Not expert but I don't think that NU was in nearly as good a financial shape in the '70's as it is now. Same thing on the academic excellence front. Certainly a highly respected school and a Midwest Ivy, but the reputation of its grad schools in particular grew in later years. So I suspect Strotz had some logic to his penny pinching.
NU also played big programs in Evanston and in the late '60's and early '70's plenty of top tier programs came to Evanston. The crowds on average were far larger than recent years. Even though Agase had the two big years we also suffered plenty of 50-14 type games over my four years there. Big Ten teams did not play the Eastern Illinois' of the football world. NU was looked at as the perfect opponent to get a little competition but not too much.
NU also played big programs in Evanston and in the late '60's and early '70's plenty of top tier programs came to Evanston. The crowds on average were far larger than recent years. Even though Agase had the two big years we also suffered plenty of 50-14 type games over my four years there. Big Ten teams did not play the Eastern Illinois' of the football world. NU was looked at as the perfect opponent to get a little competition but not too much.
