I enjoyed watching Missouri's 30-23 win over Northwestern, not just because it made the Big 12 Conference look good, but also because it was another opportunity for me to watch one of my favorite defensive coordinators at A&M, Mike Hankwitz.

Hankwitz was A&M's defensive coordinator from 1997-2002, leaving after RC Slocum was fired. Hired to replace Phil Bennett following the 1996 season, "Hank" took over the leadership of the Wrecking Crew. Under Hankwitz, A&M continued their tradition of outstanding defenses, the '98 and '01 squad being especially dominant.  Hankwitz was a notable change from the fiery personality of Bennett. While Bennett was more aggressive, taking the attitude that "I'll put my best up against your best, and I'm gonna come after you" while refusing to adjust, Hankwitz was more conservative, unafraid to use zone coverage if the talent or personnel dictated it. More importantly, Hankwitz was very well-liked by his players, while Bennett's abrasive, in-your-face, sometimes abusive style on the field made some of his players dislike him. (Bennett later changed the way he related to players after the tragic death of his wife.) Hankwitz also was the owner if a remarkable collection of football helmets, which traced the evolution of the helmet throughout history, and an avid baseball fan; I used to see him out at Olsen from time to time watching the Ags play.

Hankwitz went to Arizona (2003), Colorado (2004-05), and Wisconsin (2006-07) before taking the Northwestern DC position. Under Hankwitz's tutelage, Northwestern shut down Missouri's explosive offense (average 497.5 yds per game in total offense, 340.4 yds per game passing), holding Chase Daniel to only 200 yds passing, and holding Missouri to 311 yds of total offense. Do-everything receiver Jeremy Maclin was held to only 39 yds receiving on 7 catches. Northwestern's defense, despite playing at a significant talent and speed disadvantage to Missouri, gang-tackled the Tigers all night, and kept the game close. If not for Maclin's special teams score and a botched blocking assignment on 3rd and goal, Northwestern might have won this game. As it is, Hankwitz's defense kept them in the game, and made it an entertaining night. That's really all you can ask for.