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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Ben Pope, Gameday Editor

Ben is a Medill senior studying journalism and history. He has covered numerous Northwestern sports teams and formerly served as Managing Editor, Sports Editor and Summer Editor-in-Chief. The Raleigh, N.C., native has also contributed to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the News & Observer and Bleacher Report. Ben can be reached via Twitter or email.

All content by Ben Pope
Pat Fitzgerald raises the Holiday Bowl trophy in celebration in 2018. Fitzgerald recently reached his 100th win with the Cats.

Football: Northwestern makes Holiday Bowl statement, then Pat Fitzgerald makes his

January 1, 2019
Utah defenders knock the ball out of the hands of a UCLA receiver during a Utes win earlier this season.

Football: Four things to know about Northwestern’s Holiday Bowl opponent, Utah

December 14, 2018
Clayton Thorson surveys the field after Saturday's Big Ten Championship Game. Thorson and the Wildcats fell to Ohio State.

Football: Northwestern fades late after comeback attempt, falls to Ohio State 45-24 in Big Ten Championship

December 2, 2018

Pope: Why I love inspiring stories, despicable hall-mates and college sports

November 30, 2018
Ohio State players and fans celebrate in the 2017 Big Ten Championship Game. Playing on such a stage can allow teams to boost their national profiles.

Football: Big Ten Championship appearance a major boost for Northwestern’s brand, recruiting appeal

November 30, 2018
Junior defensive end Joe Gaziano hoists the Land of Lincoln Trophy among his teammates after Northwestern's 24-16 win over rival Illinois at Ryan Field on Saturday.

Football: Northwestern rests stars in second half, holds on to edge Illinois

November 24, 2018
Ryan Taylor goes up for a layup. Taylor had a solid outing Friday as Northwestern topped La Salle.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern bounces back in Wooden tournament, handles La Salle

November 23, 2018
Alonzo Mayo makes a tackle. The defensive back was one of a number of Northwestern players who stepped up with numerous injuries on the defensive side of the ball.

Football: Despite injuries, defense stands tall against upstart Minnesota attack

November 17, 2018
Isaiah Bowser celebrates a touchdown in Northwestern’s game against Wisconsin. Bowser has become a celebrity in his hometown of Sidney, Ohio.

Football: In western Ohio, Isaiah Bowser turned a high school around and a small town into Northwestern fans

November 15, 2018
Vic Law dunks during the first half of Monday's game against American.

Men’s Basketball: Vic Law lifts sloppy Wildcats past American in second game of season

November 12, 2018
Ben Skowronek celebrates after a touchdown catch. The touchdown proved to be the defining moment in Northwestern's win at Iowa.

Football: Skowronek’s game-winning catch will be forever remembered in Northwestern lore

November 10, 2018
Clayton Thorson celebrates a touchdown against Iowa in 2016. Thorson and the Wildcats return to Kinnick Stadium for a pivotal contest on Saturday.

Football: Beating Iowa would all but seal Northwestern’s division title, but a loss isn’t devastating

November 8, 2018
Anthony Gaines celebrates following a dunk. The sophomore guard scored 10 points off the bench against McKendree on Friday.

Men’s Basketball: Gaines’ football background, unique skill set make him Northwestern’s 2019 wild card

November 4, 2018
Football: Notre Dame, Northwestern to renew historic rivalry at Ryan Field meeting decades in the making

Football: Notre Dame, Northwestern to renew historic rivalry at Ryan Field meeting decades in the making

October 31, 2018
Clayton Thorson celebrates a touchdown. Thorson and the Wildcats secured a landmark win Saturday against Wisconsin.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 31, Wisconsin 17

October 27, 2018
Flynn Nagel eyes the yard line needed for a first down in Northwestern’s crucial fourth-down conversion last Saturday against Rutgers. The Wildcats are 8-for-18 on fourth downs so far this season.

Football: Northwestern’s offensive ideology now revolves around fourth downs, for better or worse

October 25, 2018
Greg Newsome makes a tackle. The freshman cornerback is among several NU players who could take advantage of the new redshirt rule.

Football notebook: New NCAA redshirt rule giving more NU freshmen chances to play

October 18, 2018
Flynn Nagel sprints into the end zone. The senior receiver had 220 receiving yards in Northwestern's stirring victory over Nebraska.

