Inside NU: All Posts by Liam WarinRoll Damn 'Catshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52532/insidenu_fav.png2021-08-11T16:06:11-05:00https://www.insidenu.com/authors/1601514241/rss2021-08-11T16:06:11-05:002021-08-11T16:06:11-05:00How Brandon Joseph compares to other Big Ten DPOY candidates
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<img alt="Wisconsin v Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p8ziUm13Z8bw8cX80hm5l8RoUYk=/0x0:2694x1796/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69712403/1287102096.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Joseph will have a leg up in turnover opportunities, whereas his fellow contenders will likely accrue more tackles.</p> <p id="DQ6kLe">In an award seemingly reserved for edge defenders, Northwestern’s own Brandon Joseph poses a unique threat as a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Bursting onto the scene in 2020 as a redshirt freshman that ended up with All-American honors, the Wildcats’ safety put himself in a perfect position for a 2021 DPOY run.</p>
<p id="QuR1xk">To win the award, however, Joseph will have to beat out numerous impressive opponents all across the Midwest and the East Coast (yes you, Rutgers). Let’s look at five of the top players up for the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award and how Brandon Joseph stacks up to the competition:</p>
<h1 id="vb2Y2s"><strong>Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana</strong></h1>
<p id="ckxw7e">Micah McFadden can largely be credited with helping the Indiana defense become one of the strongest in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers’ leading tackler led the conference with six sacks in 2020 and enters his junior season atop countless DPOY lists.</p>
<p id="1fcMD0">Though they play different positions, McFadden stands more likely to gain from having an excellent surrounding defense. Because linebackers traditionally lead their teams in key stats like tackles, Joseph will need every interception he can get to beat out guys like McFadden who will likely top the stat sheet of an impressive Hoosiers defense.</p>
<h1 id="n7shl7"><strong>Olakunie Fatukasi, DT, Rutgers</strong></h1>
<p id="ty3npo">The senior defensive tackle Olakunie Fatukasi represents Rutgers among the Big Ten’s best defenders. Holding down the Scarlet Knights defensive line while averaging over ten tackles a game in 2020, Fatukasi hopes to bulldoze his way to a Big Ten DPOY award.</p>
<p id="PTObHs">As a massive defensive tackle, Fatukasi might pop off the screen a bit more than Joseph does upon first watch. However, Joseph’s key interceptions give him limitless opportunities and chances to usurp Fatukasi in DPOY voting and to cement himself as the best defensive player in the conference.</p>
<h1 id="YAaOpX"><strong>Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan</strong></h1>
<p id="m9CF6h">Though he only played three games in his COVID-riddled 2020 season, Aidan Hutchinson prepares to enter a Junior season filled with promise. Making Pro Football Focus’ top 50 college football players list as Michigan’s only contribution, Hutchinson will need to fill a large void in a lacking Wolverine defense to be considered the best defender in the Big Ten.</p>
<p id="uucTrq">Like Fatukasi, Hutchinson benefits from being a big man who often occupies the screen with his O-line-evading moves. That being said, Joseph’s cunning mind that lead him to countless turnover opportunities in 2020 should help him jump past Hutchinson in the DPOY rankings.</p>
<h1 id="MT3HAz"><strong>Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State</strong></h1>
<p id="yQPLhk">Junior defensive end Zach Harrison is Ohio State’s best chance to bring the Big Ten DPOY back to Columbus following Chase Young’s win in 2019. Though he ended up with just two sacks in 2020, Harrison ranked within the top ten for Pro Football Focus edge rushing grade in his sophomore season.</p>
<p id="ynecmN">This one is tough. Alongside a stacked Ohio State, Harrison looks to add a very high sack total next to an even higher regular season win total. Joseph will have to do everything he can to pass a defensive end who will constantly be afforded the luxury of a top notch defensive front to help his pass rushing efforts.</p>
<h1 id="Zi3WFi"><strong>George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue</strong></h1>
<p id="P0CM68">Another junior defensive end, George Karlaftis enters the 2021 season ready to turn some heads. Hoping to rebound from a 2020 campaign in which he only played three games, Karlaftis looks to solidify NFL hopes and make a name for himself in more than just West Lafayette.</p>
<p id="ShBanX">Just like Northwestern handled Purdue in 2020, Joseph should handle Karlaftis in 2021. BJo will have an easier time making a name for himself among a weaker Big Ten DB group versus the obviously stacked group of players in the front sevens across the conference. Joseph will have the perfect stage to push his way up the DPOY ranks and steal Karlaftis’ thunder when the two meet head to head at Wrigley Field.</p>
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<p id="ymQ05a">Though the road will be tough, Brandon Joseph has a phenomenal chance to be Northwestern’s first Big Ten DPOY winner since coach Pat Fitzgerald won back to back in 1995 and 1996. The journey all starts on September 3rd as the Wildcats look to get revenge against a Michigan State team that ruined their perfect 2020 season.</p>
<p id="pSPnVY"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/8/11/22620568/how-brandon-joseph-compares-to-other-big-ten-dpoy-candidatesLiam Warin2021-04-10T10:30:00-05:002021-04-10T10:30:00-05:00Men’s basketball post-mortem, February: The streak mercifully reaches it end
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Northwestern at Minnesota" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mPRVsUB8IxaexDw_pUsF3ysP-NI=/0x0:4654x3103/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69106337/usa_today_15632270.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>*Another* tough month finally ended in a win for the Wildcats</p> <p id="J1A4DO">February marked more of the depressing same for Northwestern, but also a bit of new for the struggling squad. The men’s basketball team suffered through a gauntlet of a schedule before securing their first win in 13 games at the end of the month. Let’s look back at the final full month of the regular season and see what exactly happened to the Wildcats in February:</p>
<p id="ToM4HB"><strong>At Purdue (75-70 L)</strong></p>
<p id="fUm2KA">Northwestern continued their losing ways with a defeat in Mackey Arena to kick-off the February slate. While the score reads close, the Boilermakers controlled the game throughout thanks to their impressive mark of 23-for-24 from the free throw line. Pete Nance played one of his best offensive games of the year against a limited Trevion Williams, dropping 20 points and eight rebounds on 66% shooting from the field. The rest of the Wildcats struggled to find their offensive rhythm, shooting a combined 38% from the field in their dismal performance. </p>
<p id="X8EwBf"><strong>Indiana (79-76 2OT L)</strong></p>
<p id="jmXbRT">This game was a heartbreaker. Every time the ‘Cats went ahead or seemed to put it away, a clutch three by Armaan Franklin or Al Durham brought the Hoosiers back. Northwestern truly gave the game away, as up by two with almost no time left, Durham nailed a jumper to send the game to a second overtime. Northwestern jumped to a two-point lead in the second overtime before the Hoosiers eventually ran away with it in to complete the vintage post-2017 Northwestern men’s basketball collapse.</p>
<p id="LRT9kX"><strong>At </strong><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com"><strong>Rutgers</strong></a><strong> (64-50 L)</strong></p>
<p id="WfrKwX">Three days removed from the most brutal loss of their season, the Wildcats traveled to New Jersey to play the Scarlet Knights and the trip did not go too well. The game never seemed to be in Northwestern’s reach, as Rutgers jumped out to a 10-point lead at half, and they only built upon that edge from there. Jacob Young and Ron Harper Jr. paced Rutgers, scoring 15 points and 14 points respectively. Northwestern received steady scoring throughout the starting lineup, but only Chase Audige and Anthony Gaines reached double digits.</p>
<p id="YTxDYV"><strong>At Illinois (73-66 L)</strong></p>
<p id="C9dA1Q">In the battle for Illinois’ Big Ten team (lol), Ayo Dosunmu and Co. came away with a seven-point victory against the long struggling Wildcats. While Illinois ended the first half with a 12-point lead, Northwestern made the game competitive and fought the entire second half to make the contest close. NU seemed like they were in it up until the very end, but after an underwhelming game, Dosumnu took over and hit several clutch shots to end Northwestern’s chances of stealing a win on the road. Chase Audige scored 21 points for the Wildcats, but the story of the game was Northwestern’s atrocious three-point shooting, hitting only 24% of their attempts from behind the arc.</p>
<p id="vBKOIu"><strong>Wisconsin (68-51 L)</strong></p>
<p id="b6WNFv">After a demoralizing defeat to the Fighting Illini, Northwestern returned to Evanston to take on the somewhat steady <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a>. The game was never particularly close, as Wisconsin gained the lead with about five minutes left in the first half and never looked back. Boo Buie was the only Wildcat to score more than seven points, as he put up 19 on 8-for-15 from the field. Wisconsin received double digit scoring from five players as they cruised toward an easy dub.</p>
<p id="70JW0G"><strong>At Minnesota (67-59 W)</strong></p>
<p id="O8Jz7n">After a grueling 13-game, 60-day drought, the team finally came out victorious on the hardwood. Against an injured Golden Gophers team without starting center Liam Robbins, Northwestern fought back from a early 17-3 deficit to claw its way to its first win in the calendar year of 2021. Boo Buie popped off, dropping 25 points thanks to a perfect 12-for-12 performance from the free throw line. He matched Minnesota’s Marcus Carr (21 points), allowing the Wildcats to storm away to an eight point victory despite the early struggles. Miller Kopp complemented Buie’s scoring by hitting both of his three point attempts on the way to 15 points from the Junior.</p>
<p id="K05e0i">Having finally snapped their season-defining losing streak, the ‘Cats entered the final month of the season not exactly on a roll, but at least having stopped the skid.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/4/10/22376465/mens-basketball-post-mortem-february-the-streak-mercifully-reaches-it-endLiam Warin2021-04-04T09:58:50-05:002021-04-04T09:58:50-05:00Northwestern in the NFL: Pre-Draft Edition
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Michigan State at Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C1TqWe7KR8LxwkfAFqglECQQTis=/0x151:1826x1368/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69074017/usa_today_10389593.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>These former Wildcats are receiving a lot of buzz as draft day approaches</p> <p id="4OXlDi">Finishing No. 10 in the AP poll for the 2020-21 season, Northwestern football dominated the Big Ten West en route to their second Big Ten Championship in three years. Thus, it should come as no surprise that several players from the squad are projected to hear their names called sometime from April 29 to May 1 during the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p id="rgnQKl">Highest among the list of Northwestern players in the draft is someone who didn’t even play in the COVID-19 complicated season — Rashawn Slater. The former Wildcat offensive tackle is the favorite to be the second offensive tackle off the board in the 2021 draft class thanks to the impressive tape he accrued in the three years he played for the Wildcats. Most mock drafts—<a href="https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/mock-draft-consensus.php">like FantasyPros’ compilation prediction</a>—peg Slater at the 13th overall pick to the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>, while others place him even higher, to teams like the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> and the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>.</p>
<p id="pYVzfe">In addition to Slater, Greg Newsome Jr. is likely to be selected in the first round. As one of the key contributors to what ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky recently called “the best defense in college football,” Newsome solidified the ‘Cats’ secondary with his incredible speed and lightning quick reflexes to track down speedy wide receivers game after game. Most mocks place Newsome somewhere in the range of 20-32 for the first round picks, with <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/2021-nfl-mock-draft-harris-6.0">The Draft Network mocking him to the Indianapolis Colts at 21</a>, and ESPN’s Todd McShay projecting him to the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> at 22 <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/insider/story/_/id/31165378/nfl-mock-draft-2021-todd-mcshay-predictions-all-64-picks-rounds-1-2-plus-where-seven-qbs-land">in his most recent piece</a>. </p>
<p id="GmJwqD">Just having those two picked in the first round would be considered a success for the program given its previous draft history. However, other longtime ‘Cats such as linebackers Paddy Fisher and Blake Ghallager hope to hear their names called toward the latter rounds of a packed draft class. Riley Lees also threw his name in the draft ring, hoping he gets a chance at the next level to show off his swiss army knife wide receiver skills that he displayed during his Northwestern tenure. Quarterback Peyton Ramsey decided to forego another year in the purple and white to potentially play in the NFL, though he’ll likely have to go the route of being signed as an undrafted free agent to make it.</p>
<p id="1LBBt1">While Northwestern fans were certainly sad to see these former ‘Cats go, they can take solace knowing their favorite players will continue to play on the big stage, and maybe even for their favorite professional team. Here’s to hoping that Rashawn Slater, Greg Newsome, Paddy Fisher and every one of these former Wildcats entering the draft will extend their football legacies past their former home of Evanston and do Northwestern proud. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/4/4/22366111/northwestern-in-the-nfl-pre-draft-edition-ncaa-march-madness-gonzaga-baylor-rashawn-slater-newsomeLiam Warin2021-03-05T10:58:17-06:002021-03-05T10:58:17-06:00Big Ten Men’s Basketball Bracketology: The field narrows
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Maryland" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k-_mA07KkD4xp1jeOf1g_y8WoYI=/12x0:6048x4024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68917757/usa_today_15647076.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A couple of squads once with tournament hopes have fallen by the wayside.</p> <p id="cSBcgT">With Selection Sunday rapidly approaching, the 2021 NCAA Tournament picture is starting to clear itself up. A couple of Big Ten teams have slipped, with teams like Minnesota and Indiana, once thought to be surefire bets for the Big Dance, plummeting due to losing streaks. Let’s take a look at the current March states of the 14 teams in the conference.</p>
<h2 id="tjAmuk"><strong>Tournament Locks</strong></h2>
<h3 id="TJDbUe"><a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com"><strong>Michigan Wolverines</strong></a></h3>
<p id="laS5ta">ESPN: One Seed</p>
<p id="nthnQs">Despite their recent blowout loss to Illinois, the Wolverines are still comfortably a one seed. Their consistency at the one line speaks to their dominance in 2021.</p>
<p id="wiGGCi">CBS: One Seed</p>
<p id="mDu1BA">Michigan hasn’t moved from the number one seed in any of the CBS brackets since it was placed there in January.</p>
<p id="Fh3wAU">BracketMatrix.com: One Seed</p>
<p id="1HEype">Every bracket listed on BracketMatrix has Michigan as a one seed, a further example of its impressive play all year.</p>
<h3 id="AAaCiU"><a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com"><strong>Illinois Fighting Illini</strong></a></h3>
<p id="sPIKIb">ESPN: One Seed</p>
<p id="PrEPmE">Following their runaway win against Michigan in Ann Arbor, the Ayo Dusunmu-less Fighting Illini cemented themselves on the top line with arguably the best win of any team this year. </p>
<p id="9LN2qM">CBS: One Seed</p>
<p id="1GiyTk">Illinois has lived up to the hype throughout the season, with veterans like Trent Frazier taking a backseat role to allow for the dominance of Dosunmu and emergence of freshman Andre Curbelo. </p>
<p id="LDqyQf">BracketMatrix.com: One Seed</p>
<p id="FLBtva">Only six of the 107 brackets on BracketMatrix do not have Illinois as a one seed, and the lowest ranking for the Illini in those six brackets is a three seed.</p>
<h3 id="f7pHsk">
<a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com"><strong>Ohio State</strong></a><strong> Buckeyes</strong>
</h3>
<p id="zKTGpH">ESPN: Two Seed</p>
<p id="gfzRCk">Despite sitting in fifth place in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes are a solid two seed thanks to a stretch in which they won 10 of 11 games, including victories over Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a>. They close the regular season with a monumental matchup against Illinois. </p>
<p id="UAknzg">CBS: Two Seed</p>
<p id="StIamu">A three-game slide dropped OSU from the one line, but all of their losses have been good. </p>
<p id="SRW32Z">BracketMatrix.com: Two Seed</p>
<p id="6TsW2P">BracketMatrix lists Ohio State as a solid two seed, with just a few brackets ranking them a three seed or a four seed.</p>
<h3 id="oTvKff"><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></a></h3>
<p id="ZxMqJM">ESPN: Two Seed</p>
<p id="MKbH0I">Luka Garza and the Hawkeyes played Gonzaga close early in the season, setting the expectations for Iowa at a high bar. After a brief slump in February, they have only done more to solidify themselves as a two seed in the committees’ eyes.</p>
<p id="Hyxtef">CBS: Two Seed</p>
<p id="jn11WN">With quality wins over Ohio State, <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> and Wisconsin, the Hawkeyes kill their opponents with deadly outside shooting complemented with Garza’s inside utility.</p>
<p id="IwmSHo">BracketMatrix.com: Two Seed</p>
<p id="duerVX">Iowa followed up a loss to Michigan with an impressive rebound against Ohio State before annihilating Nebraska. The Hawks are a two seed in BracketMatrix’s opinion, with the majority of brackets ranking them there.</p>
<h3 id="FcvoPP"><a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com"><strong>Purdue Boilermakers</strong></a></h3>
<p id="9YWvxE">ESPN: Four Seed</p>
<p id="GvCYOH">A contentious four seed, ESPN lists the Boilermakers that high in part due to the fantastic performance of Trevion Williams.</p>
<p id="O00tbr">CBS: Four Seed</p>
<p id="nMx4Cl">CBS places Purdue as a four seed, likely because of season sweeps over Ohio State and Michigan State and a win over Wisconsin.</p>
<p id="agc8FM">BracketMatrix.com: Four Seed</p>
<p id="w6Hhze">The Boilers are projected to be seeded right above Virginia. KenPom loves PU, as it ranks in the top 20 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.</p>
<h3 id="MoQJyv"><a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com"><strong>Wisconsin Badgers</strong></a></h3>
<p id="SOtehC">ESPN: Six Seed</p>
<p id="iFOiN1">Once a top-ten squad, the Badgers have tripped up over the course of the last month. Metrics don’t hate UW, and they’ve done enough to earn a top-24 seed despite not having beaten a currently ranked opponent all season.</p>
<p id="bhoT3l">CBS: Seven Seed</p>
<p id="NsHM9i">D’Mitrik Trice’s sensational performance all year anchored a Badgers team that struggled against their most difficult adversaries like Iowa, Michigan and Illinois.</p>
<p id="lXmdBX">BracketMatrix.com: Seven Seed</p>
<p id="DwDaky">Most brackets see Wisconsin around the 6-8 seed range, with the average seeding sitting at the seven mark.</p>
<h2 id="VksZdR"><strong>On the Right Path</strong></h2>
<h3 id="ZuwRtq"><a href="https://www.testudotimes.com"><strong>Maryland Terrapins</strong></a></h3>
<p id="OSjQaZ">ESPN: Nine Seed</p>
<p id="XUwC1I">The ever-sporadic Maryland Terrapins rank seventh in the Big Ten with strong victories over Wisconsin and Illinois.</p>
<p id="6ug6bM">CBS: Eight Seed</p>
<p id="eIJSyN">Eric Ayala pushed the Terrapins to five straight wins in February, with a season sweep over Nebraska and an 18 point win against Michigan State to propel Maryland back into tournament consideration.</p>
<p id="eR1u01">BracketMatrix.com: Nine Seed</p>
<p id="nqluCE">The brackets on BracketMatrix list Maryland anywhere between the eight and twelve seeds thanks to their recent hot streak.</p>
<h3 id="1LNird"><strong>Rutgers Scarlet Knights</strong></h3>
<p id="Pr9vjz">ESPN: Nine Seed</p>
<p id="H7PvrR">After starting the year with promise, the Scarlet Knights cooled off and have yet to regain their previous form. A bad loss to Nebraska has potentially delayed RU’s locking in of a bid, and they need a win over Minnesota to feel good about themselves.</p>
<p id="IxKTuz">CBS: Ten Seed</p>
<p id="V8JHVy">Rutgers hasn’t notched a ranked win since its home victory over Illinois all the way back in December.</p>
<p id="iLJBYF">BracketMatrix.com: Nine Seed</p>
