The cold October wind has officially arrived in Evanston. It thrusts heavy Lake Michigan waves against the lakefill, making for anything but smooth sailing. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the chill has blown its way into Ryan Field.
Northwestern football seems frozen in a rut, losing four straight games and falling to a 4-4 overall record. Those early Rose Bowl dreams might be gone with the wind, but a bowl game bid is still possible, if we can clench two more wins.
The ‘Cats travel to Nebraska this Saturday to challenge their fifth consecutive Big 10 opponent. Yes, the Cornhuskers also lost to Minnesota last weekend, but with a 5-2 record they rank third in the Legends division, while we sit in last place.
Nebraska certainly has leverage in key players like Imani Cross, who scored a touchdown three minutes into the Minnesota game, and Ameer Abdullah, the I-back averaging 136 yards per game. Yet the team also showed weakness in their sloppy offense against Minnesota. Quarterback Trevor Martinez seemed out of sync upon his return from the injured reserve, struggling to pass or run the ball until late in the game.
As for Northwestern, we need to utilize our own running game and take advantage of the holes in Nebraska’s defense that failed to stop Minnesota. The Wildcats were still able to rush for 225 in Iowa last Saturday even in the absence of All-American Venric Mark.
Unlike Mark, Kain Colter was back on the field since sitting out against Minnesota. Through all his injuries, the QB has still completed 54 of 66 passes and rushed for 323 yards this season. He reinjured his ankle in Iowa and though he returned later in the game, it might still be a concern. Hopefully he’s healthy- his rushing skill can prove a powerful asset.
Also, allowing just 136 yards on the ground this year, Northwestern’s defensive line has actually been holding its own despite what the scoreboard reads. Linebacker Chi Chi Ariguzo even had an interception against Iowa.
If they can play to their strengths in the rushing game, continue sturdy defense and get fired up, the Wildcats have a fighting chance at conquering Cornhusker country.
Fitz said it best earlier this week: “We have to use our frustration as fuel. We’ve got a third of the season left.”