With temperatures in the 30s, the Northwestern Wildcats took the field for their season opener Saturday night. There were no fans in the stands of Ryan Field and no tailgating outside, but Purple Nation was happy to have football back.

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As part of the media contingent, I arrived early, not knowing what to expect but wanting to check out all aspects of game day. The empty parking lots were a strange and sad sight. Usually they are a sea of purple, as fans tailgate all day. Some fans come just to tailgate, watching the game on their own televisions in the lot. While there was no such activity at Ryan Field, there were plenty of neighborhood outdoor watch parties.

I am usually the first media member to arrive. I enjoy being in the empty stadium, soaking in the serenity. Then I watch as the stadium comes alive with players, workers and other media members.

Everyone in the stadium wore masks and maintained a social distance. Even when interacting with the team, the press members kept a distance. Other than that, it was business and fun as usual. Everything went smoothly, especially for the Wildcats.

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The University of Maryland Terrapins struck first with a field goal, but it was all Northwestern after that, as the Wildcats rolled to a 43–3 win. In his 15th season at Northwestern, coach Pat Fitzgerald earned his 100th win.

I drove home tired and a bit chilled but was happy at the return of Northwestern football. Northwestern has seven more games in this slightly abbreviated season, three of which I will see in person and four I will watch on television. Either way is a great way to spend a fall Saturday.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

© Northwestern – NUSports.com

© Northwestern – NUSports.com

© Northwestern – NUSports.com