Know Your Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald

Overall: 14th Season, 97-73 (.571)

Bowl Appearances at Northwestern: 9

2018 Record: 9-5 (8-1, Big Ten West)

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 12 (4-8)

Mascot: Willie the Wildcat

Colors: Purple and White

Outfitter: Under Armour

National Titles: 0

Conference Titles: 6

Heisman Winners: 0

2019 Record: 1-6 (0-5)

Last Week: LOSS 20-0 vs Iowa

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Aidan Smith (55-115, 47.8 Comp %, 453 Passing Yards, 1 TD, 6 INTs)

Rushing: Drake Anderson (92 attempts, 436 yards, 4.7 avg, 3 TDs)

Receiving: Riley Lees (23 receptions, 156 yards, 0 TD)

Tackles: Blake Gallagher (55 TKLs, 1.5 TFL, 3 QBHs)

Interesting Statistic: Northwestern scored just 13 points in the month of October.

Northwestern’s Talking Points

1. The differences between the two sides of the ball is mind-boggling.

It’s impossible to find a team in the nation that has a worse split between their offensive and defensive efficiency than do the Northwestern Wildcats. Using DFEI statistics, which represent the per possession scoring advantage a team would have on a neutral field during non-garbage possessions, Northwestern ranks 14th in defense but 121st in offense in the FBS. Middle Tennessee, Utah State, and the University of Texas at San Antonio have statistically a more efficient offense than do the Wildcats. Yet defensively, they’ve put up better numbers than have Michigan, Notre Dame, and number one AP-poll-ranked LSU. It’s truly shocking, especially considering just one year ago they won the Big Ten West.

2. The root of their offensive struggle is quarterback play.

When once five-star recruit Hunter Johnson transferred from Clemson, it was believed that the Wildcat offense would flourish alongside their elite defense. This has certainly not been the case. Johnson and now starting quarterback Aidan Smith have split time most of the season and produced far-from-impressive numbers. The two have combined for just two touchdown passes while throwing 10 interceptions. Both of their QBRs fall in the mid-70s. The longest completed pass for Smith this season went for just 23 yards. Neither are completing over 50% of their passes and neither have looked comfortable under the direction of offensive coordinator Mick McCall.

3. The secondary has struggled to force turnovers.

Despite the impressive defensive numbers, the Northwestern secondary has struggled this season to force turnovers and give their offense positive field position. They are holding opponents to just 302 yards of offense and 20 points, but this has not been good enough to turn into wins. They have just two interceptions on the year, one coming from a defensive back.

“We have one pick on the season in the DB room, so we just need to play better,” said starting cornerback Greg Newsome.

“We coach takeaways every day. It’s something that we talk about every day, T and T, tackles and takeaways. Right now, the turnover aspect isn’t happening,” added Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald.