Inside NU: All Posts by Jake MozarskyRoll Damn 'Catshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52532/insidenu_fav.png2024-02-01T13:16:37-06:00https://www.insidenu.com/authors/jake-mozarsky/rss2024-02-01T13:16:37-06:002024-02-01T13:16:37-06:00Even in tough loss, Northwestern shows why it has potential to be special
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Journal-Courier" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y2GcegHJje7ZFkdkPYxtn0-aSrw=/0x81:2658x1853/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73104307/usa_today_22416249.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Regardless of the result, what the Wildcats did Wednesday night was no easy feat.</p> <p id="hBghYb">In 2023, Northwestern basketball did something it never had in its entire history — take down the No. 1 team in the country. Moreover, the ‘Cats did it twice, beating No. 1 Purdue at Welsh-Ryan Arena twice on Feb. 12 and Dec. 1.</p>
<p id="d9Wq09">Both were followed by court storms, attention from the national media and elevated expectations. Similar to the team that beat Purdue for the first time nearly a year ago, this current Northwestern squad brings optimism into every game.</p>
<p id="rXayp0">Yet, not many thought that the ‘Cats could go into Mackey Arena on Wednesday night and get a win. Triumphing against a top-two team on the road in a place the home side rarely loses is a whole different animal. </p>
<p id="Yi7qEQ">And yes, while Northwestern did end up falling to No. 2 Purdue 105-96 in overtime, the Wildcats showed the Big Ten, and the entire basketball world, why they have a legitimate chance to be special. Northwestern took the Boilermakers wire-to-wire, and even with Purdue shooting 46 free throws compared to Northwestern’s eight, the Wildcats were in the game the entire time.</p>
<p id="smrvyK">Throughout the first half, the ‘Cats did what an underdog needs to do on the road. In a hostile environment, Northwestern stuck in there; though Purdue led for most of the half, it seemed like whenever the Boilermakers scored, Chris Collins’ squad would respond. Boo Buie and Ty Berry each hit at least three triples in the first half to keep Northwestern afloat. While the Boilermakers won’t admit it, Purdue was getting a sense of deja vu.</p>
<p id="Y6DO3F">At the 3:46 mark of the first half, it seemed like Purdue was about to throw a knockout punch, taking its largest lead of the game at 11 with a Camden Heide dunk to put Mackey in a spiral. But, what did the Wildcats do? They answered immediately, with a Buie three-pointer cutting the lead to eight. The margin stayed that way entering halftime, doing exactly what a good team does in a game it’s not supposed to win — staying competitive.</p>
<p id="82svyL">The Wildcats turned remaining alive into having a legitimate chance to win in the second half, cutting down the lead in the first five minutes. Purdue, one of the top teams in the country, couldn’t get rid of NU. Whenever the Boilermakers scored, the ‘Cats matched their lofty marks, and when Ryan Langborg tied the game with just under 12 minutes to go, there was a real chance for Northwestern to win.</p>
<p id="g8wMZs">In the last 10 minutes of regulation, Northwestern proved it can play with the best teams in America. The Wildcats have four Quad One wins as it is — over Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State and Dayton — and this performance was just as impressive. The ‘Cats continued to ride their top scorers in Buie, Berry and Brooks Barnhizer; tied with the final shot in regulation, the game was dictated by the team in purple. That’s what made it so crushing when Buie couldn’t hit the game-winning floater as time expired.</p>
<p id="31CcP9">Overtime, though, was a different story. With Matthew Nicholson and Luke Hunger fouling out, there was no response for Edey, who was limited to only 20 points in regulation. Edey feasted for 10 points in the extra frame, showing why he is one of the biggest mismatches for any team and one of the best players in America.</p>
<p id="rYGnp9">Though there should not be many moral victories — nor will Collins or players take them — what Northwestern did showed why it can beat anyone. The Wildcats have one of the best guards in the country in Buie, who had 25 on seven made threes in the loss. If they get scoring production from Berry, Barnhizer or Langborg, they legitimately have a shot in any game, regardless of who they play.</p>
<p id="BBXaWX">This season, Northwestern has become almost a polar opposite of what it was a year ago. At this point last year, the ‘Cats would win rock fights and pride themselves on defensive stops. But now, they rely on their offensive stars, whether Buie, Berry, Barnhizer or Langborg, to get the job done — make the tough shots and lead them to victory. Though the formula is different, it’s leading to almost exactly same outcome.</p>
<p id="9YXYZg">That creed is what will make Northwestern dangerous come March. The Wildcats will, most of the time, have the best player on the court in Buie, along with others who have scoring potential. For Big Ten teams, this will be scary come conference tournament time in Minneapolis. If Northwestern does end up making the NCAA Tournament, who knows what it can do. This isn’t saying the Wildcats will go on a run in the tournament; it just says they have the chance to do so.</p>
<p id="qvdMMM">Northwestern has a coach who stands behind his players and displays passion every single night. A year-and-a-half ago, Collins was on the hot seat, and on Wednesday, he got ejected with one second to go in overtime, storming onto the court and having to be held back from players and coaches. Afterward, he shook hands with Purdue coach Matt Painter and Edey, while also playing with the crowd on his way out. Collins left it all out on the floor, and that’s something that rallies a program.</p>
<p id="fD3xKe">To be clear: Northwestern has work to do. The ‘Cats still have to win double-digit Big Ten games in order to be an NCAA Tournament team.</p>
<p id="a2tmpK">But, even in a loss, the Wildcats showed why they have the opportunity to end the year in with another sought-after postseason berth in a distant city. They proved it last night: no hill is too tough to climb. Not every game will be a success, but Northwestern will always have a chance.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2024/2/1/24058240/even-in-tough-loss-northwestern-shows-why-it-has-potential-to-be-specialJake Mozarsky2023-12-20T12:15:16-06:002023-12-20T12:15:16-06:00What a win in the Las Vegas Bowl would mean for Northwestern
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 25 Northwestern at Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zBFz9uViQZArx5P_PrskkPmTemk=/0x0:3344x2229/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72983388/1806664950.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A victory on Saturday would have huge implications, both in the short and long term.</p> <p id="wotMUp">It’s safe to say that not many saw this Northwestern football season coming.</p>
<p id="hApaIP">Just over a year ago, the Wildcats lost 41-3 to Illinois, wrapping up their 2022 campaign with an 11th straight loss and not a single win in the United States. Pat Fitzgerald’s program had nowhere to go but up. </p>
<p id="D2FwyL">Yet, somehow, it went down. Hazing allegations around the program engulfed the summer, ultimately leading to Fitzgerald’s firing. The dark days around the squad made it seem near-impossible for the Wildcats to have a successful season in 2023. As I wrote in July, <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2023/7/13/23792471/for-northwestern-football-the-immediate-future-is-grim">the future was grim</a> for the Northwestern football team.</p>
<p id="hzlkLO">Enter: interim head coach David Braun.</p>
<p id="giHRlM">We know the rest. Braun is no longer the interim head coach. Northwestern finally won a game in the United States after over 700 days, and it won seven of them. After going 1-11 in 2022 and losing top players in Peter Skoronski, Evan Hull and Cam Mitchell, to name a few, Northwestern finished with a winning record, securing bowl eligibility for the first time in three years. As captain Bryce Gallagher promised after the season-opening loss to Rutgers, the ‘Cats did, in fact, go on to have a “successful season.”</p>
<p id="qhVYU2">Still, NU can prove so much more on Saturday in the Las Vegas Bowl against Utah, both as a statement for the 2023 team and the football program in general. A win would go miles for the Wildcats, who nobody thought would come close to touching a bowl game.</p>
<p id="A1h3f6">Let’s start with the short-term implications of a win versus the Utes.</p>
