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Rapid Reaction: Northwestern collapses against Akron, loses 39-34

Welp.

By Avery Zimmerman and Davis Rich
NCAA Football: Akron at Northwestern Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern lost to Akron. The Wildcats surrendered 36 second-half points.

After taking a 21-3 lead into the half, the Wildcats collapsed in the third quarter and Akron rode three defensive touchdowns to 36 second-half points and a 39-34 win.

Northwestern played a terrible second half of football, one that we will pick apart starting tomorrow. For now, here’s what you need to know.

  • Akron capitalized on three Northwestern turnovers for three touchdowns. Clayton Thorson threw an interception in the red zone that Alvin Davis took 97 yards for a touchdown to bring the score to 21-19. The Zips then recovered a Thorson fumble in the end zone and took back a tipped pass for a touchdown on NU’s next drive to seal the outcome.
  • Northwestern lost to Akron. The Wildcats surrendered 36 second-half points.
  • The Zips torched Northwestern’s defense in the third quarter, averaging 11.2 yards per play. Akron quarterback Kato Nelson was 7-of-10 for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Nelson finished the day 17-of-27 for 277 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Northwestern lost to Akron. The Wildcats surrendered 36 second-half points.
  • Northwestern had the ball inside of Akron’s 40-yard-line ten times. They scored five touchdowns, but missed two field goals, turned the ball over on downs, and threw a pick-six.
  • Northwestern lost to Akron. The Wildcats surrendered 36 second-half points.
  • Akron averaged 0.92 yards per play in the first quarter. The Zips finished the game with 5.73 yards per play. Northwestern averaged 5.28 yards per play
  • Northwestern lost to Akron. The Wildcats surrendered 36 second-half points.
  • Clayton Thorson broke the all-time program record for passing touchdowns. He threw his first three touchdowns of the season.
  • Northwestern lost to Akron. The Wildcats surrendered 36 second-half points.
  • Cameron Green had an excellent game, catching 11 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He limped off the field in the fourth quarter with what looked like a knee injury.
  • Northwestern lost to Akron. The Wildcats surrendered 36 second-half points.

More to follow.

Michigan will visit Ryan Field in two weeks.

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