0000

What will year 2 of PJ Fleck and the Flecktones look like up in the Twin Cities? Let's row our boats into the land of 10,000 lakes and have a closer look at the Gophers.

2018 Summer Previews: Iowa

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 19:44:28 +0000

Northwestern starts off their final road trip of the season with a visit to Iowa City. The Hawkeyes can always be a little tricky at home, so we need to get to the bottom of this team in this week's preview.

2018 Summer Previews: Notre Dame

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 19:17:23 +0000

It's probably the most highly anticipated non-conference home game in recent memory. Notre Dame is coming to Evanston for the first time in over 40 years and we have a preview of the Irish.

2018 Summer Previews: Wisconsin

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 18:31:08 +0000

In recent years, the game against Wisconsin has been pivotal in determining the winner of the Big Ten West. No reason to think this year will be any different.

2018 Summer Previews: Rutgers

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 19:26:41 +0000

For the first time since joining the Big Ten, we actually get a chance to see the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Let's take a look at one of the newest B1G members.

Episode 356: Summer News Roundup

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 18:15:32 +0000

As Camp Kenosha kicks off, we round up some news and notes that have gone down while we are in the middle of our team previews.

2018 Summer Previews: Nebraska

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 18:23:40 +0000

Scott Frost, the prodigal son, has returned to Lincoln. But what kind of Nebraska squad awaits him upon his arrival? Find out in this week's preview of Nebraska.

2018 Summer Previews: Michigan State

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 18:41:57 +0000

We continue our Summer preview spectacular with an examination of Michigan State.

2018 Summer Previews: Michigan

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 18:21:25 +0000

After a Bye Week, the 'Cats get back into Conference play as the Michigan Wolverines come a'calling.

2018 Summer Previews: Akron

Sat, 28 Jul 2018 16:47:49 +0000

In this episode, we preview Northwestern's Week 3 foe: the Akron Zips. There's not a lot to cover cause there's not a lot there. But we have learned over the years not to underestimate a MAC opponent.

2018 Summer Previews: Duke

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 01:53:43 +0000

It's a revenge game for Northwestern as the 'Cats take on Duke in Week 2. Today we learn more about the Blue Devils and what makes them tick.

2018 Summer Previews: Purdue

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 19:34:39 +0000

We get into the Northwestern schedule with a look at our first opponent of the season, Purdue.

2018 Summer Previews: Ohio State

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:27:47 +0000

In this episode, we preview Ohio State, one of the four Big Ten teams not on Northwestern's Schedule.

2018 Summer Previews: Penn State

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:04:12 +0000

In this episode, we dive deep into the 2018 Penn State squad as one of the four Big Ten teams not on the Northwestern schedule.

2018 Summer Previews: Indiana

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:59:04 +0000

This week, we look at the Indiana Hoosiers, one of the four Big Ten teams not on the Northwestern Schedule.

2018 Summer Previews: Maryland

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:55:43 +0000

In this week's preview, we break down the Maryland Terrapins as one of the four Big Ten teams that Northwestern misses.

Episode 355: Summer Pre-Preview and World Cup

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 19:24:59 +0000

Our 2018 Summer previews start next week! This week, we preview our previews and recap the wild group stage of the World Cup.

Episode 354: Emergency Hunter Johnson Pod

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 02:04:43 +0000

When you get news of a 5-Star QB transferring to your school, you have to run up the red pirate flag and lay down an emergency podcast to talk about it.

Episode 353: Summer Musings

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 18:41:25 +0000

It's crazy how close we are getting to the start of our summer football previews! As we count down the weeks, we need to catch up on some of the happenings around campus. Basketball news, Football news, Recruiting news and more!

Episode 352: Way Too Early Football Talk

Fri, 18 May 2018 18:17:48 +0000

With just about 100 days to go before the 2018 season kicks off, we needed to scratch the itch and talk some NU Football.

Episode 351: Draft Recap and Recruiting

Thu, 10 May 2018 19:37:05 +0000

This week we look back at the NFL Draft to see where all of our Wildcats ended up, finish off some thoughts from our last Live Draft episode and check on the recruiting class of 2019 to see where things are.

Episode 350: Live NFL Draft Pod

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 04:15:02 +0000

For our 350th episode we bring to you one of our favorite traditions: our live commentary on the first round of the NFL Draft.

Episode 349: NFL Draft Preview

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 12:51:57 +0000

It's the week before the NFL draft and the lying season is in full effect around the league. In this week's episode, we talk about the storylines around the draft, the 4-5 QBs that could go in the 1st Round and if certain teams might break their tradition of dumbness.(ahem.. Cleveland, we're looking in your general direction.)

Episode 348: NU Grab Bag

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 19:00:11 +0000

In this week's episode we look in as the curtain drops on Ryan Fieldhouse. There's also some comings and goings happening with the Basketball squad and we check in with the red hot Lacrosse squad as they enter the home stretch of their season.

Episode 347: Final and Frozen 4

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 19:12:10 +0000

This week we preview the Men's title game between Michigan and Villanova, examine the tourney as a whole, celebrate the Notre Dame Women's Championship run and preview the Frozen Four coming up later on this week.

Episode 346: Cawledge Hawkey

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 17:46:56 +0000

It was an unbelievable opening weekend for College Basketball and promises to continue through the Sweet 16 all the way to the Final 4. Not to be outdone, the NCAA Hockey Tournament starts this weekend as well! We look through the four regionals and discuss some favorites for the Frozen 4.

Episode 345: Bracketology with Scott Sepich

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 17:53:25 +0000

With the NCAA Tournament tipping off today, we bring back Scott Sepich, our resident bracketologist, to look at the tourney as a whole.

Episode 344: Winter Wrap-up

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 18:32:22 +0000

In this week's episode, we look back at both the Men's and Women's B1G Tournaments, the NFL Combine and Lacrosse.

Episode 343: Senior Day and Olympic Chatter

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 18:53:18 +0000

This week we talk about the end of both the Men's and Women's nomadic seasons at Allstate Arena and ETHS Beardsley Gym. Then it's time for some Winter Olympic talk.

Episode 342: Lacrosse Primer

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 18:47:48 +0000

This week we turn our attention to the Women's Lacrosse squad as they start their season on fire. This has all the makings of what could be a really fun season on the lakefill.

Episode 341: Signing Day

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 18:26:07 +0000

Even though there was not much drama this year, we still need to talk about the incoming football class of 2018. Also, don't look know, but there's a little bit of a pulse in the Cats' NCAA hopes.

Episode 340: Louie Vaccher

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 18:51:17 +0000

This week we welcome in Louis Vaccher from WildcatReport.com to talk about the state of Northwestern recruiting.

Episode 339: Ranting and Raving

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 17:39:15 +0000

We are fired up this week. Basketball is on a 2 game winning streak and BTN just premiered an amazing documentary on the 2016/17 Basketball season. However, there are some major issues going on at Michigan State and believe me, we have thoughts on the matter.

Episode 338: Recruiting by the Numbers

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:05:25 +0000

With the Basketball season looking more and more like a wonk season, we immerse ourselves in some recruiting probabilities.

Episode 337: National Championship

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 19:32:00 +0000

With the whole band back together, we look back again at the Northwestern win in the Music City Bowl before recapping a wild National Championship game between Alabama and Georgia. We also begin our big pivot to the hardcourt as we talk some Men's Hoops and a much needed win over Minnesota.

Episode 336: Northwestern 24-Kentucky 23

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 18:59:44 +0000

What a roller coaster of a Music City Bowl! Sam and Erik go through all the ups and downs as we look back at the Northwestern victory and briefly look ahead to the National Championship game.

Episode 335: Music City Bowl Preview

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 21:33:53 +0000

Just days away from the Music City Bowl we take a good hard look at Kentucky before we break down the College Football Playoff.

Episode 334: Bowl Previews Part 2

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 19:21:13 +0000

This week we continue our previews of the 2017 Bowl Season by chatting about the second half of the bowl games.

Episode 333: Bowl Previews Part 1

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 19:02:21 +0000

This week we start our previews of the 2017 Bowl Season! We take a snap look at the first 20 bowls.

Episode 332: Music City Bowl Bound

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 18:24:12 +0000

The matchups are set, flights and hotels booked and we're all ready to get into Bowl Season! Northwestern will be taking on Kentucky at the Music City Bowl in Nashville in a battle for Wildcat supremacy. We take a quick look at Kentucky before we get into some of the other big Bowls. We also ride the insanity of the coaching carousel, although as crazy as it's been, we should maybe call it the coaching roller coaster. Finally, we check in on hoops as NU gets further into a bit of an odd start to the season.

Episode 331: Northwestern 42-Illinois 7

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:53:06 +0000

The regular season is over and the Cats are 9-3. What a way to finish the year; a 7 game win streak, a chance for a 10 win season, and, oh yeah, the LOLHat stays in Evanston where it belongs. This week we break down the game, look ahead to Championship Week, and try to wrap our heads around the absolute craziness that is the 2017 Coaching Carousel.

Episode 330: Northwestern 39-Minnesota 0

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 18:53:09 +0000

It may have been a frigid, rainy day, but that didn't stop the Cats from rattling off their sixth straight victory. Join us as we look back at Senior Day and Northwestern's domination of the Gophers.

Episode 329: Northwestern 23-Purdue 13

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 18:32:49 +0000

The winning streak continues as Northwestern took down Purdue on a chilly night at Ryan Field. Fortunately, this one didn't go to OT. We talk about the game, look ahead to the Gophers game this weekend and recap the first 2 games of the Men's Basketball season. Finally, we remember back to each of our first memories of College Football.

Episode 328: Northwestern 31-Nebraska 24

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 19:31:37 +0000

Another week, another overtime, another Wildcat victory! This week, we recap the game and celebrate the first ever FBS team to win three consecutive overtime games. We also touch on the Men's Basketball squad as they begin their quest to go back to the NCAA tournament this week.

Episode 327: Northwestern 39-Michigan State 31

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 14:50:25 +0000

Another week, another OT, another great win for the Cats! We look back at this thrilling game and turn the calendar to November as we hit the road to Lincoln, Nebraska where Northwestern takes on the Cornhuskers.

Episode 326: Northwestern 17-Iowa 10

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:29:46 +0000

It's always nice to beat Iowa and this year is no different. With a whipping wind, the Cats fought off Iowa behind the staunch defense and an opportunistic offense.

Episode 325: Northwestern 37-Maryland 21

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 17:23:56 +0000

Well, there's nothing like a taste of a swiss cheese Maryland D to cure a stagnant offense. The Cats went to the DMV and came back with a new all-time rushing champion! Oh, and a much needed win too.

Episode 324: Penn State 31-Northwestern 7

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 17:43:48 +0000

A dismal offensive performance leaves us with a ton of questions and very few answers. We try to wrap our heads around the issue of NU's lackluster offense while also looking ahead to this weekend's first ever trip to Maryland.

Episode 323: Wisconsin 33-Northwestern 24

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 16:13:14 +0000

It was a weird game up in Madison with both positives and negatives. We look at the game from both angles as we turn our gaze forward to this weekend's Homecoming game against #4 Penn State.

Episode 322: Bye Week

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 18:18:14 +0000

With Northwestern on their off week, Sam and John talk about some of the protests going on around football, preview this weekend's Wisconsin game and check in with the rest of the college football landscape.

Episode 321: Northwestern 49-Bowling Green 7

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 16:54:37 +0000

It's nice to get back on the winning side of things. This week, we talk about the NU win over Bowling Green and then take stock of the B1G as we begin to enter conference play proper.