Northwestern coach Randy Walker took a second look at the tape of the Wildcats’ 51-48 upset of Wisconsin and found some hope on defense.
“We made progress; we gained on it,” he said.
“Last week, even though we didn’t play well defensively, getting a win helps,” senior defensive tackle Barry Cofield said. “The coaching staff and older guys have explained to the [younger] guys that an offense is not likely to score 50 points every game, so we have to pick up some of that load.”
The Wildcats have been juggling the defense all season and it remains unclear whether cornerback Cory Dious will remain the starter after giving up an early touchdown against Wisconsin and being replaced by Deante Battle. NU is preparing for Purdue’s multiple-receiver offense. “Whether he starts or not he’ll play a lot, especially this week,” Walker said. “You have matchup problems if you don’t.”