<p id="iLkmq2">First, this is going to be one of the toughest opponents Northwestern has played this year. Utah is a strong PAC-12 (soon to be Big 12) team, sitting at 8-4, with all of their losses coming against ranked opponents. It took No. 2 Washington, who is now playing in the College Football Playoff, down to the wire in Seattle. The Utes beat one of the best quarterbacks in the country and the potential first overall draft pick, Caleb Williams, in Los Angeles. The most impressive thing is Utah spent the entire season without its star quarterback in Cam Rising, who did not play this season due to a torn ACL.</p>
<p id="nBSZ3o">Before this season, Utah was the two-time defending PAC-12 champions, beating Oregon in 2021 and USC in 2022. It made the PAC-12 Championship in 2020 and was on the border of making the College Football Playoff that year. The Utes have been one of the top college football programs for the past few years, and what Kyle Whittingham has done for the program has been special. Additionally, Rising returns to Salt Lake City next year as Utah shifts over to the Big 12, giving it a real chance to win the conference.</p>
<p id="CqctVM">So what would a Northwestern win over this program mean for the 2023 team? To start, it means that this season was not a fluke. Utah’s success over the past few seasons has come from talented players, great coaching and a team that sticks together. If Northwestern can beat this unit, a program that has seen nearly everything over the past half-decade, it shows what the Wildcats did in 2023 is real.</p>
<p id="i6KeJv">Moreover, Northwestern deserves to play a top program like Utah. The ‘Cats were a last-minute field goal away from traveling down the road to Indianapolis to play the No. 1 team in the country in Michigan; no matter what would have happened in that game, getting there is an accomplishment in itself. A win against a Utah team would show that Northwestern can play with some of the nation’s top dogs. It would also be some nice hardware — the HAT is already back in Evanston, and a bowl trophy right next to it would make the 2023 season one that will be hard to forget.</p>
<p id="zBwCZO">It would also set the slate for the 2024 season. Northwestern has one of the hardest schedules in the country next year, featuring games against Michigan, Ohio State and Washington — all of whom should be top-six teams heading into the preseason — a reloaded Duke squad with Manny Diaz and a contest against a Miami (Ohio) team that just went 11-2. Winning against the Utes would give many the belief that Northwestern can compete in some of these games. The path to a bowl game is there next season, and a win in the Las Vegas Bowl would make this more believable.</p>
<p id="7UG1Er">Even more than what’s on the 2024 horizon, a victory against Utah would have major long-term implications for Northwestern football for years to come.</p>
<p id="qMS8qA">The college football slate is going to be completely different next year. The Big Ten is welcoming Washington, Oregon, USC and UCLA. Plenty of national championship contenders are in the conference; Michigan and Washington are both in the playoff this season and Ohio State and Oregon missed out because of losses to the Wolverines and Huskies, respectively. Throw in Penn State and USC, programs that have the talent to make the playoff, and it is clear there is star power in the conference. The College Football Playoff will have 12 teams, meaning that there will be tons of Big Ten teams vying for spots and some of them will be mainstays. If Northwestern wants to “get purple to the College Football Playoff,” as Braun said, a win against Utah will launch this trajectory.</p>
<p id="5xrEfl">To put it into perspective, a bowl game win is big for any program. It means a lot to the players, who work their tails off throughout the season to have an opportunity to compete in late December. It’s a testament to their willingness to buy into a program. But to get a bowl win against a Utah team that has had recent success, all in Braun’s first year? It would go miles for the ‘Cats, especially with all they have been through recently.</p>
<p id="k4qJse">Even if Northwestern loses, the impact the 2023 team has had on Northwestern football is massive. There’s not one program in the nation that experienced this type of turnaround this year, and a bowl win against a successful program in Utah would be the cherry on top.</p>
<p id="gzxweP">Now attention shifts to Saturday to see if the Wildcats can get it done.</p>
<p id="3GQLDR"></p>
<p id="MXzyBg"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/12/20/24008002/what-a-win-in-the-las-vegas-bowl-would-mean-for-northwesternJake Mozarsky2023-09-19T11:36:46-05:002023-09-19T11:36:46-05:00Three matchups to watch in Northwestern vs Minnesota
<figure>
<img alt="Northwestern v Minnesota" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WmMM715ZbXywlIwd9BMDfN3b0L4=/0x109:3000x2109/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72665133/1244725581.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>P.J Fleck’s all about matchups.</p> <p id="tAD9Hc">After a 24-point loss to Duke in Durham, Northwestern Football fell to 1-2 on the season. Now, the focus for David Braun’s team shifts to Minnesota; the Gophers are coming off of a loss to Duke’s rival, North Carolina, and heading to Evanston looking for a win.</p>
<p id="SHMlJ0">Over the past three years, the Wildcats have had no success against Minnesota, losing all three games by a combined score of 110-39, and every year, the games have gotten less competitive. Northwestern lost 31-3 in Minneapolis last year and 41-14 in Evanston the year before, with the Gophers having a ton of success on the ground.</p>
<p id="SdGm6b">Both teams are hoping for a win, and there will be many key matchups across the field. Here are a few to look out for:</p>
<h2 id="zuv6lh"><strong>A.J. Henning and Cam Johnson vs Tyler Nubin</strong></h2>
<p id="OWgZQY">Henning and Johnson have been Northwestern’s two playmakers in the passing game, and this week, they face a Minnesota secondary led by Tyler Nubin. Nubin, a fifth-year senior, is viewed by many as a potential first-round draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He leads a Minnesota defense that is letting up an average of 199.67 passing yards a game so far.</p>
<p id="ldRszw">Minnesota’s defense is its stronghold, and Nubin is a reason why. If Northwestern wants any success in the air, it’s going to come through Henning and Johnson. Last week, North Carolina slot receiver Nate McCollum destroyed the Minnesota secondary, having 15 receptions for 165 yards. The hope is Henning in the slot can also put up big numbers. If not him, Johnson needs to. Whoever is matched up with Nubin will have a long day.</p>
<h2 id="KPKwhJ"><strong>Athan Kaliakmanis vs the Northwestern secondary</strong></h2>
<p id="GcToJA">The Gophers’ largest defect so far has been their passing game, led by Athan Kaliakmanis, who so far is averaging nearly 149 yards per game. This is because Kaliakmanis, a first-year starter, has not been up to par. But, at the same time, Northwestern saw Kaliakmanis last year in Minneapolis, and while he did not play well, the ‘Cats lost 31-3.</p>
<p id="IjupPX">But, the difference here is Minnesota has no Mo Ibrahim, who rushed for over 200 yards last season. This might put more pressure on Kaliakmanis and his arm. The Northwestern secondary needs to keep Kaliakmanis from having a good game if it wants to win.</p>
<p id="s8NOIL">Moreover, Kaliakmanis has thrown an interception in all three of his games. Northwestern needs to force turnovers come Saturday; they forced two in their win against UTEP, and against a quarterback who has made his mistakes, the message is clear.</p>
<p id="O4Xnde">Whether Garnett Hollis, Devin Turner, Theran Johnson, Rod Heard II or someone else, they need to make a play. Whether it’s to set up the offense with a short field against a good defense or to keep the lead, turnovers will be key in this game.</p>
<h2 id="HPy55Q"><strong>The run game</strong></h2>
<p id="KR8U5K">It doesn’t matter that Ibrahim isn’t around — Minnesota’s run game is still its strong point on offense. While the Gophers are only averaging 173.7 yards per game, it's much better than their passing numbers. Last week, the Northwestern defense struggled against the run; Riley Leonard, Jaquez Moore and Jordan Waters all found success for Duke.</p>
<p id="X9pY5w">The main back will be Darius Taylor, who is averaging over 111 yards per game, and Northwestern needs to keep him in check. This will be the premise of the game: if Northwestern is able to stop the run, they’ll force Kaliakmanis to pass. If not, the Gophers will do what they did last year to the Wildcats, where Kaliakmanis passed for less than 100 yards but Minnesota still won by 28.</p>
