Or is is inside NW?
As we try to do each week with an opposing blogger, I’ve traded questions with the fine folks over at Inside NU where they focus on all things Northwestern. I say try because again, Illinois never seems to want to have any fun and yes I’m going to continue to mention it. Purdue and Northwestern kick off on Saturday afternoon so before then, let’s get to know the Northwestern Wildcats.
Northwestern has struggled a bit this year, is it playing near the water? Are they just not used to it?
I wish it were as simple as moving away from the lakefront, however that’s been far from the problem. The games on the lake have seen great weather, making the college football sicko in me upset that there hasn’t been the wild wacky Big Ten West-esque ballgames that the banks of Lake Michigan seemingly promised.
In terms of the struggles; however, they’ve been widespread. Offensively, Northwestern’s unit has scored three points in its last two games. The 14 points the ‘Cats put up against Iowa were courtesy of a pick six and punt return touchdown. Quarterback growing pains from youngster Jack Lausch has only been half the story, as injuries to A.J. Henning and Bryce Kirtz, paired with inconsistent offensive line play and an inability to establish a run game have plagued Northwestern.
Who are some key guys on both sides of the ball that Purdue fans should be aware of?
Offensively, Bryce Kirtz is a guy to watch out for. Missing last week’s matchup against Iowa due to injury, his ability to open the offense up from a route running perspective was sorely missed in the loss. He’s been up and down this season, but with 27 catches and 414 receiving yards under his belt, he’s a major threat in the passing game if he’s healthy.
Defensively, Northwestern will be without star linebacker Xander Mueller who would’ve been an easy selection here. But don’t fear because Theran Johnson is here. He racked up three pass break ups against Maryland and Indiana earlier this year and recorded a pick six for the ‘Cats in Iowa City. He’s been making plays all season long and has established himself as one of the conference’s best rising players.
Which unit on offense and which on defense would you say are the strengths of this Northwestern team?
Offensively, the wide receivers are probably the strongest unit, but leaders A.J. Henning and Kirtz haven’t been at 100%. You could make an argument about the running backs with veteran Cam Porter and speedster Joe Himon, but they haven’t been consistent either. To be frank, this offense doesn’t have too much to write home about.
Defensively, the strength of this unit is the pass rush. Northwestern is incredibly deep on the defensive line with guys like Najee Story and Aidan Hubbard who are great run stuffers that have the ability to get after the quarterback. NU’s best pure pass rusher, Anto Saka, was quiet last week. Look for him to make an impact in West Lafayette.
I get that NU is for Northwestern University, so does it annoy you when people say NW? It would seem to be a little frustrating.
It might be a top pet peeve of mine. Seeing “NW” in the question makes me want to edit it to NU. Honestly shocking that it’s in every media guide Northwestern sends out, but media organizations still seem to consistently get it wrong. Can you tell I’m passionate about the subject?
Who wins in a fight, the Wildcat or Purdue Pete (no Boilermaker Special interference allowed)?
Without the Boilermaker steamrolling through, I think Willie has the advantage on Purdue Pete. I like Willie’s ability to move directions quickly, cat-like instincts and endless motor that could get the job done. Don’t discount Purdue Pete’s toughness, but from an athleticism perspective, Pete’s got nothing on Willie.
If Purdue finds a way to win this one, what do you think went wrong for Northwestern, how did they lose?
It would probably come down to decision making in key moments. Coach David Braun has really struggled this season with clock management and fourth-and-short decisions that have hampered any momentum NU has had in close games. A mix of coaching mistakes and an offense that can’t get out of its own way is likely the culprit in a Northwestern loss.
What’s your predicted outcome and score for Saturday?
Northwestern 17, Purdue 10. This game is going to be ugly, but the aftermath will be a lot uglier if the ‘Cats can’t find a way to claw this out. Expect a low scoring, grimy and gritty game where special teams and defense determines the outcome. That’s where Northwestern excels. A couple turnovers forced from a unit that forced four against Maryland helps lug a lifeless offense over the hump in a sneaky victory.