<p id="Ke1sxK">The Scarlet Knights average to a nine seed, barely staying above <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com">UConn</a>, Louisville and UNC.</p>
<h3 id="VP2WgG"><strong>Michigan State Spartans</strong></h3>
<p id="9qZySJ">ESPN: Eleven Seed</p>
<p id="k0wPSn">The Spartans crawled back into the bubble discussion with consecutive victories over top-5 Illinois and top-5 Ohio State, but recent losses to Maryland and Michigan threaten to leave them out of the field of 68. </p>
<p id="cImlhc">CBS: Twelve Seed</p>
<p id="EUwJFU">Aaron Henry and Rocket Watts have carried the Spartans, who have another shot at a resume-boosting win with Michigan on the docket this weekend. Then, they’ll probably need to win a couple of games at the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a>. </p>
<p id="r4HRWB">BracketMatrix.com: First Four Out</p>
<p id="Fc4IFi">Seventy-one of the 107 simulated brackets give the Spartans a spot in the Big Dance. They need another win or two, though.</p>
<h2 id="ALOR7k"><strong>Outside Looking In</strong></h2>
<h3 id="CguZxM">
<a href="https://www.crimsonquarry.com"><strong>Indiana Hoosiers</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com"><strong>Penn State Nittany Lions</strong></a><strong>, Minnesota Golden Gophers</strong>
</h3>
<p id="wPOWgb">It’s not looking good for anyone on this list. IU head coach Archie Miller will feel the heat with another missed Tournament while Richard Pitino’s fate in Minneapolis looks more dubious with every loss.</p>
<h2 id="jNspNG"><strong>Better Luck Next Year</strong></h2>
<h3 id="9y9rVv">
<a href="https://www.insidenu.com"><strong>Northwestern Wildcats</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.cornnation.com"><strong>Nebraska Cornhuskers</strong></a>
</h3>
<p id="pV8L6S">Battle for the ages on Sunday.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/3/5/22314959/big-ten-mens-basketball-bracketology-the-field-narrowsLiam Warin2021-02-16T17:17:11-06:002021-02-16T17:17:11-06:00Even during an 11-game losing streak, Northwestern shows some positive signs
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<img alt="COLLEGE BASKETBALL: FEB 13 Northwestern at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W4iVAeu-CtaD1BiPgW6bUWhNpco=/0x0:3025x2017/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68827606/1231202801.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A once-promising year has taken a turn for the worse.</p> <p id="VUOcXM">The 2020-2021 Northwestern men’s basketball season has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Starting off 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten with wins over <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a>, Indiana and <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>, the Wildcats were first in the Big Ten and as high as No. 14 in the AP poll. </p>
<p id="8xWwJR">The remaining part of the season has been a completely different story. Eleven straight losses later, Northwestern is unranked, 13th in the Big Ten and has not won a game in 2021. Besides the losses, the team has just not clicked like it once did in 2020 and makes fans wonder what good can be said about this basketball team?</p>
<p id="C402ZP">However, there have been some positive takeaways, even from this devastating stretch. </p>
<p id="R9d68x">First, players like Pete Nance, Miller Kopp, Boo Buie and Chase Audige have all shined in their own respective games. Pete Nance was fantastic against Luka Garza and Iowa, dropping a combined 37 points and 13 rebounds on the almost-certain Wooten Award winner. </p>
<p id="kMFYlE">Miller Kopp’s three-point shooting has been integral to the Wildcats even throughout their struggles, as he is shooting just under 39% from three and a career-high 44% from the field. Boo Buie, even with his sporadic game-to-game performance, is averaging two more assists per game compared to 2019 on just one more minute per game. Chase Audige shows the world every game that he can be the best player on the floor whenever he wants, seemingly turning it on for five minutes every game and making every shot he takes.</p>
<p id="lYyGPR">Second, the teams the ‘Cats have played during their 11-game losing streak are not ones to scoff at. Iowa is 11th in the country; Michigan is third; Illinois is fifth; Wisconsin is 21st. While Penn State, Purdue, Indiana and <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> are unranked, they all have arguments to make the top 25 and the NCAA tournament. Northwestern has not played its best basketball, but the teams it has played are certainly some of the best in the country.</p>
<p id="SFljwY">Lastly, the five-out system Collins instituted at the beginning of the year has proven itself successful. Northwestern’s pace and offensive rating have increased from last year in large part due to the modified role Pete Nance plays in the Wildcats’ offense. If Collins were to emphasize Nance’s passing abilities combined with his perimeter shooting and inside play like he did to start off the season, NU should be able to pick up right where it left off in its last win against Ohio State on the 26th of December.</p>
<p id="aGUZiK">No matter what happens to end the disappointing 2020-2021 season that Northwestern basketball has had, there are still good things to internalize and recognize about the Wildcats. For the time being though, Northwestern fans will have to wait until next year for a true shot at making the NCAA tournament.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/2/16/22286423/even-during-an-11-game-losing-streak-northwestern-shows-some-positive-signsLiam Warin2021-02-13T18:12:06-06:002021-02-13T18:12:06-06:00Rapid Reaction: No. 25 Rutgers recovers from slow start, dispatches Northwestern 64-50
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<p>The Knights just wore the ‘Cats down in a sluggish affair.</p> <p id="iwSKvq">In a game dominated by scoring droughts and poor shooting, No. 25 Rutgers (12-7, 8-7 Big Ten) ultimately prevailed to hand Northwestern (6-12, 3-11) its eleventh straight loss. </p>
<p id="DuV9qI">The ‘Cats did their best to put up a fight, but their scoring woes got the best of them as they shot just 33% from the field as a team. </p>
<p id="QGQTo0">After a slow start, Rutgers gained traction and ended up shooting 41% from the field despite only hitting 21% of their shots from behind the arc. The Scarlet Knights’ inside advantage won the day, as they grabbed 43 rebounds to NU’s 31 and scored 30 points in the paint to NU’s 22.</p>
<p id="FDxhun">Anthony Gaines and Chase Audige each scored 11 points for Northwestern while four RU players poured in double figures. Jacob Young scored a game-high 15 with Ron Harper Jr. adding 14.</p>
<p id="l0Ez0H">NU actually started the game rejuvenated after its heartbreaking double overtime loss to Indiana on Wednesday. The Wildcats were helped out by Rutgers’ poor offensive start, which included a plethora of turnovers and missed shots.</p>
<p id="3hdKSI">A quick 7-2 advantage forced Rutgers to call timeout just three minutes in, and a Pete Nance jumper from a behind-the-back dish from Miller Kopp put the Wildcats up 14-4. </p>