<p id="MD6N95">Can Northwestern flip the script? It starts in the trenches. It always has been against Minnesota. It needs to happen in Evanston on Saturday.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/9/19/23878144/three-matchups-to-watch-in-northwestern-vs-minnesotaJake Mozarsky2023-09-13T14:53:30-05:002023-09-13T14:53:30-05:00How Northwestern can maintain its top play against better opponents
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 09 UTEP at Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oszJC23pSPo8jSY2iE3qUMFIYeA=/0x0:6907x4605/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72644103/1655906185.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ben Hsu/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can they?</p> <p id="a0Nmv7">On Saturday, Northwestern Football had one of the best days in recent memory: not only did they capture their first win in America since 2021, but the Wildcats had an offensive field day in a 38-7 win over UTEP. It was a much-needed day for NU, who has obviously struggled over the past few years.</p>
<p id="hlJ60k">While Saturday was a big day for a program, it was a win over UTEP, a non-power five team that finished under .500 a year ago. Northwestern has to buckle up, as their schedule is only going to get harder. Next up is No.21 Duke, who already beat a previously-ranked top-ten team this season at home. More formidable teams are on the way too as Big Ten play kicks into full swing in two weeks. So, the question is this: how can the Wildcats maintain their competition against better opponents?</p>
<p id="3obgSR">It comes from playing complimentary football with contributions coming from offense to defense to special teams. Starting with the offense, who has a tough three weeks coming up, including squaring off against Mike Elko’s star-studded Duke defense, Minnesota, who had the number two defense in the Big Ten last year, and Penn State, who has gone under a defensive transformation with second-year coordinator Manny Diaz.</p>
<p id="A946F2">Like every offense, it starts with the quarterback position. Ben Bryant is day-to-day, and assuming he is the starter on Saturday, it’s about consistency. This means making the throws necessary to win ballgames and limit turnovers. Also, against these elite defenses, he needs to make one, two, or even more “wow’’ throws that move the offense forward.</p>
<p id="wH2JvR">Of course, to make these throws, the offensive line needs to give him the time to. The offensive line did not perform well against a decent pass rush in Rutgers, and the Wildcats will face much better pass rushes. The line needs to perform, or else Bryant or whoever is back there will be eaten alive.</p>
<p id="caG2gj">Last is skill positions — between A.J. Henning, Cam Johnson, Cam Porter and others, Northwestern has some talent. Is it more talent than many of their opponents? No, probably not. But, they have the capability to make plays, and they will need to.</p>
<p id="lrHCfn">Switching to the defensive side of the ball, David Braun’s unit has shown flashes of potential over the past few weeks to be an average or even good defense for the rest of the season. At the same time, the group needs to take steps forward.</p>
<p id="BsJPfL">What was noticeable against Rutgers was the defensive struggles in the trenches, one of the main reasons Northwestern lost that game. Scarlet Knights’ QB Gavin Wimsatt had tons of time to throw. The Wildcats need to disrupt quarterbacks, and it starts by getting back there. Whether it is Anto Saka, Richie Hagarty, Sean McLaughlin, or someone else, the D-Line needs to get pressure, or they are going to leave the ‘Cats’ secondary out to dry.</p>
<p id="bM7CAC">The main place the defensive line struggled with last season was rush defense, and obviously, this needs to change against better opponents. Braun has stated he likes the potential in the room, and the question now is whether results will show.</p>
<p id="ABCWW9">Last is pass coverage, which was probably Northwestern’s only not-below-average category in the Big Ten last season. While there was a lot of turnover in the secondary, including the losses of A.J. Hampton, Cam Mitchell and Jeremiah Lewis, there is also a lot of talent. Devin Turner, Garnett Hollis Jr., Rod Heard II, Coco Azema and Theran Johnson have all had their moments through two games and the starting secondary has been good.</p>
<p id="NVHB8d">It also comes down to pass coverage by linebackers. One of the struggles in Jim O’Neil’s scheme was linebackers not being able to matchup with speedy tight ends and running backs. There have already been positives in Braun’s defense: Bryce Gallagher and Xander Mueller both had interceptions Saturday. There is clear potential in pass coverage.</p>
<p id="Js364Q">Last is the coaching. David Braun, a first-year head coach, has no easy slate, and he is aware he has to make adjustments depending on the opponents and performance.</p>
<p id="xgTNcS">Going forward, Northwestern will be facing MUCH more talented teams, and as listed above, every position will need to contribute for David Braun’s team to be competitive. The challenge will change each week. The same question remains: will the Wildcats remain competitive like so many in the program think they can? Time will tell, starting Saturday in Durham.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/9/13/23871006/how-northwestern-can-maintain-its-top-play-against-better-opponentsJake Mozarsky2023-09-06T11:08:11-05:002023-09-06T11:08:11-05:00Big Ten Football Power Rankings, Week One
<figure>
<img alt="Ohio State v Indiana" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XdX557U7pLkxhyXg0ZljU4lxHQQ=/12x0:5184x3448/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72617208/1643579937.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Not much movement, but some.</p> <p id="E25nt1"><em>From Thursday to Sunday, all 14 teams in the Big Ten opened up their seasons, some in close games and some in blowouts. Every team has played, and there is one thing for sure: before the conference expands next year, there will be one more year of exciting football. Does this mean parity? Maybe, and time will tell. Now that every team is 1-0 or 0-1, let’s dive into the newest Big Ten Football power rankings.</em></p>
<h2 id="ITaHLe"><strong>1. Michigan</strong></h2>
<p id="JrqoAl"><strong>Last Ranking: 1</strong></p>
<p id="99F4bL"><strong>Last Result: </strong>30-3 win vs East Carolina</p>
<p id="1T2xHH"><strong>Next: </strong>vs UNLV</p>
<p id="55mMgO">Don’t expect Michigan to fall from the No. 1 spot for a while — its next three games are UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers all at home, and the three should be cakewalks. The Wolverines are one of the most talented teams in the country led by one of the best backfields in the country in Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. If both are healthy, Michigan is a championship contender, and that’s obvious.</p>
<p id="F1j0QB">What stood out most from Michigan this weekend was its constant support for coach Jim Harbaugh, who is serving a three-game suspension for NCAA recruiting violations during the COVID-19 period. Though the suspension was self-imposed by the school, players still are advocating for Harbaugh’s return. The coach will not be on the sidelines for two more games, and though it won’t make much of a difference, players care.</p>
<h2 id="lU8euO"><strong>2. Penn State</strong></h2>
<p id="K1qObR"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>2</p>
<p id="70wYgc"><strong>Last Result: </strong>38-15 win vs West Virginia</p>
<p id="YGDj7t"><strong>Next: </strong>vs Delaware</p>
<p id="H8I7bS">James Franklin’s Nittany Lions rolled over West Virginia like they should have, but what stood out most was the defense. Penn State held a West Virginia offense that averaged 30.2 points per game last season to 15, and though the Mountaineers did experience turnover, that’s a statement to the defense. Manny Diaz was one of the best coordinators in college football last year, and the Penn State defense looks to be one of the top in the country again.</p>
<p id="7SBai1">On the other side of the ball, Drew Allar performed well in his first start and should continue to get positive snaps in. With him, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen and a talented wide receiver group, it’s hard to find a weakness. Can this be the year Penn State knocks off Michigan or Ohio State? It might be.</p>
<h2 id="IPTa8j"><strong>3. Ohio State</strong></h2>
<p id="6wt5CC"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>3</p>
