You could summarize Northwestern’s season this way: bad, good, bad, good. Winners of two straight, can these 5-6 Wildcats reach the postseason? First, a look back at their 38-14 mauling of Purdue.
Offense: A-
On the day Trevor Siemian finally showed terrific mobility — throwing on the run for completions to Dan Vitale and Kyle Prater — he departed with a left knee injury that could end his career. Zack Oliver threw some darts into tight windows, and the line cleared the way for Justin Jackson (147 yards).
Defense: A-
Despite losing multiple starters to injuries, this group held Purdue to seven points until garbage time. Safety Ibraheim Campbell, finally healthy, is playing at an All-Big Ten level.
Special teams: A-
Jack “Prime Time” Mitchell hit a 32-yard field goal but missed from 42. Chris Gradone averaged a robust 40.5 yards per punt, and Tony Jones returned a low punt for a score by weaving up the middle.
Coaching: A
This team could have folded at 3-6 or when Siemian went down. Instead the Wildcats have drawn motivation from the “bowl or bust” theme, and offensive coordinator Mick McCall had Purdue off-balance much of the day.
