September 2, 1995

Imagine if the Duke football team went to Gainesville this weekend and beat the Florida Gators in the swamp. One of the most maligned programs of the last four decades knocking off one of the most successful programs of the last ten years – still at the height of its strength. That is basically what happened fifteen years ago today.

The national media listed kicker Sam Valenzisi as the team’s best player. The team was stocked with no-names like Pat Fitzgerald and Darnell Autry. The coach was a pipe-dreamer named Gary Barnett who recruited kids by bragging about taking the Purple to Pasadena. His last words to the team before stepping out into Notre Dame Stadium… “When we win, don’t carry me off the field.” The rest is history.

The impact of September 2, 1995 has been lost upon many. Even in 1995, NU went on to a 10-1 record; Notre Dame finished 10-2; they played to a 17-15 battle; hardly an upset in retrospect. Furthermore, the history of the last 15 years has re-written this script, with NU’s relative success and ND’s relative mediocrity.

Regardless of how September 2, 1995 is viewed historically, one fact is without denial. The victory at Notre Dame kicked off the Expect Victory Era; a golden age of Northwestern Football. And for that, alone, Wildcat fans should always remember this day and pay homage to those who made it possible.

Relive the memories, or watch for the first time.

And yes, feel free to laugh when Ron Poulos trips over himself on the two-point attempt.

Go Cats