Inside NU - Northwestern Wildcats vs. Indiana Hoosiers FootballRoll Damn 'Catshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52532/insidenu_fav.png2012-10-01T11:42:35-05:00http://www.insidenu.com/rss/stream/31792332012-10-01T11:42:35-05:002012-10-01T11:42:35-05:00A deeper dive into NU's win over Indiana
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<figcaption>Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Some more notes, stats and odds and ends from Saturday's game</p> <p>Everything that needs to be said about NU's 44-29 win over the Hoosiers has already been said. So, let me just say a few more things.</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">For the first time this season, NU's offensive line allowed zero sacks on Saturday. Nice improvement on the pass blocking, as Trevor Siemian often had a lot of time to set up in the pocket and target receivers downfield. There were a few close calls, and Siemian got hit a couple of times, but overall a good day for the o-line that hasn't always protected well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">On the flip side, I don't recall the defensive line getting much pressure on IU quarterbacks, though I'd have to rewatch the game to be sure. NU did get two sacks on the day, both from linebackers: David Nwabuisi and Colin Ellis.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Speaking of linebackers, Damien Proby led the team with a career-best-tying 14 tackles, including 10 solo. He must have a thing for Indiana, as he had the same exact totals last year against the Hoosiers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">I say this every week, but I continue to marvel at Jeff Budzien and Brandon Williams. Budzien, of course, was automatic yet again on Saturday, connecting on field goals of 29, 34 and 44 yards. The 44-yarder was the second-longest of his career. For the year, he's 11 for 11. As for Williams, he only had two punts Saturday, but both were solid, averaging 45.5 yards.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The participation report lists freshman running back Mike Panico played in the game, which, if true, would make him the fifth true freshman to burn his redshirt this year, joining superback Dan Vitale, defensive end Dean Lowry, defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo and safety Traveon Henry. The participation report isn't always correct, though, so I don't know if Panico actually played. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Speaking of true freshmen, Henry got extended playing time after Ibraheim Campbell left the game on a hard hit. Henry did OK statistically, recording five tackles and a pass break-up. As for Odenigbo, another DNP. Hmm.</span></li>
<li> <span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">There's been some chatter on Penn State message boards that NU's passing game is suspect. Certainly, if you look at the stats coming into the Indiana game, you wouldn't necessarily be wrong. There's also this interesting statistical nugget: d</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">ating to the Vanderbilt game in week two, NU's last 13 touchdowns have all come by running the ball. Siemian and Rashad Lawrence, former high school teammates, almost connected on a TD pass late in the 3rd quarter, though, with Lawrence catching the ball and being tackled at the 1-yard line. Venric Mark would plunge in for the TD a play later.</span> </li>
<li><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#111111"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">Demetrius Fields came into the game leading the NU receiving corps with 21 catches. He ended the game with still 21 catches, as he had a pretty forgettable day that included a bad drop in the endzone on a ball that hit him right in the hands. A rare off day for the dependable senior.</span></font></li>
<li> <font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#111111"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">This isn't a stat, but an observation. The two games in which we've had second-half defensive implosions have come against teams running hurry-up no-huddle offenses: Syracuse and Indiana. Against Syracuse, the Wildcats also had to deal with suffocating heat and humidity in the Carrier Dome. In both games, the defense has looked awesome in the first half, and then exhausted in the second half as the no-huddle tempo starts to wear them down. This isn't a huge surprise, as our own offense typically does this to other teams. </span></font><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">Anyway, all of this is to say that I'm not as worried about our defense. Against more "normal" paced teams, we'll do fine. And against up-tempo teams, we'll have to trust in Colter, Siemian & Co.'s ability to move the chains and buy our defense time to rest.</span> </li>
<li><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">Another observation: If I'm an Indiana fan, I wouldn't be too disheartened by this loss. Easy for me to say, yeah. But this was a Hoosiers team that had just eight seniors. It's a very young team. And their true freshman quarterback was making some very excellent passes when he came on in relief. If Kevin Wilson, who was very Randy Walker-like on the sideline, applauding and building up his team's morale, can continue recruiting and build depth, the Hoosiers could be a decent to good team in two to three years.</span></li>
