Inside NU: All Posts by William KarminRoll Damn 'Catshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52532/insidenu_fav.png2021-12-14T11:52:40-06:00https://www.insidenu.com/authors/william-karmin/rss2021-12-14T11:52:40-06:002021-12-14T11:52:40-06:002021 Northwestern Football Position Reviews: Defensive Line
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<figcaption>Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After losing a few key pieces, the D-Line crumbled.</p> <p id="xCt3VH"><em>With the dumpster fire that was Northwestern’s 2021 season in rear view, we take a look at how each of the position groups performed in the 3-9 season. Next up: the defensive line.</em></p>
<h1 id="qN5w4l"><strong>Overall Grade: C-</strong></h1>
<p id="uBPD1b">Like most position groups, this one failed to meet expectations. </p>
<p id="btZQNS">Northwestern’s rushing defense was abhorrent from the first snap of the season, when Kenneth Walker III rushed for a 75-yard touchdown. He finished that game with 264 rushing yards and Northwestern’s defensive line’s lack of containment on the edge against MSU turned into a recurring theme throughout the season. NU’s defense allowed the most rushing yards in the Big Ten by over 500 yards and allowed 213 rushing yards per game, the most in the Big Ten by a margin of 51 rush yards per game. While Northwestern’s linebackers’ inexperience and lack of talent contributed to a porous run defense, each play started in the trenches, where Northwestern’s defensive line lost to opponents time and time again. The ‘Cats’ passing defense did fare better, finishing in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, but that was largely due to the talent in the secondary. As such, the D-Line receives nearly-failing marks in their collective year end grade.</p>
<h1 id="9n2loL"><strong>Player Grades</strong></h1>
<p id="uPQ0pW"><strong>Samdup Miller: C-</strong></p>
<p id="vhIWr3"><em>Stats: 1.5 sacks, 2.5 TFL, 27 total tackles, 0 QB hits, 0 forced fumbles </em></p>
<p id="MZgntY">Unfortunately, Miller’s season was cut short due to a lower-body injury in the game against Iowa. However, after a promising start to Miller’s career, it ended on a low-note in 2021. A defensive end’s job is to contain the edge and apply pressure on the QB. Simply put, there were too many times when Northwestern was beaten around the edge — the area Miller patrolled — and he also failed to accumulate a single QB hit in 2021. It did not help Miller that he could not trust the second level of linebackers behind him, but he is not without a healthy dose of personal responsibility for NU’s defensive shortcomings this season. </p>
<p id="dkBir9"><strong>Joe Spivak: D+</strong></p>
<p id="nP9XJI"><em>Stats: 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 8 total tackles, 1 QB hit, 0 forced fumbles </em></p>
<p id="AqveRK">Spivak thrived in previous seasons in his role as a run stuffer. However, with Northwestern’s lack of player personnel in 2021, Spivak was forced into a much greater role that required him to anchor the defensive line in the middle. It is hard to give Spivak much, if any, credit for his role in the middle of a porous run defense. If Spivak performed better this season, I am guessing he would have pursued a job in the NFL rather than WWE. Either way, Spivak — like Miller — should be commended for all he achieved and contributed to Northwestern football over his tenure. </p>
<p id="wtsvnV"><strong>Jeremy Meiser: B+</strong></p>
<p id="xtecmr"><em>Stats: 4 sacks, 7 TFL, 31 total tackles, 3 QB hits, 0 forced fumbles</em></p>
<p id="8zIAvt">As a depth-focused graduate transfer from Old Dominion, Meiser was not expected to do much this season. With poor performance across the defensive line, however, he was thrust into a much bigger role than anticipated. He excelled given what he was expected to do entering the season, while still falling short of what would be considered . For that, Meiser earns a solid B+. </p>
<p id="9aZIzs"><strong>Jeffery Pooler Jr: B-</strong></p>
<p id="WBX6Zg"><em>Stats: 3.5 sacks, 4.5 TFL, 25 total tackles, 2 QB hits, 0 forced fumbles </em></p>
<p id="RbU0lg">Pooler Jr. entered the season with a lot of hype coming from West Virginia. As a backup defensive end, he contributed solidly throughout the season, as is evidenced by his final stat line. He was never spectacular enough to steal a full-time starting job (excluding when he took over for Miller following his season-ending injury), but there were far worse backup defensive ends to have than Pooler Jr.</p>
<p id="DXGVkm"><strong>Adetomiwa Adebawore: A-</strong></p>
<p id="znF8FJ"><em>Stats: 4.5 sacks, 8.5 TFL, 36 total tackles, 12 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles</em></p>
<p id="sHoRZk">We saved the best for last! Adebawore built off his previous season and had a good, if not great, 2021 campaign. He flashed his combination of unique speed for a defensive lineman and pure strength. He has a chance to be the next great Northwestern defensive lineman. Unfortunately for Adebawore, the unit’s lackluster performance overall prevents him from earning an A. </p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/12/14/22834081/2021-northwestern-football-position-reviews-defensive-lineWilliam Karmin2021-11-24T11:19:33-06:002021-11-24T11:19:33-06:00Three things to know about Illinois