Football: Last-minute drive, overtime field goal give Northwestern stunning 34-31 victory over Nebraska

October 13, 2018
Alex Miller (No. 95) takes on a lineman while Sam Miller (on the ground) reaches for the feet of Maryland quarterback Max Bortenschlager during a game last October. The Miller brothers are both key members of Northwestern’s current defensive line.

Football: Sam and Alex Miller overcame family tragedy to become staples of Northwestern front

October 11, 2018
The Northwestern football team practices in the new Ryan Fieldhouse this past April. The Wildcats have started the season with a 2-3 record.

Pope: Wait a few years before judging money spent on Ryan Fieldhouse construction, Welsh-Ryan renovation

October 9, 2018
Jordan Thompson and Joe Gaziano converge on Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke. The Wildcats' upset win could reverse the course of their season.

Football: Northwestern’s win over Michigan State reverses trajectory of 2018 season

October 6, 2018
Charlie Kuhbander kicks a field goal. The sophomore kicker has battled an injury this season.

Football: Kicker Charlie Kuhbander suffering from torn muscle, but steadily improving

October 4, 2018
Brain Meng/Daily Senior Staffer

Football: Without Larkin, Northwestern’s rushing attack stifled by Michigan

September 29, 2018
Akron quarterback Kato Nelson scampers away from Northwestern defenders. The loss dropped the Wildcats' nonconference record dating back to 2016 to 3-5.

Football: Why Northwestern has struggled so much in nonconference games during recent years

September 20, 2018
A Northwestern player lies on the ground. The Wildcats were overrun in the second half by Akron en route to a 39-34 defeat on Saturday.

Football: Dysfunctional Northwestern collapses in second half of chaotic 39-34 loss to Akron

September 15, 2018
Northwestern safety Jared McGee (#41) and linebacker Nate Hall (#32) chase a Purdue player. McGee, Hall and the rest of the Wildcats' defense will face another RPO-based offense Saturday against Akron.

Football: RPOs continue to dominate discussion ahead of Akron game

September 13, 2018
Jeremy Larkin pulls away from a Duke defender. Larkin and the Wildcats' offense struggled to convert scoring opportunities Saturday.

Football: Numerous squandered opportunities plague Northwestern’s offense against Duke

September 8, 2018
Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome and Duke receiver Chris Taylor reach for the football. Duke and Northwestern played a defensive game Saturday at Ryan Field

Rapid Recap: Duke 21, Northwestern 7

September 8, 2018
Northwestern defenders sack Duke quarterback Daniel Jones during the two teams' 2016 meeting. Jones then torched the Wildcats in 2017 and will start Saturday's game in Evanston.

Football: Northwestern gets third chance to contain Daniel Jones’ Duke offense

September 6, 2018
Johnnie Vassar makes a pass while playing for Northwestern basketball in 2014-15. Vassar announced his graduate transfer to Tennessee Tech earlier this summer.

Johnnie Vassar’s lawsuit dropped in federal court, re-filed against Northwestern in state court

August 27, 2018

Pope: A stronger football culture isn’t attainable for Northwestern, and that’s OK

August 24, 2018
A Northwestern swimmer enters the pool. The program is undergoing massive changes this spring.

Swimming: Northwestern heading in new direction with combined programs, new director, improved facilities

June 7, 2018
Spencer Allen looks out from the Miller Park dugout. Three years into his tenure, Allen said he is seeking to get more consistency out of his Wildcats.

The Sideline: Career stability achieved, Spencer Allen seeks new identity for Northwestern baseball

May 29, 2018

Men’s Basketball: Star recruit Jordan Lathon’s admission to Northwestern revoked

May 25, 2018
Chris Collins calls a play. The coach sat down with The Daily on Wednesday to give a number of offseason updates.

Men’s Basketball: Chris Collins gives offseason updates, talks about new additions

May 23, 2018
Chris Collins coaches from the bench. On Monday, he added a new coach to his staff to help lead Northwestern next season.

Men’s Basketball Notebook: Northwestern hires Emanuel Dildy as new assistant coach

May 21, 2018
Selena Lasota looks for a pass recipient. The junior attacker scored 5 goals in Saturday’s quarterfinal against North Carolina, but Northwestern still lost, 19-14.

Lacrosse: Northwestern’s season ends in quarterfinal against North Carolina

May 20, 2018
Dylan Wu hits a drive. Wu’s final NCAA Regionals tournament will take place at a familiar course.

