In my Chicago Tribune column this week, GameDay producer Lee Fitting talked about the most enthusiastic crowds for the show.

“Whenever we go to a new place or a place where we haven’t been in a long time, you can see the genuine excitement in the faces of the kids,” Fitting said. “They are excited to see the guys. That’s when we get our warmest receptions.”

Well, count Northwestern as being extremely excited for Saturday’s visit from Chris, Lee, Kirk, and Desmond. The school actually produced a video to mark the occasion. It features everyone from Pat Fitzgerald to school president Morton Schapiro.

So yes, this is a big deal.