Sideline Pass

Post-game at Memorial Stadium

2007-11-17T15:29:00.000-06:00

And Illinois won 41-22. They get the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk. They get to go to a Jan. 1 bowl game. The Cats get to ... go home.

Well, in all probability. After the game, NU was realistic about their bowl chances and how disappointing a 6-6 finish really was. Well, except Fitzgerald. He wouldn't even admit NU was out of the running for the bowls.

Oh, well. There's always next year. And with the Big Ten as pathetic as it is, a sea change next season wouldn't be out of the question.

Bye all. Hope all 10 of you enjoyed my blogging throughout the year.

4th and 13

2007-11-17T13:46:00.000-06:00

NU going for it. Own 46.

Incomplete. We're going down to the field. No Detroit. No Tempe. No nothing.

Eesh

2007-11-17T13:37:00.000-06:00

SENIOR CAPTAIN Reggie McPherson makes the most blatant pass interference ever (following Dixon's gaffe ... also a senior) on Cumberland. On a ball that was well behind Cumberland. On a ball that McPherson was probably in a better position to catch.

Then the Illini get back to the business of running the ball.

3rd and 6 at the NU 10.

Williams misses a wide open receiver high.

Reda on to kick the 27-yard field goal. 9 plays, 58 yards, 4:06.

Illinois 38, NU 14.

9:35 to go.

Dan Dixon needs more playing time

2007-11-17T13:32:00.000-06:00

So maybe he'll know next time that when you see the name on the back of the jersey, don't hit him. Dixon makes the most blatant block in the back I've ever seen, pushing NU back to the 7. After a whimper by the offense, Demos uncorks another cannon, 56 yards and downed at the Illinois 32.

Illinois 35, NU 14.

13:41 left.

End of the Third Quarter

2007-11-17T13:25:00.000-06:00

The Cats come up with a stop and are awaiting a punt.

NU came back from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter against Minnesota, which is 1-10 with a loss to I-AA North Dakota State, earlier in the year.

This is 21 points. This is Illinois, which is 8-3 with a win over No. 1 Ohio State.

Same diff?

Illinois 35, NU 14.

NU's last quarter this season?

They ain't no quitters

2007-11-17T13:17:00.000-06:00

The Cats are driving, largely because of Tyrell Sutton. He has runs of 17 and 22 yards and the Cats have a 3rd and 1 at the Illinois 10.

Sutton runs for 4, 1st and Goal

Sutton runs down to the 2, 2nd and Goal

Bacher rolls, finds Jeff Yarbrough in back of end zone for a TD.

Villarreal XP. 11 plays, 87 yards, 3:13.

Illinois 35, NU 14.

2:10 to go in the third.

thumpTHUMP ... thumpTHUMP ... thumpTHUMP ...

J-U-I-C-E spells doom

2007-11-17T13:13:00.001-06:00

Williams pitches to Mendenhall on an option and Mendenhall does the rest.

Reda XP. 14 plays, 94 yards, 6:25.

Illinois 35, NU 7.

5:23 to go in the third.

There once was a back from Skokie

2007-11-17T13:03:00.000-06:00

That was neither slow, nor pokey.
The Cats couldn't net him, the Illini then met him,
And gave him a deal that was OK (work with me here).

Then one sunny day in November,
NU's defense he did help dismember.
He carried the ball, his name's Mendenhall,
And is having a drive to remember.

1st and Goal at the 9 for the Illini. Mendenhall has 45 yards on the drive.

What does it say about the game when the punter is the MVP?

2007-11-17T13:00:00.000-06:00

Demos unleashes another punt that lands inside the 10. The Illini will start at their own 6. NU needed to answer on that last drive. It did not.

Illinois 28, NU 7.

11:48 left.

Internet's back!

2007-11-17T12:58:00.002-06:00

And the Illini scored again.

On a 4-play, 76 yard drive capped off by a 42-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Cumberland, who hauled it in with one hand, shrugged off Battle and Chaz Richart, who tackled each other, and waltzed in.

Cumberland had 5 catches for 75 yards going into the game. He has 3 for 121 today.

Illinois 28, NU 7

1st half recap

2007-11-17T12:58:00.001-06:00

The Illini band is playing neutered versions of Led Zeppelin songs, so this seems as good a time as any to look at the stat sheet.

Illinois has 311 yards, or 13 more than Indiana had for the entire game last week. 172 of those are on the ground and 104 have come at the feet of one Juice Williams. The Illini offense is not complicated. Option. Draw. Option. Draw. Play action. Option. I can't for the life of me figure out why it is so effective.

Bacher is 12 of 19 for 135 yards and two interceptions, making it 12 picks in 14 quarters. That's one every 17.5 minutes of game time. Eep.

He also stands just 142 yards away from breaking Brett Basanez's record for passing yards in a season. If NU's season ends today, I give him an outside chance of getting it. If the Cats go to a bowl, he'll definitely get it. With like 25 interceptions. Eep again.

Illinois 21, NU 7. This half is for the season. The fate of these "scholar-athletes" will be decided in the next half hour on Zuppke Field (the name kind of ruins the gravitas of the situation, yeah?)

Cats driving

2007-11-17T12:27:00.000-06:00

Sutton runs 13 yards to the 26. Then a pass interference is called on Marcus Thomas, moving the ball to the 41.

Hold the phone. 0:24 left.

