Inside NU - Northwestern-Michigan State GameweekRoll Damn 'Catshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52532/insidenu_fav.png2019-09-20T13:20:21-05:00http://www.insidenu.com/rss/stream/206361842019-09-20T13:20:21-05:002019-09-20T13:20:21-05:00Northwestern-Michigan State Predictions
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FmmjNgtlcgxZF8BB0E3dRaVoHlM=/0x167:3612x2575/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65287988/usa_today_11388127.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How does our staff see the game going?</p> <p id="cdQfSn"><em>Our weekly predictions roll along as our staff selects a projected winner between in a pivotal conference matchup at Ryan Field this weekend. Michigan State is favored in this one, but the ‘Cats have gotten</em></p>
<p id="myD0sE"><strong>Noah Coffman: Northwestern 20, Michigan State 15</strong></p>
<p id="K0SXel">I’m usually the pessimistic one of the bunch, but it’s hard to shake both the excitement of conference play beginning and the feeling that the Wildcats just have a chokehold on Brian Lewerke and the Spartans. Hunter Johnson and the defense are rounding into form, and though this one won’t be pretty by any stretch, if Pat Fitzgerald’s bunch executes, Northwestern should be able to take it.</p>
<p id="TXIyzy"><strong>Joe Weinberg: Northwestern 24, Michigan State 20</strong></p>
<p id="jrzZex">Bennett Skowronek has a career day for the ‘Cats as they’re forced to go to the air against Michigan State’s dominant front-seven. Brian Lewerke gets it close toward the end, but a few key turnovers down the stretch give the Wildcats the W.</p>
<p id="acrws1"><strong>Avery Zimmerman: Michigan State 20, Northwestern 14</strong></p>
<p id="0uF4Ff">I think Northwestern gets out to a quick start behind an amped up crowd, but Michigan State’s superior talent and athleticism on defense wins the game for Sparty. </p>
<p id="mVaxzG"><strong>Colin Kruse: Northwestern 14, Michigan State 10</strong></p>
<p id="C86evW">Folks, this is going to be an ugly one. Michigan State’s defense is one of the best in the nation and will slow down the ‘Cats offense early and often. However, as seen last week against ASU, Sparty has a terrible offense and makes mental errors. Hunter Johnson will do just enough to get the offense over the hump, and the ‘Cats’ defense will stifle Brian Lewerke and company. With students being on campus, Ryan Field should have a solid home field advantage. I'll take NU in a close one. </p>
<p id="pZDxQn"><strong>Jacob Brown: Michigan State 10, Northwestern 7</strong></p>
<p id="J13VnX">The over/under for this game could be 3 points and I would take the under. Not actually, but I don’t expect the game to get anywhere close to 39.5. I’d take NU at +9.5 and the under. I think we see an ugly game, with both quarterbacks struggling. Elijah Collins and the MSU o-line bully Northwestern on the ground, but Brian Lewerke makes a few mistakes to keep NU in it. NU keeps it close, and Hunter leads a heroic late-game drive, but Charlie Kuhbander is wide left from 30 yards on the game-tying field goal as time expires.</p>
<p id="COdsWZ"><strong>Eli Karp: Northwestern 23, Michigan State 17</strong></p>
<p id="WqWFti">Seemingly for the last three years it seems like Northwestern hasn’t had a great chance going into any matchup with Michigan State. And yet they win. This year isn’t any different. Even without the Spartan-killing firm of Thorson and Nagel, Northwestern finds a way to make it four straight over Mark Dantonio’s squad. I see the Brian Lewerke-led MSU offense continuing to move the ball and continuing to score at a rate that doesn’t keep up. Hunter’s legs will be busy on both designed runs and scrambles, and that added dimension could open up things in the passing attack. Welcome back to 11 a.m. kickoffs at Ryan Field, folks. </p>
<p id="3TFHWp"><strong>Lia Assimakopoulos: Northwestern 20, Michigan State 17</strong></p>
<p id="LrIlQ7"><strong>Tyler Sexton-Holtmeier: Michigan State 17, Northwestern 10</strong></p>
<p id="XyDEAe">Northwestern won’t extend their winning streak against Michigan State to a school record four, as they struggle to run the ball against Michigan State’s stingy defense. While Northwestern’s run game falters, Michigan State will jump out to an early lead behind some big runs from Elijah Collins. The Northwestern defense will settle in and force a couple turnovers, but it won’t be enough. Between the early deficit and lack of a run game, Hunter Johnson will be forced to throw the ball more than he is comfortable with. Johnson will once again show some flashes but ultimately Northwestern’s final drive will stall out around midfield.</p>
<p id="yGZ8ys"><strong>William Karmin: Northwestern 20, Michigan State 17</strong></p>
<p id="fOmIzk">Northwestern must win this game to stay in contention for the Big Ten West. I anticipate the team will play with a sense of urgency. Offensively, the offensive line will need to hold its own against the Michigan State front seven. With solid line play, Isaiah Bowser and Drake Anderson should keep the chains moving for Northwestern’s offense. The running backs play will allow Hunter Johnson to get into a rhythm. If HJ does not throw an interception, Northwestern’s offense will be in a position to win the game. Defensively, the Wildcats shouldn't have too many problems. If NU’s defense can come up with a turnover, the Wildcats will win this game. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zlwxAI">
