In the heart-wrenching 35-27 loss against Michigan State, it is hard to find criticism for the ‘Cats. Northwestern fans can’t even turn their frustration towards Demos with Saturday’s perfect kicking record. The final score came down to the better team putting more points on the board. Here are the top three reactions from this devastating — yet well-played — loss.
The running game has improved
For the first time all season, the Cats offense showed some promise on the ground. With a total of 170 yards rushing, it is the first time that Persa hasn’t led the ‘Cats in rushing. The young backfield showed some real promise with Mike Trumpy rushing for 50 yards and true freshman Adonis Smith rushing for 44 yards on 10 carries.
Persa still looked strong on the run with three rushing touchdowns, his first multiple rush touchdown game of his career. His ability to scramble and make players miss kept several offensive drives alive.
It is very encouraging to see that Coach Fitz can rely on something other than Persa’s arm to move the chains. The Cat’s rushing offense is especially impressive considering the fact that it was able to blossom against a top ten team.
Special teams never had a chance to shine
The ‘Cats made very few errors in regards to special teams. In fact, it was the lack of special teams that hurt them the most. Only three kicks, all occurring in the second half, were returnable. Northwestern’s kick returners had to settle for touchbacks for the majority of the game. In the end, it was just too difficult for the offense to march the field 80 yards after every kickoff.
Michigan State’s decision to fake the punt in the fourth quarter was a major factor in their victory. It led to a touchdown putting them up by one point with four minutes left in the game. With a well-designed and perfectly executed play, there wasn’t much the ‘Cats could do. Perhaps Fitz could have read the situation better to prepare for the fake. Being inside Northwestern territory, the Spartans were not in a good position to punt; a field goal or a fake were really the Spartans’ only viable options.
Northwestern spirit hits an all-season high
Sure, there was a smattering of green inside Ryan field but Purple dominated the bleachers. With a season-high attendance of 41,115, Northwestern is clawing its way into the hearts of Evanstonians and Chicagoans alike. President Morton Schapiro is really trying to garner school spirit and this homecoming turnout really made the ‘Cats look like a legitimate Big 10 football school.
Maybe Ara Paseghian, the game’s honorary captain and former Northwestern coach in the ‘60s, should have given Fitz a few tips. All in all, both alumni and students alike really came and showed their purple pride.