Hang it up. Bacher throws another pick. Right into the breadbasket of Antonio Steele at the Illini 45.

Bacher walks gingerly off the field. It'll be a long halftime break for him.

Illinois takes it into halftime.

Illinois 21, NU 7.

John Gill at home in backfield

2007-11-17T12:26:00.000-06:00

Gill puts the pressure on Juice, which he has been doing all day. Dan Dixon tips the pass and freshman Justan Vaughn makes a HUGE pick for NU.

Cats take over at their own 13. 0:40 left.

And back come the Illini

2007-11-17T12:22:00.000-06:00

Juice is just too much. He outclasses all the Cats for 21 yards down to the NU 19.

After an incomplete pass, Williams keeps for 3 more. 3rd and 7.

Crucial series

2007-11-17T12:13:00.000-06:00

And NU is making the most of it.

McManis started it off with a kickoff return to the 44. Then Bacher found Jones for 11, into Illini territory. Then Bacher and Peterman did a nice little pitch and catch for 32 yards, down to the 13.

Peterman takes an end around down to the 4. Then Sutton runs for a 1st down to the 1.

Sutton in for the score. He willed it in.

Villarreal kicks the extra point.

Illinois 21, NU 7.

6 plays, 56 yards in only 1:37. It's just that easy sometimes.

If NU wins this game, it'll be the past drive that did it. Well, not literally. 2:34 in the half.

NU defense is getting gassed

2007-11-17T11:57:00.000-06:00

The Illini are just running it down the Cats' throats.

14 plays, 13 runs, 93 yards and a 1st and Goal at the 4.

Almost 8 minutes off the clock.

Benn takes it inside the 1. 2nd and Goal.

Juice has nothing but grass in front of him. TD. Then he trucks Brad Phillips for the heck of it at the goal line.

Reda puts in the extra point.

Illinois 21, NU 0.

16 plays, 97 yards, 8:12 off the clock.

4:12 left in the half.

How to stall a drive

2007-11-17T11:50:00.000-06:00

Holding, No. 87, White.

Holding, No. 84, White.

Demos punts it down to the 3.

12:24 to go in the half.

NU making like the Jeffersons

2007-11-17T11:41:00.000-06:00

And movin' on up.

It's the end of the 1st quarter and NU is driving. 2nd and 10 at the Illinois 47.

This drive has been encouraging for the Cats. Bacher found Ward for 15. Then Sutton ran for his first positive yards of the game - a 6-yard draw. Then Bacher found Peterman in the flat for 13.

Still, the yard totals are staggering.

NU: 70
Illinois: 156

Not a good precedent.

Hark! A stop!

2007-11-17T11:35:00.000-06:00

NU forces a punt. And Energizer bunny Eric Peterman provides some excitement, returning the ball 24 yards into Illini territory.

BUT a holding on David Oredugba moves it on back to the NU 19. Yikes.

NU ball.

1:27 to go.

3 and outs are a bountiful commodity

2007-11-17T11:31:00.000-06:00

NU can't do anthing again. And the rugby punt rears its ugly head. Demos line drives it 42 yards to the 20, where Illinois will start.

Blitzkrieg

2007-11-17T11:21:00.000-06:00

The NU defense is being suffocated.

On a 3rd and 6, Williams scrambles for a first down. Then Mendenhall runs for 16. Then Williams throws it over the head of a clueless Deante Battle to Jeff Cumberland for 48 yards.

A short pass and facemask moves the ball to the 2. Williams is stopped just short of the goal line. 2nd and Goal.

This is being reviewed. Why? The ball's at the one. This will just prolong the inevitable.

Call is confirmed. Whoopity-frickin-doo.

Williams fumbles the snap and recovers at the 1. 3rd and Goal.

Williams sneaks in and the fireworks scare me again. TD Illini.

Reda adds the extra point.

Illinois 14, NU 0

5:38 to go in the 1st. Could be a long day for the Cats.

The Illini have 156 yards on 17 plays. Where I come from, that's called a whuppin'.

Demos eschews the rugby kick

2007-11-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

And my sense of outrage thanks him. The Cats go 3 and out and are forced to punt. Demos lets this high, arching thing come off his foot, in a parabolic shape. It's a punt. A real one. Not the roll-out, rugby junk they pull every other week.

It goes 50 yards and Simmons makes the tackle at the Illini 16.

Illinois ball, 8:47 to go.

Saints be praised. A real punt.

Orange Crush

2007-11-17T11:07:00.000-06:00

Williams gets 22 yards on 2 carries. Then he shovels to Mendenhall for 6, which turns into 21 because of a really stupid late hit on Brad Phillips. At least he wasn't going for the strip.

Williams throws a ball through the uprights for an incompletion. Then Arrelious Benn runs for seven, although it should have been about 0 if not for the missed tackles.

On 3rd down, Williams finds Mendenhall with nothing but hash marks covering him and he takes it down to the 2.

Williams tries the option, but slips down at the 3. 2nd and Goal.

Williams runs the option (SHOCKER!) and pitches to Mendenhall for a really easy score.

Jason Reda adds on the extra point.

8 plays, 71 yards - Illinois 7, NU 0

10:36 to go

Bacher thinks blue and white look alike

2007-11-17T11:03:00.000-06:00

On a 3rd and 10, he finds the Illini's Kevin Mitchell for his 10th pick in 12 quarters (and change). Illinois takes over at its own 29 and Juice runs for 11 on the first play.

