It wasn’t the prettiest, the most fundamental or the cleanest game ever, but the ‘Cats managed to squeak away with a victory over Indiana on the road. With two heartbreaking losses as motivation, Northwestern found a way to become bowl eligible for the fourth year in a row. Here are the top three things to take away from the game.
1. The hands of Jeremy Ebert draw the ball like magnets
The Big Ten Network held a poll throughout the game asking fans who had the best hands in the Big Ten. Jeremy Ebert came out on top and he proved that title right in today’s game. With 98 yards receiving, two touchdowns and five catches, all of which occurred on third downs, Ebert demonstrated why he is the most productive receiver in Northwestern History.
Ebert and Persa’s connection was nearly infallible. Beating two defenders, Ebert reeled in a beautiful over the shoulder throw from Persa for a touchdown to give the ‘Cats a 17-10 lead and the momentum. Persa’s ability to read Ebert’s position, along with Ebert’s sticky hands were crucial to get their sixth win.
In a game trodden with penalties and fairly sloppy play, Ebert played a nearly outstanding game becoming the BTN’s player of the game.
2. The feet (and arm) of Dan Persa must — they must — survive
He’s done it game after game and yet it never fails to impress. Persa’s ability to scramble out of the pocket and make plays is one reason why the ‘Cats stayed in this game. When the pocket collapses, Persa patiently pulls to the outside waiting for an open man. He almost never rushes a throw, which explains his rank as the most efficient quarterback in the NCAA.
Persa could soon be ranked the most efficient receiver as well. A tipped ball at the line of scrimmage forced him to catch his own pass. While the play caused a loss of yardage, Persa has caught 100 percent of the balls he has thrown to himself this season. That’s pretty impressive.
Persa’s patience also may be his downfall. He has been sacked 25 times this season and he consistently gets hit after the pass. This constant beating took its toll in the fourth quarter when he was taken off the field by two trainers. No official announcement has come out about an injury but many ‘Cats fans are sitting on pins and needles waiting for word on his condition. An injured Dan Persa would be a huge blow to Northwestern in the upcoming game at Penn State.
3. When the spotlight hits the freshmen, they wow the crowd
Redshirt freshman quarterback Evan Watkins has seen little playing time this season in the wake of Dan Persa, however, he was forced to take the field after Persa took a huge shot in the fourth quarter. In his first play, he completed an eight-yard pass to Ebert converting a third down. While he didn’t throw the rest of the game, it’s nice to see someone come off the bench and step in to lead our offense other than Persa.
Mike Trumpy, another redshirt freshmen, proved today that the Cats can indeed run the football. With a game-leading 110 rushing yards, Trumpy was the go-to player in the final minutes when the time needed to be run off the clock. He broke free on multiple occasions for huge gains helping the ‘Cats keep many drives alive. Coach Fitz has got to be pleased that when his star quarterback is injured, a young running back can still move the ball forward.