Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Host 17th-Ranked Purdue for Homecoming
10/25/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 25, 2004
Northwestern vs. Purdue Live Game Coverage
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NU Football Game Notes (Purdue)
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Northwestern Homecoming Information
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After suffering its first loss in nearly a month this past weekend at Wisconsin, Northwestern returns home this Saturday to Ryan Field, where the the Wildcats have won three consecutive games. In order to make it four straight victories -- that would be the 'Cats' longest single-season home winning streak since 1996 -- they will have to upend a nationally ranked Purdue team, led by Heisman Trophy candidate Kyle Orton. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. with ESPN televising the homecoming game to a national audience.
The Boilermakers, who started the season 5-0 and were ranked fifth in the country two weeks ago, are coming off a pair of heartbreaking home losses to the Big Ten's two conference leaders -- Wisconsin (20-17) and Michigan (16-14). A lost fumble in the final minutes of both games played a huge role in determining both outcomes. The two close defeats have dropped the Boilers to 17th in the Associated Press poll and 19th in the coaches' poll.
Despite the setbacks, Purdue still boasts one of the country's best offenses (ranked 12th nationally in total offense and 22nd nationally in scoring) and one of the best defenses (10th nationally in rushing defense and 14th nationally in scoring defense). Orton, who is the Big Ten's leader in passing efficiency and total offense, has thrown for 2,090 yards in seven games (298.6 ypg). He ranks second nationally with 20 touchdown passes. Orton's favorite receiver, Taylor Stubblefield, has 39 catches with a nation's best 11 TD's. In the backfield, Jerod Void leads Purdue ground game with 62.0 ypg.
Purdue's defense has successfully replaced eight graduated starters, and what was perceived to be a weakness prior to the start of the season, has become a huge strength. The Boilermakers are allowing less than 100 yards rushing per game (95.4) and holding opponents to 2.9 yards per carry. Middle linebacker George Hall (62 tackles, 3 TFL's, 1 INT) and safety Bernard Pollard (53 tackles, 2 TFL's, 1 INT) are atop the Boilers' defensive statistics.
With Saturday's 24-12 loss at Wisconsin, the Wildcats need to win at least four of their final five games in order to secure a second straight bowl berth. Bowl qualification rules require a team to win a minimum of six games and own a winning record for 2004. Because the 'Cats are playing a 12th game at Hawaii on Nov. 27, they must win seven games to make the postseason.
In addition to the annual homecoming festivities scheduled for the weekend, Saturday is Nextel Day at Ryan Field.
(For a complete set of game notes, see the PDF link above.)
