Despite several second-half collapses and disappointing losses, the Wildcats still find themselves chasing bowl eligibility as they prepare to host the Minnesota Golden Gophers this Saturday. Riding a three-game winning streak, the ‘Cats hope to make it four in a row and two consecutive over the Gophers. Last year, it took a difficult Jeremy Ebert catch and a Stefan Demos field goal to notch the dramatic 29-28 victory. Here are a few of the game’s key matchups as Northwestern looks to avoid last year’s narrow escape and earn its sixth win.
Northwestern rushing attack vs. Minnesota LBs
It’s no secret that Northwestern has struggled to find a consistent running game this season since losing starter Mike Trumpy and his team-leading 5.2 yards per carry to a torn ACL; against Rice, sophomore Kain Colter led all rushers by totaling just 39 yards. This may be the week that the Wildcats establish a definitive presence on the ground as Minnesota has allowed nearly 5.3 yards per carry to opposing backs this season. Last week, eight different players carried the ball for Northwestern and one of them will have to step up and take advantage of Minnesota’s defense. If Colter, sophomore Adonis Smith or senior Jacob Schmidt find success against the Golden Gophers’ linebackers, it will help open the field for Dan Persa and the Wildcat receivers.
Northwestern special teams vs. Minnesota special teams
The Gophers scored just 13 points against Wisconsin last week and all of them were generated by special teams play – a faked field goal pass and a 96-yard kick return from senior running back Duane Bennett proved to be the only times Minnesota reached the end zone. Facing the nation’s 112th ranked offense, the Northwestern defense should be able to handle its business on Saturday, but if the return coverage breaks down expect the game’s outcome to be closer than anticipated.
Northwestern CB Jordan Mabin vs. Minnesota WR Da’Jon McKnight
Last year, the Gophers torched the Wildcat secondary for three passing touchdowns while conceding just one interception. With Northwestern’s notoriously poor pass defense this season, the Golden Gophers will look to their leading receiver, senior Da’Jon McKnight, to get things going at Ryan Field. McKnight’s four touchdown grabs in 2011 are a team high, and if he can establish a downfield presence against all-Big Ten cornerback Jordan Mabin it will make things easier for Minnesota quarterback Marqueis Gray. Against Wisconsin last week, the junior quarterback averaged just 3.6 yards per attempt and notched a 43 percent completion rate, so any help from McKnight will help Gray improve against the ‘Cats.
Northwestern QB Dan Persa vs. his body
It’s been a theme this season, but it still stands true: if Persa can overcome his litany of injuries and stay healthy for a full Big Ten game, the ‘Cats will be in great shape. Persa has played exceptionally well this season, but his health and game-day status are always a cause for concern for the Northwestern faithful. Persa – who leads Division 1-A in completion percentage – will be heavily relied upon again against the Golden Gophers, and if he can remain in the game and play effectively the Wildcats should have no trouble defeating a 2-8 Minnesota team. Moreover, the senior’s presence under center keeps backup quarterback Kain Colter available to play other positions. When offensive coordinator Mick McCall can use Colter more creatively, he thrives as this year Colter leads the ‘Cats in total rushing yards and is third in receiving yards.
Just like Rice, Minnesota looks like an easy victory for Northwestern. The ‘Cats cannot overlook the Gophers, however, as Saturday is the best opportunity for a sixth win – and bowl-eligibility – before Northwestern hosts Michigan State during Thanksgiving weekend. If the Wildcats win most of or all of these matchups this Saturday, they should avoid a letdown and cruise past Minnesota, giving them their first winning record since Oct. 1.