unbeaten and top ranked michigan state when he dislocated his shoulder getting off the train in east lansing and was declared physically unable to play. it was a devastating blow and the irish had to go with a significantly scaled down offensive game plan since nick was the core. getting a tie in that battle of heavyweights was a huge tribute to ara and that team. they were appropriately rewarded with the natty.
nick was a great player and a great man. r.i.p.