1st and 10 Illini at the 40. 12:55 to go.

NU captains adept at games of chance

2007-11-17T11:01:00.000-06:00

Seemingly for the 12th time in 12 games, NU wins the toss. It elects to receive and we're just about underway. Sherrick McManis and Stephen Simmons back to receive. SUPERback Mark Woodsum is flexing his muscles.

Kick goes out of bounds. NU gets it at the 35.

IT'S FUHBAW TIME!!!!!

10 minutes to kickoff

2007-11-17T10:50:00.000-06:00

Predictions:

David: NU 28, Illinois 24 - Illini overlook Cats and fall at home. Juice goes 5 of 100 passing, but still rushes for 120 yards. Not enough. Adam Kadela registers 39 tackles and a key pick to preserve a fourth-quarter lead.

Chris: NU 31, Illinois 24 - As it has most of the season, offense trumps defense. NU gets the classic meltdown victory from Illinois.

Matt: Illinois 31, NU 28 - Illinois lets down ... but not enough. Too many interceptions by C.J. Bacher spoil the Cats' bowl hopes.

The Illini seniors are being introduced. I thought that was just an NU tradition!!!!!

The applause for senior linebacker J Leman is deafening. Leman leads the Illini in tackles, with 114. Something tells me the words "applause" and "J Leman" won't be strangers to each other during this game. The equipment managers might have to wash Tyrell Sutton's jersey a couple of extra times after the game to get the imprint of Leman's "47" out of it.

Illinois is already leading NU in syllables, thanks to the efforts of individuals like starting tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.

I Can Haz Football Blog???

2007-11-17T10:36:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome one and all to pre-game at Northwestern against Illinois. My last football game (unless the Cats go to a bowl ... fingers crossed) and the last football game ever for the Memorial Stadium Honorary Ang Lee Press Box. I totally made the name up, but interesting Illini alumnus, no?

I get the distinct feeling that I've been transported to the mid-1990s. Not only is this Illinois-NU tilt actually a meaningful game for the first time in a while, but the songs wafting over the P.A. system are less the Soulja Boys and Frays of today, but the R.E.M.s and Spin Doctors of mid-90s, university alt-rock.

In football news, a win and NU all but has a bowl bid locked up. A loss and, well, a .500 record sure looks nice to recruits? The Illini are still in the clouds after the win over Ohio State, and they could have their minds on Florida bowl destinations instead of playing this wildly erratic Wildcat team on a day that can only be described as having all the trappings of, in coach Fitzgerald's words, "Big Ten football weather."

Sit back, relax and enjoy the blogging. All 13 of you (and that's a generous estimate.)

I may not have Microsoft Paint to enhance my efforts today (like a certain other outlet did for a certain other sport), but I feel confident my words can paint an adequate picture. I am a writer after all.

It's what we're supposed to do.

NU = bowl eligible

2007-11-10T14:18:00.001-06:00

Crazy finish.

NU capitalizes on its final red zone trip, ending on a three-yard TD pass from Bacher to Lane. Lane lined up in the slot, found a soft spot in the zone and just camped out there waiting for Bacher's pass. Great pass, great catch.

NU's defense makes a stand to save the game moments later, as David Ngene sacked Lewis in the backfield. Lewis tried to spike the ball to save the down, but it bounces away. Adam Kadela makes a balla play on Senior Day, pouncing on the loose ball to preserve the win.

NU is bowl eligible.

Final score: NU 31, IU 28

Peace out.

The Final Countdown

2007-11-10T14:07:00.000-06:00

NU leads a nice drive with some rushes by Sutton and key passes by Bacher, including an 18-yard pass to Sutton and a 15-yarder to Lane.

Second and 7 from the 8

TD - IU

2007-11-10T13:56:00.000-06:00

IU makes the most of Bacher's INT, marching 80 yards for a touchdown.

Great play by the Hoosiers on 3rd-and-goal from the 5. Hardy is in single coverage on the left side by Sherick McManis. Hardy fakes the fade pattern which everyone in the building - including, um, me - saw coming. He jukes inside and is wide open for a 5-yard TD strike to give the Hoosiers a 28-24 lead.

McManis returns the kickoff to the 27.

NU is down 4 with 5:25 left. The game and the season are on the line. We'll see what happens....

Bacher picked off...again

2007-11-10T13:44:00.000-06:00

On 3rd-and-goal from the 3, Bacher lobs a fade to Kim Thompson in the right deep corner of the end zone. IU's Tracy Porter saw it coming, leaps high and picks it off - Bacher's third INT of the game.

Bacher now has more INTs on the season (17) than touchdowns (16).

It's worth noting that NU is 5-0 when Bacher has one or fewer picks and 0-5 when he has more than one.

IU's pass offense makes it a game

2007-11-10T13:32:00.000-06:00

So IU's 6-7 receiver James Hardy is, like, good, or something. He just scored on an 11-yard pass, breaking a tackle by Eddie Simpson and extending the ball over the goal line with his monster arms.

Indiana 21
Northwestern 24

Big play on the drive: Reggie McPherson got McBurned - again. On 3rd-and-12, Lewis scrambles in the pocket and avoids tackles by Rejaie Johnson and Ngene. He launches the ball down to Ray Fisher, who's covered all over by McPherson...but Fisher still leaps and makes the grab. 38-yard gain and a first down to set up Hardy's score.

