WorldwideTJRob

November 20th, 2010 at 2:34 AM ^

I agree, College Gameday wouldn't have come within 100 miles of NU/UI if this game was played in Evanston. I am intrigued because this will be the first time in my life I get to see football played at one of the most historic venues in sports history. I'm not going to lie I'll be watching at 330 and the game at yankee stadium later on

Blue-Chip

November 19th, 2010 at 11:46 AM ^

There is a way to fit a full field into Wrigley.  It's been done.  On many occasions.  Yet they decided to try to jam the field in on this orientation instead.  Awesome.  At least it's becoming must see TV with these bizarre decisions on layout and rules.

Phoenix

November 19th, 2010 at 11:48 AM ^

I still think it's a cool idea to play at Wrigley field. Yes, it's lame that they have to change sides of the field with each change of possession, but whatever. It's better that than to have a player injured by RUNNING INTO A WALL. (Remember that Houston player who broke his leg on the cart positioned too close to the field? Wall > cart.) It's much, much better that they are being safe, and if I were a player I'd be perfectly fine only playing offense one way if I had a chance to play in a unique environment like Wrigley field.

And yes, for people who are asking how it will work, they are going to have teams change sides of the field for each change of possession:

All offensive plays will head toward the west end zone, including all extra points and all overtime possessions.

So wow, everyone relax and just enjoy the game for what it is - a fun game in a unique setting, where people are trying to keep the kids safe.

Muttley

November 19th, 2010 at 12:04 PM ^

Although, there might be a marketing genius behind this. How else are you going to get the the nation to watch Illinois/Northwestern. ZZzzzz. If it's on, I'm gonna tune in for a few series for the laughs.

st barth

November 19th, 2010 at 12:17 PM ^

...just tear down the damn wall.  Players don't get hurt and the promoters can sell off the rubble as souvenirs.

Clarence Beeks

November 19th, 2010 at 12:32 PM ^

I hadn't seen this one commented on, but it raises an interesting problem:

• All offensive plays will head toward the west end zone, including all extra points and all overtime possessions.

So, yeah. On a defensive touchdown, they will have to go all the way to the other end of the field just to kick the extra point.

KornMaize

November 19th, 2010 at 1:45 PM ^

Every year I run into the same issues as the folks that set up Wrigley Field.  In my backyard I'm a little short in yardage as well, so I just go straight from the 20-yard line to the 50.  No big deal, and really , few people even notice because they're mesmerized by the lights.  Having attended many, many games over the years, without question there are plenty of people attending the game tomorrow that wouldn't even notice if the 30 and the 40 yard lines were missing. 

For the math wizards, its 1/2-scale.  **Note: with 40-yards "removed" from the middle of the field, of course.

And yes, this was before the block M was painted on.  My neighbors here in OH love me.

jmblue

November 19th, 2010 at 1:48 PM ^

I'm now a lot more interested in watching this game than I was before.  Seriously.  (It would kind of suck to have tickets in the "no-offense" endzone, though.)

Brown and Blue

November 19th, 2010 at 2:43 PM ^

To be honest, I thought the subject line of this post meant that in overtime ("OT"), they would use only one endzone -- that is, they wouldn't switch sides. 

Just read the ESPN article though for the correct reading.  This is really, really strange.  But it has to be the right choice given the safety concerns.  Although, I wonder how much it would have cost for the single game to change the physical infrastructure enough to give some space behind the end zone?

And, as others have pointed out, it's not like the endzone they are using is actually so safe...

jmblue

November 19th, 2010 at 4:04 PM ^

By the way, what I really love about this game is that it has totally obscured Notre Dame's game at Yankee Stadium tomorrow.  That game has been completely forgotten by most people.

Skunkeye

November 19th, 2010 at 4:15 PM ^

The decision to play only one direction really pisses me off.  I was planning to watch this game just because I thought the wall of death would add an interesting strategic element.  Now it is just another boring game that I will ignore.  Shame on whoever planned this and then chickened out.  It's not like this wasn't understood from the beginning.  The stadium did not shrink.  Pussies.