dcmaizeandblue

November 19th, 2010 at 11:38 AM ^

It really is amazing no one saw this coming but it seems like a good solution.  I think they are avoiding red zone possessions where you get passes in the corners and back of the endzone where that wall would be a problem.  Any significant turnover return would probably be fine since the back of the endzone wouldn't come into play.  

It will be very weird to see each offense going the same direction all game.

maizenblue92

November 19th, 2010 at 11:37 AM ^

I'm beginning to think they didn't plan this out very well. Their approximate thought process, "Let's make sure the field fits in as tight as possible. We don't want any of that space going to waste."

Followed by, "What's that about player safety? Don't worry, they were pads don't they?"

/s

Section 1

November 19th, 2010 at 11:50 AM ^

Da Bears actually played several seasons at Wrigley!  It was back in the 1960's.  I remember that some pretty good Bears teams, featuring Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers, played games at Wrigley.  Did they change some part of the configuration there?  Or did the NFL just not care so much back then?

60blue

November 19th, 2010 at 11:44 AM ^

It might even be worse:

As a result of a coin toss held by the conference office Friday morning, Illinois will occupy the west team bench in the first half and Northwestern will occupy the west team bench in the second half and for all overtime periods.

The teams have to switch which side of the field they stand on?  What a joke.  

matty blue

November 19th, 2010 at 11:46 AM ^

they're also sharing sideline space.  they talk about the "west team bench" (which they will switch at halftime) and east / west endzones,  i think that means they'll be on the same side.

didn't the lions and their opponents share sidelines when they played at tiger stadium?  or was it when the bears played in milwaukee in the 70s?

Section 1

November 19th, 2010 at 11:39 AM ^

Big Ten commissioner James E. Delany said in the statement. "Both Illinois and Northwestern did significant due diligence over the past 18 months, but after seeing the actual layout of the field, all parties felt that it was appropriate to adjust the rules to further enhance the safety of our student-athletes. Wrigley Field is one of the most historic venues in the country, and playing the Illinois-Northwestern game at this facility will provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans."

I'll say.  It's a once-in-a-lifetime clusterfuck.  Like, say, the Chicago Cubs.  Another in the century-long comedy of errors that is Northwestern football and Wrigley Field.  Personally, I think that they should put a couple of kegs on the field, get the players to go shirts-and-skins, and play 7-on-7 flag football.  Northwestern football fans are unlikely to know the difference.  Illinois fans are unlikely to care.  Cubs fans will be happy to see some guys finally making some decent throws.

M Fanfare

November 19th, 2010 at 11:38 AM ^

What I think is interesting is that neither team will be at an advantage or disadvantage due to the wind, particularly in the kicking game. Plus, with both teams on the same sideline this is going to look like a weird pick-up game but with better equipment.

matty blue

November 19th, 2010 at 11:59 AM ^

...from darth delaney's statement:

"Both Illinois and Northwestern did significant due diligence over the past 18 months,"

really, jim?  do you really believe that?  really?

this had better show up in "this week in schadenfreude," that's all i have to say.