And now we're through with three quarters at Ryan Field, and the Cats lead by three.

To review: @ Purdue: NU takes a 17-14 lead into the fourth...and loses.
Home against Iowa: NU takes a 17-14 lead into the fourth quarter...and loses.

And now with a three-point lead going into the fourth...your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea with this team.

Wow.

2007-11-10T13:23:00.000-06:00

Seriously. Wow.

On 3rd-and-5 from the IU 15, NU busts out some trickery. Bacher fakes a bubble screen pass to the left, then hands off to senior RB Brandon Roberson. Robes rushes right - and it becomes apparent that he's actually rolling out to pass.

Kim Thompson gets some separation from IU cornerback Tracy Porter. Robes lobs it over Porter, who tips it. Nonetheless, Thompson comes down with the ball in his stomach and falls to the ground in the end zone next to the right sideline. TD!

NU 24
Indiana 14

Another dumb play by the Hoosiers

2007-11-10T13:12:00.000-06:00

Nice defensive stand by the Cat - thanks to a couple botched plays by IU, including a dropped pass.

On the punt, NU's Eric Peterman calls for fair catch...but gets hit anyway. Tack on another 15 yards.

If NU somehow steals this win, you can think IU's play calling and stupid mistakes.

How are they winning?

2007-11-10T13:03:00.001-06:00

Tyrell Sutton rushes in from 1 yard out for the go-ahead touchdown: 17-14, NU.

Key plays on the drive: On 3rd-and-long, Bacher finds Ross Lane over the middle, who made up for his interception earlier with a leaping 27-yard catch. Sutton came up with a key third down catch later in the drive on a short little out for six yards to set up 1st-and-goal.

IU's got the ball. Gotta run.

Lucky break for the Cats

2007-11-10T12:53:00.000-06:00

NU got a really lucky break. On 3rd-and-15, IU QB Kellen Lewis launches a bomb to a streaking Ray Fisher over the middle...who burns NU safety Reggie McPherson for a 70-yard touchdown.

BUT.

After a nice challenge by coach Pat Fitzgerald, the refs find that Lewis crossed the line of scrimmage as he threw the ball. Illegal forward pass - 5-yard penalty and loss of down. Erase the score.

NU's still in it - down 14-10.

HALFTIME - IU 14, NU 10

2007-11-10T12:22:00.000-06:00

NU makes some key defensive stops - Ngene with a sack on second down, John Gill with a batted down pass on third down - to force IU to punt from just into NU territory.

Bacher essentially takes a knee to end the first half, and NU is lucky to go into the locker room down 14-10.

IU will get the ball first to start the second half, and it'll be interesting to see what adjustments both teams make. The Cats have been so inconsistent this year in the fourth quarter - great performances against Nevada, Minnesota and Michigan State, but lousy showings against Michigan, Purdue and Iowa.

But with their season - and the seniors' careers - resting on their second-half performance today, how will NU respond?

NU makes it close...with defense?!

2007-11-10T12:11:00.000-06:00

NU's David Ngene creams IU QB Kellen Lewis on one play. Lewis leaves banged up.

Next play, IU's backup QB, Ben Chappell drops back on 3rd-and-6 looking for their monster receiver, 6-foot-7 James Hardy...but NU linebacker Eddie Simpson steps in front of the play, catches the ball and takes it back 41 yards for the touchdown.

Looks like we've got ourselves a ballgame...and who would have thought it'd be because of the defense?

Indiana 14
NU 10

NU's chances bounce off of Lane's thigh

2007-11-10T12:00:00.000-06:00

Sigh.

On 3rd-and-6 from the Indiana 12, Bacher finds Ross Lane open in the end zone over the middle. Bacher makes a perfect throw to Lane, who grabs the ball with his hands and tries to reel it into his body. As he's in the air, he brings it down to his chest...and the ball hits his left thigh.

It bounces off of his quadricep and into IU safety Austin Thomas' chest. He catches the ball and takes a knee in the end zone for a touchback.

Four trips into IU territory. Three points.

IU strikes again

2007-11-10T11:46:00.000-06:00

IU QB Kellen Lewis makes a great fake to RB Bryan Payton and scampers 14 yards down the left side for a touchdown. Indiana takes the lead, 14-3.

The Hoosiers looked great on that drive with a nice blend of passing and rushing. Could be a shootout....

...If NU could score. The Cats held the ball for more than 13 minutes in the first quarter and racked up 140+ yards, taking the ball into IU territory three times. They have three points, after Villarreal missed a 31-yard FG a minute into the second quarter. Three trips into the other side of the field. Three points.

Lots of yards, not lots of points. Sounds all-too familiar.

End of the first quarter

2007-11-10T11:36:00.000-06:00

Indiana 7
Northwestern 3

Offense looks strong, and it doesn't seem like the Hoosiers can stop the Cats. Sutton has 43 rushing yards and 32 receiving yards, as NU has dominated the ball in the first half. Balanced offense - 13 rushes, 14 passes - something you rarely see with the Cats.

Too bad it doesn't matter - only 3 points on the first two trips into IU territory, and a botched special teams play still has the Hoosiers in the lead.

Defense came up with some nice pass defense and a little pressure on IU QB Kellen Lewis. But, as we've seen the past few weeks, it doesn't matter how NU starts the game - only how they finish.

