One word that describes this Saturday’s football game against Central Michigan University is uncharacteristic. Even though, they secured the win to extend their record to 4-0, the ‘Cats made a number of mistakes that could have cost them the four-game winning streak.
1. Flags are flying: Not since Independence Day have this many flags flown in a single day. Within the first three minutes of play, the referees called three penalties. It didn’t stop there. The flags kept coming throughout the game, 20 in total with 11 against NU, and the ‘Cats had a bit of trouble finding a rhythm. During the post-game press conference, both head coach Fitzgerald and the players thought it was due to a lack of concentration. Most of the penalties were for false starts or illegal blocks. It seems the Northwestern offense was too antsy and the defense was too slow. However, with all the festivities occurring around town for the first home game since students moved in, it’s no wonder the players’ heads were not in the game.
2. Persa’s no longer Perfect: For a junior quarterback with only four starts under his belt, Persa has impressive stats. However, putting him on a pedestal has shown us that even the mightiest of quarterbacks are human. Persa threw his first interception of the season during today’s game straight into the hands of Central Michigan’s Nick Bellore. He was disappointed in his judgment, but Persa also admitted it was bound to happen. Besides the interception, though, Persa completed an impressive 23 out of 30 passes, two of which were touchdowns. This has brought his completed pass percentage to just above 80 percent. Considering he was the nation’s leader in pass completion percentage last weekend, he doesn’t seem to be losing his stride.
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3. Special Teams earned that name for a reason: Coach Fitz admitted in the post-game press conference he thought his team was a little weak on blocking kicks last week. Based on today’s performance, though, things have certainly changed. Junior Jack DiNardo blocked both a field goal attempt and a PAT attempt. Later in the game, the Chippewas tried their luck at a two-point conversion, but the defense kept them out of the end zone. In a game filled with penalties, a surprising fumble from Arby Fields and a red-zone pick thrown by Persa, at least Special Teams managed to keep their focus up.