Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Host Fifth-Ranked Michigan in Home Finale
11/10/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 10, 2003
NU Football Game Notes (vs. Michigan)
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The Game
For the first time since its memorable matchup in 2000, Northwestern welcomes the fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines to Ryan Field for the Wildcats' 2003 home finale. It is Senior Day, and Northwestern will honor 10 players who are making their final appearance at Ryan Field. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST. ESPN is televising the game to a national audience-it is the Wildcats' fourth straight appearance on national TV.
Michigan, one of three teams tied for the Big Ten lead at 5-1, last ventured to Ryan Field in 2000, when the Wildcats and Wolverines hooked up in one of college football's most entertaining all-time games. Northwestern won the wild shootout, 54-51, on a Zak Kustok to Sam Simmons touchdown catch with 20 seconds remaining.
This year's Wolverine team is on a roll, having won their past four games, the last coming Nov. 1-a 27-20 road victory at Michigan State. Prior to the MSU win, Michigan throttled Purdue 31-3 at home. The Wolverines feature one of the Big Ten's most potent offenses, averaging 185.1 rushing yards (second in the Big Ten) and 268.3 passing yards (second in the Big Ten). Quarterback John Navarre ranks second in the league in both total offense (246.1 ypg) and passing yards (249.4 ypg). Running back Chris Perry leads the Big Ten in rushing (131.3 ypg) and ranks fourth in scoring (9.0 ppg). Michigan's top receiving threat is Braylon Edwards, who ranks second in Big Ten receptions and third in receiving yardage (5.9 rpg, 78.9 ypg). Defensively, the Wolverines rank among the league's best units, as well. Michigan is second in the Big Ten and ninth nationally in total defense, allowing 280.9 yards per game. Linebacker Lawrence Reid (63 tackles), lineman Pierre Woods (9 TFLs) and defensive back Marcus Curry (2 INT, 8 breakups) lead the Wolverines' defense.
Saturday is United Airlines Day at Ryan Field. The first 10,000 fans entering the stadium receive a United Airlines luggage tag. Tickets are still available for the game by calling 847-491-CATS or visiting NUsports.com.
The Series With Michigan
Series Record: Michigan leads 47-14-2
At Evanston: Michigan leads 17-8
At Ann Arbor: Michigan leads 30-5-2
Last Result: 54-51, Northwestern, in Evanston (2000)
Series Streak: 1, Northwestern
Series Notes: Northwestern has won three of the last six meetings with Michigan-1995, '96 and 2000-all three years that NU won a Big Ten title ... At Ryan Field, NU has won two of its last three vs. the Wolverines.
Northwestern Head Coach Randy Walker
Randy Walker's passion for excellence continues to be the driving force in his mission to return Northwestern's football program to the top of the Big Ten Conference, and among the nation's elite. A 27-year coaching veteran who has been associated with some of the game's greatest mentors, Walker places a high value on a student-athlete not only excelling on the field, but also in the classroom and in the community.
In his fifth season with the Wildcats, Walker has produced a 23-33 record, highlighted by an 8-4 mark in 2000. That season, the Wildcats won a share of the Big Ten title-NU's third conference crown since 1995. Overall, in his 14th year as a college head coach, Walker is 82-68-5. He spent his first nine years at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Walker departed his alma mater as the program's winningest coach with a 59-35-5 (.621) record.
The Northwestern-Penn State Recap
Despite losing the turnover battle (three to one) and coming up empty on two trips inside the Penn State 10-yard line, Northwestern put together a near-perfect fourth quarter to notch a 17-7 come-from-behind victory. Led by its defense, Northwestern shut down Penn State in the second half, holding the Nittany Lions to 118 total yards and no points.
Early in the fourth quarter, with the Wildcats facing a fourth-and-seven on the PSU 19-yard line, NU pulled off its second successful fake field goal attempt in three games. Sophomore Eric Batis (San Antonio, Texas/Central Catholic), the holder on the field goal play, took the snap and ran around left end for an 8-yard gain and a first down. Two plays later, Jason Wright (Diamond Bar, Calif./Diamond Bar) rambled six yards for his 16th touchdown of the season and the game-tying score with 6:49 to play.
After Northwestern's defense forced a three-and-out on Penn State's next offensive series, the Wildcats took the lead when Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator) connected with Brandon Horn (Detroit, Mich./Detroit Country Day) for a 41-yard touchdown reception. Horn caught the ball after it had been deflected by a pair of Penn State defenders. Following an interception from Torri Stuckey (Robbins, Ill./D.D. Eisenhower), Northwestern ran some time off the clock and iced the victory with a 27-yard field goal from Brian Huffman (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) with 55 seconds remaining.
Noah Herron (Mattawan, Mich./Mattawan), who earned most of the rushing attempts with Wright and Terrell Jordan (Clarkston, Ga./Tucker) ailing, ran for a career-high 180 yards on 35 carries.
Wright One of Four Academic All-America Candidates
Northwestern running back Jason Wright is one of four Northwestern players up for CoSIDA Academic All-America honors. To be nominated, an athlete must be a starter and/or key reserve, carry a 3.20 cumulative GPA and be in his second year of athletic eligibility. Also up for the honor is defensive tackle Luis Castillo (Garfield, N.J./ Garfield), linebacker Braden Jones (Harrisburg, Ill./Harrisburg) and cornerback Jeff Backes (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington). The academic all-district team will be announced Nov. 13.
Loren Howard Earns NU's Third Big Ten Honor of 2003
Sophomore defensive end Loren Howard (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) earned his first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor for his performance against Penn State. Howard, who notched eight tackles, including a career-high four tackles for loss (two sacks), led a Wildcat defense that limited its second Big Ten foe in three weeks to seven points. Penn State was held to 93 rushing yards. Howard also had a forced fumble and a hurry.
In the season's first two weeks, NU players were honored by the Big Ten Conference for their performances against Kansas and Air Force. For his performance in the season-opening victory over Kansas, Jason Wright earned his fourth career Big Ten Player-of-the-Week. In that game, Wright equaled a career high in rushing yards (196) and rushing touchdowns (4). He also set a personal best with 41 rushing attempts. The following week against Air Force, and for the first time since the 2000 season, a member of Northwestern's defensive unit picked up Big Ten Player of the Week honors. Junior Marvin Ward (Landover, Md./Eleanor Roosevelt) shared the honor with Ohio State's Will Allen. Ward collected a career-high 17 tackles (11 solos) and a key fumble recovery in the Air Force game. He played a key role in helping contain the Falcons' vaunted option attack. Only three of Air Force's 53 rushing plays went for distances of 10 or more yards. Ward is sixth on Northwestern's tackle chart with 60 hits.
NU To Honor 10 Seniors
Ten Northwestern players are making their final home appearance this Saturday versus Michigan. They will be honored prior to kickoff: Louis Ayeni (Woodbury, Minn.), Ray Bogenrief (Cedarburg, Wis.), Pat Durr (St. Charles, Ill.), Gilles Lezi (Laval, Quebec), Roger Jordan (League City, Texas), Kunle Patrick (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Ryan Peterson (Cardiff, Calif.), Torri Stuckey (Robbins, Ill.), Doug Szymul (Des Plaines, Ill.) and Jason Wright (Diamond Bar, Calif.)
The Wright Stuff
The 2002 season was a breakout year for running back Jason Wright. After toiling as a reserve receiver in 2001 (7 catches for 48 yards), Wright finished 2002 by being named an honorable mention all-Big Ten running back. In the Wildcats' outing vs. Wisconsin, when Wright totaled 150 all-purpose yards (97 rushing, 53 receiving) and scored two touchdowns, he injured his ankle. Since then, he has been playing less than 100 percent, totaling just 13 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown against both Purdue and Penn State. His six carries against Penn State were the fewest in a game since he became NU's top running back last year.
Wright has climbed to fifth place on NU's career rushing chart (see column at left). Wright, who has 11 100-yard games in his career, is fourth in Big Ten rushing, first in Big Ten scoring, and third in Big Ten all-purpose yardage. He ranks third nationally with 16 TDs. Against Wisconsin, he became the sixth player at NU to top the 2,000-yard mark for rushing yards.
According to a CBS Sportsline player ranking (rankings are based on a statistics and strength of schedule formula), Wright, prior to his injury, was ranked 14th nationally among running backs. He was the second-ranked running back in the Big Ten behind Michigan's Chris Perry. Wright is one of 43 candidates for the Doak Walker Award, awarded annually to the nation's top running back. He is one of four Big Ten running backs on the list.
An update on some other notable items/numbers for Wright:
* Had a string of 383 consecutive carries without a fumble (streak spanned 18 games and came to an end vs. Purdue on Nov. 1, 2003).
* Needs 362 rushing yards to move into fourth place on NU's all-time rushing list.
* Needs 81 all-purpose yards to move into sixth place on NU's all-time list.
* Averaging 102.3 rushing ypg in his last 20 outings.
* Missed NU's preseason scrimmage (Aug. 16) in order to take the medical school entrance exam (MCAT).
* Delivered the players' keynote address at the 2003 Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon.
* Sang the national anthem prior to an NU men's basketball game (vs. Ohio State) and prior to a 2003 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament session at the United Center.
Red-Zone Leaders
Although the Wildcat defense is still surrendering more yards than they would like, they are stiffening when the opposition gets inside the 20-yard line. Northwestern continues to rank first in the league in red-zone defense with a .605 percentage. The opponents have been inside the 20-yard line 38 times, but only 23 times have they come away with points-16 touchdowns and seven field goals. Conversely, NU has gone inside the opponents' 20-yard line 35 times and scored 25 times (21 TDs, 4 FGs) for a .714 percentage.
Heavy Stuff
With the losses of offensive linemen Austin King and Jeff Roehl to graduation and the NFL, there were off-season concerns about replacing those two players. Those fears have been reduced somewhat, after Northwestern's starting offensive line, which weighs an average of 310 pounds (12th heaviest in I-A football), has helped the Wildcats total 400-plus yards on five occasions (a season-high 467 yards vs. Kansas). Zach Strief (Milford, Ohio/Milford), the Wildcats' biggest player at 6-foot-7, 335 pounds, has led the way this season with eight "championship-game" performances in 10 outings. The last three weeks, Northwestern has rolled up 245 rushing yards on Wisconsin, 161 yards on Purdue and 253 yards on Purdue. NU has allowed the fourth-fewest sacks (18) in the Big Ten this season.
Patrick Leads Nation in Reception String
Dating to his freshman season, receiver Kunle Patrick (Brooklyn, N.Y./Poly Prep Country Day) has caught at least one pass in 44 consecutive games, which leads the nation. USC's Kareem Kelly set the NCAA Division I-A record last year, concluding his career with a 47-game streak.
Patrick caught a pass vs. Penn State, and ranks third and fourth, respectively, on NU's career receiving and yardage lists.
'Cats' "D" Turns in Another Top Effort
For the first time since Northwestern's 1995 Big Ten championship season, the Wildcats have held two Big Ten opponents to seven points or less. NU limited Penn State to seven points and just 93 rushing yards in its 17-7 win. On Oct. 25, with two of its top defensive players in the lineup for the first time this year-Tim McGarigle (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick) and Louis Ayeni (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury)-Northwestern defeated Wisconsin 16-7. The Wildcats held the Badgers to 135 rushing yards (3.6 ypc) and limited Wisconsin to just two plays of 20 or more yards-a 28-yard run by Anthony Davis and a 30-yard reception by Lee Evans.
Durr's Return Helps Spark Defense
Senior Pat Durr (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles), who tore every major ligament in his right knee in the 2002 season-opening game at Air Force, has come back to help lead NU's defensive revival. Durr has registered some solid play in the 2003 season, totaling 15 tackles at Ohio State on Sept. 27 before eclipsing that previous personal best with 22 tackles at Indiana (Oct. 11). After 10 games, Durr is first on the team's tackle chart with 105 hits and third in sacks with two. He now has 278 career tackles.
Injury Shelves Third Wideout
After losing Mark Philmore (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/ Reynoldsburg) and Ashton Aikens (Detroit, Mich./Detroit Country Day) to knee injuries, leading wideout Roger Jordan (League City, Texas/League City) suffered a bruised sternum at Purdue and is questionable for Michigan. The trio has a combined 68 catches for 775 yards. There is a possibility that Jordan, and perhaps Philmore, will return before the conclusion of the 2003 season.
The Bubble Bursts
Entering its Nov. 1 game at Purdue, Northwestern was tied for the national lead in fumbles lost with two. In addition, it was the only Division I-A program without a lost fumble by its offensive backfield (quarterbacks/running backs). That claim quickly crumbled the past two weeks as the Wildcats suffered four lost fumbles at Purdue (three by Brett Basanez and a fourth by Jason Wright) and two vs. Penn State (one by Wright and one by Noah Herron). Wright's miscue at Purdue ended a streak of 383 consecutive carries without a fumble.
A Closer Look at the Ground Game
One trait of Randy Walker-coached football teams is rushing the football. (In 27 years of coaching, he has had a 1,000-yard rusher 22 times.) Conversely, Walker knows that to win on a consistent basis, his teams must stop the run as well.
Northwestern has improved both aspects of its game from a year ago, especially its run defense. Last year, the Wildcats surrendered 300-plus yards on the ground. That number has been sliced nearly in half this year. Northwestern has allowed only two opponents, Indiana and Purdue, to rush for more yards than its season averages. NU has held six of its 10 opponents to 147 rushing yards or less.
Offensively, the Wildcats are averaging 20-plus more yards per game on the ground while rushing against some of the country's top run defenses, including Ohio State's top-ranked run defense. NU's rushing total vs. Ohio State was more than the combined total of OSU's first four opponents (Washington, San Diego State, N.C. State, Bowling Green)-76 yards. NU is 5-1 when rushing for 190 or more yards in a game.
What's Next? The "Forkball?"
NU coach Randy Walker went to his bag of trick plays and pulled out "Fastball"-Walker's version of the fumblerooski-in the Wisconsin win. The play was dubbed ESPN's college football "play of the day." With its field goal unit running the play, the ball is snapped to the holder, who appears to spin around to begin an option play, but instead, places the ball between the legs of another player who pretends to be a blocker. That player holds the ball for two to three seconds before taking off to his right around the right end. Against Penn State, Walker ran "Change-up," a variation of "Fastball." Instead of giving up the ball, the holder keeps it and runs around left end.
That's More Like It
Throughout his coaching career, Randy Walker has proven to be nearly unbeatable when his teams carry a lead into the fourth quarter. The Wildcats added to that impressive mark when they carried a 16-7 lead into the final frame vs. Wisconsin. In his 14 years as a head coach, Walker's teams have compiled a 65-3-1 record when leading at the end of the third quarter. At NU, he is 16-2.
Playing the Best
Several publications noted that NU's 2003 schedule would be one of the toughest in the country, and 10 games into the season, the facts support that claim. According to the NCAA, NU's 12-game schedule presently ranks as the 26th-toughest slate in Division I-A football. NU's 12 opponents presently have a combined record of 68-53 (.562). NU's first 10 opponents sport a 59-41 (.590) mark, making that the 19th-toughest schedule played to date. In the latest Anderson and Hester computer ranking (one of the computer rankings used in the BCS formula), NU's strength of schedule is ranked 10th nationally; the Sagarin rating ranks it the 11th-most difficult.
Northwestern's five losses have come to teams with a combined record of 41-9 (.820).
Ball Hogs
Besides its run defense, one of the major statistical improvements for Northwestern is time of possession. Running primarily out of a no-huddle offense last year, the Wildcats' average offensive time of possession was 25:46, which ranked last in the Big Ten by two-plus minutes. This year, operating out of a huddle offense much of the season, the Wildcats rank fourth in the Big Ten with a possession time of 31:04.
Baz on Three Top-10 Lists
After 13 career games, sophomore quarterback Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator) moved into the Wildcats' No. 10 spot on the school's career passing yardage list. Basanez now has 3,917 career yards and is closing in on the 4,000-yard mark. He is seventh on NU's all-time total offense list (4,175 yards) and seventh in career pass completions (332).
After suffering a broken fibula midway through the 2002 season, Basanez came back to play the final three games and lead all freshman quarterbacks nationally in passing yardage (220.4 ypg). He concluded his season with a career-best 368-yard effort vs. Illinois.
'Cat Tails
* With three receivers sidelined with injuries, redshirt freshman Shaun Herbert (Oxen Hill, Md./Bishop McNamara) delivered a seven-catch, 63-yard effort vs. Penn State. He came into the game with one career catch.
* Helping pick up some of the slack left with the absence of Jason Wright vs. Purdue, sophomore Terrell Jordan ran for a career-high 87 yards on 16 carries (5.4 ypc) at Purdue. He shared the game's leading rusher honors with Purdue's Jerod Void, although Jordan had a better yards per carry average. His 87 yards were the second-most allowed by a Purdue defense this season. (Wisconsin's Anthony Davis rushed for 96 yards vs. Purdue).
* Led by Loren Howard, NU has three blocked kicks this year. Howard has two of those blocks-one on a field goal attempt and the other on a PAT attempt. Northwestern did not block any kicks in 2002, and just two in 2001.
* Punter/kicker Brian Huffman (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg), a Ray Guy Award candidate, now has booted 17 of his 58 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line. Another five punts have found the end zone for touchbacks. Huffman is currently 45th nationally with a 41.9 ypp average.
* Northwestern's opponents have only returned 17 kickoffs (out of 39) this year (for a total of 283 yards and a 16.6 ypr average). That is the second best kickoff coverage mark in the Big Ten.
* With three roads win in 2003, NU has equaled its road victory total of 2000, when it won the Big Ten championship. NU has not won four road games in a season since 1996, when it went 9-3.
