Carlos Polk grew up in Rockford, Illinois, a mere 90 miles away from the campus of Northwestern University. He was a star linebacker at Guilford High School where he was named as an All-American and was among the all-time leaders in tackles in Illinois high school history. Despite his credentials and proximity to the Wildcat program, Polk was never impressed enough by the school to consider attending there.

"I wasn't really a Wildcat fan. I'm still not." Polk laughed.

Polk was not recruited heavily by Northwestern, instead Polk pondered offers from Wisconsin, Arizona State and Iowa State before deciding on the University of Nebraska where Polk has achieved All-American success at the college level.

Fate, and the college football bowl hierarchy have brought Polk face to face with Northwestern when his Huskers meet the Wildcats in the Alamo Bowl on December 30th.

Northwestern claimed a share of the Big Ten Championship with an 8-3 record this season, after bouncing back from several disappointing years where they saw only three wins in each of the past two years. The turnaround at the Evanston school this season has done little to sway Polk's enthusiasm about the program.

"They've always been an okay team but I don't think they're on the same level as Nebraska and come December 30th we're going to try and prove it." Polk said.

While Northwestern has struggled through many losing season, Nebraska has rolled up a string of 32 consecutive bowl appearances. During Polk's tenure the Huskers are 43-7, claimed a National Championship and two Big 12 titles.

The Alamo Bowl will be the last game Polk plays in his college career. While that may provide enough motivation for him, Polk admits that getting a chance to play his "hometown" school adds more fire to him.

"It's an Illinois team. When I came here I didn't think I'd ever get to play an Illinois team, let alone a Big 10 team. That's motivation enough for me right there." Polk said.

There are several reason's for Northwestern's revival. Chief among them is running back Damian Anderson. The 5-11, 198 pound senior rushed for 1914 yards and 22 touchdowns. Polk knows that containing him will be critical to shutting down a powerful Northwestern offense.

"He's a good back. That's one part of their offense that can cause some trouble if you let them get started." Polk said. "The numbers he's put up speak for themselves.

As for Polk's plans for after the game; he will first make an appearance at the Senior Bowl, then likely will wait for April's NFL draft to learn where he will begin his pro career. Polk says he isn't impatient to learn about what professional team he ends up playing at.

"I really haven't started thinking about that yet. It's still a ways away." Polk says. "There are a lot of things that determine where you go and everything like that."