Men’s Golf: Northwestern hopes familiarity, proximity pay off at NCAA Regionals

May 13, 2018
Northwestern Ultimate’s Jeff Holm (#11) throws to Theo Bisdikian (#58) during a game earlier this season. The team is headed to Nationals for the first time ever later this month.

Northwestern’s ultimate frisbee team knows success but not the score

May 10, 2018
Danita Stroup looks to make a pass. The senior attacker scored 9 goals in two games in last year’s NCAA Tournament and will be looking for more this weekend.

Lacrosse: Northwestern heads to NCAA Tournament for first-round date with Richmond

May 10, 2018
Coach Ron Wellman (far left) and other Northwestern assistant coaches and players look out from the Miller Park dugout. Wellman led the Wildcats to five years of success in the 1980s.

Baseball: Revisiting the unprecedented success of the Ron Wellman coaching era

May 9, 2018
The 2018 Northwestern baseball team lines up at the start of a game. The team has struggled this season, but numerous alumni see big things in its future.

Baseball: Can Northwestern find success again? Wellman, alumni say ‘yes’

May 9, 2018

Pope: Catastrophe strikes Northwestern lacrosse in double-whammy weekend

May 6, 2018
Julie Krupnick makes a pass from the goal. The redshirt freshman goalkeeper has started all 17 games this season, but was benched during last week’s game at Maryland.

Lacrosse: Starting goalkeeper unclear as Northwestern heads to Big Ten Tournament

May 3, 2018
Ryan Taylor prepares to take a free throw. At Evansville in 2017-18, Taylor led the Missouri Valley Conference in free-throw percentage.

Men’s Basketball: Ryan Taylor discusses choosing Northwestern, play style, expected role

May 2, 2018

Pope: If Thorson misses time, expect Andrew Marty to be Wildcats’ quarterback

May 1, 2018
Shelby Fredericks makes a move. The senior attacker will lead the Cats as they prepare for a potential rematch with Maryland in this weekend’s Big Ten Tournament.

Lacrosse: Writers ruminate about successful regular season, postseason hopes

May 1, 2018
Ryan Lumsden takes a swing. The junior helped Northwestern finish fifth at the Big Ten Championships this year.

Men’s Golf: Wildcats disappointed by 5th-place finish at Big Ten Championships

April 29, 2018
Sheila Nesselbush takes a shot during a 2017 game against Maryland. Nesselbush scored three goals but it wasn’t enough for the Wildcats to upset the Terrapins on the road Thursday.

Lacrosse: Slow start, controversial call curse Northwestern in loss to Maryland

April 26, 2018

Pope: Win over UIC shows Northwestern baseball’s pitching woes are fixable

April 25, 2018
Shelby Fredericks looks to make a defensive play. The attacker is one of numerous Northwestern seniors who will celebrate Senior Day on Saturday.

Lacrosse: Seniors guide Northwestern into final regular season home game

April 19, 2018
Cam Green catches a pass during the Oct. 14 game at Maryland. Green hauled in 20 catches during the 2017 season but is in line to take over a bigger role in 2018.

Football: Vacant superback spot gives opportunity to converted receiver Cam Green

April 17, 2018
Former Northwestern coach Jarod Schroeder stands on the pool deck. Schroeder resigned from the position Friday.

Men’s Swimming: Coach Jarod Schroeder resigns, leaving both swimming jobs vacant

April 13, 2018
Jason Seidman hits a shot. The junior has a 6-6 record this season for the Cats.

Men’s Tennis: Coach Arvid Swan’s return energizes team prior to road trip

April 12, 2018
Holly Korn holds off two defenders. The 6-foot-2 attacker’s size and quick hands have helped her tally 15 goals so far this year.

Women’s Lacrosse: Holly Korn follows road less traveled to starring role

April 12, 2018
Abby Steketee yells instructions to a swimmer. The Northwestern coach resigned abruptly Wednesday morning.

Women’s Swimming: Coach Abby Steketee resigns; Jesse Moore to take over as interim coach

April 11, 2018
Aubrey Roberts leads a pack of runners. The sophomore finished second in the 1500-meter and 800-meter races.

Cross Country: Northwestern dominates 1500M, 800M events at Benedictine Invitational

April 10, 2018
Ally Palermo evades two Notre Dame defenders. The freshman midfielder tallied a brilliant assist after a long run through the midfield, helping to spark Northwestern’s 20-10 win.

