Parades, pep rallies, and 90s cover band concerts. Mixers, food truck festivals, and football. Northwestern’s jam-packed Homecoming weekend has arrived.
And it all tops off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 when the Wildcats kick off their toughest game of the regular season. But do you really know what it means to “kick-off?” Not everyone is a college football super fan, and that’s okay. Here’s a handy guide to get you ready for Saturday’s big game.
Keep reading for the skinny on the ‘Cats homecoming clash. This way you’ll be ready to throw on your purple and cheer like you mean it:
- A kickoff is the beginning of a drive down the field. On Saturday, Jeff Budzien (sporting #37) is the kicker designated to send the ball downfield to Ohio State’s offense, whose goal is to run the ball back and score. A number of different things can happen depending on where Budzien’s kick goes. If the ball lands in Ohio State’s end zone, it is called a touchback, which allows the Buckeyes to start on the 20-yard line. If it goes out of bounds, Ohio State can start from the 40-yard line. Having scored 39 points already this season, we have faith in Budzien’s strong leg.
- But a kick off is not the same as a punt, however similar the two seem. We know a team has four chances, or downs, to advance the ball ten yards. If the offense has not made much progress after the first three downs, teams often choose to punt, that is to kick the ball away and have the opponent’s offense to start further downfield. In this type of play, our punter Brandon Williams, #49, takes center stage.
- And of course, the ultimate objective is to score. A touchdown is six points and the extra point by a kicker counts for one more tally mark on the scoreboard. Teams don’t always bring out their kicker after a touchdown though- they can attempt a two-point conversion, which grants two points if the team can score again. Another sneaky way to rack up two points is called a safety. This is when the defense tackles the ball carrier in his own end zone. Moreover, a tenacious defense can help out offensively, too.
Because both Northwestern and Ohio State are in the Big 10 Conference, this fierce matchup is all the more intensified. Big players yield big plays, so here are the top Wildcats and Buckeyes to watch out for on Saturday:
Northwestern:
- Kain Colter, Quarterback, #2: Coach Fitz summed up Colter’s playing style in one word: “dynamic.” This senior phenom is not only a skilled passing and rushing quarterback, but he’s been able to shine as a receiver as well. With 15 out of 18 passes completed against Syracuse, look to Colter to keep the plays interesting, but also sound.
- Trevor Siemian, Quarterback, #13: He’s technically the backup QB, but “backup” doesn’t do Siemian justice; he leads the Big 10 with passing yards per completion. If that ranking is any indication, Siemian is one for which you- and OSU- should keep your eyes peeled.
- Venric Mark, Running Back, #5: Mark has been out the past three games with a leg injury, but with his solid return to practice on Tuesday, we can expect to see this school record-holder and All-American picking up right where he left off.
- Treyvon Green, Running Back, #22: In the absence of Venric Mark, Green proved himself to be more than a fill-in. He scored five TDs in three games and no doubt he’ll be hungry for more on Saturday.
Ohio State:
- Braxton Miller, Quarterback, #5: Like our own Venric Mark, Miller is rebounding to the field after sustaining an early season injury. A Heisman candidate, he threw an impressive 40-yard TD pass last weekend to beat Wisconsin. We’ll see if his triumphant return continues this weekend.
- Kenny Guiton, Quarterback, #13: Guiton did more than step in while Miller, the starting QB, rehabbed his knee. He scored 13 TDs in three games, keeping the Buckeyes’ winning streak alive. Guiton will start on the bench Saturday, but who knows when he’ll called up to prove himself once again.
- Corey Brown, Wide Receiver, #10: Not to be confused with the other Corey Brown on the Buckeyes’ roster, this senior was on the receiving end of Braxton Miller’s buzzer-beating TD pass against Wisconsin. Was it a lucky catch or will he make magic happen again on Saturday?
- Ryan Shazier, Linebacker, #10: Shazier’s on the defensive side of OSU’s roster, but packs just as powerful a punch as the offense. Already this season, he has 28 tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack. At 230 lbs, Shazier is a force to be reckoned with.
Now that you know all about the wonders of Jeff Budzien and our two QB system, you’re ready to bleed purple this Saturday! See you there!