what are the advantages of one or the other in terms of:
(1) academics (i.e. best place to learn tax) and (2) subsequent employablity. Does anybody have any input on this comparison?

In respect of 1), I think you might be better off in UF, as they have very well-known professors, like McDaniel, Brauner and Lokken (co-author of the best book around about US international tax). Regarding 2), I have no clue, but I suppose at NWU you could have an edge vis-à-vis the Chicago Law Firms, whereas in UF you could look for a job in the Southeast.