<p id="5TXG3n"><strong>2019 Inside NU Prediction Standings:</strong></p>
<p id="nMN8eO">Noah Coffman: 2-0</p>
<p id="ExE7k1">Joe Weinberg: 2-0</p>
<p id="J78aLl">Caleb Friedman: 1-0</p>
<p id="AOXsbW">Lucio Vainesman: 1-0</p>
<p id="DOAE5p">Avery Zimmerman: 1-1</p>
<p id="dpdqtO">Matt Albert: 1-1</p>
<p id="xFOz88">Eli Karp: 1-1</p>
<p id="Eb7WS0">Lia Assimakopoulos: 1-1</p>
<p id="TEXA8K">Colin Kruse: 1-1</p>
<p id="9FQrZv">William Karmin: 1-1</p>
<p id="Yv362b">Graham Brennan: 0-1</p>
<p id="ipS6xS"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/9/20/20873850/northwestern-michigan-state-predictionsInside NU Archives2019-09-20T08:19:00-05:002019-09-20T08:19:00-05:00Northwestern-Michigan State preview: Opponent Q&A with The Only Colors
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 06 Northwestern at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a7APj9bz1w3bcNnD8lXb9AWub0k=/0x0:4772x3181/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65285425/1051854604.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Our friends over at MSU’s SBNation blog helped us out by answering a few questions!</p> <p id="EIDf2h">The Spartans come into Saturday’s Big Ten opener at 2-1 after a disappointing home loss to Arizona State last week. MSU will enter Ryan Field with revenge on their mind, trying to halt a three-game losing streak against the Wildcats in their first road trip of the season. For more on Michigan State, McLain Moberg of <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">The Only Colors</a> joined us to discuss all things green and white:</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zJB8YK">
<p id="gLchcs"><strong>INU: How is morale in East Lansing after last week? Where is the blame being placed for the loss? </strong></p>
<p id="N0SkmB">TOC: It depends on who you ask. The fanbase is certainly irate. I’ve never seen MSU twitter blow up the way it did after the loss to Arizona State. The blame has been spread out, but fans are mostly upset with the coaching staff. A win this weekend, and a competent offense on the road may be enough to provide them with a sense of optimism. </p>
<p id="gCw9Le"><strong>INU: Is the MSU run defense better than it was last year? Is that even possible? </strong></p>
<p id="era8l8">TOC: On defense, the Spartans return eight starters from a unit that finished No. 1 in rushing defense (77.9 ypg). Five of the eight returning starters played in all 13 games last season (LB <span>Joe Bachie</span>, S <span>David Dowell</span>, DT <span>Mike Panasiuk</span>, NT <span>Raequan Williams</span>, and DE <span>Kenny Willekes</span>). </p>
<p id="BtgoTq">The rush defense is formidable AGAIN for obvious reasons. It’s no secret this has been an all-time defense for Michigan State. Are they better than last year? I can’t definitively make that statement, but they are pretty close. MSU is currently ranked No. 2 through the first three games in 2019, allowing a total of 70 yards rushing (23.3 ypg). Stopping the run has been a theme under Mark Dantonio. In 161 games, the Spartans have held opponents under 100 yards rushing 83 times. They are 70-13 in those contests. </p>
<p id="XduIcW"><strong>INU: Is the pass defense vulnerable?</strong> </p>
<p id="QxOdMq">TOC: Yes, the pass defense can be vulnerable. MSU has been gashed a couple of times so far this season (in terms of big plays). One play last week comes to mind when <span>Josh Butler</span> stumbled, and ASU completed a 40-yard pass into the red zone. Unfortunately for Spartan fans, the Sun Devils scored on the same drive, taking the lead 10-7 with 50 seconds left. </p>
<p id="AkRe3a">Or how a roughing the passer call on <span>Kenny Willekes</span> resulted in Tulsa’s only touchdown, which also happened to be through the air. Even so, the Spartans are ranked third in the nation for total defense. They are allowing 3.77 yards per play and 216 yards per game. </p>
<p id="o1YesR"><strong>INU: Who are some new players on the scene to look out for defensively? </strong></p>
<p id="G9iKSC">TOC: Fans should look out for guys like CB <span>Kalon Gervin</span>, CB <span>Shakur Brown</span> (who hasn’t played the last two weeks), and S <span>Xavier Henderson</span>. Through three games Xavier has 16 tackles and one interception, while <span>Brown</span> has three tackles and two sacks (he’s only played in the home opener). </p>
<p id="9UK1Nv"><strong>INU: How important has the loss of Felton Davis been to the offense? Are they, and Lewerke in particular, worse than last year or about at the same level? </strong></p>
<p id="SzwyaI">I wouldn’t label the offense as worse. The loss of Felton Davis is vast, but it’s my belief they’ve improved. I get it, MSU has scored 14 points outside of demolishing a terrible Western Michigan defense. It might seem like the same offense from 2018, but it’s not. The Spartans gained 23 first downs and a total of 404 yards of offense against ASU, which is something that wasn’t happening last year during losses. Does the production feel a bit hollow because of the lack of points? Yes, but they also crossed midfield nine times. </p>
<p id="PTjVcn">Again, fans are right to point their fingers at the scoreboard. I’m merely making the case they’ve improved and need to take the next step. Right now, it happens to be finishing drives. Before it was moving the ball with any consistency at all. </p>
<p id="ReJFZl"><strong>INU: Have Michigan State fans developed some sort of purple-fueled pathology after three straight losses to Northwestern? How glad are they to see </strong><span><strong>Clayton Thorson</strong></span><strong> gone?</strong></p>
