Wildcats Roll 42-21; Yet Questions Remain

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Northwestern was in control of Saturday’s game from the fourth play of the game when Bryce McNaul stepped in front of a Jimmy Garoppolo pass and gained Northwestern’s first possession of the game.  What resulted was the first of six touchdowns – each of which was either scored, or set up in part, by sophomore sensation Kain Colter.  In fact, Colter’s play prompted EIU coach Bob Spoo to say "I don't know how good Persa is, but this kid is unstoppable."

The Cats don September 11 memorial helmets
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Now, a little levity here – NU dominated a team that it should have been able to push around.  It played a solid game with no turnovers – albeit two recovered fumbles.  The Cats accomplished their goal of surviving another game without Dan Persa – who was in pads on Saturday.  But there are a few concerns that are scattered among the positives from this game.

NU’s running game is clearly far beyond anyone’s reasonable expectations.  The team has almost 550 yards rushing in two games – spread over five primary runners, who each have over 50 yards.  Kain Colter leads the team with 180 yards, but needs to learn to protect himself a little more.  The Cats need him to survive at least one more week for the Dan Persa rehab project to work properly.  If NU can turn the team over to Dan in time for the Illinois game on October 1, then Kain has done his job.  But there is no question that he will be “the guy” in 2012 and beyond.  So in order to do this, the Cats will need him to take a game to learn how to protect the ball (he fumbled for the second time in two games) and more importantly protect his body.

True Freshman Treyvon Green
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True Freshman Treyvon Green saw significant action on Saturday after only one carry against BC.  And he made good use of it rushing 14 times for 70 yards and a second quarter touchdown.  As EVR suggested in its preview, Green will certainly be pressed into service because of NU’s lack of depth at tailback.  Mike Trumpy is still undergoing his concussion protocol and there is no word on his availability for Army.  Adonis Smith left the game with a leg injury – there have been no reports yet, but it looked as though it was serious enough to cause him to miss time.  Green looked good carrying the ball, averaging 5 yards per carry.  The offensive line continued to get great push, both for Green and the other ball carriers.  Whether this success will continue and translate to Big Ten opponents remains to be seen.

Cain Colter throws a pass

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The Cats did not need to throw the ball much Saturday. Colter was only 10 for 13 and Trevor Siemian only threw three more.  The Cats managed to spread the ball around still – to seven different receivers, including the first passing touchdown of the season to walk-on junior Tyris Jones.  The passing game is going to be the Cats secret weapon as they approach the Big Ten season.  While all of the publicity will be about the renewed running game, the efficiency of the air attack will be a key factor for the Wildcats – especially once Persa returns.

The Panthers Kenny Whitaker hauls in a touchdown pass
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Defensively, there are still major concerns with the pass defense, which is alarming considering the talent returning in that unit.  Jimmy Garoppolo was only 14-25 for 209 yards – 72 of which was on one play.  But the corners were giving the receivers a huge cushion, even on third and short.  And the long pass play was completely unacceptable.  This is going to need to tighten up.  The Cats have not yet seen a strong passing attack, but they have already given up more than 550 yards passing in two games.  It will not see much passing from Army, so it will need to get right on the practice field for the Illinois game in two weeks.

The NU defense celebrates
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The NU run defense has a similar line to the BC game.  They gave up one long run – a 76 yard scamper to Jimmy Lera, but otherwise allowed 2.2 yards per carry.  So while the general state of the run defense is vastly improved, the Cats still need to lock down the opponents’ opportunities for big plays.  One big play for the EIU Panthers might equate to three or four of them from a more proficient rushing attack like Illinois.  So while the Cats should be pleased with their progress, there is still work to do.

The special teams play was a mixed bag.  Jeff Budzien missed a 45-yard field goal – badly, short and right.  And the normally consistent foot of Brandon Williams shanked a 24 yarder as well.  But Venric Mark began to show signs of his skill, ripping off long kick returns of 49 and 63 yards.  Mark led the team with 127 all-purpose yards.

Overall, this was a solid performance by the Cats – nothing special.  There is still a tough Army team to play on Saturday before beginning the two-week preparation for an Illinois team that is already in mid-season form.  Hopefully the Cats can learn from their mistakes and put together another nice week of practice before facing the pesky Black Knights at West Point.

Go Cats!