Northwestern University Athletics
NU Conducts Lengthy Scrimmage on Saturday
4/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 16, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern wrapped up its third week of spring drills on Saturday with a lengthy scrimmage that started on its practice fields and ended on Ryan Field.
With sunny skies, light winds and temperatures in the upper 60s, the Wildcats scrimmaged for nearly two hours in ideal weather conditions. After going through some brief individual drills, the first- and second-string offenses battled their respective defensive units for 60 plays on the practice field.
Then, after a brief intermission, Northwestern moved to Ryan Field and concentrated on starting offensive drives inside its own 10-yard line and then spent several periods working on overtime sessions, something the Wildcats perfected in 2004 by playing an NCAA-record four OT games.
"I was very pleased with the day," said NU coach Randy Walker. "But as I told our team at the end of practice, the last week of our spring is the most important. Several guys have made an impression on us this spring, but there's still time for some more to make their mark."
Sophomore Brandon Roberson (Pearland, Texas/Pearland) and redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Bacher (Sacramento, Calif./Jesuit) turned in the top statistical performances of the day. Roberson, the first-string running back, rushed for 141 yards and a TD on 18 carries. He nearly broke a long run for a TD, but cornerback Cory Dious (Atlanta, Ga./Mays) caught him at the 22, giving Roberson a 37-yard gain. Northwestern's defense then held, forcing a field goal attempt that was blocked by Marquice Cole (Hazel Crest, Ill./Hillcrest).
"I like the backfield," said Walker. "Brandon had a good day and he keeps putting money in the bank. Yes, I know our defense is a bit depleted (none of NU's starting linebackers played, along with defensive end Loren Howard and cornerback Jeff Backes), but he is showing up every day. Nathan Shanks is running very hard and Akeem Hunter had a solid day as well."
Shanks finished with 69 yards on 15 carries, and also had two receptions for 7 yards, including one for a TD. Hunter ran for 28 yards (eight carries), including a TD, and caught four passes for 61 yards.
Bacher, directing the second-team offense, finished with another efficent passing day, completing 13-of-19 passes for 192 yards and a TD. He started the scrimmage by completing eight of his first nine attempts, including seven in succession. Bacher completed a 52-yard strike to former QB and now wide receiver Anthony Ward (University Park, Ill./Crete-Monee). Ward finished with three catches for a game-high 85 yards.
"C.J. throws a good ball. I like his poise and I'm impressed with the way he's progressing. The more reps he gets with the offense, the more confident he gets," said Walker.
Starting quarterback Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator) had another solid day with the first team, completing 13-of-21 passes for 95 yards and a TD.
"Brett is looking good," said Walker. "He has outstanding game management skills and he understands football. He knows what to do with the ball, and he has worked very hard on his physical skills. He will continue to grow, and make strides. I know he is going to be better this year than last year."
Veteran receivers Shaun Herbert (Oxon Hill, Md./Bishop McNamara) and Brandon Horn (Farmington, Mich./Detroit Country Day) caught nine of Basanez's passes. Herbert led all players with six catches (45 yards) while Horn had three receptions for 23 yards.
NOTE: Scrimmage statistics do not include player stats from the overtime drills.
PRACTICE NOTES: The Wildcats conduct two practices (Tuesday and Thursday) this week before playing their Spring Game, presented by Yellow Book USA, at noon next Saturday. The two weekday practices are closed to the media ... Former NU players Lance Clelland and Zak Kustok were among the football alumni in attendance at Ryan Field.
