... an 8-4 Iowa team jumped a 9-3 NU squad for the Outback Bowl. People often cited NU's poor home attendance and lack of national appeal for the snub.

Then Northwestern packed the Alamodome and gave Missouri the fight of their lives in an OT defeat.

In 2009, an 8-4 NU team managed to jump the 9-3 Wisconsin Badgers.

I have to admit I never thought I'd see this day happen.

The Badgers have been a consistent powerhouse for over a decade. They boasted the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in running back John Clay, and the name "Wisconsin" just seemed to mean more nationally than "Northwestern."

Not anymore.

I give all the credit in the world to NU Athletic Director Dr. Jim Phillips. Bowls are VERY political...

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