<p id="p3zMFD"><strong>Last Result: </strong>23-3 win at Indiana</p>
<p id="QT9JKc"><strong>Next: </strong>vs Youngstown State</p>
<p id="EdtMke">Yes, Ohio State won and yes, Ohio State won pretty easily, but the biggest roster concern here is the quarterback. This is the first time in his Buckeye coaching career that Ryan Day does not have one of the top quarterbacks in the country, as Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud both got Heisman recognition. Now, he has Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, who do not flash the same abilities. </p>
<p id="F0jZIM">Does this mean McCord, who is the starter for now, can’t be elite? No. He has all the tools to be, including two of the best wide receivers in the nation in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. If McCord, or Brown, figures it out and the Buckeyes have an elite quarterback once again, they’ll leap up these rankings.</p>
<h2 id="u7fzJ8"><strong>4. Wisconsin</strong></h2>
<p id="HTaUHu"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>4</p>
<p id="vtTjmC"><strong>Last Result: </strong>38-17 win vs Buffalo</p>
<p id="leCrUc"><strong>Next: </strong>at Washington State</p>
<p id="hXSdnx">Even with all the buzz around new transfer quarterback Tanner Mordecai, Wisconsin rolled Buffalo in typical Wisconsin fashion: both Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi rushed for over 140 yards — 141 and 157 respectively — to take down the Buffaloes. Mordecai did not have a great game, but it didn’t matter. Luke Fickell and Phil Longo should figure it out in this system.</p>
<p id="rTOld5">Last year, Wisconsin rolled in its season opener, then folded at Camp Randall Stadium against Washington State. Now, they play the Cougars in Pullman with a chance for revenge. </p>
<h2 id="ECAtw6"><strong>5. Iowa</strong></h2>
<p id="zGYIFS"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>5</p>
<p id="smjwXQ"><strong>Last Result: </strong>24-14 win against Utah State</p>
<p id="Gdm1Qu"><strong>Next: </strong>at Iowa State</p>
<p id="jvdl3Y">What stands out most for Iowa this year has to be quarterback Cade McNamara. With the experience he has, including leading Michigan to the College Football Playoff in his first year as a starter, the Iowa offense should be more high scoring. For Brian Ferentz’s sake, though, can it score over 25 points per game? It depends on McNamara’s health and production.</p>
<p id="SyEQGf">Iowa’s defense is the same as it always is: toward the top of the Big Ten and scary for most teams. It will be a test against Iowa State this weekend, but the Hawkeyes are up for it.</p>
<h2 id="N2MBWL"><strong>6. Maryland</strong></h2>
<p id="9FnHhQ"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>6</p>
<p id="3IIbar"><strong>Last Result: </strong>38-6 win vs Towson</p>
<p id="FKQBLw"><strong>Next: </strong>vs Charlotte</p>
<p id="ohh8Ly">It’s hard to judge the Terrapins at this point in time, and is going to be hard to judge them with their upcoming schedule; Maryland should run through Charlotte and Virginia due to the talent gap on the offensive side of the ball. Sept. 23 against Michigan State, though, is where it gets interesting.</p>
<p id="JOPj3S">For Maryland to find real success this year, it all comes down to Taulia Tagovailoa. He lost a major weapon in Dontay Demus, but still has some in Corey Dyches, DeShaun Jones and others. Roman Hemby is a good running back and the Terps have an offense if Tagovailoa stays healthy.</p>
<h2 id="ZNOzOd"><strong>7. Minnesota</strong></h2>
<p id="kPJTEm"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>7</p>
<p id="Cc5dee"><strong>Last Result: </strong>13-10 win vs Nebraska</p>
<p id="rwgecu"><strong>Next: </strong>vs Eastern Michigan</p>
<p id="mRjP7J">Minnesota deserved to be moved down after its performance on Thursday night against Nebraska. Two things contributed to them not falling: their elite defense and other Big Ten teams below them. </p>
<p id="L1Z4t7">The Gopher defense, which was the sixth-best scoring defense in college football last year, was able to hold Matt Rhule’s new Nebraska offense to only 10 points. Jeff Sims was barely a threat in the air, and he will always be on the ground, but the Minnesota defense can be stingy again.</p>
<p id="6S591c">The main question with Minnesota is Athan Kaliakmanis and whether he can be a good, or even serviceable quarterback. While they did get the win on Thursday night, there were times where Kaliakmanis could not make the throws necessary to win big games. Yes, the defense bailed the Gopher offense out against Nebraska, but that won’t happen against better offenses. They see Drake Maye and UNC in two weeks — do you think that offense is scoring only 10 points?</p>
<h2 id="oxitIU"><strong>8. Illinois</strong></h2>
<p id="lta0J1"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>8</p>
<p id="QXsUZV"><strong>Last Result: </strong>30-28 win vs Toledo</p>
<p id="DfrUQv"><strong>Next: </strong>at Kansas</p>
<p id="7Ycjoz">Illinois barely escaped against Toledo, and for a defense that ranked second in the Big Ten last year, it lacked personality on Saturday night. While the Illini did lose key pieces such as Devon Witherspoon, Sydney Brown and others, Brett Bielema has some work to do on this end of the ball. Luke Altmyer played fine at quarterback, but in a conference with high-scoring offenses (Penn State comes to Champaign next week), he needs to be better.</p>
<p id="94pv5y">The Fighting Illini have an interesting challenge this week, going to play Kansas on the road. Jalon Daniels, who became one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in the nation last year, is set to return after missing Week One. Daniels is the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and passed for 544 yards last time he played in a game. Illinois has a test.</p>
<h2 id="7e96pf"><strong>9. Michigan State</strong></h2>
<p id="cGpESr"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>11</p>
<p id="gOA95t"><strong>Last Result: </strong>31-7 win vs Central Michigan</p>
<p id="QBzfp9"><strong>Next: </strong>vs Richmond</p>
<p id="fqwjy7">Finally, some movement! Mel Tucker and Michigan State move into the top 10 after battering Central Michigan in East Lansing on Friday night. What stood out most for the Spartans was the defense, which held Central Michigan to under 100 yards passing. </p>
<p id="GimpCv">Richmond should be easy, but the real test is next week when No. 8 Washington and Heisman hopeful Michael Penix comes to town. Penix, who just lit up Boise State, is supposed to lead one of the best air attacks in the nation, and the Spartan defense might be able to slow him down.</p>
<h2 id="FVcv8D"><strong>10. Rutgers</strong></h2>
<p id="CG9Icj"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>13</p>
<p id="3sCSAI"><strong>Last Result: </strong>24-7 win vs Northwestern</p>
<p id="5l3rA5"><strong>Next: </strong>vs Temple</p>
<p id="B8NBCr">Just like Michigan State, Rutgers moves into the top ten after a resounding win against Northwestern. While Northwestern is not a top team, Rutgers dominated for 60 minutes. The key for the Scarlet Knights this season is, and always will be, Gavin Wimsatt: he is the highest Rutgers football recruit ever and finally has the chance to start an entire season. Wimsatt needs to find the consistency necessary and cut down on turnovers for RU to be competitive once again.</p>
<p id="MSTGIE">The defense, in particular the pass rush, could be scary with Aaron Lewis. Without Wimsatt producing, though, none of it matters.</p>
<h2 id="QLBr1U"><strong>11. Purdue</strong></h2>
<p id="IjEH4N"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>9</p>
<p id="NoJE5v"><strong>Last Result: </strong>39-35 loss vs Fresno State</p>
<p id="4Hpr1x"><strong>Next: </strong>at Virginia Tech</p>
<p id="xbM6dd">Purdue, fresh off a Big Ten Championship appearance last season, had its defense lay an egg against Fresno State in the season opener. Similar to last year, the high-flying offense was not supported by the defense at all in a loss. This killed them with Aidan O’Connell at the helm, and it will with Hudson Card too.</p>
<p id="mKJN1j">It doesn’t get easier for the Boilermakers either, who now have to go to Lane Stadium to play Virginia Tech. There would have been less pressure if they were 1-0 and not 0-1.</p>
<h2 id="LpLZHq"><strong>12. Nebraska</strong></h2>
<p id="a4bE37"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>10</p>
<p id="AxyNQI"><strong>Last Result: </strong>13-10 loss at Minnesota</p>
<p id="3bF6C0"><strong>Next: </strong>at Colorado</p>