Bacher picked off

2007-11-10T11:23:00.000-06:00

On first down in Indiana territory, Bacher is picked off by Indiana's Tracy Porter. Bacher was looking for Kim Thompson on a post from the right side, and Thompson had a step on his cornerback. The throw was slightly behind the receiver, though, and Porter jumped in front and took the ball for a 13-yard return.

The Cats could be looking at a 14-3 deficit in a few minutes...

NU on the board first

2007-11-10T11:12:00.000-06:00

Amado Villarreal just drilled a 29-yard FG to put NU on the board first, 3-0.

The Cats showed some decent balance on the drive - well, decent in NU terms. Four rushes, six passes and one botched snap by C.J. Bacher. A couple nice plays on the drive: Bacher found Ross Lane over the middle on 3rd-and-long for 19 and a first down. And again on 3rd-and-6 in IU territory, Bacher lobbed a pass over the defense to Sutton, who made a nice cutback and scampered for 20 yards.

Offense appears to be clicking, but stalled deep in IU territory after two rushes went nowhere Bacher's third down pass to Eric Peterman was a little long.

IU coming up with the ball for the first time.

And, as I was writing this, IU took the kickoff 91 yards for a TD. Yikes.

Indiana 7
Northwestern 3

IU Predictions

2007-11-10T11:08:00.001-06:00

Game just kicked off, and we're scrambling for some predictions:

Matt:
Indiana's passing offense rips holes in Northwestern's porous
secondary. Seinor Day can't carry the Cats, who are already mentally
shot from the last two weeks.
Indiana 42, NU 28

Chris: Indiana 31-28

Abe: 28-27, Indiana

Signing Off

2007-11-03T15:42:00.000-05:00

For the second week in a row, NU folded like a cheap table in the fourth quarter.

What mystifies me is how the team can possibly believe a four-point deficit is call for throwing the ball, down after down after down. Iowa was down by 14 at the end of the first quarter, and it didn't stop running the ball. You know why? Because you have to run the ball. Even if it's not getting you anywhere. You have to run the ball to set up the threat that you could possibly run it at some other time in the future. If you keep passing, the defense can rush four, drop seven and pound you to death. Which is what Iowa did. And Purdue.

Fitz was right to chide us about speculating on the bowls. They're not going anywhere.

Wow.

2007-11-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

This is the worst the team has looked all year. And it comes just three quarters after the team looked like it was at its best.

4th and 20 from the 10.

2:54 left.

Iowa 28, NU 17.

Going down to the field.

Sherrick, Sherrick, Sherrick

2007-11-03T14:15:00.000-05:00

McManis gets burned yet again on a pump fake. This time Christensen finds Johnson-Koulianos for 30 yards, down to the 10.

Sims runs it in from 8.

Murray tacks on the extra point.

Iowa 28, NU 17. 3:47 to go.

This game is following exactly the same script as last week's loss.

It's also kind of following the same script as NU's 28-27 win against Iowa two years ago. We'll see what the denouement turns out to be this time.

U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi

2007-11-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

NU still won't run. Bacher throws incomplete to Lane. Then he throws to Sutton, who bobbles it into the hands of an Iowa defender.

1st and 10 Iowa at the NU 30.

Ineptitude abounds

2007-11-03T14:10:00.000-05:00

Christensen finds Cleveland's ankles on 3rd down, forcing a punt. Peterman goes for the fair catch at the 19, but he gets knocked into. 15-yard penalty.

1st and 10 at the NU 34. 5:16 to go.

Stick a fork in them?

2007-11-03T14:06:00.000-05:00

Bacher throws another pick. Why the Cats don't run the ball is beyond me.

6:50 to go.

Iowa ball at its own 46.

The Inevitable

2007-11-03T13:55:00.000-05:00

Christensen does a pump fake. McManis bites. Christensen goes up top to Stross for 53 yards down to the NU 7.

Sims runs for 2 to the 5. 2nd and Goal.

Christensen gets 1 on the keeper. 3rd and Goal from the 4.

Christensen throws it out of end zone, but a pass interference call places it 1st and G on the 2.

Sims dives in. Murray adds the extra point.

Iowa 21, NU 17. 7:44 to go.

Gentlemen, start your engines.

Making nothing out of something

2007-11-03T13:52:00.000-05:00

Follow this play sequence:

Start Iowa 32.
Sutton run for no gain.
Bacher to Peterman for 7 yards.
Holding call brings it back to the 35.
Bacher sacked for loss of 9.
Punt.

Impressive, no?

Iowa ball, 1st and 10 at the 15, 10:05 to go.

TURNOVER

2007-11-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

David Ngene swallows Christensen, forcing a fumble. Marshall Thomas falls on it at the Iowa 32. That was NU's sixth sack on the game.

12:14 to go.

Trading Punts

2007-11-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

Iowa can't make anything out of its drive and punts. NU gets 1 yard on three plays, with Bacher throwing to nobody on two occasions.

Iowa ball, 1st and 10 at the 27. 13:10 to go.

End of the Third Quarter

2007-11-03T13:38:00.001-05:00

And Iowa's driving. The Hawkeyes have the ball, 2nd and 2o, at their own 49. Right after the pick, Christensen found Johnson-Koulianos longname for 32 yards. Then a hold moved them back 10 yards.

I can't seem to remember the last time NU went into the fourth quarter with a 17-14 lead. Oh, yeah. It was last week. And the Cats lost 35-17.