<p id="z5ZLml">Then Rutgers began to settle in, nailing its next four shots to cut the Northwestern lead to two at the under-12 timeout as the ‘Cats went scoreless for 3:28. The Wildcats said goodbye to their final lead at 19-18 with 7:38 left before halftime. </p>
<p id="HnCR1N">A Gaines and-one before the under-eight timeout started a streak of the two teams trading baskets with Rutgers limiting its mistakes and flexing its strength in the paint. The Scarlet Knights out-rebounded NU by six in the first half, scored 10 more points in the paint and hit 15 of 19 two-point attempts. </p>
<p id="K370wf">Myles Johnson led the way for Steve Pikiell’s squad, scoring 12 points in the first 20 minutes on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting. </p>
<p id="Co393V">Gaines, known primarily for his defense, led NU with 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting and three rebounds in the opening half. He hit two of five triples while the sharpshooter Kopp connected on just one of five deep tries despite getting several good looks.</p>
<p id="71JOEk">Rutgers ended the first half on a 10-0 run to take a 37-27 lead into the locker room and closed on an extended 33-13 run after the early deficit. </p>
<p id="piXCX8">Both teams started their second halves comparably slow, each experiencing a scoring drought of over two minutes before the first media timeout. After an impressive chase down block from Audige on a layup that would’ve given Rutgers a 16-point lead, NU mounted an 11-0 run to make it a three-point game as the Scarlet Knights went scoreless for an incredible 8:02.</p>
<p id="ayVvFp">When Northwestern had a chance to rally, Rutgers pulled away as the ‘Cats offense then stalled and didn’t hit a field goal for 4:57. The Scarlet Knights imposed their will after their scoreless streak and gained an eight-point lead with eight minutes left to play.</p>
<p id="XIxVGO">After Kopp hit a jumper to make it 48-42, Caleb McConnell canned a huge triple to re-up Rutgers’ advantage to nine. RU made just 4 of 19 three-point attempts on the evening, but they made timely ones down the stretch. Geo Baker hit a step back three with under six minutes left that made an NU charge even tougher.</p>
<p id="8tPq8c">An Audige three with just under four minutes left kept things within arm’s length, but Rutgers never looked threatened. NU had a chance to cut things to five, but Young stole a bad pass from Audige and threw down fast-break dunk to make it 58-49 to effectively end any hopes of a comeback. </p>
<p id="m0A1YR">The Wildcats face another tough task Tuesday at 8 p.m. when they travel to Champaign to take on No. 6 Illinois. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/2/13/22282080/rapid-reaction-no-25-rutgers-recovers-from-slow-start-dispatches-northwestern-64-50Liam Warin2021-01-31T13:50:56-06:002021-01-31T13:50:56-06:00Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings, Edition VIII
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<p>The top competitors of the conference distinguish themselves.</p> <p id="xQ7TBn"><em>A few former mid-ranked teams made notable jumps in this week’s standings. Here’s our most up-to-date rankings:</em></p>
<h2 id="B6ckdA"><strong>1. No. 4 Michigan (13-1, 8-1 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="9KorF6"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 1</strong></p>
<p id="uffM8t">Michigan did not play this week due to COVID-19 complications, but the Wolverines remain the best team in the Big Ten. Hunter Dickinson cannot be stopped. Isaiah Livers is shooting over 40% from three. Franz Wagner is taking after his brother and playing the best basketball of his life. Michigan’s next game is not until February 11, where it faces off against a tough Illinois squad in Ann Arbor.</p>
<h2 id="KDoPXF"><strong>2. No. 19 Illinois (11-5, 7-3 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="CVWUzf"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 4</strong></p>
<p id="0upEfJ">The Fighting Illini played a tough, gritty and strong game in a home win against the Hawkeyes. Kofi Cockburn, Andre Curbelo and Ayo Dosunmu all played quite well against Iowa and pioneer one of the best offenses in the country, let alone the Big Ten. Illinois’ AP rankings should continue to climb with a road tilt against Indiana and a home game versus Wisconsin in the upcoming week.</p>
<h2 id="56ANd5"><strong>3. No. 7 Iowa (12-4, 6-3 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="uKhOz8"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 2</strong></p>
<p id="FMlJ9F">Iowa dropped a tough game against Illinois in Champaign on Friday, but there were many redeeming qualities. Firstly, Luka Garza is still the best player in the Big Ten and was able to score 18 points against Kofi Cockburn. Secondly, the Hawkeyes’ shooting is still consistent, as they made 40% of their threes against the Fighting Illini. Look for Iowa to redeem themselves at home versus Michigan State and Ohio State. </p>
<h2 id="6sr7SV"><strong>4. No. 13 Ohio State (13-4, 7-4 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="AmFQmH"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 3</strong></p>
<p id="L2TjhN">Ohio State beat a strong Penn State team at home this week and cemented themselves as a top team in the Big Ten. With E.J. Liddell dropping 15 points a game on over 50% from the field, the Buckeyes seem unstoppable. It feels like anyone on Ohio State could go for 20 points in a given game, making the Buckeyes road to a nice seeding in the NCAA tournament even easier.</p>
<h2 id="PmrL4C"><strong>5. No. 10 Wisconsin (13-4, 7-3 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="qpXU6g"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 5</strong></p>
<p id="KBiwTX">There is a significant drop-off between the top four teams in the league and the rest, as evidenced by Wisconsin’s sporadic play. The Badgers almost choked an 18 point lead to the Terrapins before dropping the ball against Penn State on the road. D’mitrik Trice and Micah Potter need to step it up if they want to gain a top seed in the NCAA tournament and stunt their recent slipping in performance.</p>
<h2 id="csexb8"><strong>6. Rutgers (9-6, 5-6 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="PoAu1z"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 11</strong></p>
<p id="gJMY3l">Rutgers returned to previous form this week thanks to a 30 point victory over Michigan State and a tight win over Indiana. Both Gio Baker and Ron Harper Jr., catalysts to the Scarlet Knights’ early success, are playing strong basketball and are in contention for the best guard pairing in the Big Ten. Rutgers has a chance to jump into the top five of these rankings if they continue their hot streak and snag wins over Northwestern and Minnesota in the coming week.</p>
<h2 id="Frrqkk"><strong>7. Indiana (9-7, 4-5 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="gD6JOK"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 6</strong></p>
<p id="5zrGdd">Indiana barely lost to Rutgers and could easily be sixth on the list if a few baskets go their way. Trayce Jackson-Davis’ tear has not stopped, and when his supporting cast of Armaan Franklin and Al Durham show up, the opposing team is in trouble. The Hoosiers play a tough next two games against Illinois and Iowa, but Indiana is strong enough to pull off an upset in either of these two games.</p>
<h2 id="tZOMMa"><strong>8. No. 21 Minnesota (11-5, 7-3 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="i2ig1d"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 7</strong></p>
<p id="BKeGfy">Minnesota did not play a game this week, failing to clarify any questions about their inconsistency. As long as Marcus Carr plays his best basketball, and Liam Robbins can be successful in stopping the many top big men in this conference, then Minnesota’s wins were no fluke. </p>
<h2 id="WMTf3o"><strong>9. Penn State (6-7, 3-6 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="IrVKFK"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 12</strong></p>
<p id="P1p9tV">Penn State has only gotten better, going 2-1 for the week and knocking off Wisconsin at home. Their single loss to Ohio State was a four-point loss that was close throughout, further proving the Nittany Lions’ consistency. If Penn State’s hot streak continues, they should be looking at a decent seed in the NCAA tournament and solidify their status as a solid Big Ten team.</p>
<h2 id="wOWBrc"><strong>10. Purdue (11-6, 6-4 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="3AoCg4"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 8</strong></p>
<p id="fJG52N">The Boilermakers, back from a brief COVID-19 absence, are making noise in the Big Ten. They did drop a tough game against Michigan, but the continued consistency of Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana — all teams they beat in their four-game win streak — makes the Boilermakers look legitimate. If they can get over their newfound shooting woes that were apparent against Michigan (shooting a horrid 30% from the field), Purdue will be a tough test for any team in the NCAA tournament.</p>
<h2 id="wYnoKs"><strong>11. Maryland (9-8, 3-7 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="up1oNb"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 9</strong></p>
<p id="BCHr8C">While Maryland only played one game this week, their volatility and lack of consistency shone brightly. The Terrapins came out slow in the first half against Wisconsin before closing the gap and only losing by six points. Before, it was “What Maryland will you get for every game;” now, it is “What Maryland will you get for every half?” At least Aaron Wiggins is coming back to form.</p>
<h2 id="SVdxez"><strong>12. Michigan State (8-5, 2-5 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="8w3GH0"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 10</strong></p>
<p id="i3glbw">Tom Izzo’s team is not doing Tom Izzo things. The Spartans have the second least Big Ten wins in the conference and show no signs of letting up after a blowout loss on the road at Rutgers. Star Aaron Henry is not playing to his standards and he will need to pick it up if Michigan State wants to go to the big dance in 2021.</p>
<h2 id="rhrTis"><strong>13. Northwestern (6-8, 3-7 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="KYXRWK"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 13</strong></p>
<p id="wr4hZl">Northwestern did not play its best basketball in an 81-78 road loss to the Nittany Lions. Miller Kopp finally emerged in a late-game scenario and shot 50% from three, but the successful five-out offense that drove the Wildcats to a 3-0 B1G start is not being run with the same consistency as earlier in the season. Chris Collins will have to make myriad adjustments if the ‘Cats want to make an NCAA push ahead of their matchups against Rutgers and Purdue next week.</p>
<h2 id="7qV19Z"><strong>14. Nebraska (4-8, 0-5 B1G)</strong></h2>
<p id="mU1SPS"><strong>Last week’s ranking: 14</strong></p>
<p id="MhjNeC">Nebraska has not played a game in nearly three weeks, and based on their previous performances and lack of a Big Ten win, the last rank in the Big Ten suits them perfectly. Hopefully, they can bounce back from their layoff and win a few games to rejuvenate their season.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/1/31/22258241/big-ten-mens-basketball-power-rankings-edition-viiiLiam Warin2021-01-30T16:36:23-06:002021-01-30T16:36:23-06:00Reviewing Jim O’Neil’s NFL resume
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<p>Who saw this one coming?</p> <p id="csl8II">With the departure of longtime defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz, Pat Fitzgerald had a tough decision to make replacing the legend. Fitz knew before the season Hank was retiring, so he was not scrambling to make a hire. He landed on Jim O’Neil, a tenured NFL defensive coach who most recently coached defensive backs for the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a>. O’Neil was a graduate assistant/defensive backs coach at NU from 2003-04, which is when he met Fitz.</p>
<p id="c4bU13">While the reaction to his hiring from many Wildcat fans was mixed at best, citing his recent defenses’ less-than-inspiring performances, there is much more to learn about O’Neil’s time in the pros. To fully understand the new defensive coordinator for Northwestern, let’s take a look back at his coaching career.</p>
<p id="jyljF4"><strong>Jets (2009, defensive quality control and defensive backs coach)</strong></p>
<p id="nueSaZ">Arguably the best year of his time with the Jets, O’Neil helped New York rank first in yards allowed per game en route to an <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game">AFC Championship</a> appearance. It’s questionable just how much influence he had, as head coach at the time Rex Ryan is known for his defensive schemes, but O’Neil was part of a team that was 29th in total pass yards allowed and 16th in net pass yards per attempt into one that ranked <em>first</em> in both of those categories. Also worth mentioning: Mark Sanchez was the quarterback of the 2009 Jets.</p>
<p id="Rfm87d"><strong>Jets (2010-2012, assistant defensive backs coach)</strong></p>
<p id="cjBMxA">Though O’Neil took a lesser role for the remaining three years he was with the Jets, the defense remained solid. The Jets slightly regressed from their league-topping numbers in 2009 with a strong 2010 season that put them at sixth in total pass yards allowed and fourth in net passing yards per attempt. They kept up that trajectory in his final two years with the team, finishing fifth in total passing yards allowed and seventh in net passing yards per attempt in 2011, and second in total passing yards allowed and ninth in net passing yards per attempt in 2012.</p>
<p id="Rr1UqR"><strong>Bills (2013, linebackers coach)</strong></p>
<p id="qYCGSI">O’Neil stayed in the AFC East and signed with the Bills in 2013 as a linebackers coach following his stint with the Jets. There is limited information on his time in Buffalo, but in his one year there, opponents trampled the front seven: the Bills finished 28th in the NFL in both rushing attempts against and total rushing yards allowed while ranking 23rd in yards per carry allowed.</p>
<p id="eteKBz"><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><strong>Browns</strong></a><strong> (2014-2015, defensive coordinator)</strong></p>
