Nov. 25--Offensive lineman Brandon Vitabile reacted to a question about whether he had glanced at any bowl projections by adopting a poker face. Apparently that's a no-no for Northwestern players.
Finally Vitabile cracked and asked: "They do those?"
Yes, only every sports website ever invented.
Without speculating about a possible destination, safety Ibraheim Campbell put it this way: "We're really grateful for the opportunity to extend our season."
Yes, Saturday's game against Illinois is for a trophy and in-state pride. But mainly it's for the right to play on.
"It comes down to a one-game season for us," NU coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "We've been through a lot this calendar year. It's the most injuries I think I've ever been a part of as a coach."
With the news of Trevor Siemian needing ACL surgery, injuries have sent four NU players into early retirement: defensive backs Dwight White (lacerated his lone kidney) and Dan Jones (knee) and linebacker Collin Ellis, due to concussions.
Three more defensive backs -- Nick VanHoose, Traveon Henry and Marcus McShepard -- missed all or some of Saturday's Purdue game and are considered day to day.
Losing all those teammates, Vitabile said, reminds the healthy Wildcats "how lucky we are. Everybody knows when you step on the field what can happen, and like Collin says: 'Don't feel bad for yourself because I'd love to be out there with you.'
"Maybe it's not great to wake up at 5:30 every day, but when you realize you get to go out there and play a game you've loved since you were a little kid with some of your best friends and for coaches who really care about you, it makes you grateful. This is a great opportunity."
Where would a 6-6 Northwestern land?
If both Ohio State and Michigan State qualify for selection committee bowls (Sugar, Rose, Cotton, Orange, Fiesta, Peach), and 5-6 Michigan does not stun the Buckeyes on Saturday, the Big Ten would have eight teams for its eight affiliated bowls. The Wildcats would almost surely play in Dallas or Detroit on Dec. 26 with an outside chance for Yankee Stadium on Dec. 27.
If the Buckeyes or Spartans falter, Northwestern could become a free agent and play anywhere from Hawaii to Fort Worth (Armed Forces Bowl) to Tempe (Cactus Bowl).
Unlike some fans, media members and Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany, Fitzgerald is a strong proponent of 6-6 teams qualifying for bowl games, calling it "an amazing reward for all those who touch your program."
tgreenstein@tribpub.com
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein
