Normally on this blog I am intentionally ironic. Lately I've just been lazy, and in perhaps the most ill-advised blog post since my unfair rant against a NU cheerleader, I compared my feelings leading up to the Purdue game to how an Alabama fan must feel like before every SEC game.
Both teams ended up losing. They say "pride comes before the fall." It was a tough fall for me to take. I like to think I have a thorough understanding of Northwestern football. But they definitely pulled the rug out from under me Saturday night.
Other bloggers knew better. Andrew Gothelf of the famed andrewgothelf.com and DJ of the mysterious and hilarious blog iagreewithdj.com both saw the loss coming a mile away. They each blame (or in DJ's world...credit) me for the loss.
The walk back to my apartment as fireworks went off in the background was one of the more surreal and unpleasant experiences I've had as a sports fan. Not counting the two bowl losses, this was the most devastating in my time at NU. It tops MSU 2006, Duke 2007, and IU 2008. The reason for that is simple: a win and NU sets up the biggest game of the Pat Fitzgerald era. Undefeated NU vs. most likely undefeated MSU...on homecoming at Ryan Field, with a chance to move to 7-0 and enter the top 15.
Instead, Purdue's second team offense got the job done in remarkable fashion. Danny Hope gained a lot of respect in my book. He used the bye week and prepared the Boilers to a "T."
So Northwestern gets a bye week and then welcomes MSU for a game that could propel them back in to the top 25. It's still a big game, and there's still a lot of hope to be had for this year's Wildcats.
I understand if I've lost credibility with my dear readers after that moronic Alabama post, but bear with me. There are some crucial lessons to take away about this year's version of the Northwestern Wildcats from last Saturday.
1. The offensive line play requires a change in the play-calling
Dan Persa was sacked five times and the running game continues to be non-existent. Offensive Coordinator Mick McCall is asking Persa to be too much of a pocket passer. I'm not saying he's not capable; he's more than capable. But it's hard to be a pocket passer when there is no pocket. The line has regressed from last year and requires some tweaks to the play-calling. More run-pass option from Persa where he rolls out of the pocket is needed. Believe it or not, a poor offensive line is not too big of a deal with the right play-calling. It's only a big problem if they continue to insist on "establishing the run" (so 1995) and if they continue to have Persa just stand in the pocket until he has to run...thus risking injury. Persa is the man. NU needs to realize where they are weak and play to their strengths...which are his speed, his chemistry with Ebert and Dunsmore, and his intelligence.
2. NU fans are incredibly harsh...
when it comes to Stefan Demos. Look, I don't like missed kicks. No one likes missed kicks except the opponent. But the bottom line is that the blocked field goal was a break down on the line and the missed field goal at the end was a result of a very poor snap. No one at the game seemed to comprehend these inconvenient facts. By the way, it can't possibly help the kicker's confidence if there's a collective groan every time he walks on to the field to boot a field goal. Grow up and figure it out NU student section. Kickers miss kicks, a lot, especially in college. Demos has had a poor start to his season, but he'll figure it out. I'm here to predict right now that he will have a chance to win the bowl game this year with a field goal...and this time he'll convert it and go out on top. At least I hope he does...no one deserves the venom that's been directed his way.
3. The safeties are the problem...at times.
In NU's defense, it's the safeties' responsibility to call out the reads to the linebackers who relay them to the defensive line. It should be noted that it IS the linebackers' ultimate responsibility to call the play and make any audibles. But the safeties play a vital role in reading the defense due to their unique position on the field. Saturday's game continued a trend that's become a problem this year...NU gives up too many big plays. These are coming due to major breakdowns in gap assignments, coverage, and everything in between. The safeties need to do a better job of reading the opponent's offense so everyone else fills their assignments every time and these devastating big plays (such as Rob Henry's jaunt up the middle and Keith Carlos' sprint to the outside) don't happen. I think this makes us appreciate Brendan Smith and Brad Phillips even more than we did before. Peters and Carpenter are athletically gifted, but I don't think they have the reads down properly yet. This is coach-able though and it will be interesting to see how they improve as the season goes on. David Arnold is getting back into the swing of things as well which should help matters. It's all about communication, and it must improve in order for this year to be a success.
4. I still don't understand the penalties, but they need to stop.
In Fitz's first year, NU was the least-penalized team in the country. This year, one could argue that Ben Burkett's holding late in the fourth quarter last Saturday cost NU the game. Maybe the loss will wake them up, but this team just needs to play cleaner as a whole. There's not much else to say about that.
5. Finally, this team can still have a magical year.
Even in 1995 the 'Cats lost to Miami (OH). A win over Michigan State and all of a sudden fans are back on the bandwagon that this team is good. One loss does not make a year.
The hard part of the schedule is beginning, but it's been a solid start to the season.
Now it's time to finish.
Filed under: Football
Tags: Big Ten, Dan Persa, eating crow, football, Future, Michigan State, northwestern university, Purdue
