Sunday Morning Superback

Defense Leads the Way as Cats Cruise to Victory

Photo credit: chicagotribune.com

On a day where the Big Ten was involved in a number of close games, it was good to be on the Ohio State and Penn State side of the ledger – rather than going down to the wire like Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin and MSU.  This was due to defense that was a suffocating as the Texas heat, and an efficient offense that, at least in the second half, continued to write the legend of Dan Persa.

The Cats are 3-0 for just the third time in the Expect Victory Era (2001, 2008) and look to continue their solid start against Central Michigan next Saturday.  The reports that I have read say that the online streaming was awful.  But CBS College sports has a highlight package to watch (although the second half highlights are from field level).

I usually start with the offense in my analysis, but in fairness to how the ‘D’ played last night, I will give them their accolades first.

Quentin Davie played one of the best games of his career.  He finished with 10 tackles, two for loss and a half-sack.  He also recorded the pick-six that finally blew the game open for the Wildcats.  In a game such as this, where the offense is sputtering, the defense often needs a leader to step forward and keep the team on its toes.  Davie filled that role with an emotion-filled performance.  The Cats will need Davie to repeat this level of play during the Big Ten season, so it is good to see that he is capable.

Vince Browne finished with seven tackles and a sack deep in Rice territory.  This is indicative of how the Cats played the field position game all night, which was also a good sign.  Important to know that, especially with NU’s new-found talent at punter, the defense can hold teams deep, which allows the offense to (eventually) capitalize.  Browne also forced the fumble that lead to Demos’ second field goal.

Hunter Bates was a last second starter at safety in the place of Jared Carpenter.  Bates had a great game, not only in the secondary, but returning punts.  The “other number 7” recorded his first career interception late in the game.  He also ran back the longest NU punt return in a few years with his 33 yarder that set up the third-quarter TD pass to Ebert.  It is very good to see that even with Arnold and Carpenter out, the secondary play is strong.

Stefan Demos got back on track last night, connecting on all six of his kicks.  Maybe it was the Outback Bowl hangover; maybe it was the highly competitive long-snapper position battle, but in either event, it is good to have you back Stefan.  Demos’ average kickoff was inside the five, a nice touch.

Dan Persa had a rather pedestrian first half, where he threw more incompletions than he had all season.  But after a 9-10 second half, we learned not only that Dan’s efficiency is here to stay, but also that he is mentally capable of overcoming a slow start.  Given that the running game continues to suck, Persa becomes more and more important to the offense.  At this point, he is officially a Big Ten POY candidate. 

The Offensive Line was business as usual, which is not necessarily a good thing.  The pass protection was very good at giving Persa time, although gave up three sacks – very much like the Vandy game.  The run blocking continued to struggle as the entire running game averaged 3.2 yards per carry – again.  Cat fans can officially be worried as NU failed to run the ball against another weak defense.

Drake Dunsmore once again lead the team in receptions, although failed to get into the end zone for the first time this year.  Jeremy Ebert broke free on a nice third quarter TD catch and run.  Persa said that he knew Ebert would score as soon as he threw it.  Demetrius Fields also finished with six receptions.  The beauty of this Wildcat offense is the ability to spread the ball around.  Eight receivers caught balls last night.

Arby Fields and the running game had another disappointing game.  Fields had the opportunity to finish strong, but fumbled at the goal line, a move which is sure to earn the ire of Coach Fitz.  The Wildcats won eight games with no running game, but if they want to survive the Big Ten schedule in ’10, it has to at least be competent.  It is not there yet.

A few other odds and ends: Carpenter’s injury was listed as a back strain; hopefully it is not too serious.  Demetrius Dugar left the game with a head injury.  Dan Persa missed a few plays in the second quarter when he had the wind knocked out of him.  NU held human-highlight-real Sam McGuffie to 78 yards from scrimmage.  NU is now 94-90 in the Expect Victory Era.

Go Cats!