Nov. 30--Better days ahead? There's no reason to expect a major turnaround in 2015. The Wildcats went 5-7 and lost their best offensive lineman in Brandon Vitabile, a solid quarterback in Trevor Siemian and nine other quality players: Ibraheim Campbell, Chi Chi Ariguzo, Chance Carter, Collin Ellis, Treyvon Green, Jimmy Hall, Tony Jones, Paul Jorgensen and Kyle Prater.
Tough finish: Prater missed the game because of a lacerated kidney but was allowed to take part in warmups. Said coach Pat Fitzgerald: "I'm disappointed for all those seniors. Kyle has been through so much and had a great season. I really don't think his playing time is over."
Under pressure? It will be interesting to see whether athletic director Jim Phillips forces Fitzgerald's hand on staff changes. Phillips has made no public comments on the football program for months.
Going the distance: Freshman Solomon Vault provided a highlight Saturday by returning a kickoff 89 yards. It was NU's lone touchdown of the first half.
