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Northwestern will be without starting linebacker Nate Hall today. The junior suffered a knee injury in practice, as reported by WGN Radio’s Dave Eanet.
Tough news for NU LB Nate Hall. Will miss today’s Music City Bowl with knee injury suffered in practice. Senior Warren Long makes first start. More from the coach on our @WGNRadio pregame show shortly
— Dave Eanet (@DaveEanet) December 29, 2017
Hall is Northwestern’s second leading tackler and a huge part of its top ten rushing defense. He led the Wildcats with 16.5 tackles for a loss while also contributing five sacks and two interceptions.
Warren Long will replace Hall in the starting lineup. Long, a former running back, has primarily been used as an edge rusher this season. He’ll be backed up by true freshman Blake Gallagher.