The Game: NU vs Northern Illinois
AKA:"The Streak Breaker"
Dateline: Sept. 25, 1982
Ranking: 24 (of 24)The Setup: The Cats entered this game against Northern Illinois riding the all-time Division I record losing streak of 34 straight games. Allegedly (I wasn't there!), after a 61-14 home loss vs Michigan State during the streak, fans ripped down the goalposts and chanted "we're the worst".
The Game: All that matters in this one is the result. Cats left no doubt trouncing the Huskies 31-6. Dennis Green's unforgettable quote - "When I woke up that day, I knew it was a special day" - is the only chuckle Cats fans can remember from an otherwise forgettable era.Indelible Moment: Fans ripping down goalposts (this time in victory) and marching them to Lake Michigan.
You Bleed Purple If...:You were there.
Key Stat: Consider the previous season the Cats were outscored 505-82 and this win almost seems Notre Dame-esque. Uhhh, not quite.
Why it Ranks: While this blog will admittedly downplay the lovable loser thing, it is impossible to retain any strand of credibility without at least acknowledging the dark times. Subconsciously it is part of the appeal. This is the only game of the 80s that makes the list.
Lasting Legacy: Cats still own the alltime losing streak record for Division I, however they rank 4th (thankfully) behind these infamous squads:
1. Prairie View A&M (Division I-AA) 1989-1998 - 80 straight losses
2. Macalaster College (MN) (Division III) 1974 - 1980 - 50 straight losses
3. Columbia University (Division I-AA) -1983-1988 - 44 straight losses
(source: ESPN Page2)
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