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<p>HAT.</p> <p id="TvjuaZ"><em>This Saturday, the Wildcats face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the season finale in Champaign. Despite the abhorrent season, Northwestern has a chance to finish on a high note by winning the HAT and keeping it in Evanston. Here are three things to know about our rivals down south:</em></p>
<h1 id="s84S0M"><strong>The Illini play up and down to its opponents </strong></h1>
<p id="IBP9kd">Illinois has won a few games this season that many felt the team had no business winning. First, the Illini shocked the college football world at the start of the season by taking care of Nebraska in the opener. Then, the Illini beat Penn State in nine overtimes. Finally, just two weeks ago, Illinois beat the Golden Gophers 14-6 just one week after Minnesota thrashed Northwestern 41-14.</p>
<p id="IwzDOj">The issue with Illinois, however, is that just as the team plays up to its opponents, Bret Bielema’s team also plays down to them. Illinois fell to UTSA in the second week of the season after beating Nebraska. While that loss looks far better in hindsight as UTSA is now ranked No. 22 in the CFB playoff rankings, the Illini also have losses to both Rutgers and Maryland on the season, two bottomfeeders in the Big Ten East. </p>
<h1 id="Rv1ZjA"><strong>The strength of this team is on defense and special teams</strong></h1>
<p id="yMrWRU">According to Bill Connelly’s SP+, the Illini rank 104th in offensive SP+, 46th in defensive SP+ and third in special teams SP+. Sounds like a classic Bret Bielema team. Defensively, the Illini do not do anything remarkably well. The team is ranked 70th in the FBS in rushing yards allowed per game and 58th in the FBS in passing yards allowed per game. The Illini defense is, however, really good on third down. The team ranks 37th nationally with a 35.8% third down defensive conversion rate. Illinois also ranks 29th in the nation with 5.18 penalties per game, coincidentally falling just behind Northwestern. </p>
<p id="pWQg9b">On special teams, it is hard to find the main reason behind the Illini’s high SP+ ranking, but it must begin with the team ranking 17th nationally in punt return defense. Surprisingly, Northwestern ranks 7th nationally in yards per punt return, so this will be an interesting matchup to watch on Saturday. The Illini also rank 11th nationally in net punting per play. </p>
<h1 id="ccsLIj"><strong>Illinois is still (maybe) playing for the postseason</strong></h1>
<p id="r5Q06V">While there may not be a more prestigious game played this weekend than the one for the HAT, there are also additional implications on the line for Illinois. It is a long shot, yes, but the Fighting Illini could still <a href="https://247sports.com/college/illinois/Article/Illinois-Fighting-Illini-football-Can-Illinois-make-a-bowl-with-five-wins-175957858/">theoretically</a> make a bowl game with five wins. Bielema’s squad will undoubtedly be fighting hard on Saturday to finish what has been a solid season in his first year in Champaign. </p>
<p id="Zb8zUv"> </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/11/24/22800609/three-things-to-know-about-illinoisWilliam Karmin2021-11-09T20:53:17-06:002021-11-09T20:53:17-06:00Rapid Reaction: Northwestern cruises to 80-56 win over Eastern Illinois in season opener
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<p>The “Battle for Adam Cushing” ended with Northwestern winning big. </p> <p id="Jce1ZG">Year eight of the Chris Collins era tipped off tonight with Northwestern (1-0) defeating the opponent Collins first faced back at the start of his Northwestern tenure, Eastern Illinois (0-1), winning tonight’s game by the comfortable score of 80-56. The victory improved Collins’ record in his first game of the season at NU to 7-1, with the lone loss coming to Merrimack two seasons ago. </p>
<p id="F8rTr8">In the double-digit win, Boo Buie, Pete Nance and Ty Berry led the way by scoring 17, 13 and 13 points for the Wildcats, respectively. As a team, Northwestern performed well defensively by holding EIU to 37% from the field while also grabbing 16 steals, with Robbie Beran and Buie each securing five of those. </p>
<p id="msPzoy">Despite the stadium being filled to roughly 10% capacity and the Wildcats falling behind 5-0 in the opening minutes of the game, NU clawed its way back to enter the first media timeout leading Eastern Illinois 8-7. The Wildcats did not trail at any point the rest of the way. </p>
<p id="0wxSv6">Ty Berry helped break things open out of the timeout by hitting an and-one three pointer. True freshman Julian Roper then followed Berry by hitting a three pointer for his first ever NU bucket to punctuate a 12-0 Wildcat run over the course of three and a half minutes. The ‘Cats continued their solid play during the next few minutes and went into the under-12 media timeout leading 21-12. </p>
<p id="tem6VB">Another 6-0 NU run forced the Panthers to burn a timeout, as that spurt put the Wildcats ahead 27-12 midway through the first half. Despite Northwestern’s hot stretch, Eastern Illinois managed to stop the bleeding and cut the Wildcats’ lead to 32-20 with just under six minutes remaining in the first half. The two teams continued to trade baskets, primarily due to sloppy play on Northwestern’s end, and the ‘Cats entered the final media timeout of the half leading 34-22. The back-and-forth play only continued from there and Northwestern went into halftime with a 40-29 lead. </p>