A lot of adjectives go through my mind when trying to describe this team. Bowl-worthy (which I think is not a real word) is not one of them.

Buckle up. This quarter could mean the season.

Just like in Tecmo Super Bowl

2007-11-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

The Cats try a flea flicker. Bacher weaves it into triple coverage. Shockingly, an Iowa defender makes the pick. 1st and 10 Iowa at its own 27.

Kim Thompson can not be interfered with

2007-11-03T13:25:00.000-05:00

Bacher airs it out to Thompson, who has either been interfering or interfered with all day. Thompson makes a spectacular catch for 27 yards. NU declines the pass interference call on Iowa.

NU ball 3rd and 4 at the Iowa 37. 3:35 to go.

Bacher's pass batted down, and Demos on to pooch punt.

Peterman, who is also running for Jesus, downs the punt at the 1. Matt is on the record as saying he wants to have Peterman's baby.

That's what we call a sack lunch?

2007-11-03T13:20:00.000-05:00

The much-maligned NU defense stands up to Iowa's ... much-maligned offense. After batting a ball down on 1st down, John Gill sacks Christensen for a 2-yard loss. And then they send everyone and Rejaie Johnson gets to Christensen for a 10-yard loss, making it 4th and 23.

Then Iowa's punter, who is evidently running for Jesus now, punts the ball 76 YARDS for a touchback.

NU ball at the 20. 5:20 to go.

A series of unfortunate events

2007-11-03T13:18:00.000-05:00

Lane catches a ball for a first down, but it's called back because of pass interference on Thompson.

The next play goes way short of the sticks, as Bacher sticks it into Rasheed Ward for 11 yards on 3rd and 25.

BUT Villarreal moves his field goal tally to 1 of 3 on the day by putting a 42-yarder through the uprights.

NU 17, Iowa 14. 7:00 to go.

C.J. needs to find more purple

2007-11-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

His intended receivers on this drive, far as I can tell, have been Sutton's feet, a hash mark, the paint at the back of the end zone and the sky.

The play distribution? 6 passes, 2 runs. So much for balance.

NU 14, Iowa 14. NU ball at the Iowa 21, 3rd and 10. 8:16 to go in the quarter.

The Breaks Keep Coming

2007-11-03T13:11:00.000-05:00

Bacher throws a ball to the hash mark, but Iowa gets called for pass interference, on an obviously uncatchable ball.

Whatever. NU ball on the Iowa 32. 8:50 to go.

Iowa looks like a team that wants to win

2007-11-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

And NU doesn't. Reggie Cleveland just jumped 100 feet in the air to snag a pass from Christensen for a 26-yard gain. All Deante Battle could do was watch.

Iowa driving, 3rd and 1 at the NU 25. 11:45 left.

Albert Young runs for the first down, which is followed by Paul Chaney making a terrific catch on a ball that was at least a foot over his head.

On the next play, Young, shakes, bakes, and brings Iowa even with NU.

You had it coming, boys. Now what?

Food for Thought

2007-11-03T12:45:00.000-05:00

Why do the Cats continually move away from the things that make them successful?

In the first quarter, which they dominated, they ran the ball 13 times and passed 20, a fairly good balance. In the second quarter, in which they let Iowa back into the game, they ran 6 times and passed 11. And one of those runs was a sack, which is, technically, a pass play.

Sutton had 11 rushes for 65 yards in the first quarter. 4 for 31 in the second.

Why, when Bacher isn't having one of his "good" days (he has 2 scores, but he's only 17 of 30 and on some passes he's just looked awful) do they not GIVE THE BALL TO SUTTON?

Sorry for raising my voice.

Quick hits: Yards: NU 269, Iowa 121.
Time of Possession: NU 17:40, Iowa 12:20.

This game should be 21-0 at least.

NU 14, Iowa 7. Seven minutes away from kickoff.

Last drive

2007-11-03T12:28:00.000-05:00

Iowa kicks it out of bounds, so NU starts at the 35. Sutton runs for 9. Then Bacher air mails one to Iowa's Mike Klinkenborg. But he drops it. Sutton runs for 18, down to the Iowa 38 with :16 to go. NU has 2 timeouts.

Bacher to Ward for 6. 2nd and 4 at the 32. :13 left.

Bacher for Thompson, knocked away by Fletcher, but he's been called for pass interference. 1st and 10 at the 17. 0:08 to go.

Bacher throws to Tonjua Jones, but it's a little too long. 34-yard field goal attempt by Villarreal is blocked.

At the half, it's NU 14, Iowa 7.

Unbelieveable.

Throw out the stat sheet

2007-11-03T12:22:00.000-05:00

Iowa is driving. They've gone 40 yards on 6 plays and have a 3rd and 8 at the NU 20. Christensen keeps throwing to a guy with a long name (Derrell Johnson-Koulianos) and my fingers are starting to hurt. Christensen goes up top to Stross, over McManis' head. Iowa, despite being horribly outplayed in all aspects of this game, are within a touchdown.

NU 14, Iowa 7 - :49 left

Up against it

2007-11-03T12:20:00.000-05:00

NU 3 and outs and has to punt from its own 5. Demos does that rugby thing I hate so much and it works out, further raising my bile level. It goes 55 yards and is downed at the Iowa 40.

Just when Christensen puts it on the money

2007-11-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

His receiver drops it. 3rd and 10 becomes 4th and 10. But Iowa's punter is running for president, evidently, because he downs the ball at the 3.

