In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Northwestern football went four straight years without a Big Ten win. Meanwhile, in non-conference play during that time, the Wildcats weren't much better, winning just once. Between 1972 and 1991, Northwestern won four or more games in a season just once. "I mean, even Purdue wins a few games here and there," says longtime Northwestern football radio play-by-play guy Dave Eanet. "That team, back then, they didn't."
But in 1992, Northwestern hired Colorado offensive coordinator Gary Barnett. Barnett immediately began a process of reinvigoration and restructuring. Improvement came gradually, and at times indiscernibly.