[NU Sports] Cats Win!

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

So it's gonna be one of THOSE years again, eh?

I guess we shouldn't have expected different - more
last-minute thrills and a win's a win. I'll take
2-0.:)

Still, about the only unit I'm pleased with right now
is our special teams. But let's start with the good
...

* Fitz must have been after Colby and the D at the
half because they came out with more pressure and
aggressiveness ... and for the most part it paid off,
so maybe we should do that more often?:)

* Hallelujah - someone finally figured out the key to
the option! Yes, you'll get hit, but if you commit,
it's a big gain. CJ took a lick, but made his move
toward the line early instead of stringing it out -
then a perfect pitch to Roberson and a big gain.

* And give CJ credit for the late drive - he had an
off day, but showed some heart at the end to step up
and lead the team. Not a bad catch by Lane, either!

* Last but not least, how 'bout those special teams?!
Aside from the 2nd half kickoff, they were strong in
all areas - good punts, kickoffs, coverage, returns
and more today. Nice to see that aspect of the game
back in Northwestern's arsenal!

As for the bad ...

* The offensive line and play calling left a lot to be
desired. We got beat too many times on the pass rush
and couldn't get a consistent ground game going. And
after the pickoff to start the third quarter, we had a
horrible series of play calls that kept us only
getting a field goal when we needed that six. And we
had two chances to salt some time away and wrap up the
game late but couldn't get a first down. Ugh.

One more chance to get working on dominating the
trenches vs. Duke next week, fellas.

* Second half antics aside, the defense was horrendous
in the first half. We have a decent enough secondary
to take risks with pressure and mixing up blitzers up
front - we need to get much, much more creative and
aggressive.

But overall, nice to see the comeback after that
unforgivable hail mary at the end of the first half -
and encouraging to see CJ lead a drive to respond
after we gave 'em back the game late. It wasn't
pretty, but it's a win and we'll take it and hopefully
learn from it. Now we need to come out much more
focused against Duke and get Tyrell healthy for the
Big Ten season.

Around the league ...

* Minny looks like they're going for our OT record
from a few years back. I guess, like us, they won't
complain about the win ... but that was another wild
finish in the Dome. At least they're doing their part
to make the Big Ten Network exciting!

* MSU and OSU were a bit less impressive this week ...
but again, it's all about the record and they're 2-0.

* Purdue's veterans on O + turf could mean even more
points and whacks on that world's largest drum this
year. If they had Iowa's schedule, I'd like the
Boilers as a big-time darkhorse. They'll still be a
team to watch with the lax defenses in this league.

* Michigan's not looking too much better so far
against Oregon. I thought that Big Blue would come out
with something to prove and more of an "OK, no more
title pressure, unleash the offensive monster and
screw playing it conservative" approach ... but, no.

* I don't see much trouble in the night games, but you
never know. 

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


       
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