The Pinnacle of Northwestern Sports: Iconic Plays in History

Team 1 has made a remarkable comeback, equalizing the series at 3-3 with a six-vote triumph in last week’s Mount Rushmore of NUWB victories. This was the first Rushmore event where each team secured a win in different polls: Team 1 took home the victory on X while Team 2 was favored on InsideNU.com. Team 2 has since challenged the outcome, claiming that genuine Northwestern supporters only reside in the comments section of INU.

Only one more Rushmore remains. While we have a proposed final category listed below, we encourage additional suggestions in the comments. It’s been enjoyable witnessing commenters create their own teams—staff members here at Inside deeply appreciate the insights from more experienced fans.

A quick reminder: two teams, each comprising four writers, are tasked with selecting the top four picks for each category. You can cast your vote for the superior team on @InsideNU on X and in a poll at the article’s end until the next Mount Rushmore feature is launched next Wednesday.

Team 1: Harris Horowitz, Brendan Preisman, Matt Campbell, and Calvin Kaplan

Team 2: Miguel Muñoz, Yanyan Li, Sai Trivedi, and Charlie Jacobs

This week’s category is: Noteworthy individual plays in NU sports history

1.01: Team 1 chooses the buzzer-beater against Michigan in 2017

This moment isn’t just any play; it reflects a pivotal point in Northwestern’s tournament journey in 2017. After a Hail Mary from Nathan Taphorn, Dererk Pardon clinched the game with a layup, marking a significant victory amid a successful season and culminating in their first NCAA Tournament appearance.

The significance of the buzzer-beater cannot be overstated—previously, Wildcat men’s basketball struggled without a NCAA Tournament showing throughout their history. The 2016-2017 season marked a transformation, and every cheering fan in Welsh-Ryan Arena understood they were witnessing history.

1.02: Team 2 chooses the forced fumble against No. 14 Notre Dame in 2014

Entering the game with a precarious 3-6 record facing a formidable No. 18 Notre Dame, Northwestern needed a win to stay bowl-eligible. As time dwindled and trailing by just three points, a crucial forced fumble turned the tide, leading to a game-tying field goal and eventually a thrilling victory.

For further elaboration on this iconic moment, Inside NU produced an insightful retrospective featuring player interviews that captured the intense emotions surrounding the fumble recovery.

2.01: Team 2 selects Chase Audige’s go-ahead three-pointer in the 2023 win against No. 1 Purdue

With under five minutes remaining against the top-ranked Boilermakers, Northwestern was down by eight. However, Chase Audige, having only five points up to that moment, ignited a comeback, hitting a crucial three to put Northwestern ahead and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Audige’s game-changing shot underscored what became a signature victory for the program, bolstering Northwestern’s profile after securing only its second NCAA Tournament appearance.

2.02: Team 1 goes for the forced fumble against Michigan in 2000

My favorite aspect of this series has been unpacking these incredible moments from Northwestern’s sports history. The Michigan game featured a score of 54-51, showcasing the significance of the spread offense. The dramatic final minutes included an exhilarating comeback and a pivotal forced fumble that secured victory for Northwestern.

3.01: Team 1 highlights Sammy White’s game-clinching turnover in the 2023 NCAA lacrosse tournament

In the 2023 NCAA tournament, Northwestern secured a comeback victory against Michigan. After a tense finish, it was Sammy White’s perfectly timed stick check that sealed the win, demonstrating clutch defensive play.

3.02: Team 2 recognizes Dianna Lee’s championship-winning putt in 2025

Dianna Lee’s clutch putt on the 18th hole clinched Northwestern’s first women’s golf national title, a pivotal moment for the program as she overcame adversity to secure victory on the final hole.

4.01: Team 2 honors Lauren Wadas’ game-winner against No. 3 Iowa in the 2021 NCAA field hockey tournament

Wadas scored a remarkable goal amid a tight contest, propelling Northwestern into the Final Four. This play marked a pivotal moment in the field hockey program, establishing it as an elite force in the sport.

4.02: Team 1 highlights the fourth-quarter trick-play touchdown in the 1949 Rose Bowl

The Wildcat offense executed a clever trick play during the 1949 Rose Bowl, resulting in a momentous touchdown that secured their historic win over California.

Make sure to cast your vote on X at @InsideNU and share any plays we may have overlooked in the comments. We would also love to hear your suggestions for future categories! A final Mount Rushmore will soon be decided—potentially centered around a football theme before the Tulane matchup.