[NU Sports] First half thoughts ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

The good first ... Coach Hank clearly got after the defense. There were some good sticks that first drive and our tackling has been noticeably better (though in some cases, it's led to stupid penalties).

The bad side ... there's no sign that Coach McCall or the O-line got the memo from last weekend. One and a half good drives, but just as many frustrating plays. Like not even getting a play call in to stall the first drive ... or a short running play on 3rd and long (something the guys in the booth later called a boo-play because it would rightfully draw boos from the fans) ... and with 2nd and 1 in position to score late in the half, we have three blah play calls in a row to turn it over (to be fair, the 2nd down call was more the back and O-line's fault). 

Special teams are a mixed bag and I love seeing that weather come into play, but we should be feeling a bit queasy going into the locker room only up 10-0 right now (thank you, D!). We had a chance to make this a 21-0 game early if we execute, block and call better plays on offense. Fitz needs to light a fire under the offense and under McCall specifically. He's had enough time to get on the same page as the players with the offense now - it's time for him to start calling decent games instead of all these wasted opportunities.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

PS - Good to see Nick Roach interviewed and so glad he's shining right now for da Bears! It is a testament to how far the NU program has come over the past 10-15 years that you can usually find at least one player during the MNF or SNF introductions say "Northwestern!" Purple pride!

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