Good ol’ days: Northwestern averaged 31.7 points in 2012. But without Venric Mark (transferred), top receiver Tony Jones (injured) and a running threat at quarterback (Kain Colter), the offense is in the tank. The Wildcats failed to score on 10 of 12 drives Saturday.
Deuce is wild: Zack Oliver, who barely has played in four seasons, relieved Trevor Siemian in impressive fashion. He connected with Pierre Youngblood-Ary on an over-the-top 54-yard pass and then, while rolling to his right, hit Cam Dickerson for a two-point conversion.
Good guy: Everyone in purple was thrilled for receiver Kyle Prater, who scored his first touchdown in his fifth college season. Overcoming numerous injuries and a transfer from USC, the Chicago native has won over his teammates, who asked this week that he be added to the team’s Leadership Council.
Drawing board: Northwestern didn’t fool NIU’s defense once. By all appearances, its playbook has gotten stale. Fitzgerald: “Credit our opponent. They did a nice job taking some things away. We have to coach the guys to perform better.”
Final word: As Siemian put it: “Definitely our best football is in front of us.” In-the-dumps fans can only hope. The Wildcats have lost nine of their last 10 games and six straight at Ryan Field.
Looking ahead: Northwestern is off before Western Illinois visits Sept. 20.
— Teddy Greenstein