<p id="ilmxZE">Even with a new head coach, Nebraska lost in typical Nebraska fashion. Being defeated by a last-second field goal has to be a similar dagger for the Huskers and their fans. While the defense performed valiantly, the offense let them down. Jeff Sims needs to be better next week. The Colorado defense they’ll oppose this week might be worse too, as Minnesota has one of the top defenses in the nation.</p>
<p id="9oevhb">The problem? The offense they are going to face is much better. Nebraska has to go head-to-head with Coach Prime, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in their first home game in Boulder. That place is going to be electric, and the Buffaloes can light it up.</p>
<h2 id="S9rFmf"><strong>13. Indiana</strong></h2>
<p id="lrJael"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>12</p>
<p id="fgVgZK"><strong>Last Result: </strong>23-3 loss vs Ohio State</p>
<p id="zxyhxZ"><strong>Next: </strong>vs Indiana State</p>
<p id="aYqtPV">Indiana lost by 20 on Saturday against Ohio State, and the game was closer than a lot thought it should be. But, the Hoosiers still move down on account that they could not score. It should change this week against Indiana State.</p>
<p id="IP8LHQ">And last...</p>
<h2 id="ahRsJd"><strong>14. Northwestern</strong></h2>
<p id="hQUL5i"><strong>Last Ranking: </strong>14</p>
<p id="s0dMET"><strong>Last Result: </strong>24-7 loss at Rutgers</p>
<p id="gExae4"><strong>Next: </strong>vs UTEP</p>
<p id="6YjUqy">In a game where the Wildcats should have kept it close, they were beaten by a Rutgers team that does not have THAT much more talent. The killer was the two 16-play drives by the Scarlet Knights where Northwestern could not make a play. Soon enough, they were down 14-0 and it only got worse.</p>
<p id="JeuC2T">The question is: can the Wildcats be competitive? If Ben Bryant is solid, yes. A.J. Henning and Cam Johnson both look like viable weapons. The secondary appeared good after the first drive. The biggest issue is the trenches: Northwestern did not pressure Wimsatt enough, and the offensive line was in shambles for a lot of the game.</p>
<p id="xxloVL">Can the ‘Cats turn it around like many in that locker room believe they can? It starts on Saturday against UTEP.</p>
<p id="kqkxAl"></p>
<p id="z8w6mB"></p>
<p id="csntKq"></p>
<p id="l4jPIa"></p>
<p id="ND5eeL"></p>
<p id="nfwAMw"></p>
<p id="CZ6xb0"></p>
<p id="qC4EIe"></p>
<p id="GzT8Ni"></p>
<p id="VGctv2"></p>
<p id="t2F2fV"></p>
<p id="If2TVa"></p>
<p id="zVd0OZ"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/9/6/23860233/big-ten-football-power-rankings-week-oneJake Mozarsky2023-09-03T14:49:48-05:002023-09-03T14:49:48-05:00Stock up, stock down from Northwestern’s season opening loss against Rutgers
<figure>
<img alt="Northwestern v Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JNjJWJn0XFBSqTjaj_2nDy6uLOs=/0x0:4320x2880/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72608261/1643053860.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bad, bad, and bad.</p> <p id="gARJHw"><em>Northwestern opened up the post-Pat Fitzgerald era in Piscataway against Rutgers on Sunday afternoon, and though the team wanted to change the script from last year’s 1-11 season, it didn’t start of well, falling 24-7 to the Scarlet Knights. Even with the resounding loss, there were a few positives; but it will be out-shaded by countless negatives as Northwestern tries to dig itself out of the basement of college football.</em></p>
<h2 id="frCc2h"><strong>Stock Up</strong></h2>
<p id="OelPdo"><strong>A.J. Henning</strong></p>
<p id="lfdPd3">The Michigan transfer was one of the most notable players to come into the program this past offseason, and expectations were that he would immediately slide in as the team’s top wide receiver. He backed it up on the first drive, reeling in a 26-yard pass from Ben Bryant while being hit by two Rutgers defenders. While he only got minimal touches the rest of the half, Henning provided Northwestern with a glimpse of how meaningful he can be for this offense. His first target of the second half was another deep ball that Bryant slightly overthrew, but the wide receiver was open. He finished the game with four receptions for 42 yards on eight targets, and it is clear Henning will be used in multiple ways throughout the season.</p>
<p id="ELpMmJ"><strong>Northwestern’s secondary</strong></p>
<p id="IuSjTy">Whether it was Garnett Hollis, Theran Johnson, Rod Heard II, Coco Azema or Devin Turner, the Northwestern secondary was a bright spot on defense. After letting up a passing touchdown on the opening drive, they performed well in Piscataway, holding Gavin Wimsatt to 163 yards passing. A lot of the time, the secondary was let out to dry, as Northwestern pass rushers failed to get to Rutgers’ quarterback Gavin Wimsatt. The potential is there; for a unit that lost Cam Mitchell, A.J. Hampton and Jeremiah Lewis during the offseason, the new starters had some good moments in the opener. If they are able to stay healthy and continue to develop, the secondary will yet again be a strength.</p>
<p id="QXNrTy"><strong>Bryce Gallagher</strong></p>
<p id="RSV4Uy">After earning All-Big Ten accolades last season and tallying over 100 tackles, Gallagher backed these recognitions up against Rutgers, finishing with 19 total tackles, setting a new career high. The Northwestern defense was on and off today, but Gallagher was all over the place. Similar to last season, he should be the Wildcats’ leading tackler and one of its best players yet again.</p>
<p id="LlOOOO"><strong>Honorable Mentions:</strong> Cam Johnson, the rush defense, Rutgers’ gameday experience, press box hot dogs</p>
<h2 id="KJQYau"><strong>Stock Down</strong></h2>
<p id="bmgcVS"><strong>Northwestern’s defense on third and fourth downs</strong></p>
<p id="dp5ys5">The X-factor early on in the game was the defense’s inability to get off the field on numerous third and fourth downs. While the ‘Cats were able to stop the Scarlet Knights early on, Rutgers had three fourth down conversions on their first drive, resulting in a touchdown from Gavin Wimsatt to Ian Strong. On the second drive, Wimsatt added a rushing touchdown. If Northwestern was able to make plays on late downs, it could have been a different ballgame early on. But, Rutgers kept the Northwestern offense off the field with a total of 32 plays in their first two drives. The defense had a few good series, but the late down conversions killed them throughout the game.</p>
<p id="FKjvXI"><strong>The offensive line</strong></p>
<p id="695sPQ">Going into the year, it was obvious Northwestern was going to have a new offensive line, and in its first showing, it did not perform well. Specifically in pass protection, the Wildcats failed to give Ben Bryant time to throw; Bryant was sacked five times and one of his interceptions resulted from a botched snap and poor protection along with the veteran trying to make a play. Northwestern was able to move the ball at times but could not convert, and Rutgers was able to get to Bryant many times in key situations. Rushing-wise, Northwestern had 22 carries for 12 yards — and Brendan Sullivan contributed 11 of those in the last three minutes. Nobody could get it going on the ground, and a lot of that is because of the line allowing Rutgers defenders to meet Northwestern rushers in the backfield.</p>
<p id="wFg4sd"><strong>Mike Bajakian’s gameplan</strong></p>
<p id="Lj5w0z">Northwestern has an offense with new names, but Mike Bajakian did not help them on Sunday. The distribution between runs and passes was way too lopsided, with Northwestern having less than 20 designed run plays, and there were many pass designs where receivers were easily blanketed and Bryant could not find them. Bajakian was almost a casualty at the end of last season for Northwestern, who had the Big Ten’s worst offense, and today, the offense was not any better, even with the new names.</p>
<p id="1u7Lmh"><strong>Honorable Mentions:</strong> Cam Porter, PA name pronunciation, Ben Bryant (tentatively), “Northeastern” instead of Northwestern on the Rutgers’ scoreboard</p>
<p id="3rwjkP"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/9/3/23857478/stock-up-stock-down-from-northwesterns-season-opening-loss-against-rutgersJake Mozarsky2023-08-23T13:48:12-05:002023-08-23T13:48:12-05:002023 Know Your Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers
<figure>
<img alt="Big Ten Football Media Days" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U4rOzath7eem1MIkQUmZik_Jm9g=/0x0:5183x3455/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72571336/1557500499.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A new coaching regime brings in sky-high expectations for the Badgers.</p> <p id="slkIcx"><em>Each day, we are getting closer to Northwestern Wildcats football, and this comes with evaluating the ‘Cats opponents this season. Next up is the “new and improved” Wisconsin Badgers.</em></p>