<p id="jS12Mk">To start the second half, Eastern Illinois briefly cut the Wildcats’ lead to nine points before an 8-0 run from the home team expanded NU’s lead to 17 points, spearheaded by threes from Nance and Berry. </p>
<p id="btzro0">Northwestern, with the help of five consecutive points from Elyjah Williams, then ballooned its lead to 21 points with 13 minutes remaining in the game, fully taking control of the action inside Welsh-Ryan Arena. Williams chipped in another layup just a few possessions later and Northwestern held a 59-39 lead at the under-12 media break. </p>
<p id="TNFRsz">Eastern Illinois did not quit, however, as the Panthers chipped into Northwestern’s lead with multiple threes from Rufino Bolis, who finished the game as Eastern Illinois’s second-leading scorer. All in all, the visiting team trailed by just 16 with six and a half minutes remaining in the game, as the ‘Cats held a 64-48 advantage.</p>
<p id="J2cq77">Chris Collins’ squad clinched the game over the next few minutes, though, as Buie hit three free throws and Robbie Beran knocked down a three pointer to extend NU’s lead to 22 points with just over four minutes remaining. NU ultimately won the game 80-56 in comfortable fashion. </p>
<p id="ljpmIi">The Wildcats will return to Welsh-Ryan Arena on Friday to take on High Point in their second game of the season. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/11/9/22773269/rapid-reaction-northwestern-cruises-to-80-56-win-over-eastern-illinois-in-season-openerWilliam Karmin2021-11-04T10:34:55-05:002021-11-04T10:34:55-05:00Northwestern men’s basketball 2021-22 player previews: Elyjah Williams
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<figcaption>Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>How much can we expect from the Evanston native in his graduate transfer season?</p> <p id="4H1tLo"><em>Believe it or not, we’re a week away from basketball season, with both men’s and women’s basketball right around the corner. To kick off our coverage of the 2021-22 coverage of the men’s team, we will preview each player on Northwestern’s roster. We continue with Elyjah Williams, a grad transfer from Farleigh Dickinson University.</em></p>
<h1 id="8rodfM"><strong>Who he is</strong></h1>
<p id="3xWNVQ">Senior; 6-foot-7, 220 pounds; Evanston, Ill.; played at Evanston Township High School; graduate transfer from Farleigh Dickinson</p>
<h1 id="HQrK4m"><strong>2020-21 Stats</strong></h1>
<p id="o2aP3n">33.2 minutes per game, 13.9 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game, 3.1 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, 1.5 blocks per game, .556 FG%, .635 FT%, .420 3P%</p>
<h1 id="K60j1D"><strong>2020-21 Review</strong></h1>
<p id="feLvFC">In his 2020-2021 season, Williams put forth the best statistical output of his collegiate career. He increased his scoring output by over two points per game and experienced steady improvements in almost every other statistical category outside of fouls per game. </p>
<p id="Gcbnut">Williams started in all 21 games that he appeared in for the Knights last season and earned the NEC Co-Player of the Week honors on 12/14. </p>
<p id="JaS3Yl">One area where Williams improved most was his three-point shooting. After shooting 27.3% his junior season from three, Williams improved to 42.0% from deep last season. However, as you will read below, there is a caveat to that improvement. Overall, Williams has developed on an upward trajectory every single season in collegiate basketball. Whether or not that translates to the Big Ten is what remains to be seen. </p>
<h1 id="meVmuQ"><strong>Strengths</strong></h1>
<p id="MBHYir">Williams adds a facet of grit and toughness that this Northwestern program has not seen since Sanjay Lumpkin played at NU. His former head coach at Farleigh Dickinson, Greg Herenda, compared Williams to “a bruising running back barrel(ing) his way toward the goal line.” What differentiates Williams from Lumpkin, however, is that Williams can finish in the post. As Inside NU co-editor in chief Dan Olinger <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2021/5/12/22382899/just-how-much-will-elyjah-williams-help-northwestern-in-2022">wrote</a> about in May, according to <a href="https://barttorvik.com/#"><strong>BartTorvik</strong></a> statistical database, “Williams was only one of 96 players in college basketball who attempted over 120 shots at the rim while standing 6-foot-8 and under, and of those 96, Williams finished 27th in at-rim FG%.”</p>
<p id="ECb6ck">While Dan is skeptical regarding Williams’ true development as a three-point shooter due to a small sample size, he did finish 21-for-50 from three in his senior season. If Northwestern is able to spread the floor with two physical bigs in Pete Nance and Williams that are capable of hitting three-point shots, opposing teams will have difficulties guarding them. Additionally, Williams does a solid job creating for his teammates as a power forward, evidenced by him averaging just about three assists per game last season. </p>
<h1 id="WGKs0n"><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h1>