Lacrosse: Northwestern extends win streak by dominating Ohio State, Notre Dame

April 8, 2018
Rapolas Ivanauskas looks on prior to a 2017 NCAA Tournament game. The forward announced Tuesday his intent to transfer from Northwestern.

Men’s Basketball: Injury-plagued forward Rapolas Ivanauskas to transfer

April 3, 2018
Evanston Fire Department and University Police monitor the scene of a March 14 car crash at the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Colfax Street. Northwestern golfer Luke Miller was arrested in connection with driving under the influence following the crash, according to police reports.

NU student arrested in connection with DUI, no longer part of men’s golf program

April 2, 2018
Vic Law drives on a defender.

Pope: Moving forward, Northwestern men’s basketball is Vic Law’s team

March 3, 2018
Barret Benson looks to move the ball. Despite his 9 points and nine rebounds, NU’s season ended with a Big Ten Tournament loss.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern’s season ends after faltering late against Penn State

March 1, 2018
Bryant McIntosh handles the ball. The senior guard will try to keep his collegiate career alive this weekend at the Big Ten Tournament despite a nagging shoulder injury.

Men’s Basketball: McIntosh in, Law out as Wildcats eye Big Ten Tournament run

February 27, 2018
Anthony Gaines prepares to shoot a free throw. The freshman guard has become a major contributor for the Wildcats late in the season.

Men’s Basketball: Gaines’ plentiful playing time a positive aspect of losing streak

February 25, 2018
Scottie Lindsey goes up for a layup. The senior guard had a big scoring night in his final home game.

Rapid Recap: Wisconsin 70, Northwestern 64

February 22, 2018

Evanston to host community forum on gun violence Thursday

February 20, 2018
Gavin Skelly finishes a layup. The senior led the Wildcats with 15 points, but they fell after Maryland’s late run.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern squanders another big lead in loss to Maryland

February 19, 2018
Michigan State's Jaron Jackson goes up for a shot. The Spartans' star-studded cast of players helped it rally back against Northwestern on Saturday.

Men’s Basketball: Ultimately, better Michigan State team proved its superiority

February 17, 2018
Jordan Ash dives for a loose ball. Ash and the Wildcats will face off against No. 2 Michigan State on Saturday.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern seeks to slay Michigan State giant

February 15, 2018
The squad looks for answers. Northwestern struggled to find any offensively in the loss to Rutgers.

Men’s Basketball: Minus McIntosh, Northwestern collapses against Rutgers

February 14, 2018
Bryant McIntosh brings the ball up. The senior guard leads a Wildcats squad searching for more crucial victories against Maryland.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern seeks first-ever win at Maryland

February 8, 2018
Pat Fitzgerald wanders the sidelines. Fitzgerald and Northwestern signed 18 scholarship players in the class of 2018.

Football: Northwestern adds two players, finalizes 2018 recruiting class

February 7, 2018
Chris Collins paces the sidelines. Collins and the Wildcats finally picked up the win over a ranked team that they’ve been searching for all season.

Men’s Basketball: Cats’ dedication to zone defense sparks another victory

February 7, 2018
Scottie Lindsey goes up for a shot against Michigan's Jordan Poole. Lindsey found his scoring touch in the first half of the Wildcats' home game Tuesday.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 61, Michigan 52

February 6, 2018
Lindsey Pulliam takes a free throw. The freshman was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year after dropping 33 points against Indiana on Sunday.

Women’s Basketball: Lindsey Pulliam wins Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors

February 5, 2018
Dererk Pardon throws down a dunk. The junior center had 17 points on 8-of-8 shooting against the Badgers.

Men’s Basketball: Pardon’s perfect shooting, dogged defense guide Wildcats to victory

February 2, 2018
Gavin Skelly attempts a 3-pointer. The senior forward tallied 8 points as Northwestern held off Wisconsin, 60-52, on Thursday.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 60, Wisconsin 52

February 1, 2018
Bryant McIntosh drives to the hoop. The senior said the team will play with a greater stretch of urgency for the final stretch of the season.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern hoping to replicate last year’s monumental win in Madison

January 31, 2018
Aaron Falzon struggles in the corner. The sophomore forward and the Wildcats had turnover problems in Monday’s loss.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern’s turnovers throw away upset opportunity

January 29, 2018
The squad gathers during a stoppage in play. The Wildcats look to pick up a big conference victory Monday at Michigan.