<h2 id="gNgqtE"><strong>The Basics</strong></h2>
<p id="chhp7O"><strong>Returning Production:</strong> 72% overall (75% offense, 68% defense)</p>
<p id="7AUyKh"><strong>2022 Record: </strong>7-6 (4-5 B1G)</p>
<p id="5JDijM"><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Luke Fickell (1st season)</p>
<h2 id="RTgGsj"><strong>The Stats</strong></h2>
<p id="sBOvX8"><strong>2023 SP+ Overall: </strong>19th</p>
<p id="mGZbVG"><strong>2023 SP+ Offense:</strong> 41st</p>
<p id="0dqVrS"><strong>2023 SP+ Defense:</strong> 7th</p>
<h2 id="dSzAiL"><strong>2022 Capsule</strong></h2>
<p id="ceL6nQ">After putting on a defensive clinic in their opening matchup against Illinois State, Wisconsin laid an egg in their first real matchup of the 2022 season, losing to Washington State in Madison. </p>
<p id="C19lX3">After rebounding against inferior New Mexico State, the Badgers got battered by Ohio State and Illinois; a defense that was one of the best in the country gave up 86 points in two games. Following its loss to the Fighting Illini, Wisconsin relieved head coach Paul Chryst of his duties and named Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2022 campaign.</p>
<p id="YRbNUG">Though the Badgers responded to some extent, the rest of the season was filled with ups and downs. They were able to beat Purdue and Maryland, two high-scoring offenses, but lost Paul Bunyan’s axe to Minnesota. Wisconsin finished the regular season with a record of 7-6 and 4-5 in the Big Ten. </p>
<p id="OJdJKy">The major problem with this team was that quarterback Graham Mertz was never able to turn into the quarterback many thought he could be, especially after he threw five touchdowns in 2020 in his collegiate debut.</p>
<p id="Ysou7m">Prior to facing off against Oklahoma State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Luke Fickell was hired as the next head coach in Madison. In the final game of the 2022 season, Braelon Allen, who was the Badgers’ marquee player all season, ran for 116 yards and a touchdown to beat the Cowboys. Moreover, Wisconsin’s defense was able to stop Oklahoma State all game, as OSU did not score over double digits until the fourth quarter, but the game was already out of reach.</p>
<p id="hDe27G">To put it all in one graph: the Badgers had high expectations and never reached them. They want changes and so they made it. The bowl game was a glimpse of what Wisconsin CAN be in 2023.</p>
<h2 id="wKRCmO"><strong>Offensive Overview</strong></h2>
<p id="vtWE2a">It was pretty clear that quarterback was the problem for Wisconsin in 2022. Graham Mertz had another below-average season, throwing for 2,136 yards and 19 touchdowns, along with 10 interceptions. As a team, the Badgers scored 26.31 points per game, going along with 363.6 yards per game. Though they were ranked in the upper half of the Big Ten in total offense, their numbers were no match for the conference’s marquee offenses, such as Ohio State and Michigan.</p>
<p id="MJFe4J">Rushing is a slightly different story: Braelon Allen is not only one of the top running backs in the conference, but the country. In a conference that featured many marquee backs — Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, Nick Singleton, Chase Brown, Evan Hull and Mo Ibrahim — Allen might have been one of the best, rushing for 1,242 yards. It was the second straight 1,200+ yard season for the junior. </p>
<p id="uOJTnE">Yet again, the Big Ten will have big-name running backs, and Allen will be at the top of the list. Wisconsin should have one of the top offensive lines in the conference, and maybe the country as well. However, the biggest change for the Badgers came with the staff and quarterback.</p>
<p id="g1jP25">It starts with Luke Fickell, who comes over to Madison after six years at Cincinnati. Fickell turned the Bearcats into a better program, posting a 57-18 record over his time there, including a College Football Playoff appearance. This changes Wisconsin from the jump.</p>
<p id="dfxsdF">Moreover, the Badgers brought in Phil Longo to be their offensive coordinator. Longo, formerly at North Carolina, coached some of the top college football quarterbacks in Sam Howell and Drake Maye during his time in Chapel Hill, and he brings his extensive resume to the Badgers.</p>
<p id="PmFJjJ">Now, let’s talk about Wisconsin’s starting quarterback, Tanner Mordecai. Mordecai comes over from SMU after throwing for 3,524 yards, 33 touchdowns and posting a 151.9 passing rating last season. He will be at the center of the offense and hopes he can lead a high-scoring group in a Big Ten full of them.</p>
<p id="g8dSZu">If Mordecai can click with Fickell and Longo’s offensive scheme and Braelon Allen is Braelon Allen, sheesh. Watch out for the Badgers.</p>
<h2 id="6Sm6S6"><strong>Defensive Overview</strong></h2>
<p id="jjW5cj">In 2021, Wisconsin had one of the best defenses in the nation, falling just short of top-ranked Georgia. In 2022, this unit took a step back, ranking sixth in the Big Ten in yards per game. The highlight was their rushing defense, which was third in the conference — behind Michigan and Illinois — allowing just over 100 yards per game.</p>
<p id="Sy33WR">In ESPN’s rankings of the best college football defenses ahead of the season, Wisconsin ranked <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/37767283/ranking-10-best-cfb-defenses-ahead-2023-season">10th</a>. Key returners include linebackers Maema Njongmeta and Jordan Turner, the two leading tacklers last season. Furthermore, Fickell was able to bring in transfers on the defensive side of the ball, such as CB Jason Maitre, DL Darian Varner, DE Jeff Pietrowski, and CB Nyzier Fourqurean.</p>
<p id="rB6xhK">The defense will be a mix of some old and new concepts; however, Wisconsin’s defense should be better than last year.</p>
<h2 id="8bNw35"><strong>Three Players to Watch</strong></h2>
<p id="Z0r4wH"><strong>QB Tanner Mordecai</strong></p>
<p id="K0VNdS">As mentioned, quarterback has been the problem of the Wisconsin offense for the past few years, but Mordecai can change that from day one. With his arm talent, mobility and ability to see the field, he is already the best quarterback the Badgers have had in a while; however, the key here is whether he will fit into Fickell and Longo’s Cincinnati/UNC style offense.</p>
<p id="z4vMkx">Mordecai has the chance to be one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten, with a talented skill position group around him and a strong offensive line. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a big name early on.</p>
<p id="zLHBd2"><strong>LB Maema Njongmeta</strong></p>
<p id="gKjWF1">Njongmeta was Wisconsin’s leading tackler last season, and if this defense wants to take a leap from a poor season for Wisconsin standards, it starts with him. He will be the captain of the defense and is capable in both the rush and pass.</p>
<p id="U2KLM4"><strong>WRs Chimere Dike and C.J. Williams</strong></p>
<p id="AaUi2B">It’s hard to pick just one of the two, but the Wisconsin receivers have not gotten enough attention. Dike is going into his fourth year and should start as the Badgers’ top wideout in 2023, racking in 689 yards and six touchdowns last season. With Mordecai at the helm, these numbers should rise.</p>
<p id="7YPAvX">Williams is the key here: he was a highlight at spring practice after transferring from Southern Cal, making leaping catches over defenders day in and out. He provides natural talent on the outside. He can be a main feature in this wide receiver corps that should be better than last year.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/8/23/23841966/2023-know-your-opponent-wisconsin-badgersJake Mozarsky2023-07-13T11:42:27-05:002023-07-13T11:42:27-05:00For Northwestern football, the immediate future is grim
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 19 Northwestern at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uEQjsAK5zvvdrJ2uD_0gwcG-NL0=/0x0:7192x4795/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72449576/1244909675.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The dark days are far from over</p> <p id="UA7MyZ">Northwestern football has been in the national headlines for a few days, and the program reached its low point Monday night: Pat Fitzgerald, the team’s head coach since 2006 and arguably the best player and coach in program history, was fired in the midst of hazing investigations going on within the program. </p>
<p id="B0axl7">It’s not clear whether Fitzgerald knew about the hazing going on, or if he did, to what extent. However, one thing is clear, Northwestern had no choice but to move on from the most notable coach in its athletics program’s history.</p>
