Post-Game Notes

Sept. 22, 2006

Northwestern fell to 2-2 overall with the loss. The Wildcats and Wolf Pack were meeting for the first time in school history. Northwestern plays host to Nevada next year, on Sept. 8 at Ryan Field. The Wildcats begin the Big Ten Conference season next Saturday (Sept. 30) at defending Big Ten co-champion Penn State (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC).

Northwestern has outrushed all four opponents in 2006, but like it did in the New Hampshire game, mistakes are killing the Wildcats. NU was -3 in turnover margin versus New Hampshire and -4 on Friday vs. Nevada. Northwestern's five turnovers led to 24 of the 31 points that Nevada scored. On the season, the Wildcats have suffered 10 miscues, while forcing just three turnovers.

Quarterback Mike Kafka became the first NU player to rush for 100 yards this season, totaling 111 yards and a TD on 12 carries (9.2 ypc). He is the first Northwestern quarterback since Zak Kustok (in 2001) to run for more than 100 yards.

For the third straight game, running back Tyrell Sutton eclipsed the 90-yard mark for rushing, but came up short in his quest for his first 100-yard game of the year. Sutton totaled 94 yards on 16 carries (5.9 ypc).

Sutton moved into a three-way tie for eighth place on NU's all-time rushing TD list with his 18th career rushing score. He is now tied with Brett Basanez (2002-05) and Greg Boykin (1972-73, 75-76). Sutton also moved closer to ninth place on NU's career rushing list. He now has 1,821 career rushing yards, 19 back of Byron Sanders (1987-88).

Wide receiver Ross Lane caught the Wildcats' longest pass reception of the season on NU's opening scoring drive--a 39-yard play. He finished with a pair of catches for 48 yards.

Northwestern's defense recorded four more sacks, giving them a total of 12 in four games, for a 3.0 per game average. Last year, NU totaled just 12 sacks in 12 games.

Northwestern registered 33 negative rushing yards, which upped its season minus-rushing mark to 103. Last year, in 12 games, the Wildcats recorded 158 negative rushing yards.

Safety Brendan Smith intercepted his third career pass in the second quarter, and returned it 35 yards. Smith's three career interceptions have all gone for 20-plus yards--23, 37 and 35 yards--for an average return of 31.7 yards per return.

Wide receiver Shaun Herbert caught a team-most four passes to extend his consecutive reception string to 28 games. He entered the week with the nation's ninth-longest reception streak. Herbert remained eighth and 10th on NU's respective career receptions (139) and receiving yardage (1,565) lists.

Middle linebacker Adam Kadela totaled a season-high nine tackles (eight solo tackles, one shy of his career high) to lead NU's defense. Outside linebacker Nick Roach had led the Wildcats in tackles the first three games. Linebacker Eddie Simpson recorded a career-high six solo tackles, including a pair of TFL's (one sack). Safety Reggie McPherson added eight solo tackles and a pass breakup.

When Northwestern scored on the game's first possession, it marked the third straight half that NU registered a touchdown on its opening drive.

Freshman returner Sherrick McManis returned a kickoff 45 yards, bettering his previous career long--a 40-yarder he had against Eastern Michigan (Sept. 16). McManis is now averaging 27.8 yards per kick return (five attempts).

Northwestern University Athletics

Northwestern University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Mike Kafka

Ross Lane

Sherrick McManis

Brendan Smith

Tyrell Sutton

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