<p id="xTa7o7">O’Neil followed former Buffalo defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to Cleveland, this time taking over as Pettine’s DC. His defenses in Cleveland were mixed: they finished eighth in the NFL in pass yards allowed per game and fifth in net pass yards allowed per attempt in 2014 but last in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. 2015 was worse, as the once strong pass defense regressed to second to last in the NFL in net pass yards allowed per attempt. With his defensive woes, O’Neil faced lots of criticism from the media and seemingly threw his players under the bus by calling the NFL “an execution league.”</p>
<p id="NLE5Cb"><a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/"><strong>49ers</strong></a><strong> (2016, defensive coordinator)</strong></p>
<p id="lZao0t">O’Neil took the same position in San Francisco in 2016, and his struggles followed him to the Bay Area. His defense ranked last in just about every rushing stat and at the bottom of the pack in most passing metrics. The Chip Kelly-led 49ers finished the year at 2-14, and O’Neil and the 49ers parted ways after just one season. In fairness, that entire operation was a nightmare and he wasn’t working with much. </p>
<p id="dSZ7Gt"><strong>Raiders (2018, senior defensive assistant)</strong></p>
<p id="eB2DLL">After taking a year off, O’Neil returned to football as a senior defensive assistant for the Raiders. Oakland struggled without Khalil Mack and the ferocious front seven the it once had, finishing the season as one of the worst groups in the league.</p>
<p id="hdyYBb"><strong>Raiders (2019-2020, defensive backs coach)</strong></p>
<p id="o1Ekgw">O’Neil became Jon Gruden’s defensive backs coach in 2019. Not an especially talented room, the secondary did not fare well under his tutelage. The Raiders finished the 2019 and 2020 seasons in the bottom half of the league in passing yards allowed per game and net passing yards per attempt.</p>
<p id="DyBvrT">The most crucial thing to remember for Wildcats fans is how little we know about him as a college coach. Jim O’Neil has not coached at the NCAA level since 2008, well before modern principles of college defensive schemes were implemented at the Power Five level. Secondly, O’Neil will be able to help choose the players he gets to coach, meaning he will have more control over who he needs to fit the play types he wants to run. </p>
<p id="DsRncH">But there’s also only so much autonomy he will have. It seems unreasonable to think O’Neil would have the same level of freedom that Hankwitz had. Pat Fitzgerald is here for ten more years, and as long as he’s in Evanston, he will certainly have influence over how games are called and what schemes are used, especially on defense.</p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/1/30/22258053/reviewing-jim-oneils-nfl-resumeLiam Warin2021-01-20T21:02:06-06:002021-01-20T21:02:06-06:00Rapid Reaction: Northwestern falls 68-52 to No. 10 Wisconsin
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<figcaption>Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Cold shooting extended NU’s slide to six games.</p> <p id="btOhNY">Another day, another conference loss for the once-ranked Wildcats. </p>
<p id="sniMAz">No. 10 Wisconsin (12-3, 6-2 Big Ten) beat Northwestern (6-7, 3-6) 68-52 in Madison on Wednesday night in a contest that never felt particularly close. While the ‘Cats stayed within arm’s length in the first half, the Badgers pulled away in the final 20 minutes to win their fifth straight in the series.</p>
<p id="XQ7b15">The ‘Cats never clicked offensively, and the stats reflect that: Northwestern shot just 30% from behind the arc and 41% from the field. Wisconsin didn’t have a fantastic offensive showing but didn’t need to. It shot 37% from three and made 10 of its 11 foul shots. </p>
<p id="aWCPsp">Wisconsin started the game hot behind the play of Micah Potter, as the senior big man scored seven of the Badgers’ first 10 points from all three levels of the floor. He joined D’Mitrik Trice, Tyler Wahl and Brad Davison to score in double figures. </p>
<p id="VFy5kB">The Badgers maintained a sizable lead for a majority of the first half. Greg Gard’s squad started off 4-for-6 from three, and the ‘Cats were unable to match that production, shooting a mere 2-for-7 from deep with eight minutes remaining in the first half.</p>
<p id="dCu61v">Every time Northwestern dented Wisconsin’s lead, the Badgers would answer. The teams traded baskets through the first fourteen minutes of the period, including a streak where Wisconsin made five straight baskets. </p>
<p id="FcAbTt">The ‘Cats finally brought the deficit to within five points following a Chase Audige corner three, but he received a technical foul for talking to the Wisconsin bench. </p>
<p id="g2WadL">Audige must have taken that technical personally, as one possession later, he flared to the same spot and nailed the same corner three, this time while fouled, cutting the Wisconsin lead to four. The sophomore led all scorers in the first half with 10 points, and he finished with a game-high 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting (4-of-5 3PT). </p>
<p id="O03Rby">Audige’s make was the last bright spot of the half for NU. After the two teams exchanged offensive fouls back and forth on a number of possessions, Wisconsin extended its lead, taking a 41-34 advantage into the break despite making only one field goal in the last six minutes of the half.</p>
<p id="XXhGcY">Though Northwestern finished with one more made basket in the first half, the Badgers’ key advantage came in the free throw department. Northwestern shot just one free throw in the first half compared to eight attempts for Wisconsin. </p>
<p id="FMmB6w">Both teams started the second half cold before Buie broke the ice with a deep pull up three. Wisconsin missed nine consecutive shots before eventually making a three to keep Northwestern at bay. During Wisconsin’s cold streak, the ‘Cats did not capitalize and failed meaningfully scared the Badgers.</p>
<p id="oXTPIm">Wisconsin eventually snapped out of its funk with baskets from Wahl and Trevor Anderson, and the ‘Cats could not respond. A few more made buckets, and the Badgers secured a double digit lead with thirteen minutes left in the game and never looked back.</p>
<p id="W6hbJs">The Badgers continued their offensive dominance with a 12-0 run to push their lead to 17, and Northwestern only furthered its own downfall with careless turnovers, missed shots and offensive fouls.</p>
<p id="gvCKHq">It never felt as though Northwestern was getting completely dominated till the final five minutes of the game, where another scoring run from the Badgers sent the ‘Cats deep into the abyss, searching for answers on both sides of the court. What seemed like it might have been a competitive bout vs the top ten foe again transformed into a romp, with Wisconsin winning by 16.</p>
<p id="PFZaZa">The big story of the night for UW was Wahl, the sub-turned-starter who scored a career-high and team best 14 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting. </p>
<p id="c5j4PE">Kopp finished the night second in scoring for NU, tallying 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field.</p>