<li><font color="#111111"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Attendance was 33,129, which seems bigger than the crowd I saw on TV. But it's a good sign that we appear to be finished with the days when non-marquee games would draw less than 25K. It appears the low-30Ks are now the baseline.</font></span></font></li>
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https://www.insidenu.com/northwestern-wildcats-football/2012/10/1/3437972/a-closer-look-at-northwestern-indianaHerman2012-10-01T09:00:19-05:002012-10-01T09:00:19-05:00Plays of the Week: Kain Colter's 4 TD Day
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<figcaption>Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>How Kain Colter scored 4 touchdowns against Indiana</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114053/kain-colter">Kain Colter's</a> statline from Saturday is a reminder why he is one of the most exciting players in the Big Ten: 14 carries for 161 yards and 4 touchdowns along with 9 catches for 131 yards. OK, so 1-3 passing for 2 yards and an interception is bad. How many quarterbacks led their team in receptions, receiving yards, rushing yards, and touchdowns this week? That's what I thought.</p>
<p>Colter's touchdowns were the crowning achievements of a day that saw Northwestern gain almost 400 yards on the ground. Northwestern did this by taking advantage of an aggressive Indiana defense that sent the linebackers flowing hard at run action. While Indiana's strategy successfully limited Northwestern's outside zone and speed option plays, Mick McCall used two kinds of runs to take advantage of the defense. The first was a type of counter in which the running back would take a handoff heading one way and immediately cut back in the other direction. The other was the simple zone read, with Colter riding his running back until the defensive end committed just enough to open a running lane.</p>
<p>The Northwestern offense didn't start the game well, punting on its first drive and losing the ball on a Kain Colter interception on the second. On the third, five runs took the ball from the NU 20 to a 3rd and 2 from the Indiana 8. Northwestern brought Kain Colter, who had taken two plays of the drive off, back in as the quarterback and lined up in a pistol formation with two tight ends and a fullback. indiana packs most of the defense in the middle of the field, with a safety shaded to the single wide receiver side.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462077/NUvINDColterTD1Presmotion.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd1presmotion_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462077/NUvINDColterTD1Presmotion_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Before the snap, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77221/tim-riley">Tim Riley</a> motions from the fullback position to a position wide right. The corner near the line widens out to cover him.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462085/NUvINDColterTD1Presnap.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd1presnap_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462085/NUvINDColterTD1Presnap_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>After the snap, Colter opens up for a zone read, reading the defensive end to the offense's right. Brian Smith, the tight end on the right, heads for a linebacker, Riley blocks the corner, and the other two linebackers look for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77216/mike-trumpy">Mike Trumpy</a> heading left.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462093/NUvINDColterTD1Read.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd1read_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462093/NUvINDColterTD1Read_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Colter and Trumpy mesh at the 12. Rather than simply decide on the spot whether to give or keep, Colter rides the mesh to the 10, at which point the defensive end is definitely committed to Trumpy. Meanwhile, the Indiana linebackers get caught up in the mess at the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462101/NUvINDColterTD1Ride.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd1ride_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462101/NUvINDColterTD1Ride_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Colter heads right and cuts inside Smith's block for an easy touchdown.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462109/NUvINDColterTD1Lane.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd1lane_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462109/NUvINDColterTD1Lane_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>This was well designed and executed. Riley's motion effectively neutralizes the most dangerous perimeter defender, while the extended mesh allows Colter to make a clearer decision than he would have with a more conventional stationary mesh. This leaves the offense needing only one block. Brian Smith takes the linebacker outside on this play, but he is under no pressure to do anything but get in the defender's way, as Colter has plenty of room in either direction.</p>
<p>The next touchdown came in the second quarter. Northwestern once again has the ball at the Indiana 8, though this time it is 1st and goal. NU lines up with split backs and three receivers. Indiana commits three defenders to the twins side, while they shade the linebackers towards the single receiver side.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462125/NUvINDColterTD2Presnap.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd2presnap_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462125/NUvINDColterTD2Presnap_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Trumpy, lined up as the right running back, starts in motion to the left just before the snap. After the snap, Colter meshes with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114071/venric-mark">Venric Mark</a> like the play is a zone read. I say like a zone read because Patrick Ward blocks the defensive end, and the linebackers flow to the offensive left; if someone is being read, I am not sure who it is.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462133/NUvINDColterTD2Mesh.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd2mesh_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462133/NUvINDColterTD2Mesh_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Colter once again rides the mesh before pulling the ball late. In this picture, Indiana has three unblocked players in position to defend Colter and Trumpy on the option.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462141/NUvINDColterTD2Ride.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd2ride_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462141/NUvINDColterTD2Ride_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Fortunately, one of those unblocked players stays with Mark coming up the middle. Another runs upfield to take Trumpy. Patrick Ward quickly disengages from the defensive end to pick up the third, once again creating a nice lane for Colter to pick up the touchdown.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462173/NUvINDColterTD2Lane.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd2lane_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462173/NUvINDColterTD2Lane_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>I'm not sure what happened to Ward at the start of the play, but he deserves major credit for coming off that block to seal off the lane for Colter. Once again, an Indiana player on the perimeter is taken out of the picture accounting for a running back, this time as the pitchman on the option rather than a receiver.</p>
<p>Colter's next touchdown came on the first drive of the third quarter. NU reached 3rd and 3 from the Indiana 15, and McCall sent on Colter to pick up the yardage. Colter lines up in the same formation as above, once again with Trumpy to the right and Mark to the left.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462217/NUvINDColterTD3Presnap.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd3presnap_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462217/NUvINDColterTD3Presnap_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>This time, Colter meshes with Trumpy. He makes this read quickly as the defensive end sits too far inside.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462225/NUvINDColterTD3Mesh.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd3mesh_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462225/NUvINDColterTD3Mesh_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>The receivers to the right are heading for the outside corner and safety, leaving the inside corner for Colter to read. With the closest linebacker blocked, the only question at this point is whether Mark or Colter is going to pick up the first down.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462241/NUvINDColterTD3Keep.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd3keep_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462241/NUvINDColterTD3Keep_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Colter answers that question with a shoulder fake that convinces the defender to commit to Mark. First down, Northwestern.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462249/NUvINDColterTD3Fake.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd3fake_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462249/NUvINDColterTD3Fake_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>The Indiana cornerback on the outside does a good job of getting off of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114055/rashad-lawrence">Rashad Lawrence's</a> block and making a hit on Colter. Colter, however, is not very impressed by this attempt at a tackle and continues into the end zone.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462273/NUvINDColterTD3BrokenTackle.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd3brokentackle_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462273/NUvINDColterTD3BrokenTackle_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Once again, Northwestern was able to get a clean pitch read, and once again the Indiana defender took the pitch man. The mesh with the dive back was quicker on this play; I suspect that this is something that Colter is allowed to work on the fly. In this case, the defensive end had no hope of stopping Colter from the start, so he didn't bother riding the mesh to make the end commit. The play should really only have brought up first and goal at about the 6, but the corner failed to at least hold Colter up enough to allow help to arrive.</p>
<p>Colter's final touchdown came in the fourth quarter, when Indiana had closed the deficit to 8 points. After an Indiana punt, 7 rushes brought from the NU 38 to a 2nd and 10 at the Indiana 22. This time, Colter brings the offense out with Mark in the pistol and trips right. Indiana lines up with a four man line and a linebacker at the line of scrimmage on the trips side.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462409/NUvINDColterTD4Presnap.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd4presnap_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462409/NUvINDColterTD4Presnap_medium.png"></a> <br id="1348965615031"></p>
<p>Colter reads that linebacker, as the corner to the single receiver side blitzes and the trips receivers head downfield to block.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462417/NUvINDColterTD4Mesh.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd4mesh_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462417/NUvINDColterTD4Mesh_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Colter's read here is excellent. The linebacker is in decent position to stop the keeper, but he is entirely focused on Mark, allowing Colter to slip outside him where three receivers are heading for three defenders. The corner blitz, which might have helped against a Mark run, has the side effect of forcing the safety on that side to head away from the run to cover Tony Jones. The end result is seven defenders staring at an empty-handed Venric Mark, one running away from the ball, and three more with receiver blocks in their faces. If you are counting, you should quickly realize that nobody is left to take Colter.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462441/NUvINDColterTD4Keep.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd4keep_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462441/NUvINDColterTD4Keep_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>The defense still almost makes a stop, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160024/dan-vitale">Dan Vitale</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37226/demetrius-fields">Demetrius Fields</a> are able to open a crease between two defenders. Colter bursts through.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462449/NUvINDColterTD4Outside.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd4outside_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462449/NUvINDColterTD4Outside_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>The cornerback, meanwhile, has retreated to the goal line where Rashad Lawrence ensures that he can't prevent the touchdown.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462457/NUvINDColterTD4Final.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuvindcoltertd4final_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1462457/NUvINDColterTD4Final_medium.png"></a></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77219/jeff-budzien">Jeff Budzien's</a> extra point closed scoring for the day. At this point, Indiana had put together a 29-10 stretch following NU's touchdown on the opening drive; Colter's touchdown put Northwestern back in the driver's seat. Though the defense managed to stop the Indiana offense on the next drive, I don't think I am alone in giving a ton of credit to the offense for providing a larger margin for error to the defense with this touchdonwn.</p>
<p>Obviously, the big question is what we can learn from Colter's monster day about what the offense will look like during the rest of Big Ten play. Against Indiana, Colter's primarily came in to run plays like these, mostly in short-yardage and goal line situations, though he got a few drives as a changeup from Siemian's more balanced offensive package. I think that he can be effective in this role against other Big Ten teams. Though Indiana's defense is certainly less talented than most of the rest of the conference, all these runs were set up to gain a numerical advantage on the edge. More athletic defenses will be more likely to catch Colter from behind or to get off their blocks and limit gains, but they still only get to play with 11 players. If the offensive line and running backs can force defenses to commit numbers to the box, these plays on the perimeter will be there all season long.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/northwestern-wildcats-football/2012/10/1/3430170/plays-of-the-week-running-kain-colterMountainTiger2012-09-30T09:01:03-05:002012-09-30T09:01:03-05:00Quick Thoughts On Northwestern-Indiana, Being 5-0
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<figcaption>Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The Northwestern Wildcats offense was humming, putting up 703 yards of total offense in a 44-29 win over the Indiana Hoosiers after scoring the game's first 27 points. Kain Colter had over 100 yards running and receiving, but Trevor Siemian handled the passing duties.</p> <p>Another week, another win, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northwestern-wildcats">Northwestern Wildcats</a> still have yet to lose a game in five weeks of play. The team's we've played against still only have one win over FBS competition (thanks, Indiana, for beating UMass), so there's a little bit of a caveat, but it's certainly better than being 4-1 or worse, like every other bowl eligible team in the Big Ten. Let's do some bulletpoints.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114053/kain-colter">Kain Colter</a>, my goodness. For the first time all year, Kain took snaps at wide receiver and ceded the majority of his duties as a thrower to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114052/trevor-siemian">Trevor Siemian</a>, but sweet baby Jesus is he good in that slash role. Kain was murderous on zone read and option plays - 14 carries for 161 yards, four touchdowns - and had over twice as many catches as any other receiver - nine, for 131 yards. Those are crazy numbers. Quite frankly, he looks like Northwestern's best receiver out of the slot, and that's acknowledging that Northwestern has a very deep, young receiving corps, like we talked about all offseason. He's fast, switches directions with a menace, and broke tackle attempts with ease over and over again. Don't act like putting Kain at wide receiver is some crazy trickeration. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/9/22/3372318/louisiana-monroe-two-qbs-offense-baylor">This is trickeration</a>. We should do stuff like that! But right now, we aren't. What we have is just a guy switching between QB and WR and being pretty good at both. He's just a really great athlete. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">While Siemian is the better thrower - he had over 300 yards passing, Kain was 1-for-3 for two yards and a pick - I think it's dangerous to turn Colter's snaps at quarterback into guaranteed run plays. It didn't hurt that Kain behind center was never going to be a pass against Indiana, because nobody on the Hoosiers seemed capable of tackling, but more talented defenses will catch onto that. He'll need to have more than three passing attempts. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">I'm a tad surprised the 703 yards of offense today was the most in school history, considering the 54-51 games and stuff when NU was bringing the spread to the Big Ten. It sounds dumb, but the Cats really should've had put up more than 44 points: three drives stalled for field goals and three turnovers will do that. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The win wasn't "comfortable" as Indiana rallied back to make it a one-score game, but it is nice to be up 27-zip right after the half. The most comfortable Big Ten win since Indiana last year.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Not much to say about <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114071/venric-mark">Venric Mark</a> that hasn't been said already. Lightning in a very tiny bottle. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77216/mike-trumpy">Mike Trumpy</a> also had a nice day on the ground, he seems to find his way into the open field quite a bit for someone written off by some as too slow.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The defense collapsed a bit in the second half, giving up 29 points. The secondary - without <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114056/ibraheim-campbell">Ibraheim Campbell</a> for much of the day, hope that gets resolved - had some of the same issues from Syracuse with getting in position to make a play on deep balls and still letting receivers make catches up and over them when the play should have been broken up. NU was worse stopping the run than they'd been all year, but again, mostly in the second half. Still, shut em out for a half.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">So I'll say that I'm not overly bummed out by allowing 30 points in a half, but I will say the Indiana kickoff return for a touchdown is worrisome. Gotta make a team work for touchdowns and eat some clock when you're winning like that - good thing that didn't happen in a close game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Something I've never noticed: when Kain plays WR, he does so without gloves. And yet I don't recall him ever dropping a pass.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">With regards to other wide receivers, Christian Jones made a couple of spectacular catches and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114055/rashad-lawrence">Rashad Lawrence</a> and Tony Jones got loose for some big gainers, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37226/demetrius-fields">Demetrius Fields</a> had a bad drop on a shoulda-been touchdown that cost NU a few points, and Kyle Prater hasn't had a catch in quite a while. A little bit disappointed in Prater's season thus far, although I won't act like nobody called it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77219/jeff-budzien">Jeff Budzien</a>: still killin' it. 11-for-11 on the year, and the jokes we made about him winning kicking awards are not so jokey anymore.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">It looks like Northwestern has brought back those silly playcalling signs. I'd guess there's like a 40 percent chance those are being used to signal personnel changes to the guys on field during no-huddles, a 20 percent chance those have playcalls on them, and a 40 percent chance they're meaningless and there just so an opposing coach has to waste his time trying to figure out what they mean instead of doing more important stuff. Bummer P.J. Carrollo has taken over from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77213/evan-watkins">Evan Watkins</a> on that front.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">33-whatever for attendance - not great, but trickling up. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">It's too early for me to begin thinking about what happens the rest of the way. I would've preferred Nebraska dropped their matchup against Wisconsin, but at least Minnesota getting rocked by Iowa ends the talk of them also being undefeated. Penn State's going to be a tough machup next week.<br></span></li>
</ul>
https://www.insidenu.com/2012/9/30/3431236/northwestern-indiana-undefeated-kain-colterRodger Sherman2012-09-29T14:26:17-05:002012-09-29T14:26:17-05:00Northwestern 44, Indiana 29
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y1G_cdWgfh_wHTzGtR4zA-6jNjc=/0x997:3007x3002/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/344011/153044929.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Northwestern moves to 5-0 and 1-0 in the Big Ten</p> <p>Northwestern got off to the best start we have seen this year, leading 20-0 at halftime and 27-0 in the third quarter, before Indiana managed to make things interesting with 21 points in the third quarter and another 8 in the fourth. The NU offense was stellar all game, setting a school record for total yardage with over 700 yards. The defense wasn't entirely to blame for Indiana's second half scoring burst, as Indiana also scored a touchdown on a kickoff return, but Northwestern once again struggled to hold a big lead in the second half.</p>
<p>Heroes: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114053/kain-colter" class="sbn-auto-link">Kain Colter</a> with 161 and 4 TDs on the ground to go along with 131 yards receiving, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114071/venric-mark" class="sbn-auto-link">Venric Mark</a> with 139 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77219/jeff-budzien" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeff Budzien</a> going 3-3 on field goals and 5-5 on extra points.</p>
<p>Next week, Northwestern visits a Penn State team that destroyed Illinois today. Matt McGloin has been a problem in the past, so NU might need another offensive explosion to win that game.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2012/9/29/3429014/northwestern-wildcats-44-indiana-hoosiers-29-final-scoreMountainTiger2012-09-29T10:00:31-05:002012-09-29T10:00:31-05:00NORTHWESTERN VS. INDIANA GAME THREAD
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E0R6yjp-P5a482UK51TLvymJ3V4=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/275525/151607340.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Robbins - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The 4-0 Northwestern Wildcats take on the Indiana Hoosiers, hoping to stay undefeated and pass off the record for most all-time losses as a program. Tryina go 5-0!</p> <p>Northwestern's Big Ten opener! Tryina go 5-0! Not to mention that thing I tried to drive media attention towards with Northwestern and Indiana being tied for the most all-time losses, although that's pretty much the most important thing to happen and also the most important thing ever to happen.</p>
<p>The 2:30 start times were fun, but it's back to 11 a.m. Or noon, for us east coasters who have the luxury of sleeping until the crack of 11 a.m. before falling out of bed and getting on the subway to go to the bar.</p>
<p>Although the site is different and prettier and scarier, the comments and the game thread are the same. Unless you want them to be different. Just remember to be nice to people and be racist or mean or post links to Wikipedia pages for various rodents. Other than that, everything should work the same - plus, you should be able to participate on your phone without using an app! How bout that! Just the phone!</p>
<p>Anyway, Go Cats!</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/2012/9/29/3425674/northwestern-wildcats-vs-indiana-hoosiers-game-threadRodger Sherman2012-09-28T14:51:56-05:002012-09-28T14:51:56-05:00Northwestern-Indiana preview by the numbers
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-zt9hYdg2B7mndmV3MHtyF7cN_o=/0x4:4000x2671/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/235053/20120915_jel_sl8_031.jpg" />
<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>A statistical look at Saturday's Northwestern vs. Indiana match-up</p> <p><b>"Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write." </b>-- H.G.Wells</p>
<p><b>"Statistics are no substitute for judgment." </b>-- Henry Clay</p>
<p>Here are a few statistics I've cherry-picked from the <a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nw/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/release/release_20120924aaa.pdf" target="_blank">Northwestern game notes</a> and the<a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ind/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/game4FBnotes.pdf" target="_blank"> Indiana game notes</a> in advance of Saturday's big game.</p>
<p><b>326.0:</b> IU passing yards per game, ranking 13<sup>th</sup> nationally</p>
<p><b>221.3:</b> NU rushing yards per game, ranking 27th nationally</p>
<p><b>3:</b> consecutive games in which NU has had a 100-yard rusher, the first time that has happened since the last game of 2006 and the first two games of 2007</p>
<p><b>21.4: </b>average number of seconds IU's offense takes to snap the ball after each play</p>
<p><b>6:</b> number of IU touchdown drives covering at least 70 yards in less than 1:30 and in six or fewer plays.</p>
<p></p>
<p><b>212.3:</b> IU rushing yards per game, not too shabby</p>
<p><b>72.8:</b> rushing yards allowed per game by NU, ranking 11<sup>th</sup> in nation</p>
<p><b>1:</b> number of turnovers committed by IU, an interception</p>
<p><b>3:</b> number of turnovers committed by NU, all fumbles</p>
<p><b>8:</b> seniors on the Hoosiers' roster, tied for fewest in FBS. Only five of them came to IU on scholarship. Nine true freshmen have played for IU so far this season.</p>
<p><b>2.5:</b> sacks allowed by NU per game, ranking 91<sup>st</sup></p>
<p><b>53%:</b> NU's third-down conversion rate, ranking 13<sup>th</sup></p>
<p><b>56%:</b> IU's fourth-down conversion rate (5-of-9)</p>
<p><b>24,364:</b> pathetic attendance at Ryan Field the last time the Hoosiers came to Evanston in 2009, and on Homecoming, no less.</p>
<p><b>44:</b> Fitz' career coaching wins, five shy of NU all-time leader Lynn "Pappy" Waldorf</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/northwestern-wildcats-football/2012/9/28/3424640/northwestern-indiana-preview-by-the-numbersHerman2012-09-28T11:25:49-05:002012-09-28T11:25:49-05:00Northwestern-Indiana Prediction Threadstravaganza!
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mXLjFiDk1Cf0nugDKvqPajOuOiw=/0x47:4000x2714/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/216769/20120922_jel_sl8_024.jpg" />
<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Northwestern Wildcats take on the Indiana Hoosiers looking to go 5-0, start off the Big Ten with a win - and oh yeah, the loser has the most losses of all time in college football history LOL</p> <p>The WHO WILL BE THE LOSINGEST bowl is tomorrow, and suffice it to say, I'm super-excited. I try to push that narrative, but oh, if they win, Northwestern also gets to start 5-0 and 1-0 in the Big Ten Conference and will probably be ranked. So there's lots of good things happening if they win. (TL;DR: winning good, losing bad.)</p>
<p>Let's see who the staff thinks will come out on top y'all!</p>
<p><b>Cstan5</b></p>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">It is a little worrisome that national pundits are starting to hop on the Northwestern bandwagon and there is even a little talk of a B1G championship game appearance, despite being left out of the Top 25. Coming in as 11-point favorites in a Big Ten game; it would seem customary for a Wildcat letdown, but I think NU is a better, more focused team than the Hoosiers. IU Receivers <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134738/shane-wynn">Shane Wynn</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134739/cody-latimer">Cody Latimer</a> may get loose for a TD or two, otherwise 'Cats control this one and move to 5-0. Only letdown I foresee is a backdoor cover by the Hoosiers dropping NU, who is quietly 4-0 ATS, to 4-1.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">Final Score: Northwestern, 27-17</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><b>MountainTiger</b></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">Both of these offenses match up well against the defenses, but I still expect less scoring than last year's 59-38 win. Another three score win looks to be in reach, though.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">Final Score: Northwestern, 41-24</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><b>Herman</b></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;">I foresee an offensive shootout here. With both teams running the no</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;"> huddle, I think the defenses will be gassed by the end of the third</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;"> quarter. So, will our offense, which has yet to fully click for an</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;"> entire game, be able to keep up? I dunno, I have my doubts, but</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;"> that's the chicken little in me. I think we see a repeat of the</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;"> Syracuse game here. We get out to a lead, watch it evaporate in the</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;"> second half, and then mount a late 4th quarter charge to clinch the</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;"> win. We move to 5-0, and are ranked in the top 10. Ok, maybe top 20.</span>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">Final Score: Northwestern, 30-28</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><b>Loretta8</b></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; display: inline !important; float: none;">oh right, I'm supposed to send you a prediction for this game</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">Final Score: Indiana, 31-28</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><b>Rodger</b></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">Northwestern's offense sputtered in two straight games against Vanderbilt and Boston College, but I still have faith in their ability to put up points, especially against an Indiana squad that doesn't give the impression that they could stop anything over the past two seasons. Cam Coffman will give his team a few scores, but I think Northwestern pulls out a - relatively - comfortable victory in the second half. It won't be a romp like last year, but style points aren't huge when you're trying to win.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;">Final Score: Northwestern 35, Indiana 24<br>
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https://www.insidenu.com/northwestern-wildcats-football/2012/9/28/3423464/northwestern-wildcats-vs-indiana-hoosiers-preview-predictionRodger Sherman2012-09-27T16:24:39-05:002012-09-27T16:24:39-05:00Name of the Week: Indiana Edition
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<figcaption>Jamie Sabau - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Vote on some names, like Chase Hoobler and Tregg Waters and Quai Chadler and Forisse Hardin and Jamonne Chester.</p> <p>Yeah, we still do this on the new site! A little worried less voters because the poll isn't right on the front of the site, but whatever.</p>