<p id="DTNyOQ">As Northwestern tries to move forward from the scandal, things are going to get worse before they get better.</p>
<p id="Khwt6f">Fitzgerald was one of the top coaches in the Big Ten and recently signed an extension to keep him in Evanston until 2030; but now, Northwestern is searching for their next coach less than two months before the college football season begins. Amidst the reports that the football program is going through, Evanston is a less attractive location.</p>
<p id="cgpMn9">While Northwestern is keeping their assistant coaches, with David Braun being the day-to-day liaison, expect a mass exodus in January 2024. If Fitzgerald was fired due to possible knowledge of hazing, other staff members might be too. Also, some might not want to be there at all.</p>
<p id="Nca4eR">Coach-wise, Northwestern is also in a tough spot relative to the rest of the conference. The Big Ten has a lot of mainstay coaches — Jim Harbaugh, Mel Tucker, Ryan Day, James Franklin, P.J. Fleck, Brett Bielema, Kirk Ferentz, to name a few — who have had success and will not be going anywhere in the relative future. Lincoln Riley and Chip Kelly, with USC and UCLA respectively, join the Big Ten in the 2024 season. This is the immediate competition the head coach will have to go through. With Fitzgerald, Northwestern won the coaching battle against many Big Ten teams. Under whoever’s next, the same cannot be said.</p>
<p id="RfFRxW">Even before hazing allegations put Northwestern in a cloud of uncertainty, the team finished 1-11 last season and has not won a game in the United States since October 2021. Their one win last season was against a Nebraska squad with Scott Frost as coach making questionable decisions, and we all know how that went.</p>
<p id="FNAF2Y">That 1-11 squad had arguably its four best players in Peter Skoronski, Evan Hull, Cam Mitchell and Adetomiwa Adeboware, depart for the NFL. Is there any argument that next year’s team can be better? </p>
<p id="38aw4y">Yes, the football program just had a decent transfer class come in. Ben Bryant should get the first starter reps come training camp and A.J. Henning slots in as the wide receiver one, and those both help the team that was the worst offense in the Big Ten last year. But, Henning expressed his frustration on social media after Fitzgerald was fired.</p>
<p id="wu11uT">Another effect of Fitzgerald’s firing is players now have a month to enter their names into the transfer portal. Though none have yet, expect a few to: Fitzgerald has been the reason many talented players commit to Northwestern. They buy into his culture, his style, his playbook. This is all gone. Players will look elsewhere, as will the ‘Cats’ newest class of recruits.</p>
<p id="noOuUP">To summarize it all: the team that went 1-11, lost its four best players with a hazing investigation that leaves darkness over the program, and is in a strong conference that only seems to get better. It’s hard to see Northwestern succeeding in the immediate future.</p>
<p id="H0JjO7">Is there hope? A little. Northwestern is still a Power Five program with elite academics in a strong conference. But, combine the lack of success over the past two years with what’s come up recently, and that hope is slim.</p>
<p id="N91vUd">There will be decommitments. There will be transfers. There will be negative connotations associated with Northwestern, just like there are now with Fitzgerald’s entire term that was covered in gold for Northwestern fans.</p>
<p id="t7Dhol">The light at the end of the tunnel is farther away than many may think, and it might be a while until Northwestern football finds it. </p>
<p id="ak5na0"></p>
<p id="LqFLcg"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/7/13/23792471/for-northwestern-football-the-immediate-future-is-grimJake Mozarsky2023-05-04T11:40:34-05:002023-05-04T11:40:34-05:00Film Review: Ryan Langborg brings new offensive firepower for Northwestern
<figure>
<img alt="Princeton v Missouri" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4Ld2WKnMG_b7QMgfW-gHjQnC8LI=/0x0:3524x2349/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72249198/1474439446.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Marquee scorer?</p> <p id="y9ddYA">In the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Princeton, a 15 seed, made the Sweet Sixteen while also notching its first NCAA Tournament win in over forty years. The Tigers defeated one of the title favorites in Arizona, then blew out a top SEC offense in Missouri. Though they were defeated by Creighton in the Sweet Sixteen, it was a wildly successful season for the Tigers.</p>
<p id="D33DKA">That tournament run would not have been possible without Ryan Langborg, who will now suit up for Northwestern next year. Langborg had two of his best performances of the year on the national stage against Missouri and Creighton, and through this, he showed why he will be a vital piece for the Wildcats’ success next year.</p>
<p id="9Ac4zk">What does Langborg do well on offense? To start, he creates shots for himself, both inside and outside and also has a high IQ. In the Mizzou and Creighton games, where Princeton was able to outperform one of the top power five offenses while also sticking with high-scoring Creighton, Langborg dropped 22 and 26 points respectively.</p>
<p id="5yCGRe">Let’s start with the Mizzou game, where Langborg shot the lights out in the first half. He hit three three-pointers in the first ten minutes, and this opened up the rest of his game.</p>
<p id="41psDB">Starting with the shots outside the arc, they show Langborg’s ability to be a spot-up shooter. The following two clips show the guard shooting from the same spot — without a dribble.</p>
<div id="z3d6ln"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/3y69w7" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="dF1vGm"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/6mpjyy" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="69RLWH">Here, we can see Langborg’s ability to shoot beyond the arc. The upper-right side was one of his favorite spots throughout the year, and he punished Missouri with this early.</p>
<p id="wmQ3tB">Langborg has the ability, however, to shoot the three from anywhere. The following clip shows a deep logo shot five minutes into the game.</p>
<div id="rWxZRl"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/uv0uv8" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Bu5RmJ">Langborg hit three shots from beyond the arc early in the first half, and what does this do? It immediately opens up aspects of his other game. The guard was able to start putting the ball on the deck more as the game progressed.</p>
<div id="9AVIfH"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/vufm4m" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="n8bHcC">Above, Missouri puts emphasis on Langborg starting from the logo, and then, he shows his blow-by power to get by the defender and to the rim. He scores on the layup, and this ability to blow by is similar to what Northwestern had with Boo Buie. No, Langborg might not be the same exact player, but he has similar attributes.</p>
<p id="tXl03b">Similar to what Buie was able to do in the second half of the year, Langborg created shots for his teammates, whether it was off the dribble or driving to the net. The below clip shows this.</p>
<div id="4H7Xbk"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/bz8975" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="LC2FhB">Here, Langborg drives and finds Tosan Evbuomwan for an easy dunk. The emphasis was on the guard, and he was able to distribute the ball. This is a strength for him.</p>
<p id="s0Nhw6">After getting a few assists, Langborg went back to creating his own shots in the second half. He starts with this spin move against a Missouri big man and scores easily.</p>
<div id="jh9WQs"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/ixanuu" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="6oMap4">Langborg is able to drive to the rim, and this will be crucial for Northwestern. Furthermore, this opened up a triple for Langborg a few possessions later.</p>
<div id="uVXdJ0"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/2vykbs" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="U2bw9h">This might be his best play of the game: he really combines all attributes of his offense, from the ability to drive, create separation and hit a three-pointer. His speed throws Missouri off guard, and he is able to hit a three to make Princeton lead 18 and put the game out of reach. Princeton went to the Sweet Sixteen because of his scoring.</p>