<p id="dj4M3p">Northwestern gets its next shot at snapping this six-game losing streak Saturday when it takes on Penn State (3-6, 0-5 B1G) in Happy Valley. </p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/1/20/22241647/rapid-reaction-northwestern-falls-68-52-to-no-10-wisconsinLiam Warin2021-01-18T18:55:44-06:002021-01-18T18:55:44-06:00Peyton’s Passes, Citrus Bowl: Pushing the ball down the field
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<figcaption>Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>No. 12 went out with a bang.</p> <p id="OUTSXZ"><em>Northwestern fans got one year of Peyton Ramsey under center, and he provided the stability the position desperately needed. Whose passes will we be charting this coming fall? We’ll see. But for now, one last ride of Peyton’s Passes.</em></p>
<p id="LNgCwB">No. 10 Northwestern (7-2, 6-2 B1G) ended the season on a resilient note with a 35-19 victory over Auburn (6-5, 6-4 SEC) to capture the 2021 Vrbo Citrus Bowl. Unlike many Wildcat victories, Peyton Ramsey was the catalyst of success, as Cam Porter and Evan Hull had trouble on the ground. </p>
<p id="faZRtm">The conditions in Florida lent themselves well to the passing game: clear skies and light wind meant Ramsey could air the ball out as much as he liked. And air it out he did: </p>
<p id="NMNjXk">Ramsey experimented with the deep ball more than in previous games, completing his first pass of 30 or more air yards in his final game as a Wildcat. </p>
<p id="AmK2eh">He also showed off his legs yet again, most notably in a 30-yard touchdown scramble that secured an 8 point Northwestern lead midway through the third quarter. As always, offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian made sure to give Ramsey a few designed runs and run-pass options that kept the Tigers’ defense on its toes. These RPOs set up chunk Northwestern gains and are easily attributable to lots of the ‘Cats offensive success in 2020. </p>
<p id="uLFMUs">No. 12 played some of the best football of his college career in Orlando, and the stats reflect his dominance.</p>
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<p id="DLfJsb">Ramsey’s first big time throw against Auburn became one of his best reads of the year, finding an open Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman for a 35-yard touchdown.</p>
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<p id="DAcANm">Wide receiver Bryce Kirtz goes in motion so Ramsey can see what coverage the defense is running. The lack of following from any Auburn defensive backs lets him know that it’s zone coverage. He fakes the handoff to Porter and steps right back into the pocket, staring at his man the entire time. RCB takes advantage of a coverage bust and catches a perfectly thrown ball in stride for the massive touchdown.</p>
<p id="dAmZoG">While Ramsey could have disguised his first read better, the play was designed well enough that it did not matter. He knew the play would bust zone coverage, and RCB ends up running a perfect zone-breaking levels streak concept.</p>
<p id="cOqiEv">Later in the first quarter, Bajakian runs the same concept that brought RCB a touchdown again, this time for a 29-yard first down gain.</p>
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<p id="RS4xqk">Ramsey again calls for pre-snap motion this play, and the Auburn DBs don’t trace Evan Hull across the field, telling the signal caller the Tigers are again in zone. Auburn DB Marco Domio signals to the rest of the secondary to shift into a modified Cover 2 concept at the second of the snap due to the motion, and Ramsey capitalizes off of the delayed adjustment. The offensive line gives him plenty of time in the pocket to find his read and nail RCB to move the sticks.</p>
<p id="xTqMgK">The same levels concept is used for the first down gain as in the 30-yard score. Ramsey continues to stare down RCB, which isn’t ideal, but RCB makes a ridiculous tight window catch where only he can make a play. Auburn ran a lot of the same Cover 2 zone concepts that Ramsey capitalized on with such accurate dimes to Wildcat receivers. </p>
<p id="4lXvRD">Later in the drive, on a crucial fourth down, Riley Lees finds a soft spot in the zone defense and grabs an easy catch to keep the drive alive.</p>
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<p id="RMFZyS">Auburn drops into a deep zone coverage play the instant of the snap, giving Ramsey time in the pocket to go through his progressions. As was consistent throughout the game, Bajakian called perfect zone-breaking routes that put Wildcat receivers in the right places to make plays. Lees runs a post route that splits perfectly between the safety and the outside linebacker in coverage to create a five-yard radius of space where he easily secures the grab.</p>
<p id="SoD0Wq">To cap the drive and put NU up 14-0, Ramsey performs a sweet roll out and finds tight end John Raine for six.</p>
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<p id="Z8NADl">Bajakian usually uses pre-snap motion to confuse the defense and try and read the coverage; however, Raine actually uses it to speed up and accelerate to the outside on a roll out play against a blitz. Auburn calls a zone blitz, and the roll out counters it perfectly. Raine does not have a primary defender on the play, as one Tiger trades him to another as he crosses Ramsey, creating confusion among the defense, which allows a wide open Raine to walk in for the touchdown.</p>
<p id="wLmXLr">Not only does the pre-snap motion confuse the defense, but Bajakian calls a double slant route that creates a sizable gap between Raine and his assigned defender. This pseudo pick play gives Raine the ball in space.</p>
<p id="DPOjZg">Shortly thereafter, 12 delivers a strike on second-and-16 in the middle of the field that creates a third-and-manageable.</p>
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<p id="4VzZhU">Ramsey is solo behind the offensive line, but his legs still create a rushing threat, keeping the defense aware. He takes the snap, climbs the pocket after feeling pressure, and finds RCB on the Citrus Bowl logo for 14 yards.</p>
<p id="SoY9uC">Auburn has yet to learn from its mistakes, continuing to run a soft zone without any coverage in the shallow middle of the field. RCB runs a post route that forces the Auburn safety to come and make the tackle almost 15 yards off the line of scrimmage as there are no linebackers in coverage in an area traditionally traversed by that position. </p>
<p id="v9A9xY">Ramsey’s best throw of the day goes to John Raine on a drive the Wildcats desperately needed. </p>
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<p id="PDRimF">There is not much to break down with this play. Ramsey throws a perfect ball above the Auburn DB and puts just enough power on it for Raine to grab it without allowing the double high safeties to break up the pass. He finished this drive with the rushing TD that let NU break away from the Tigers. </p>
<p id="gLG1cN">A tip of the cap to No. 12 for an excellent performance and much needed consistency at quarterback. Who do you think we’ll be reviewing every week in the fall? Let us know below.</p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/1/18/22236724/peytons-passes-citrus-bowl-pushing-the-ball-down-the-fieldLiam Warin