SIAP, but one of the several factors that I saw watching the game live was that the field seemed pretty sloppy. I know Ryan Field has a real grass field, and I don't know that they have particularly good drainage systems in place. It was a wet/soggy both Friday evening as well as parts of Saturday in the area.
Bottom line is, on at least 4-5 plays Saturday, I saw our guys slip/slide/trip on the field. At the time I didn't think much of it and thought it was just the "turf monster", but now looking at how Ryan Field is in fact real grass---it could have been an actual factor. Yes, those same conditions effect the Northwestern guys too. However, I would think it'd more negatively impact more athletic & explosive guys when they go to make hard cuts in routes, running with the ball, etc. And it's also possible the NU guys are more used to those conditions, or their equipment guys ensure that they've got longer spikes on their cleats, etc.
Anyway, food for thought. Not THE reason of course, but add it to the pile.
Bottom line is, on at least 4-5 plays Saturday, I saw our guys slip/slide/trip on the field. At the time I didn't think much of it and thought it was just the "turf monster", but now looking at how Ryan Field is in fact real grass---it could have been an actual factor. Yes, those same conditions effect the Northwestern guys too. However, I would think it'd more negatively impact more athletic & explosive guys when they go to make hard cuts in routes, running with the ball, etc. And it's also possible the NU guys are more used to those conditions, or their equipment guys ensure that they've got longer spikes on their cleats, etc.
Anyway, food for thought. Not THE reason of course, but add it to the pile.
