Northwestern University Athletics
Football Drops Non-League Contest to Duke
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern ran into a setback this afternoon with a 44-10 loss against Duke. Duke (2-0) broke a two-game losing streak against NU. Playing before 40,178 fans, Northwestern enjoyed its largest home attendance for a nonconference game since 1976.
A turnover on Duke's second play from scrimmage got the day off to a rosy start for the 'Cats. Taking over possession on the Duke 28-yard line, NU converted a fumble by junior split end Scottie Montgomery into a 25-yard field goal by senior placekicker Brian Gowins after only 1:13 had elapsed in the game.
Duke answered immediately with a quick score, however, a touchdown on a two-yard run by sophomore tailback Duane Epperson on its next possession. The Blue Devil defense dominated the rest of the half, picking apart NU's young offense to force four punts, two fumbles, and one failed fourth-down conversion on the next seven NU drives.
A fired up NU offense brought the partisan crowd back into the game in the second half, scoring within two minutes on a 36-yard touchdown run by sophomore running back Damien Anderson. But an aggressive Duke call, a fake punt on fourth and nine for a 16 yard gain, shifted momentum back into the Blue Devils' favor. After another three-and-out for the Wildcats, Duke scored touchdowns on two of its next three possessions, making the score 41-10 by the end of the third quarter.
Gowins' field goal broke a tie with John Duvic (1983-86) for Northwestern's all-time record for most points scored by a kicker (204). NU sophomore quarterback Gavin Hoffman, playing in his second collegiate game, completed nine of 25 passes for 68 yards. Anderson led the Wildcats in rushing, gaining 71 yards on 12 attempts, scoring one touchdown. Senior linebacker Barry Gardner led the team with 16 tackles, followed by senior free safety Mike Nelson, who had 11. Sophomore flanker Richmond Flowers was the outstanding offensive performer for the Blue Devils, making seven catches for 124 yards.