<p id="DAzBFt">Nobody likes to lose three times in a row to the same team. It’s been tough on Spartan fans because like anyone else they want to win. I’m not sure it’s been made personal, or there’s some level of animosity towards Northwestern or their fans, it’s just about ending the streak the Wildcats currently have on MSU. </p>
<p id="O0lynM"><span>Clayton Thorson</span> had some great games against Michigan State and naturally, the fan base isn’t complaining about him not being there any longer. Although, they are more focused on winning this weekend than reminiscing about losing three in a row to NW.<strong> </strong></p>
<p id="Ite1ev"><strong>INU: Finally, what is your game prediction?</strong></p>
<p id="Up229y">The Spartans get their redemption against the Wildcats. </p>
<p id="vDH5AI">MSU 17, NU 7 </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/9/20/20875353/northwestern-michigan-state-preview-opponent-q-a-the-only-colors-spartans-wildcats-predictionsNoah Coffman2019-09-19T19:52:37-05:002019-09-19T19:52:37-05:00Week 4 injury report: Bowser IN, Williams OUT
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Illinois at Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K6d7NayS18VYwMrSqglqzlZobpk=/0x0:3928x2619/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65283426/usa_today_11725802.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The sophomore standout is ready to go.</p> <p id="NvRJSk">Northwestern got good news on Thursday night as the program released that sophomore running back Isaiah Bowser is healthy for Saturday’s Big Ten showdown against the Michigan State Spartans.</p>
<p id="Hne87Y">The injury report solely contained senior cornerback Trae Williams, who was injured in Week 1 against Stanford but returned to play against UNLV two weeks later. </p>
<div id="dLBOxK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Week 4 Injury Report<br>vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/MSU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MSU_Football</a> <br><br>DB Trae Williams - OUT<br><br>Updates are given for student-athletes listed on the W4 depth chart.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoCats?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoCats</a> <a href="https://t.co/RfQDyy0vzw">pic.twitter.com/RfQDyy0vzw</a></p>— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFBFamily/status/1174836271153319941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="mYYv8f">It’s important to note that the injury report only lists people on the two-deep, so we don’t necessarily know if guys like Jesse Brown, Devin O’Rourke and Malik Washington are good to go for Saturday. Redshirt first-year defensive end Eku Leota appears to be healthy as he is off the injury report.</p>
<p id="QQnzbK">The injury report is an overall positive for NU with Bowser returning as they’ll need all the help they can get on the ground against one of the best rushing defenses in the nation. It would be nice to have Brown healthy, but between Anderson and Bowser, the Wildcats should be able to muster some success in the trenches.</p>
<p id="guBEL6">Although the Williams injury leaves NU thin at cornerback and remains a legitimate concern moving forward, they should be fine as they go against a Spartan offense that sputtered last week against Arizona State. </p>
<p id="BW9GtB"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/9/19/20875004/week-4-injury-report-bowser-in-williams-outJoeWeinberg2019-09-19T11:08:50-05:002019-09-19T11:08:50-05:00The top plays from Northwestern’s winning streak over Michigan State
<figure>
<img alt="Northwestern v Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/usUDWKW6X_ZQSacMK489LpyvuX0=/80x0:2963x1922/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65279549/1046710484.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We’ve got offense, defense AND special teams represented in this delightful countdown!</p> <p id="aJTWMM">Despite trailing 38-16 in the all-time series between the schools, Northwestern football has enjoyed an impressive three-year run against Michigan State. </p>
<p id="wYeQdI">The Wildcats, led each time by quarterback <span>Clayton Thorson</span>, have dominated Mark Dantonio and <span>Brian Lewerke</span>’s Spartans. Rarely has offense been lacking for NU in these matchups — something we can’t always say — as it has averaged nearly 41 points per contest, but each phase has had plenty of standouts.</p>
<p id="JpO8pf">In preparation for Saturday’s matchup with MSU, we decided to go into the vault of Northwestern football highlights and rank the top five plays from the ‘Cats’ current three-game winning streak.</p>
<h2 id="Dv6Csn">5. <span>Clayton Thorson</span>’s touchdown pass to <span>JJ Jefferson</span> (2018)</h2>
<p id="TRgvQF">All three of No. 18’s scores in last season’s win were pretty, but this one featured the best throw and an impressive catch to go with it. Up 7-3, Michigan State’s coverage broke down, allowing Jefferson to find the end zone even with a bum hand. Thorson put the ball in a perfect place, creating a gorgeous pitch and catch that helped begin the 2018 season turnaround. </p>
<div id="2CSMYV"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/5ucvl" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="PoIw6H">4. <span>Justin Jackson</span>’s touchdown pass to <span>Bennett Skowronek</span> (2017)</h2>
