NU Takes 8/18: Hunter Johnson announcement and Cam Porter injury reaction

In this emergency edition of NU Takes, hosts Michael Barthelemy and Didi Jin react to the news of senior QB Hunter Johnson being named as Northwestern’s starter opening night and the heartbreaking news of starting running back Cam Porter’s season ending injury.

In his Tuesday press conference, head coach Pat Fitzgerald confirmed that Johnson would take over under center. The former five-star recruit struggled in his time as starter in 2019, but has a chance to redeem himself under a new offensive scheme. With Johnson at the helm, how will the offense change? What can we expect from offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian? Is this the right choice?

Fitzgerald also confirmed Tuesday that Porter, along with offensive lineman Zachary Franks, would miss all of 2021 with lower body injuries. Now that Porter is sidelined for the season, who is going to step up in the backfield? Will this be a committee or will someone emerge as top dog?

All this, on NU Takes.