The Minnesota Golden Gophers will open up Big Ten conference play this Saturday when they face the undefeated Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Northwestern is one of the biggest surprises so far this season, beating respectable programs in Stanford and Duke with a redshirt freshman quarterback and an intimidating defense.
Defense on the Rise
After four games, Northwestern is ranked third nationally in scoring defense, allowing an average of just 8.8 points per game to opponents thus far. They have also given up an average of 137.8 passing yards per game, which currently ranks tenth nationally. Watch out for impressive sophomore linebacker Anthony Walker, who is averaging over 10 tackles per game. Also, keep this percentage in mind: 18.64%. This is the rate at which opponents are converting on third down against Northwestern this season. The percentage leads the Big Ten conference and the nation.
Offensive Outlook
Sophomore running back Justin Jackson is averaging 129 yards per game, ranking second in the Big Ten. Freshman quarterback Clayton Thorson has posted a mediocre stat line so far, throwing for 583 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. The Northwestern offense is averaging just 25 points per game, good for 13th in the Big Ten. The only team trailing the Wildcats? Minnesota, with an average of 19.3 points per game.
Bruised-up Bunch
Northwestern is currently facing injury problems, especially to its defensive secondary and offensive line. Hmm… sounds familiar. Starting safety Godwin Igwebuike is listed as day-to-day. Fellow safety and nickelback Kyle Queiro is out with a broken arm. Offensive lineman Geoff Mogus had to be driven off the field in a cart last Saturday night against Ball State. We should know more about the extent of these injuries prior to Saturday, but they are certainly going to test the depth of Northwestern.
Proven Discipline
Northwestern has been penalized just 18 times this season for an average of 37.5 yards per game. That is best in the Big Ten and 12th-best in the nation.
Roller Coaster Season
The last time Northwestern started the season 4-0 (in 2013), they went on to drop seven straight games. They narrowly defeated Illinois in the season finale to finish with an extremely disappointing final record of 5-7.
What Northwestern is Saying
“Minnesota embodies everything that Jerry Kill is about. They play physical, they’re very athletic, they’re tough.” – Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald in his Monday press conference.
On paper, it seems Northwestern will provide the consistently inconsistent Gopher offense with an incredible challenge. The banged-up Wildcats are an extremely disciplined group that have relied on its defensive speed and talent to win games. Expect a close, low-scoring contest in which the field position battle could prove to be critical. Big Ten football is finally back. I, for one, can’t wait until Saturday.