 |
| Photo Credit: dailyherald.com |
Twenty penalties; five turnovers; four blocked kicks; a plethora of replay reviews -- yet in the end the only numbers that matter for the Wildcats is 4-0.
Despite the final score there was never really a feeling that the Cats were in any danger. But there was certainly some discomfort, probably just from how disjointed the game appeared.
The fact is that this was a nice win against a pretty good opponent. NU scored more points than CMU had allowed in its previous three games combined and became the first team this season to score against the Chips in either the first or fourth quarters.
Ordinarily, there would not be a lot to take from a game such as this. But a lot of the trends that have developed in the first three games were confirmed against CMU. As NU prepares for its next two games, against the weakest two opponents in the Big Ten, continuing these trends should result in continued success.
More than anything, this version of the Northwestern Wildcats has proven to be very opportunistic. Of the Cats 120 points scored this season, Northwestern has scored 13 in its first drive of the game and 55 points directly off of turnovers. The defense needs to figure out how to keep up the intensity for the entire game, as they have now given up a later touchdown against each of its FBS opponents. But overall, the Cats have been very consistent and very successful in a number of different aspects of the game.
Dan Persa continued his fabulous season and is developing into the conference's best passing quarterback -- and he can run a little bit too. He finally proved human by throwing his first interception, but still has only thrown one in 106 passing attempts. Most of all, he has engineered the opportunistic Wildcat offense. Every time in the first four games that the Cats needed a score to make a statement, Persa has delivered. Remember too that the offensive performance would have been even more impressive in the last two games were it not for two Arby Fields fumbles. NU is certainly happy that it has not needed to make a come-from-behind drive yet (the Cats have not trailed all year), this team will feel confident with Persa at the helm.
Mike Trumpy and Jacob Schmidt were the unlikely heroes of the second half and may have solidified themselves as the feature running backs for this team. The Wildcats still only averaged 3.2 yards-per-carry (again) but Trumpy picked up 4.4 on 12 carries and Schmidt ran for 5.3 on six runs. Arby Fields continued to struggle to pick up yards and for the second time in as many weeks fumbled in the red zone on a drive that would have put the nail in the coffin. Minnesota has a pretty feeble run defense, so the Cats should have more opportunities than they have seen so far. But Fitz has no tolerance for fumbles and Arby's touches may be very limited going forward. This is a passing team, and all it needs is a competent run game to keep defenses honest. Right now, Trumpy and Schmidt look like they will be able to carry that weight where Arby has been unable.
Jeremy Ebert is becoming the Cats play-maker. Another five catches and 83 yards, but most importantly the two touchdowns. But once again, Persa spread the ball around to seven different receivers. Meaning that Ebert and Persa's favorite target, Drake Dunsmore and going to continue to see opportunities to score.
The Offensive Line had its weakest performance of the year. It gave up 4 sacks and continued to be impaired in its run-blocking. The holding penalties were also too plentiful. Again, Minnesota should give the Cats some opportunities to shape up this front line. But the O-Line continues to be one of the biggest disappointments.
Jack DiNardo did not record a tackle, an assist, nor did hear appear anywhere in the defensive box score. But he was credited with all three blocked kicks and continues to be a quiet play-maker for the Cats. (Niko Mafuli was given partial credit for the third block, in his first game back from injury). DiNardo is a very athletic lineman and is a great asset on this team.
The Defense as a whole continued to play with emotion the entire game. Fortunately, they were able to overcome the early penalties with an interception on the Chips first drive. Some other highlights included the continued strong play of Hunter Bates. While you never want to see a defensive back be the leading tackler (Brian Peters was second with 7), his 11 take-downs will continue to get him some more playing time. Quentin Williams only had one tackle but also knocked down a pass and recorded his first career interception when he dropped back into coverage on a nice zone blitz. Browne, Davie, and Bryant all recorded sacks. The D has players all over that can step up and make a big play when necessary. But they need to avoid the late lapses that have led to late opponent scores.
The Wildcats are starting to develop their personality. And Cat fans should be happy about what they are seeing. The running game and the ability of the defense to play 60 minutes will continue to be concerns until further notice. But if the Cats can continue to play consistently, they should be 6-0 going into the October 23 showdown with MSU.
Go Cats!
No comments:
Post a Comment