<p id="yE4GnD">Williams’ free throw shooting is definitely an area for improvement. He is a career 60% free throw shooter, and if opponents foul him in the post and bank on him missing one free throw, it would be less than ideal. Northwestern finished the 2020 season seventh in free throw percentage at 71.8%, so it is important that Williams does not sink NU from the stripe. </p>
<p id="MJBGgB">Beyond free throw shooting, Williams struggles a surprising amount on the defensive end. Williams will not not quite quick enough to guard faster opponents along the perimeter, and given his lack of size when guarding Big Ten bigs, he could face foul trouble often. It will be intriguing to see how Collins and Co. utilize Williams on the defensive end.</p>
<h1 id="lABNJA"><strong>Expectations</strong></h1>
<p id="KYeN7B">Like it or not, it’s very much a possibility that Williams begins this season with a spot in Northwestern’s starting five. While that’s not a guarantee, it would likely push Robbie Beran into a key rotational spot. It’s not clear just how productive we can anticipate Williams being as a transfer from Farleigh Dickinson, but it is true that at the minimum his toughness adds a much-needed layer to this Northwestern team. Any ability that he exhibits scoring in the paint and/or from three would be gravy and make him a solid starter in the Big Ten. </p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/11/4/22760263/northwestern-mens-basketball-2021-22-player-previews-elyjah-williamsWilliam Karmin2021-10-30T17:45:32-05:002021-10-30T17:45:32-05:00Rapid Reaction: Northwestern falls 41-14 at home to Minnesota
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<figcaption>Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It’s not getting better anytime soon. </p> <p id="AaF7cX">EVANSTON, IL. — This one had disaster written all over it right from the start. </p>
<p id="uUETMY">Northwestern football (3-5, 1-4 B1G) fell 41-14 to the <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com/"><strong>Minnesota Golden Gophers</strong></a> (6-2, 4-1) with neither side of the ball looking particularly impressive. </p>
<p id="OY6IGt">Like 2019’s home game versus Minnesota, the Wildcats buried themselves in an early hole and called Andrew Marty into relief at quarterback. While Marty entered the game in 2019 due to Hunter Johnson suffering an injury, he entered this year’s game due to Ryan Hilinski’s poor performance. </p>
<p id="wqiuFY">In the first half, Hilinski completed one of five passes for yards with a 23.7 quarterback rating. Andrew Marty went 10-16 with 93 passing yards and two touchdowns while carrying the ball seven times for 28 yards and a 152.6 quarterback rating. Evan Hull rushed 15 times for 107 yards. Defensively, the ‘Cats allowed 134 yards through the air and 308 yards on the ground. Minnesota averaged 5.8 yards per carry. </p>
<p id="xVo42U">Northwestern began the game with its bend-don’t-break defense as Jim O’Neil’s unit held Minnesota to three points following a 12-play, 67-yard opening drive. Unfortunately, Northwestern’s first play from scrimmage defensive woes transferred to Mike Bajakian’s unit, as Malik Washington fumbled a five-yard reception that Minnesota recovered and returned for a touchdown, giving the Gophers an early 10-0 lead.</p>
<p id="ND7iMr">Northwestern went three-and-out on the next possession before the defense once again held Minnesota to three points in the red zone. On the third drive of the game for NU, the offense finally pulled itself out of the mud, as Evan Hull managed to burst through Minnesota’s defense for a 30-yard run, putting the Wildcat offense in Minnesota territory, trailing 13-0 at the end of the first quarter. </p>
<p id="Z3c6PW">Once Northwestern entered the red zone, Andrew Marty made his much-anticipated return, seeing the field for the first time since his injury against Duke. Marty ran the ball effectively for a few plays before tossing a six-yard screen pass touchdown to Hull, cutting Minnesota’s lead to six points. </p>
<p id="Tcwhyx">Minnesota’s next possession, however, culminated in an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to regain a 20-7 lead. The Wildcats opted to trot out Ryan Hilinski on the ensuing possession and Northwestern once again went three-and-out. On Minnesota’s next possession, its final of the first half, the Gophers moved the ball to Northwestern’s 22-yard line before Brandon Joseph secured his second interception of the season off of a deflection in the end zone. Despite thirty seconds remaining in the first half, the Wildcats reinserted Andrew Marty to knee the football at NU’s own 20 yard-line and enter halftime trailing 20-7. </p>
<p id="dLkxxP">Pat Fitzgerald opened the second half by sticking with his senior quarterback — fan favorite Andrew Marty. Northwestern’s opening drive was a promising one, as Marty led the ‘Cats on a 12-play, 47-yard drive before turning the ball over on downs at Minnesota’s 28-yard line. Northwestern’s defense forced its first three-and-out of the contest on Minnesota’s next offensive possession, partially due to an ineligible man downfield on what would have been a 16-yard completion for the Gophers. </p>
<p id="ZMWoUo">Once the Wildcats got the ball back, Jacob Gill dropped a pass from Marty on third and four from the NU 27-yard line and Northwestern punted the ball back to the Gophers after another three-and-out. P.J. Fleck’s squad promptly responded with a methodical 11-play, 71-yard drive that lasted over six minutes. The possession resulted in a Tanner Morgan 18-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter, extending Minnesota’s lead over the Wildcats to 27-7. </p>
<p id="bzeZ7J">The problems only persisted, as the ‘Cats turned the ball over on downs at their own 43-yard line. The Golden Gophers then clinched the game with a 41-yard rushing touchdown on second and 18 by beating NU to the left edge, marking a 34-7 Minnesota lead late in the game’s action. While the Wildcats responded with a nine-play, 74-yard drive touchdown drive capped off by a 17-yard Berkeley Holman touchdown reception, it was too little, too late. Northwestern ultimately fell 41-14 at the hands of Minnesota, making it the team’s second-biggest loss on the season, behind only the 49-point drubbing they suffered in Lincoln.</p>
<p id="FJ2Wjf">The ‘Cats return to action next week under the lights at home against the now two-loss Iowa Hawkeyes. </p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/10/30/22754570/rapid-reaction-northwestern-falls-41-14-at-home-to-minnesotaWilliam Karmin2021-10-29T09:28:36-05:002021-10-29T09:28:36-05:00Pound The Talk: Breaking down Michigan, analyzing the current state of the program and previewing the Gophers
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<figcaption>Doug McSchooler (FLO)-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>PTT: Where we break down Jeff Genyk’s job stability.</p> <p id="Q14v9U">In the latest episode of Pound The Talk, Ben and Will dive into Northwestern’s second half collapse against Michigan, what the loss says about the program and how they envision Northwestern rebounding against Minnesota. </p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/10/29/22752343/pound-the-talk-breaking-down-michigan-analyzing-current-state-of-program-previewing-gophersWilliam Karmin2021-10-11T11:52:04-05:002021-10-11T11:52:04-05:00Column: What to look for in Northwestern’s remaining games
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<figcaption>Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>At this point, the W-L might be less meaningful than player progression.</p> <p id="ffn7TJ">Following two trips to Indianapolis in the past three seasons for Northwestern football, 2021 has not gone to plan for Pat Fitzgerald’s team. With three losses already on the season and three games remaining against Iowa, Michigan and even Wisconsin, Northwestern’s ceiling this season would appear to be six wins. </p>
<p id="vsXks6">Of course, NU could also win any of the above three games and also lose any of the remaining games against Rutgers, Purdue, Minnesota or Illinois, though it is a safe guess to venture that NU will probably be underdogs in the former three games and likely at least two of the latter games. Regardless, the point here is that Northwestern will underachieve preseason aspirations in what now appears to be a rebuilding year. </p>
<p id="JTz8VY">As a diehard Chicago White Sox fan, I have experienced watching a rebuilding team. From 2017-2019, the most important factor was watching how key players to the team’s future progressed rather than looking for wins or losses. Thus, I am here to tell you, Northwestern football fans, that exerting your attention towards certain individual players the rest of the season may be a more productive use of your energy devoted to Northwestern football. </p>
<p id="uuPuaS">The number one player to watch over the second half of the 2021 season is quarterback Ryan Hilinski. Of course, every football team’s trajectory starts and ends with the quarterback position. If Northwestern thinks the team has any shot at winning the Big Ten West next season, Hilinkski needs to be the guy. </p>
<p id="2MP2Lp">Beyond Hilinski, Northwestern has Hunter Johnson — whose storyline we have seen play out — and Carl Richardson. The cupboard is bare at this position, and while it may be easy to blame Pat Fitzgerald for that, I think there is a nuance to the situation that can’t be easily explained. But that’s a conversation for another column on another day.</p>
<p id="ahL0TT">Beyond Hilinski, Northwestern needs a third-year receiver besides Bryce Kirtz to flash. If Malik Washington can prove that he is a reliable number two (or even number one) wide receiver for Northwestern, it would be a huge boon to whoever the starting quarterback next season is. Another pass-catcher to watch for is Marshall Lang. He received significant playing time against Duke and rewarded NU with a touchdown. Charlie Mangieri could return next season, but he has never been a prolific pass-catcher, and having more competent outlets for the quarterback is a necessity. One such outlet would be Trey Pugh, but the Ohio native will be out of eligibility after the 2021 campaign. </p>
<p id="GHusHJ">Along the offensive line, Northwestern undoubtedly has question marks. Peter Skoronski will be back, but he is the only starter to pencil in with ease. </p>
<p id="DDY452">Will Sam Gerak exercise his extra year of eligibility from COVID? If not, who will take his spot? This question is especially important given Northwestern’s struggles along the interior offensive line. There are no easy answers here, but look for Payne He’Bert at one of the guard sports as a possible solution. At right tackle, the logical replacement for Ethan Wiederkehr, should he not exercise his extra year of eligibility, is freshman Caleb Tiernan. Fitz may want to preserve his redshirt, but he can still utilize him in four games while doing so.</p>