<p id="QOclKo">Moving on, though they lost to Creighton, Langborg scored a season-high of 26 points as the Tigers kept pace with one of the top offenses in the country. But, this time, Langborg started with his drive, and as the game progressed, he started to create more shots from outside.</p>
<p id="Rt6TND">His driving ability opened up the game, starting with his first bucket.</p>
<div id="6P0cmS"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/z2le1c" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="8Q2kT9">In the clip above, Langborg gets the ball and with no hesitation, drives at Ryan Kalkbrenner, one of the top bigs in the nation. Kalkbrenner plays good defense here as Langborg runs into him, but the guard is still able to score. A similar play on Kalkbrenner can be seen below.</p>
<div id="0gpHIv"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/5k994c" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ehrO3d">It’s clear the guard has the ability to drive and drive well, even against some of the top bigs. This will be key, especially when Big Ten play comes around. One more inside play from that game stands out.</p>
<div id="nY5mUO"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/49p8yy" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="GX86AF">Look at the way Langborg spins to get off his defender. Buie was also good at this, and it is obviously an aspect that will help Langborg score.</p>
<p id="abXtPc">Langborg also moved off the ball well in this game. Look at the below clip.</p>
<div id="5IUK17"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/y7blin" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="VgqyDy">This movement got him to the rim, and as the game progressed, the off-ball movement allowed Langborg to create his own shots. The below clip is his first triple of the game.</p>
<div id="ywKk4f"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/0mkdkj" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="a0xTC0">What does Langborg do so well here? It starts with the movement off the ball to lose Ryan Nembhard, then when he gets the ball, Creighton is too slow to close in on him. So, Langborg drains a three.</p>
<p id="HSJ0ve">As the game progressed, Princeton played from behind. This was when Langborg started hitting shots from outside. The first one is off the pass.</p>
<div id="AunfTB"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/mj7pbb" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="1EGOq2">This goes back to his spot-up shooting ability, and it comes from the same spot where Langborg was killing Missouri. The next one below, though a two, shows Langborg’s ability to create shots.</p>
<div id="uK3nan"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/l73stc" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="vSm530">Here, he creates separation and scores easily. Why was this possible? Langborg was scoring off the drive early in this game, so Creighton emphasized this, then the guard started hitting his shots. Look at the last clip below.</p>
<div id="gjMqI8"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 49.8827%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/y1jumb" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="UkPaWy">This is what Langborg does so well, and it shows his high IQ that develops as the game goes on. He drives, creates a switch on the Creighton defenders, sees a mismatch, then drains a three to end a scoring drought. Though Creighton was still down 13 after this shot, it shows how Langborg analyzes the game and uses it to his advantage.</p>
<p id="lXjFjm">The bottom line from all the clips above? Ryan Langborg is a smart basketball player who takes in the game and creates his own scoring opportunities. He will be key for the Northwestern offense next year and will be counted on to score by Chris Collins.</p>
<p id="nVcM1J">If the Missouri and Creighton games are any indicator, Langborg has the potential to be deadly for the Wildcats next season.</p>
<p id="GWuGLx"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/5/4/23710169/film-review-ryan-langborg-brings-new-offensive-firepower-for-northwesternJake Mozarsky2023-04-12T12:35:13-05:002023-04-12T12:35:13-05:00Baseball: Northwestern records season-high in runs, but still falls to UIC
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WSU1L2ytAASKIJ4BetF6wUW-b-Q=/0x0:4096x2731/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72173738/NU_baseball.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>@NUcatsbaseball/Twitter</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>That was surely something.</p> <p id="u6w61A">After a massive series win over rival Illinois this past weekend, Northwestern’s offense followed that performance with even more firepower. The Wildcats scored 20 runs at Rocky and Berenice Miller Park against University of Illinois-Chicago.</p>
<p id="Gr1HAX">Somehow, 20 runs were not enough as the Flames scored 24. Though Northwestern put up their season-high in runs, they gave up 20 or more runs for the third time this season (the other two against Texas State). Alex Calarco led the way for Northwestern with five RBIs, while Alex Roessner, Owen McElfatrick and Trent Liolios all drove in three. Starting pitcher Ethan Sund pitched 1.1 innings, and seven Northwestern pitchers gave up runs Tuesday afternoon.</p>
<p id="Fr2p1T">The first inning went exactly as Northwestern planned. Ethan Sund pitched a scoreless top of the inning and in the bottom half, Griffin Arnone homered on the leadoff at-bat to put the ‘Cats in front. At the end of the first inning, Northwestern found itself up 4-0, with Arnone, Bennett Markinson, Roessner and Kevin Ferrer all driving in runs. But, the second inning is where things went wrong.</p>
<p id="86vmyK">During the second inning, the Flames scored 14 runs and knocked three different Northwestern pitchers in Sund, Grant Comstock and Nolan Morr, out of the game. After Cole Conn hit an RBI single to get the Flames on the board, Sund hit Bobby Grimes and Clay Conn with the bases loaded to score two more. Shortly after, Carson Roberts drove in two more runs on a single to give UIC a 5-4 lead. Then, Breck Nowik hit a grand slam to blow the doors open.</p>
<p id="vQdLL9">UIC scored five more runs that inning, most notably a home run from Cole Conn, who began the scoring for the Flames with a single, and by the middle of the second inning, Northwestern was down 14-4.</p>
<p id="KBQ7VR">The Flames continued to pile it on in the top of the third. Rayth Petersen drove in two with an RBI double to start it off, and the inning was punctuated with a Jackson Bessette grand slam. Just like in the second, Northwestern struggled to make it out of the inning and by the end of the third, UIC was leading 22-4.</p>
<p id="5MV5Hz">Though Northwestern could not get any offense going in the second or third, the offense started hitting again in the fourth inning. The Wildcats were able to get the bases loaded off of Flames’ pitcher Rigel Verciglio, then Alex Calarco hit the third grand slam of the game and first for the Wildcats to make the score 22-8. Immediately after, Stephen Hrustich and Markinson reached base on hits, and McElfatrick hit a three-run bomb as Northwestern kept chipping away. The Wildcats scored seven runs in the bottom of the fourth to cut the deficit to 11.</p>
<p id="3K0ALu">As the game went on, both teams’ offenses died down, with a Petersen RBI double the lone run scored in the fifth and sixth. Northwestern and UIC exchanged runs in the seventh inning and the Wildcats were down 12. Then, the bats started heating up again.</p>
<p id="E8hz5R">Northwestern started the eighth inning with a two-run homer by Roessner, then a Flames error brought in Marty Kaplan, bringing the ‘Cats within single digits for the first time since the end of the first. Shortly after, Liolios hit a three-run home run off a 1-1 count and Northwestern was down 24-18 at the end of the eighth.</p>
<p id="pOmfmL">With a chance for a historic comeback, the ‘Cats clawed back into the game with their best effort, but ultimately fell short. Though Northwestern scored two runs off a hit by pitch with the bases loaded and a fielder’s choice that brought in Roessner, there was no more offense to speak of. Northwestern’s offense showed up, but their pitching did not, and the Wildcats fell to the flames 24-20 in a marathon of a game.</p>
<p id="dilWZ6">Tuesday’s loss was Northwestern’s second at home, and the Wildcats are now 5-22 before traveling to Lincoln to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers for a three-game set, starting Friday at 6:05 CST.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2023/4/12/23679707/baseball-northwestern-records-season-high-in-runs-but-still-falls-to-uicJake Mozarsky