Coach Pat Fitzgerald is fond of telling his players that “winning a Big Ten game is the hardest thing to do.” With a trip to Penn State looming, they’re about to find out.
Offense: D
When your punter registers more yards (309) than your offense (283), you’ve got problems. Three times Trevor Siemian completed baffling check-down passes on third down that had virtually no chance of succeeding. For the season, NU’s passer rating ranks 98th among 128 FBS teams.
Defense: B+
Ifeadi Odenigbo (three forced fumbles, two sacks) was a human tornado. Despite minimal experience at safety, Godwin Igwebuike filled in nicely after Ibraheim Campbell got hurt. Western Illinois flubs, namely several errant shotgun snaps, helped the cause.
Special teams: A-
Keith Watkins III blocked a punt. Chris Gradone was a life-saver by landing six of his seven punts inside the 20 — downed at the 11, 5, 9, 13, 17 and 1-yard line. The only flaw: two missed tackles on a punt coverage.
Coaching: C
NU’s conservative (aka boring) offense delivered a comfortable victory, but the Wildcats have just two plays of 30-plus yards this season. Perhaps NU’s coaches are saving the good plays for the conference games.
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein
