ROSE BOWL NOTEBOOK : Autry Helps Put Barnett Situation in Perspective

One of the more mature stances on Coach Gary Barnett’s future at Northwestern was taken by star running back Darnell Autry, who, with two more years of eligibility, has much to lose if Barnett departs for another job.

“I just hope he stays, but I really want Coach Barnett to do what is best for him,” Autry said. “If that means leaving is best, then I want him to do that.”

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Monday’s attendance of 100,102 was a sellout. After some recent reconfiguration of the Rose Bowl for things such as World Cup soccer, the once potential crowds of 103,000 don’t fit anymore. A crowd slightly in excess of 100,000 will be the norm from now on.

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Daylon McCutcheon’s 53-yard run with a fumble by Northwestern’s Brian Musso drew some long second looks in the press box, because it appeared that Musso was very close to having his knee down when the ball popped loose. Barnett, without making an issue of it, referred to the play as “Musso’s quote fumble unquote.”