<p id="b6Nt68">Defensively, Northwestern will need to replenish along the line. Seeing <em>just</em> how good Tommy Adebawore is should be one of the few positive developments to watch this season. But outside of him, NU does not have many answers. Highly touted as recruits, first-year Najee Story and junior Devin O’Rourke could be possible starters along the line next season. </p>
<p id="unkFl4">At the second level, Bryce Gallagher becoming a solid linebacker in the middle of Northwestern’s defense would be a welcoming development and encouraging sign for 2022. The same goes for Khalid Jones and Mac Uihlein, the latter of which hasn’t seen the field despite his leading status in Northwestern’s 2021 recruiting class. </p>
<p id="1s0SIO">In the secondary, the most important player to watch is Rod Heard. He has shown flashes throughout the last two seasons, but if he can develop into a solid number one cornerback, Matt McPherson could have a solid group in 2022, especially if Brandon Joseph returns. Joseph himself is certainly an interesting player to watch. Will he decide to return next season after such a lackluster year for both the team and himself a la Paddy Fisher in 2019? </p>
<p id="Mg16Av">As you can tell, Northwestern has many holes within the roster in 2021. With such dim prospects remaining for this year’s team, looking at possible fillers for those holes may be the most critical storyline to watch the rest of the year if you believe Pat Fitzgerald can reach this program’s ceiling of contending for Big Ten championships consistently, possibly even more so than whether or not Northwestern is able to claw a few more victories. </p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/10/11/22719474/column-what-to-look-for-in-northwesterns-remaining-gamesWilliam Karmin2021-10-08T09:22:43-05:002021-10-08T09:22:43-05:00Pound The Talk: Recapping Nebraska and looking ahead
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<img alt="Northwestern v Nebraska" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lTJATkDFTCZbg2V12bZh13Up940=/2x0:2998x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69969291/1344785223.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A fun episode on a bleak topic. </p> <p id="zLsMeA">In the latest episode of PTT, Ben and Will break down their observations of the abysmal Nebraska game — as <em>both</em> podcasters traveled to Lincoln for the contest — and look ahead to the rest of the season. </p>
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https://www.insidenu.com/2021/10/8/22716275/pound-the-talk-recapping-nebraska-and-looking-aheadWilliam KarminBen Chasen2021-10-02T21:53:02-05:002021-10-02T21:53:02-05:00Rapid Reaction: Northwestern adds its latest and most embarrassing chapter to the 2021 season, losing 56-7 to Nebraska
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<img alt="Northwestern v Nebraska" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RXBffcimaK25xZ9zXuJHtY3g76w=/2x0:2998x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69943211/1235658603.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Pain. That's all there is to say. </p> <p id="9i16Fn">LINCOLN, Neb. — <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/game?id=283130077">2008 vs Ohio State</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/303310275">2010 vs Wisconsin</a>. <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/400763535">2015 vs Michigan</a>. <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/400852734">2015 vs Tennessee</a>. <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401112248">2019 vs Ohio State</a>. </p>
<p id="qVQ7Ny">These losses constitute the worst of Pat Fitzgerald’s coaching tenure. </p>
<p id="VxIgu1">Tonight, the ‘Cats added one more game to the collection, as Northwestern (2-3, 0-2 B1G) fell 56-7 to Nebraska (3-3, 1-2 B1G) in arguably the ugliest contest of Fitzgerald’s head coaching career.</p>
<p id="pvgGO8">The primary difference between tonight’s game and Fitz’s other nightmare losses is the fact that Nebraska’s 2021 football team lost to Illinois just over a month ago. Tonight, NU made the Cornhuskers look like ‘Bama. </p>
<p id="pomLW5">The Wildcats passing attack actually moved the ball through the air with decent success. Ryan Hilinski completed 25-of-39 passing attempts for 238 yards and one touchdown. Stephon Robinson Jr. led the wide receivers with eight receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown while Malik Washington added three receptions for 46 yards. On the ground, Evan Hull scampered for 31 yards on seven carries. </p>
<p id="ZnO071">Defensively, though, the Wildcats delivered their worst game in terms of yards allowed under Fitz. Jim O’Neil’s unit allowed 230 yards through the air and 434 yards on the ground on the game. Adrian Martinez threw for 202 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts while rushing for 57 yards and three touchdowns himself. He was one of four Nebraska players to rush for over 50 yards. </p>
<p id="rrnmPz">The game kicked off with Samori Toure hauling in a 70-yard heave from Adrian Martinez, marking the third consecutive time against a Power Five opponent that Jim O’Neil’s defense has allowed the opposing offense to generate an opening play of 50 yards or longer. The Cornhuskers cashed in for a touchdown two plays later. </p>