Men’s Basketball: Surging Northwestern heads to Michigan for pivotal test

January 28, 2018
Scottie Lindsey gets a shot off. The senior guard was another key part of Northwestern’s comeback effort Tuesday as he scored 15 points.

Men’s Basketball: Law’s double-double powers Northwestern past Minnesota

January 24, 2018
Bryant McIntosh brings the ball up the court. The senior guard and the Wildcats reversed their earlier performance against Penn State on Saturday.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern avenges ‘embarrassing’ effort against Penn State

January 20, 2018
Anthony Gaines looks to make a pass. The freshman guard had another effective day off the bench for NU.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 70, Penn State 61

January 20, 2018
Scottie Lindsey drives to the hoop. The senior guard scored 13 points in the loss to Ohio State.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern’s rally falls short in loss to Ohio State

January 18, 2018
Tino Malnati waits for a pass. The Wildcats offense was so lifeless that they turned to the redshirt freshman, who has scored no points all year, at the end of the game.

Pope: Face it, Northwestern won’t be dancing this March

January 15, 2018
Vic Law and teammates hang their heads during Northwestern's game at Indiana on Sunday. The Wildcats suffered a humiliating road loss to drop to 2-4 in the conference.

Rapid Recap: Indiana 66, Northwestern 46

January 14, 2018
Bryant McIntosh drives to the hoop. The senior guard set a school record with 16 assists in Wednesday’s dismantling of the Gophers.

Men’s Basketball: McIntosh breaks assist record in “brilliant” performance

January 11, 2018
Bryant McIntosh drives to the hoop. The senior guard and the Wildcats are looking to end their two game losing streak Wednesday against Minnesota.

Men’s Basketball: Wildcats searching for unity prior to Minnesota game

January 9, 2018
Bryant McIntosh dribbles the ball. The senior guard's return from injury Friday wasn't enough to get Northwestern past Penn State.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern’s disastrous week continues with sloppy loss at Penn State

January 6, 2018
Paddy Fisher, right, makes a tackle in the Music City Bowl. The redshirt freshman linebacker is one of several NU standouts returning next season.

Football: Larkin, Gaziano among many who make Northwestern’s future brighter than ever

December 30, 2017
Kentucky running back Benny Snell lunges forward during a game against Georgia in the 2016 season. Snell will be the top threat on Kentucky’s offense in Friday’s bowl game against Northwestern.

Football: Scouting Northwestern’s Music City Bowl opponent, Kentucky

December 28, 2017
Chris Collins looks on in frustration. The coach had a lot to be concerned about Friday as his team was routed by Oklahoma.

Men’s Basketball: Shorthanded Northwestern throttled by Oklahoma

December 22, 2017
Pat Fitzgerald talks about his recruiting class during last year's signing day. Fitzgerald and Northwestern signed 18 new recruits on Wednesday.

Football: O’Rourke headlines Northwestern’s 18 early signing day recruits

December 21, 2017
Bryant McIntosh looks for an open teammate. The senior guard bounced back with 24 points against Lewis on Tuesday.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern cruises to 85-48 victory over Lewis

December 19, 2017
Dererk Pardon rises for a jump shot in Northwestern's loss to Purdue. The junior center surprised the Boilermakers with a flurry of midrange field goals Sunday.

Men’s Basketball: Pardon elevates offensive game in battle with Purdue, Isaac Haas

December 3, 2017
Scottie Lindsey sizes up the defense. The senior guard came off the bench for the first time this season Friday and led Northwestern with 22 points.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 72, Illinois 68 (OT)

December 1, 2017
Tyler Lancaster celebrates with the Land of Lincoln trophy after Northwestern’s 42-7 victory over Illinois. The Wildcats will learn their bowl destination on Sunday.

Football: Northwestern’s bowl destination remains up in the air

November 28, 2017
Justin Jackson jukes. The senior running back picked up 144 rushing yards against Illinois on Saturday.

Football: No. 22 Northwestern dominates Illinois 42-7 to retain Land of Lincoln Trophy

November 25, 2017
Scottie Lindsey drives along the baseline. The senior guard netted 19 points Friday night.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern routs Sacred Heart in bounce-back win

November 24, 2017
Brad North leads the Wildcats onto the field. The senior center and NU are looking to extend their winning streak at Illinois this weekend.

Football: Streaking Wildcats prepare for rivalry week against rebuilding Illinois

November 20, 2017
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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Ben Pope