<p id="PnClgL">The MSU run defense limited JJTBC to just 41 yards on 17 carries in this slugfest, but <span>Jackson</span> made his biggest play of the day with his arm rather than his legs. Tied at 10 early in the fourth quarter, he took a handoff from Thorson, ran to his right and lobbed a pass to an open Bennett Skowronek. It was Jackson’s only passing attempt in his Northwestern career, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.</p>
<div id="8tCAjT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T5fkLqPf8Vs?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="WHUFKC">3. <span>Joe Gaziano</span>’s breathtaking sack (2016)</h2>
<p id="crfVsZ">This play wasn’t as high-leverage as some of the others in this countdown, but it is certainly just as memorable. The then-redshirt freshman began a personal three game sack streak against <span>Lewerke</span> and MSU with this bone-crunching hit off of a three-man rush early in the second quarter, delivering his team two points and taking all of the energy from the crowd.</p>
<div id="uS6tdt"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qy4_fHx1aNQ?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="L5jcpE">2. <span>Nate Hall</span>’s game-sealing interception (2017)</h2>
<p id="QNBZbu">Earlier in the game, <span>Hall</span> was in the locker room having roughly 30 stitches administered to two fingers he had split open. But the junior linebacker was back on the field for three wild overtimes, and it was on a broken play started by a Joe Gaziano strip that he picked off Lewerke’s ill-advised throw to seal the upset over the 16th-ranked Spartans. </p>
<div id="8FtsdF"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/fpiwl" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="FPRKEV">1. <span>Solomon Vault</span>’s 95-yard kickoff return touchdown (2016)</h2>
<p id="nGuPBq">There are bound to be several highlights from a game in which NU hangs 54 (!), but <span>Vault</span>’s kickoff return tops them all. Northwestern’s 16-point lead had been cut to just two, and the Wildcats needed a response after two explosive touchdowns from MSU. </p>
<p id="RRbi9u">On the ensuing kickoff, the junior let the ball bounce at the five before picking it up. Using his blazing speed and a couple of nice blocks from his teammates, Vault hit the hole and accelerated all the way to the house to give NU some much-needed breathing room. It was his fourth career return touchdown. </p>
<div id="X27qGm"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pFeVC56Sx80?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Il4yUj"><em><strong>Honorable Mentions: </strong></em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcE74RizMQk"><em>Flynn Nagel’s triple-overtime touchdown catch and run</em></a><em> (preceding Hall’s pick), 2017; </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqJvHsCcf-4"><em>Cam Green’s (eventually game-winning) touchdown on another gorgeous throw from Thorson</em></a><em>, 2018; </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ghdCvLTKx0&list=TLPPMTkwOTIwMTlH4gm1_nrdZg&index=1"><em>Justin Jackson’s juke and subsequent 28-yard score</em></a><em>, 2016; </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PymxyTds4EM"><em>Justin Jackson’s game-sealing 26-yard touchdown</em></a><em>, 2016.</em></p>
<p id="2wcOpT">Disagree with our rankings? Any plays you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below!</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/9/19/20871310/top-plays-northwestern-football-winning-streak-michigan-state-thorson-justin-jackson-vault-gazianoEli Karp2019-09-18T09:07:41-05:002019-09-18T09:07:41-05:00Film Room: The good and the bad of Northwestern football through two games
<figure>
<img alt="UNLV v Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZaBnULghzInnzJSDgvyZzL9pAxY=/0x0:3040x2027/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65270610/1175300998.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Heading into Big Ten play there have been plenty of positives to extrapolate from, but unfortunately some key negatives as well.</p> <p id="j8WPMl"><em>Each week, Inside NU Film Room will allow one of our writers to dive into the highlights from Northwestern’s past games or future opponents in order to give you the quality analysis you need heading into the following week. Without further ado, here is what you should be excited about and what you should still harbor a bit of worry for after the non-conference matchups with Stanfordd and UNLV:</em></p>
<h1 id="Ij1534">The Good</h1>
<h3 id="BB271h"><strong>The legs on Northwestern’s five-star QB</strong></h3>
<p id="Xj1bOR">Let’s start on a positive note, especially with NU coming off of a win. When <span>Hunter Johnson</span> or <span>T.J. Green</span> lined up in the shotgun with a three/four receiver set, both players seemed to take advantage of their newfound freedom to roam and scramble in the pocket. Some of the biggest plays on offense thus far have come from the legs of <span>Johnson</span> – who appears to be somehow even quicker and more elusive than anticipated.</p>
<p id="RakrhK">Despite an overall ineffective performance in Palo Alto, the transfer showed impressive ability to save broken plays by stepping up in the pocket and taking off down the field. </p>
