[NU Sports] Just sick ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

I'm at a loss on how to describe these past two games on the "critical homestand" for NU. I'm aching for our kids as they limp off the field, giving their all in front of two fantastic home crowds and coming up short on two winnable games.

I'm just not sure we know how to play with a lead. Northwestern football has usually been about coming from behind and some thrilling finishes ... but these past two games, we entered the fourth quarter with leads (leads that should have been bigger) and just didn't seem to know how to close them out - both in play calling and execution.

I guess it's progress to be playing from in front instead of behind entering the fourth, but the coaches and team have to develop that killer instinct early to build on the lead and we really need a clincher mentality late - not just sitting on the lead but making plays.

Can't say much more now because there are just no easy answers and I just feel for our kids right now -- I know they are even more frustrated than the fans. Hopefully they can find a way to rebound on the road next week, because Indiana is no slouch and we need to get that sixth win sooner rather than wait for November. C'mon Cats!

Around the league ...

* Somebody in Buckeye land is mad (plus someone figured out that Purdue's offense is essentially one player).

* Illinois' defense is gaining momentum (another reason we don't want to wait until November to get #6).

* Penn State can run the ball and will be tough to beat if they don't beat themselves (ditto).

* And it's a shame that the new (STUPID) divisions mean that we don't get to see Wisconsin vs. Iowa every year. That's one of the more underrated (and nasty) rivalries in the league.

Shake it off Cats - the W/L record may not show it, but this game showed that we belong in that upper division, we just have to close the deal.

GO CATS!!!
BEAT INDIANA!
- SjT

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STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!! GEAUX SAINTS!!!
Super Bowl XLIV Champions!
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