<p>Congratulations are due to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Nile Banks</a> for his easy, easy victory last week. I'm gonna be honest: narrowing down the field this week was incredibly tough. Indiana has some real quality names, and no real standouts, but I had to cut some. So you know what? I'm just making it an enormous field. Deal with it. New layout, new rules. Ten names to choose from. (I left DuWyce Wilson off, though. He's had his fun on here.</p>
<p><b>No. 87, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113774/leneil-himes">Leneil Himes</a>, DT: </b>I love the contrast between the entirely not-people-potentially-named-Neil trend of adding "Le" in front of names brought to somebody named "Neil".</p>
<p>Leneil is a sophomore defensive tackle who has already played tight end and fullback in his career, but still has yet to record some stats.</p>
<p><b>No. 13, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113738/kofi-hughes">Kofi Hughes</a>, WR: </b>"Hughes" is the least likely name of somebody trying to become the Secretary-General of the United Nations.</p>
<p>Kofi's now a junior, two years removed from his first season playing when he had 536 yards and three touchdowns in addition to 162 on the ground. He has eight catches for 98 yards thus far through three games.</p>
<p><b>No. 99, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134756/adarius-rayner">Adarius Rayner</a>, DT: </b>Another nice twist on the "Le/De" name scheme. Which Darius Rayner? Oh, just a Darius Rayner. No definite articles in this piece.</p>
<p>Adarius, a redshirt freshman, has played in all three games as a reserve defensive tackle, recording two tackles, one for a loss.</p>
<p><b>No. 14, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134742/nick-stoner">Nick Stoner</a>, WR: </b>Man, have you ever watched Indiana football... on weed? Totally changes your opinion on everything, man. I knew a Stoner by last name at college, and its not even worth making jokes. You've heard all 7 million of them by the time you're in college.</p>
<p>Nick is a runner on Indiana's Big Ten Champion track team as well as playing wide out. He switched from defensive back to WR this year, He has six catches for 62 yards and some punt returns as well.</p>
<p><b>No. 4, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134740/forisse-hardin">Forisse Hardin</a>, LB: </b>I'm disappointed Forisse isn't a nerdy glasses-wearer, because "Four-eyes Forisse" would've been too much for playground bullies.</p>
<p>Forisse has four tackles on the year as a reserve linebacker, but made his mark last season with a goal-line pick against Penn State.</p>
<p><b>No. 47, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113761/chase-hoobler">Chase Hoobler</a>, LB: </b>Hoobler!!!</p>
<p>Chase Hoobled his way onto the Yahoo and BTN all-Freshman Big Ten teams last season for his constant Hoobling at the linebacker spot. He has ten tackles and a sack thus far on the season. Hoobledy Hoobledy Hoob Hooble, Hooble.</p>
<p><b>No. 34, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159287/jacarri-alexander">Jacarri Alexander</a>, LB: </b>Too much of a similarity to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36147/bacarri-rambo">Bacarri Rambo</a> to pass up, except no Rambo.</p>
<p>Jacarri's a junior college transfer, who, like Hoobler, has ten tackles on the season. No sacks tho!</p>
<p><b>No. 84, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76408/jamonne-chester">Jamonne Chester</a>, WR: </b>Like I noted last year: Jamaicans say his first name to each other as a greeting and his last name is a first name. Not much more you could ask for.</p>
<p>Jamonne was the team's third best wide receiver with 21 catches for 240 yards last season, and now a junior, he has six for 64 yards.</p>
<p><b>No. 18, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159277/tregg-waters">Tregg Waters</a>: </b>Treading water is the act of staying afloat, yet stationary. Tregging water is a complicated process involving a jackhammer, a beer bong, the heart of a phoenix, and a pound and a half of solid creosote. It is considered unsafe for those below the age of 14.</p>
<p>Tregg is also a juco transfer, but has yet to pick up any stats as a Hoosier.</p>
<p><b>No. 35, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159288/quai-chandler">Quai Chandler</a>, DB: </b>His name means "wharf" in French. Make of that what you will.</p>
<p>Q D'Orsay is a freshman defensive back who is redshirting.</p>
https://www.insidenu.com/northwestern-wildcats-football/2012/9/27/3419554/tregg-waters-quai-chandler-forisse-hardin-jamonne-chesterRodger Sherman