NU 14, Iowa 0. 4:05 left in the half.

Rollin, rollin, rollin

2007-11-03T11:55:00.000-05:00

Ride 'em in rawhide. The Cats are slowly punishing the Iowa defense again. 10 plays, 48 yards. But it's getting dicey, because NU has a 4th and 10 on the Iowa 32. Field goal? Pooch punt? Going for it? We shall see.

Field goal it is. From 49 yards. And Iowa calls a timeout to ice Amado Villarreal.

He missed. Short. Iowa ball at the 32. 6:23 to go in the half.

Iow's biggest play

2007-11-03T11:53:00.002-05:00

Is a 15 yard roughing the kicker on a punt to give it a first down at the 31. First 1st down on the game. 15 penalty yards as opposed to 10 of offense.

Matt was right

2007-11-03T11:53:00.001-05:00

Or approximately so.

NU 11:15, Iowa 3:45

Taking Bets

2007-11-03T11:45:00.000-05:00

End of the first quarter. The longest first quarter in the history of man. NU up 14-0.

Here are some staggering stats.

Plays: NU 33, Iowa 9

Yards: NU 196, Iowa 12

Time of Possession: ... don't know yet, but we're taking bets.

Chris: NU 12:00, Iowa 3:00
Matt: NU 13:00, Iowa 2:00
David: NU 12:37, Iowa 2:23

We'll check back when we get the stat sheets.

Iowa's punter is having a phenomenal game.

2007-11-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

Knock, knock. Who's there? Another 3 and out for Iowa. Jake Christensen is allerging to play action fakes. On one, he tucked it and picked up three yards on a scramble ... but he had two receivers wide open down the field. Then, on 3rd and 1, he overthrows a wide-open tight end on a roll out off a play action. NU driving, 1st and 10 at its own 30. It's 31 plays to 9 now.

Today we spell domination C-A-T-S

2007-11-03T11:32:00.000-05:00

The Cats put together a long, methodical drive that was rewarded with a Bacher play action touchdown pass to SUPERback Mark Woodsum. 13 plays, 75 yards in only 3:58. That makes it 28 plays for NU as opposed to six for Iowa. It's 183 to 3 on yards. Holy moly is the phrase you're looking for.

NU 14, Iowa 0 - 3:32 left.

Fumbling snaps for your own benefit

2007-11-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

NU forces another 3 and out. On a 3rd down from the 29, Bacher fumbles Trevor Rees' snap. But then he picks it up and finds Eric Peterman down the sideline for 12 yards and a first down. NU is driving, 3rd and 6 at the Iowa 41. 5:37 left.

Defense! Uhh! Uhh!

2007-11-03T11:13:00.000-05:00

NU forces a 3 and out. Then Iowa forces a 7 and out. Stefan Demos punts it into the end zone, but it wasn't his fault this time. Iowa ball at the 20. 8:29 left.

I guess the fade route isn't all evil

2007-11-03T11:02:00.000-05:00

NU starts at its own 27, and C.J. Bacher finds Ross Lane on a slant pattern for 23 yards. Lane does a good job shielding the defender, who is right on his back. On the next play, Bacher finds Lane out in the flat. Lane shimmies and fakes Iowa's Bradley Fletcher out of his shoes, picking up 25 down the sideline. Tyrell Sutton bursts through a big hole for 15, down to the 10, and three plays later Bacher finds Kim Thompson in the back corner of the end zone for a score. BUT, Thompson is ruled out of bounds. BUT again, there is a pass interference call, which puts the ball at the 2. And Sutton plunges in, with Mike Kafka under center? And the point is?

NU 7, Iowa 0. 12:29 to go in the first

Kickoff in 6 minutes

2007-11-03T10:48:00.000-05:00

Good morning from the Ryan Field press box, where the eastern sun is blinding and new Willie still scares the crap out of me. As we wind down the minutes to game time, here's some tidbits for you: Omar Conteh, the Cats' leading rusher, is a late scratch. Malcolm Arrington will start at outside linebacker instead of "Fast" Eddie Simpson. And goalie/third-string punter Justin Pines will be handling the kickoffs today. Then going between the pipes against Wisconsin-Green Bay tonight. Somewhere, Philip Rossman-Reich is smiling.

Predictions:
Matt - NU 13-10, extremely sloppy game, NU gets lucky in the end.
Chris - Iowa 24-17, Iowa runs all over the Cats.
David - NU 27-14, Cats put a little distance on a team for once.

Thanks for joining us. If ... in fact ... you are.

Signing Off

2007-10-27T14:07:00.000-05:00

It's the end of the day here at Ross-Ade and the faces of the players coming out of the locker room closely mirrored the current state of the turf at the stadium: worn-out and beaten-up. The Cats took a hard blow today, losing 35-17 to a Purdue team that is, truthfully, not that much better than them. I would say this is a big blow to NU's bowl chances, but who knows? This team could come out and put 2400 yards of offense and 180 points on the board over the next three weeks and come out 8-4. Or it could put up 2400 yards, 180 points and finish 5-7. Or it could put up 600 yards, 30 points and finish 8-4 because the defense wakes up. Or it could put up 600 yards, 30 points and finish 5-7 because the defense doesn't. There are limitless possibilities and prognosticating is pointless. As much as I'd like to guess at where the Cats will end up this year. I have no clue. And I don't think they do either.