<div id="kUVPYo"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 45.283%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/r6y39" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="W5cZq5">It’s evident that Johnson still needs to work on his slide, but overall, his running abilities seem poised to bring this NU offense to new heights if he continues to feel comfortable tucking the ball and running.</p>
<p id="1WZXIK">The read option also seems to be fully implemented back into Northwestern’s offense. Against UNLV, Johnson scored his first touchdown for the ‘Cats, taking full advantage of the defense from a run-pass option set that was rolling the whole game. NU may not be able to go back to its classic Thorson QB sneak from short-yardage situations with the same consistency as it did the past four years, but Johnson’s ability to make sharp reads on the option should be just as effective for the ‘Cats moving forward.</p>
<div id="7y6E1U"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/6gwfd" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h3 id="RaImbq"><strong>The O-line</strong></h3>
<p id="lcVW7G">One of the biggest takeaways from Northwestern’s home-opener was the excellent play of Kurt Anderson’s new offensive line. After a tough showing at Stanford, the big men up front made <span>Drake Anderson</span> and <span>Jesse Brown</span> look like the second coming of Justin Jackson. To be fair, both backs were elusive and broke tackles when needed, but they had some gaping holes to run through all day long.</p>
<div id="ApOfhH"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/u81ft" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="aMo4hO">The offensive line unit will get a much taller task in handing the Spartans vaunted front-seven this Saturday, but the line certainly showed improved ability coming off the bye week.</p>
<h3 id="zKp50W"><strong>The Deep Ball</strong></h3>
<p id="NpgmSK">After the aforementioned rough showing against Stanford, HJ stepped up and made huge throws when needed against UNLV. He illustrated the ability to keep the safeties honest by launching it 30 plus yards even while placing it right in the receivers’ grasp. Overall, he looked much more comfortable and confident in the pocket. </p>
<p id="qqmeNJ">He would have posted a much more impressive stat line if his pass-catchers had actually come down with a couple of his bombs. Either way, his first first TD throw in a purple uniform was a thing of beauty:</p>
<div id="cyjje1"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/vb7cv" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="hjzX4p">One of the more impressive throws of the day came early in the game. On the first drive, the ‘Cats were forced into a tough fourth and short situation. Instead of panicking or exiting the pocket too early, HJ stood in the pocket strong and let the play develop to deliver a strike to the outside to <span>Kyric McGowan</span>. A few plays later, he’d punch it in himself. </p>
<div id="rQrjDR"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/mbn04" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="xWW60u">The Bad</h1>
<h3 id="cSOJpH"><strong>Tackling</strong></h3>
<p id="0XrIKH">Giving up only ten points on defense against a team like Stanford even while putting together a sloppy overall performance is simultaneously impressive and confusing. The NU defense likes to keep things in front of them, often boasting of their (mostly successful) bend-don’t-break mentality. They did just that in Palo Alto. </p>
<p id="9KUPWc">More importantly, though, it seemed like luck was on their side a lot of the time. Stanford was only forced into one three and out the whole game, yet they truly only managed one drive of substance. </p>
<p id="0W4dBB">The majority of the first half seemed to be dominated by Stanford, and a big part of that were errors on the defensive side of the ball: missed tackles prolonged drives and kept the unit on the field for far too long. A few made open-field tackles could’ve gotten NU possession back with a better chance to potentially seize control of the game early on in Palo Alto.</p>
<div id="S3L4uj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/vti6x" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="9ucWhz"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/7259e" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="jxOC3P">Against UNLV, the struggles against the run continued. The unit was just slower than the Rebels, helping create what Fitz chalked up as “mental errors” along the outside. That lack of focus and execution resulted in the run defense being exposed for the majority of the first half, including this untouched 65-yard score from <span>Charles Williams</span>:</p>
<div id="5JpMgI"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/kg2pc" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="FoCCAr">The positive through the defensive struggles, though, has been the unit’s ability to force timely turnovers. Twice while UNLV was driving <span>Paddy Fisher</span> and <span>Travis Whillock</span> came up with huge strips to turn the tide in favor of the Wildcats and bail the defense out. Without their ballhawking ability, the score could have been much different on Saturday. </p>
<h3 id="agHTYA"><strong>Ball Security/Drops</strong></h3>
<p id="9huheD">In case you missed it, Hunter Johnson didn’t have the NU debut that most would have liked. He finished the game 6-for-17 with 55 yards. On his second pass of the season, he threw his first interception to go along with another interception that came in the third quarter. Although Johnson looked way better against UNLV, he still made showed some questionable decision-making with a very bad interception as he fired into triple coverage with Northwestern deep inside Rebel territory.</p>