<p id="KMqQoy">Just one Nebraska offensive possession later, Jacquez Yant rushed for 64 yards on one play, and the Cornhuskers opened the game with a two-possession lead six minutes into the contest. Following another Northwestern three-and-out, Nebraska led an 11-play, 64-yard drive that Taylor Martinez capped off with a 25-yard rushing touchdown on 3rd down and long to secure a 21-0 Husker lead. </p>
<p id="CJe9wP">Finally, on the third possession of the game, Northwestern’s offense found a strategy that worked: feeding Stephon Robinson Jr. in single coverage on vertical routes. Hilinski and Robinson Jr. connected on back-to-back 32-yard and 28-yard completions to cut Nebraska’s lead to 21-7.</p>
<p id="PQCujf">Despite Northwestern’s score, the Cornhuskers moved the ball with ease on the next possession via a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. The touchdown represented Nebraska’s fourth in as many drives to begin the game. </p>
<p id="pffNB2">Still, Northwestern’s offense showed some resiliency by leading an eight play, 74-yard drive. On the ninth play of the possession, however, Mike Bajakian abandoned the QB sneak at Nebraska’s one-yard line after being stuffed with the sneak on the previous play. Hilinski botched a handoff out of the shotgun and Nebraska recovered the ball at its own nine-yard line. </p>
<p id="xDk9Pl">Northwestern’s defense finally secured a stop on the following possession with a turnover on downs, yet Northwestern’s offensive coaches opted to go for it on fourth-and-nine from the Nebraska 45-yard line on the drive that proceeded. The ‘Cats turned the ball over on downs back to Big Red with 1:52 left in the half. Adrian Martinez and his offense converted on the short field with a touchdown just 70 seconds later, cementing a 35-7 UNL lead over NU at halftime. </p>
<p id="xJnKjY">The Cornhuskers averaged 9.2 yards per play and Martinez finished with a quarterback rating of 148.6 in the first half. Hilinski, meanwhile, completed 16 of his 21 pass attempts for 189 yards and one touchdown with a 167.5 quarterback rating after the first 30 minutes. </p>
<p id="uxkpiw">Northwestern’s offense opened the second half with a three-and-out and Nebraska immediately responded with an 83-yard rushing touchdown on a left-end pitch, all but putting the finishing touches on an abysmal showing for Jim O’Neil and the Wildcat defense.</p>
<p id="jek1mr">The ‘Cats never made it competitive in the second half. The defense finally forced Nebraska’s first punt of the game approximately 10 minutes into the third quarter. Unfortunately, Northwestern even struggled in that area. Bryce Kirtz opted not to field the punt resulting in Nebraska’s punter, William Pryzstup, booting the ball 84 yards to Northwestern’s six-yard line. On Northwestern’s proceeding offensive possession, Jake Genyk, son of special teams coach Jeff, launched the first punt of his career 28 yards! </p>
<p id="5z4HiW">The ‘Cats now have a bye week and will attempt to regroup before returning to the field on Oct. 16 against Rutgers for homecoming. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/10/2/22706296/rapid-reaction-northwestern-football-is-painWilliam Karmin2021-09-20T14:29:25-05:002021-09-20T14:29:25-05:00Column: It may be 2019 all over again
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 02 Northwestern at Indiana" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oczSzEZZfetSPmV6rVXWbs4CVSk=/0x3:4016x2680/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69884612/1180455370.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The signs are all too familiar.</p> <p id="sZDs2l">Northwestern’s game against Duke featured a play eerily resemblant of one that occurred in the Wildcats’ first game of the season in 2019.</p>
<p id="gPLqKC">After failing to score a single point early on against Stanford, Northwestern inserted T.J. Green into the game for the last possession of the first half. Green led a drive into Stanford territory that ultimately stalled and left NU without any points. The drive was solid enough, however, for Fitz to trot out Green to start the second half. On the Wildcats first possession of the half, NU drove the ball deep into Stanford territory. On second and goal, the play below occurred: </p>
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<p id="VAYz6X">Green fled from a few Stanford defenders in the pocket before attempting to secure the ball and brace for a sack, only for Stanford to punch it out anyways. To make matters worse, that play was Green’s last of the 2020 season, as he injured his foot severely enough to need surgery. </p>
<p id="I2f8ji">Green’s last snap of the 2019 season resembles a moment from Saturday’s matchup against a Power Five school similarly weak at football school, yet strong academically.</p>
<p id="ueEGHi">In this year’s version of <em>the game</em>, Pat Fitzgerald’s unheralded backup QB, Andrew Marty, initially entered the game with his team trailing 27-0 late in the first half. On Northwestern’s first offensive possession of the fourth quarter, with a chance to cut the Blue Devils’ lead down to a single possession, the ‘Cats started with the ball at midfield.</p>
