Northwestern’s defense is looking to bounce back after a rough game against Iowa.
Starters
Defensive Line
Left Defensive End
#91 – Aidan Hubbard – RS. Jr.
Defensive Tackle
#94 – R.J. Pearson – Gr.
Defensive Tackle
#90 – Carmine Bastone – Rs. Jr.
Right Defensive End
#41 – Jaylen Pate – Gr.
Notes
- Aidan Hubbard leads NW in sacks (3) and TFLs (4)
- Pearson can be disruptive in both the run and pass game. He has a sack and 3 TFLs on the season.
Linebacker
Weakside Linebacker
#37 – Mac Uihlein – Rs Jr.
Middle Linebacker
#33 – Braydon Brus – Rs. So
Notes
- Starting linebacker Xander Mueller appears to be out with an injury, that’s a serious blow to the Wildcat defense. He’s 2nd on the team in tackles (43) and is second on the team in pass breakups (4).
- Muc Uihlein leads the team in tackles (56) and is also coming off a lower body injury from last week. He’s expected to play, but if he’s not 100%, Purdue’s running game could be the beneficiary.
Defensive Backs
Left Cornerback
#10 – Theran Johnson – Rs. Jr.
Strong Safety
#8 – Devin Turner – Jr.
Free Safety
#0 – Coco Azema – Gr.
Right Cornerback
#13 – Josh Fussell – Rs. Fr.
Nickle Back
#9 – Braden Turner
Notes
- Johnson is their best corner by a wide margin. He leads the team in pass defenses (9), interceptions (2) and defensive touchdowns (1). He’s also third on the team in tackles (37).
- Devin Turner leads the safeties with 29 tackles, expect to see him in the box on Saturday to help a beat-up linebacker group.
Overall
Northwestern is significantly better on defense than they are on offense. That’s not a huge compliment, but it’s better than what Purdue brings into this game. Out of the 4 units (Purdue O, D – Northwestern O, D) the Wildcat defense is the best. That said, I’m willing to bet their coaching staff is concerned about the Purdue run game considering their injury issues at linebacker.
This sets up about as well as a defense can set up for Purdue coming off the open date. This team just got drug up and down the field by a physical Iowa team while the Boilermakers watched from home. It’s all about the run game for the Boilermakers. While Northwestern has the best overall unit (defense), Purdue might have the best position group (running back). Everyone is talking about the quarterback situation, but if I’m…whoever is calling the plays for Purdue tomorrow…I make Northwestern prove they can stop the run, and then I make them prove it a couple more times.
Ryan Browne adds more of a running and scrambling element to the offense while Hudson Card is theoretically the better passer; both will come in handy. I like Browne early to establish the run, and once the backs are cooking, I wouldn’t mind a series of Card to see if he can exploit the Northwestern defense down the field. Normally I would make fun of a team for trying 2 quarterbacks, but I see no harm in Purdue throwing everything they have at this game. Despite his struggles, Card is still one of Purdue’s most proven offensive players. Also, the Boilermakers will feature their pre-season projected receiver group with C.J. Smith returning from injury, and I’m interested to see what that looks like for the passing game. If Smith’s elite speed can take the top off the defense, or at least scare the safeties, running the ball gets a little easier.
One other thing to consider, Northwestern’s starting kicker is out for the season. If this comes down to a rock fight, Purdue may have the better kicker. That could be important.
This is a good, not great, Northwestern defense, and I’m not even sure if they are good considering their injuries at linebacker. If Purdue’s going to show signs of life, this is a game they need to…dare I say win.
Yup…I said, it. They need this game. It won’t get any easier than a beat-up Northwestern squad at home.