The Sports Xchange
NCAAF Team Report – Northwestern – INSIDE SLANT
Northwestern’s season has been a roller coaster, with many ups and downs. Last week, the ride came to a brief break, one that was much needed for the team.
When we last saw the Wildcats, they were struggling to hold a fourth-quarter lead to Iowa; that coming just one week after a fourth quarter letdown to Nebraska. The loss to the Cornhuskers also proved costly when Northwestern lost its top two cornerbacks, Nick VanHoose and Quinn Evans.
The bye week provided Northwestern with some much-needed rest and time to recover entering the final three weeks of the regular season. For VanHoose and Evans, it was a week of recuperation. For the rest of the Wildcats, it was used for practice and film study.
“We won’t be sitting around on the couch eating potato chips,” defensive tackle Brian Arnfelt said following the win over Iowa. “It’s a week to improve.”
Northwestern also utilized its time off to prepare for Michigan’s dynamic offense. The Wolverines were without quarterback Denard Robinson against Minnesota, and his status for Saturday’s contest remains uncertain. However, backup Devin Gardner stepped in and led his team to victory.
With a bit of mystery entering the game with the Wolverines, the extra week served Northwestern well in more than one way.
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NCAAF Team Report – Northwestern – NOTES, QUOTES
–Though they didn’t take the field this Saturday, the Wildcats found themselves ranked 21st in the coaches’ poll, their highest ranking this season. NU lost to Penn State when ranked 22nd this season.
–Coach Pat Fitzgerald wasn’t initially pleased with a late bye week, but is happy to have it, now. “We need this right now from a standpoint of getting healthy,” he said. “We’ve got some guys who’ve gone through the grind, nine weeks of the season, who need a little bit of time. Early in the year, I would have said, ‘Wow, bye week at 10. I’m not really excited about it.’ But now, as it’s fallen and the season’s progressed, I’m really glad we get it right now.”
–If cornerbacks Nick VanHoose or Quinn Evans are unable to play against Michigan, it’s likely that C.J. Bryant will assume the role of either player.
SERIES HISTORY: Michigan leads Northwestern, 53-15-2 (last meeting, 2011, 42-24 Michigan)
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Northwestern lacked an offensive identity prior to its game with Iowa. With Kain Colter at quarterback, the unit returned to its early-season form. During the bye week, Northwestern coaches must commit to a particular offensive scheme — one with Colter leading the way, or a variation of the failed two-quarterback system. The system utilizing Colter has been tough to defend.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Northwestern’s run defense continues to dominate, led by standout play from linebackers David Nwabuisi, Damien Proby, and Chi Chi Ariguzo. The questions, though, remain in the secondary as cornerbacks Nick VanHoose and Quinn Evans missed the Iowa game. Their statuses moving forward remain uncertain.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “No. I went as a dad. It’s the first Halloween I’ve been with the kids because of the bye week. So it was kind of cool.” — Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald when asked if he dressed up for Halloween.
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NCAAF Team Report – Northwestern – STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
THIS WEEK’S GAME: Northwestern at Michigan, Nov. 10 — Michigan can keep Northwestern in the middle of the Legends Division race. However, a Wildcat win would boost them over the Wolverines and hand key momentum.
KEYS TO THE GAME: In order to beat Michigan, it is key for Northwestern to establish its offensive identity with Kain Colter as a dual-threat option. With Colter, running back Venric Mark benefits, too. The potential is always high with the threat of Colter.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
RB Venric Mark — The Big Ten’s leader in all-purpose average is a greater threat with quarterback Kain Colter at quarterback, as evidenced in the Wildcats’ victory over Iowa. The junior running back continues to improve throughout the season.
C Brandon Vitabile — It’s not often the offensive linemen draw the praise they deserve, and Northwestern center Brandon Vitabile certainly falls into such a category. Vitabile has been a rock in the middle of Northwestern’s impressive offensive line.
LB David Nwabuisi — The senior linebacker continues to improve as his collegiate career nears an end. He recorded 18 tackles against Iowa and is among Northwestern’s leaders in the statistic.
ROSTER REPORT
–CB Nick VanHoose, who suffered a dislocated shoulder against Nebraska, is uncertain to play against Michigan
–The rest of Northwestern’s roster receives a much-needed rest and some time to heal their wounds on the bye week.
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