<p id="sLw0fa">Having a rough debut and getting settled in is difficult when the expectations are so high. What makes matters even worse is when you receive little help from your teammates. Dropped passes, especially on momentum defining drives, can be the reason the game is lost. </p>
<div id="rcaWjq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/luxq5" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="sfSvgI"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/t/et5f9" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="i98Pq6">Some of these passes aren’t thrown to perfection, but with a new quarterback under center, the receiving corps has to make his life easier and make these plays. These are catchable passes that need to be executed for Northwestern to have sustained success on offense. Overall, it’s been a less than impressive two games for Wildcat pass catchers. The unit has struggled to get separation and hasn’t done Johnson any favors early on as he tries to settle into Mick McCall’s offense.</p>
<p id="rE4HB4">All in all, the mixed bag comes out slightly favorable for Northwestern, especially heading into a matchup with a team who has had more than their fair share of problems in Michigan State. But still, the Wildcats don’t have a huge margin for error as they head into the toughest stretch on their schedule. If they can’t clean things up, Big Ten play will be a rough ride.</p>
<h2 id="Q2q3kA"></h2>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/9/18/20864503/northwestern-wildcats-football-film-analysis-big-ten-pat-fitzgerald-michigan-state-hunter-johnsonLucio Vainesman2019-09-18T09:01:33-05:002019-09-18T09:01:33-05:00Three matchups to watch: Northwestern vs. Michigan State
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yCVCnDYtkHrJeUOStMLtBjIyjBg=/0x256:3768x2768/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65270529/usa_today_11387815.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>These are the battles to keep an eye on.</p> <p id="GF52Zk"><em>While Michigan State heads into this week’s contest as a heavy Vegas favorite, Northwestern has had Sparty’s number over recent years. Here are the matchups that will have a big impact in determining whether the Wildcats maintain their win streak.</em></p>
<h2 id="9eZN2B"><strong>Northwestern’s run game vs. the MSU defense</strong></h2>
<p id="K0iGWN">Michigan State enters this game with one of the best run defenses in the nation, in addition to an elite all-around group on that side of the ball. The Spartans have conceded only 23.3 yards per game on the ground through three games, a stunning number, in addition to just a single touchdown. It has been nearly impossible for opponents to run the ball against MSU.</p>
<p id="P0rGMr">Another issue working against Northwestern in this area is injury problems for <span>Isaiah Bowser</span> and Jesse Brown. Bowser sustained a knee injury against Stanford and didn’t play against UNLV, though he has been practicing to an extent. Brown broke out in the first two weeks but also suffered an injury against UNLV that took him out of the game. The health of those two will be imperative to the run game’s success. Drake Anderson looks to be finding his form, but he’ll need help on Saturday.</p>
<h2 id="mPH3zC">
<strong>Northwestern’s red zone defense vs. </strong><span><strong>Brian Lewerke</strong></span>
</h2>
<p id="Xo5qtV">In Northwestern’s three consecutive wins over MSU, the Wildcats haven’t been able to limit the Spartans’ scoring for the most part. The defense gave up 40, 31 (3OT) and 19 points, and the ‘Cats still managed to win each game. This year, it will be imperative to limit MSU’s scoring to allow the offense a margin for error against Michigan State’s vaunted defense.</p>
<p id="P3usQ7"><span>Hunter Johnson</span> showed glimpses of his potential against UNLV, executing some beautiful throws, but he also made mistakes that will be punished to a greater extent by a better football team. If the defense allows <span>Johnson</span> to make some of those mistakes, NU will have a chance to win. If not, it’ll be an extremely difficult effort. That battle starts with NU’s defense getting Brian Lewerke off the field quick and early and holding tough in the red zone like they have in past seasons to make the Spartans kick field goals.</p>
<h2 id="nXLmY7"><strong>Special teams</strong></h2>
<p id="PKTPe4">An integral part of any defense-based matchup is the ensuing special teams play. There are going to be a lot of punts in this game, and kickers will play a vital role in putting points on the board. </p>
<p id="3mkkDP">Through two games, NU seems to have the advantage in the kicking game. Against UNLV, <span>Charlie Kuhbander</span> was crucial for Northwestern, going 3-for-3 on field goals and nailing one from 40+, an area that he struggled with last year when dealing with an injury. <span>Matt Coghlin</span>, on the other hand, went 0-for-3 on field goals in the Spartans’ loss last weekend including a brutal shank on the potential tying field goal. </p>