<p id="dBicg6">In this edition of <em>the play</em>, Marty weaved through Duke’s first two levels of defense on a rush deep into Blue Devil territory before tucking the ball close to his chest with both hands and turning his head over his left shoulder to check for nearby defenders, only for a Duke defensive lineman to swat the ball over Marty’s opposite side. An unlucky, unfortunate play that only turned worse once that same Duke defender hopped (most likely unintentionally) on Marty’s shoulder for the ball and forced Marty out of the game.</p>
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<p id="CBW8Ff">Given what we know about Andrew Marty as a competitor, it is difficult to envision any scenario where he is not out for an extended period of time in the future, given his inability to play the rest of the game after leading such an inspiring comeback. This is especially true after we saw him in a sling on the sidelines.</p>
<p id="k83DUa">Despite all the similarities between the two plays above, there is one common denominator that has not been mentioned yet: both quarterbacks were replacing former five-star QB, Hunter Johnson.</p>
<p id="vwudyw">Johnson is the same QB who Fitz was willing to name his starting quarterback two weeks in advance of this season’s opener in an attempt not only to increase Johnson’s familiarity with his top receivers, but also, likely, to boost his confidence.</p>
<p id="kCkjfZ">And if you still believe that <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2021/8/26/22642937/what-to-take-away-from-pat-fitzgerald-announcing-his-starting-qb-weeks-in-advance-of-the-opener">Fitzgerald’s logic behind the QB announcement</a> cannot possibly be an indictment of the offensive staff’s trust in the other QB options, or even an attempt to instill some confidence in Johnson, something the QB has struggled with in his NU tenure... if, rather, you believe Johnson performed head and shoulders above the rest of the QBs in camp, then I believe you have too much trust in a QB that has now completed 95/183 passes for 856 yards, five touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 45.9 quarterback rating through his nine-game Northwestern career.</p>
<p id="9DEPw9">While some NU fans were understandably excited about Johnson being named Northwestern’s captain prior to the season commencing, it would have been an extremely negative start to Johnson’s season if his teammates had not voted the already-announced starting QB to the captaincy. Just imagine how awkward that role will be for Johnson now, as he seems unlikely to start another game for the ‘Cats.</p>
<p id="KEs1KO">If you want to see what it looks like when a starting QB commands the respect of his teammates, look at Andrew Marty, who Fitzgerald said after the game received “a ton of captain votes,” after throwing his first touchdown that pulled Northwestern within three (!) scores late in the first half, shown below:</p>
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<p id="1ZIW4W">Unfortunately, we are unable to see the sidelines on this camera shot, but as someone who was in Durham for the game, I can tell you that the rest of the Wildcats were just as fired up as Marty appears to be in the video.</p>
<p id="h1lsxS">If you do not believe me, just ask fifth-year captain Chris Bergin who said after the game that “Marty is a hell of a football player, a hell of a leader” and that “we expected nothing less from him. No drop-off when he came into the game.” Bergin added that “we hope we get him back as soon as possible.”</p>
<p id="AQXdic">So after Marty went down, how come NU did not go back to Johnson?</p>
<p id="PzbyiV">When asked about it, Fitz raved about Marty’s performance and simply said that once he got hurt, “we went to Ryan next.” Fitz is too seasoned of a coach and a professional to throw Johnson under the bus after the game. However, he did say that Hilinski “got a limited amount of reps in the game plan. It’s hard to get one QB ready, let alone three.”</p>
<p id="JOl0F8">If Fitz really trusted Johnson, he would have reinserted him in the game over a QB that received the third-string reps in practice and had not played meaningful snaps in a game since tearing his meniscus in 2019.</p>
<p id="GbjH0S">So what does this mean going forward?</p>
<p id="oZTUO0">Well, we are in a situation that encapsulates the one in 2019. Without Marty, Northwestern likely does not possess a starting Big Ten-quality QB on its roster. NU’s receivers are very good, but the point is moot without anyone able to competently throw the ball to them.</p>
<p id="vV6YGz">The 2021 defense may be able to force turnovers more efficiently than the 2019 unit, but the group two years ago allowed far fewer chunk plays than this year’s team has thus far.</p>
<p id="GsHkaS">NU has picked up the ugly non-conference win over an FCS opponent (UNLV would be the Indiana State comparison, in the case of the 2019 team, despite its status as an FBS program), started off the Big Ten season by being blown out at home by Michigan State and, in just two weeks, must travel to Lincoln, Nebraska where just like in 2019, Fitz will again have to decide whether or not to start Hunter Johnson.</p>
<p id="Glzsvc">Here’s to hoping that Hilinski or any of the other signal callers waiting in the wings are better than Aidan Smith. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2021/9/20/22682201/column-it-may-be-2019-all-over-againWilliam Karmin