<div id="R8QQ85">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a way to lose. <br><br>Michigan State hit a field goal to tie the game with six seconds left, but had it taken off the board after having too many men on the field. <br><br>After the penalty, their 47-yard field goal attempt sailed wide. <a href="https://t.co/VHXRilx9Ky">pic.twitter.com/VHXRilx9Ky</a></p>— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsHQ/status/1173018159051411456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="wCMa1y">In all fairness, Coghlin had hit previously from 42 yards before having that make negated by a 12-men on the field penalty from the Spartans.</p>
<p id="qHagIx">Michigan State’s <span>Jake Hartbarger</span> has been solid punting for the Spartans thus far. The senior has pinned opposing offenses inside the 20 on four of his 10 punts this year, and has a net average of 42.4 yards per punt. <span>Daniel Kubiuk</span> has also impressed for the Wildcats, pinning opponents inside the 20 on five of his eight punts this year. </p>
<p id="IyMTWf">Another aspect to watch will be Northwestern’s kickoffs. They have been a genuine problem through two games. Don’t be surprised if special teams determines the outcome of this game. </p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/9/18/20870479/three-matchups-to-watch-northwestern-vs-michigan-stateAvery Zimmerman2019-09-17T10:54:30-05:002019-09-17T10:54:30-05:00Pound the Talk: Full UNLV recap
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: UNLV at Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7pWJ_4JPC3IQsCR7W8NazQgnXwY=/0x105:3694x2568/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65263742/usa_today_13359856.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Saturday was a step in the right direction, but Big Ten play, and an uptick in competition, is now here.</p> <p id="XYebBq"><span>Hunter Johnson</span> showed promise, <span>Paddy Fisher</span> was his usual exceptional self, and <span>Drake Anderson</span> stole the show.</p>
<p id="FpV0Hb">Join Brett Haensel and Zach Harris in reliving Northwestern’s 30-14 win over UNLV. They discuss noticeable improvements from the Stanford opener and call out a little Pat Fitzgerald hypocrisy, amongst other things.</p>
<div id="FyxY7l"><iframe width="100%" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F682387532&show_artwork=true"></iframe></div>
<p id="xQ0Stp">Brett and Zach will be back in a few days to preview the Wildcats’ Big Ten opener against Michigan State.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/9/17/20869473/pound-the-talk-full-unlv-recap-northwestern-wildcats-football-podcastBrett HaenselZach Harris2019-09-16T17:15:02-05:002019-09-16T17:15:02-05:00Michigan State gameweek press conference notes
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Big Ten Media Days" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3qz5ohsRAaEvG_ppNGNEGgO1mFM=/0x0:3500x2333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65259208/usa_today_13068207.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Young-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>“Stats are for losers”</p> <p id="GgSFGP">Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald addressed the media after his squad’s victory over UNLV on Saturday. Safety Travis Whillock, linebacker Chris Bergin, and offensive lineman Jared Thomas also took the podium and answered questions. Here’s what they had to say.</p>
<h3 id="1R1gYD"><strong>Pat Fitzgerald</strong></h3>
<p id="XKF9sw"><strong>On Drake Anderson’s breakout performance against UNLV: </strong>“I think it’s the opportunity. He was really close to playing last year. We went up to Michigan State last year not really sure where we were at yet [at running back]. We were very unsettled at the position. You saw him get a little bit of time in that game,...and then we go to Rutgers, and Isaiah [Bowser] took it over, to his credit. An opportunity presented itself. When he’s ready I think he’s a big time player who will be a great player for us for a long time.”</p>
<p id="MYOrJW"><strong>On Michigan State’s top-ranked defense: </strong>“It starts with their personality. They’ve got all-Big Ten players across the board at every position. They’re well-coordinated; they’re on the same page; they play physical; they play great team defense. You rarely ever see them beat themselves. They tackle incredibly well, and then they’ve got the change ups which keep you honest to complement their base defense...This is as good as we’ll see all year”</p>
<p id="dKggb3"><strong>On Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio: </strong>“Quite frankly his DNA in his coaching career, he’s one of the best coaches ever to coach our game for a reason. He gets his guys to play at a high level for a reason. They play just outstanding team defense.”</p>
<p id="txFJDo"><strong>On quarterback Hunter Johnson</strong>: He took what the defense gave him. He didn’t try to force anything, and I think he learned from that rep [his interception in the 2nd quarter] a lot. He got a little greedy, tried to play a matchup instead of a scheme, and their kid made a nice play. He [Johnson] had great command of what we’re trying to get done. He was opportunistic with the football, running it too. He’s gotta do a better job of taking care of himself at the end of some plays, but I thought he did a nice job improving, and he’s going to keep doing that week after week after week.”</p>
<p id="LemTVh"><strong>On Michigan State’s football program: </strong>“Coach Dio [MSU coach Mark Dantonio] and I have been in the league now for a long time, and most of these games have been really close because we play, although maybe not the same schemes, a very similar style of football, and I think that’s why the games are so close. I think both teams are very disciplined in what they do and how they do things. They play team football, complimentary football. Both teams are smart and sound in the kicking game. Coach has probably been a little more aggressive, better names for trick plays than mine.”</p>
<p id="T4ayr8"><strong>On injuries to the running-back corps and MSU’s top-ranked rush defense: </strong>“I’m just gonna pray and hope it all works out. We’re gonna practice and try to execute. They try to make it hard. They’re really good.”</p>
<p id="4RbxdP"><strong>On Michigan State’s offense: </strong>“We’re gonna have our hands full on that side too.”</p>
<p id="g1gt9w"><strong>On whether Hunter Johnson should protect himself more when he slides: </strong>“I’m gonna put a neck roll on his shoulder pads...yeah of course. He’s gonna learn. This isn’t Brownsburg High School, where he could hit a seam and go for 70...Maybe we’ll reach out to Joe Girardi, see if he can come in and teach him to slide.”</p>
<p id="V53JeU"><strong>On lineman Jared Thomas: </strong>“He’s just an unbelievable representative of our program...He’s truly taken full advantage of everything our program has to offer...He’s going to have his hands full, so he’d better sleep well, eat well, practice well. It’s going to be a long day.</p>
<p id="uZmJ9r"><strong>On conference scheduling and start times: </strong>“I prefer a 10-game conference schedule. The nine [game Big Ten schedule] just doesn’t make sense to me...I hope the Pac-12 adopts 9 a.m. start time. I could use that against them in recruiting. That would sucks for a player”</p>
<p id="Ak61cG"><strong>On preparing for games: </strong>“Gameplan each opponent for what you think you can accomplish against each team.”</p>
<h2 id="YGmB4n"><strong>Travis Whillock</strong></h2>
<p id="aTeUIg"><strong>On the defense: </strong>We want to be the best defense, so day-by-day, learning from past mistake, not dwelling on them to give ourselves the best chance to win the game.”</p>
<p id="FBR61b"><strong>On friendship with J.R. Pace: </strong>“Being able to communicate on every single play, I think that definitely helped, then off the field too, I think our relationship has grown, and I think that’s something that’s really helped carry onto the field.”</p>
<p id="no2VxD"><strong>On being healthy for Saturday’s game: </strong>“I’m just so thankful that I’m hear now and just really trying to be present with it all and just take it day-by-day, learn and grow and get better one day at a time.”</p>
<p id="3eb2A5"><strong>On MSU’s Brian Lewerke and the RPO: </strong>“Their quarterback is good: He can throw it and run it, so we need to make sure we’re locking in on our keys, having good eye control, and just doing things to the best of our abilities.”</p>
<p id="GF5WyG"><strong>On upcoming schedule: </strong>“It’s only gonna get tougher from here on out, week-in and week-out. That’s why it’s Big Ten football and you gotta love it.”</p>
<h3 id="euLWgX"><strong>Chris Bergin</strong></h3>
<p id="qrpBxA"><strong>On defensive mistakes early against UNLV: </strong>“On the sidelines, We remained very calm. Mental errors are the most fixable errors. One guy’s mistake is minimized by 10 other guys. With three of four guys making mistakes, then it turns into something bigger.”</p>
<p id="mQCz9p"><strong>On his family’s connection with MSU: </strong>“Contrary to popular belief, our dad [Chris’s and NU DB Joe Bergin’s], die-hard ‘Cat fan. You wouldn’t think so, but I try to think of it from his perspective, and if your kids went to Northwestern or you played at Northwestern and they didn't get recruited at all, I guess you root for your kids, and our dad supports us more than anybody.”</p>
<p id="uC84XI"><strong>On the hype with MSU’s defense: </strong>“I think that adds fuel to the fire, but we don’t really worry about them as much as we worry about ourselves.”</p>
<h3 id="miWw69"><strong>Jared Thomas</strong></h3>
<p id="6fIQhz"><strong>On offensive line coach Kurt Anderson: </strong>“I think it would be a little surprising to some because you see videos of him at practice and he’s very animated. He’s a very calm and relaxing presence during games.”</p>
<p id="bKbp8K"><strong>On Drake Anderson’s performance: </strong>“Drake was out there?”</p>
<p id="3fLuPS"><strong>On the offensive line’s improvement from Week One: </strong>“We got better from one week to another. Our goal each and every day is to get 1% better, one day better, and I think that’s what we did.”</p>
<p id="NTbh72"><strong>On Big Ten play starting: </strong>“Conference play is where you define what your season is going to be.”</p>
<p id="jK0cev"><strong>On MSU’s run defense: </strong>“As the offensive line, we want to run the ball no matter who the defense is. We know it’s going to be a dogfight as soon as we step on the field on Saturday.”</p>
<p id="uoCc13"><strong>On the rotation of QBs and RBs: </strong>“It doesn’t matter who’s back there. Ultimately, our job is to block for the pass and the run, and whoever’s back there we can trust that they can get the job done.”</p>
<p id="I2z2UU">You can watch Fitz’ full presser here:</p>
<div id="TN7M6N"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZrPpOlYn9x0?rel=0&start=47" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="o6W7Gs"></p>
<p id="Wfu2K6"></p>
<p id="pT7bgf"></p>
<p id="VjYU2q"></p>
<p id="ZQP7wh"></p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2019/9/16/20868805/michigan-state-gameweek-press-conference-notesColin KruseWilliam Karmin