Judgment Day

2007-10-27T14:04:00.001-05:00

Bacher tries to set up the screen. Allllllmost picked off by a Purdue defensive end. 2nd and 10. Bacher escapes, tries downfield for Lane, but Vinson picks him up, knocks it away. 3rd and 10. Bacher sacked by Avril, fumbles, loses 10 back to the 27. 4th and 20. Demos punts it, down at 24. We're going down to the field. Not looking good for NU.

Purdue returns the favor

2007-10-27T14:03:00.000-05:00

And goes 3 and out. Peterman returns the ball to the NU 37.

NU ball. Trailing by 11. 4:14 to go.

That was an ugly series

2007-10-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

Bacher throws once to two Purdue defenders. Luckily for him, they knock each other out of the play. Then he throws off the hands of a Purdue defensive end. Then, he throws to Rasheed Ward before he comes out of his break. 3 plays. 0 yards. Punt.

Face-guarding always works, right?

2007-10-27T13:55:00.000-05:00

Painter puts one right over Brad Phillips' head. Phillips never looks back to the ball, allowing Bryant to make a circus catch in the back of the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown catch.

Purdue 28, NU 17 (8 plays, 71 yards, 3:59)

6:24 left in the game

And now the yards are coming in waves

2007-10-27T13:51:00.000-05:00

All it took was Neil Armstrong telling the Boilermakers to get off their keisters. Purdue drives down to the NU 37. Then they run into some adversity and face a 3rd and 3. But Painter finds Bryant for 17 yards down to the NU 20.

Offense proves fruitless

2007-10-27T13:42:00.000-05:00

3 plays and a punt. Demos rugby punts (my migraine is killing me) 35 yards to Bryant at the 29, where he is stopped. Purdue takes over with the ball and the lead.

REVIEEEEEEEEW

2007-10-27T13:36:00.000-05:00

Purdue has a 4th and Goal at the one-inch line after Dorien Bryant caught a ball from Painter right at the goal line. The ref called him down before the end zone, for which Eddie Simpson rewarded him with a congratulatory butt pat. The play is under review. And it is upheld. They're going for it. Jaycen Taylor over left tackle. Too easy. Touchdown, Purdue to go ahead. Chris Summers adds the extra point.

Purdue 21, NU 17 - 11:21 left in the game. 10 plays, 69 yards, 3:39.

The Penalty Bug Bites!!!!!

2007-10-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

A 12-yard pass to Dustin Keller turns into a 27-yard gain because of a late hit by Eddie Simpson. And all of a sudden, Purdue's stagnating offense is back on track. Three plays for 35 yards brgins Purdue to a 1st and Goal at the NU 7.

End of the Third Quarter

2007-10-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

And we got ourselves a barn-burner. The quarter ended on a 46-yard punt by Stefan Demos. So Purdue takes over at its own 31, trailing 17-14. The first man to ever walk on the moon is exhorting the Boilermakers to victory. Oh, well, NU's got Moses.

Guess who's back...back again

2007-10-27T13:13:00.000-05:00

Tyrell Sutton ran a draw down the right sideline on 3rd and 2, keeping his balance to stay inbounds and taking on a tackler at the 5. All said and done, a 21 yard gain down to the 4. After three unsuccessful tries, Amado Villarreal is coming in to kick an 18-yard field goal. Good.

NU 17, Purdue 14. 3:01 left in 3rd quarter (14 plays, 79 yards, 6:56)

3rd down is like a warm blanket for the NU offense

2007-10-27T13:08:00.000-05:00

Twice on this drive NU has picked up a third-down conversion. That makes 7 of 9 on the game. 2nd and 5 NU at the Purdue 40. 6:35 left.

Boilering Up (cont.)

2007-10-27T13:03:00.000-05:00

Purdue is methodically marching down the field. It has gone 42 yards on 11 plays. But now the drive has stalled, with incompletions on third and fourth down. Chris Summers out to attempt a field goal. And he misses the 37-yarder wide left. Still tied. NU ball at the 20.

Fasten your seat belts

2007-10-27T12:56:00.000-05:00

We're getting ready to Boiler Up! Start of the third quarter.

Adventures in football scoring

2007-10-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

This is how you score the hook and ladder:

Thompson with a catch for 9 yards. Peterman no catch for 15 yards and a touchdown.

And now numerically:

Bacher - 1 of 1, 24 yards, TD.
Thompson - 1 catch, 9 yards.
Peterman - 0 catches, 15 yards, TD.

Got it? Good. Now explain it to me.

End of the First Half

2007-10-27T12:36:00.000-05:00

OK, let's all take a deep breath.

Here's what we (or at least anyone who is at Ross-Ade Stadium or gets the Big Ten Network) saw in the first half:

- More than 350 yards of total offense
- Four turnovers by Northwestern
- 7 rushes for 37 yards by Tyrell Sutton
- 3 picks and a touchdown from C.J. Bacher, who leads the conference in passing.
- And a hook-and-ladder play. Yes, a hook-and-ladder play.
- 7 penalties for 65 yards for Purdue. Temper, temper.

Say what you will about NU. There's never a dull moment.

Purdue 14, NU 14 at the half.

Hook ... and Ladder

2007-10-27T12:32:00.001-05:00

See if you follow me. 1st and 10 on the Purdue 24. Bacher completes the ball to Thompson for 9 to the 15. Thompson laterals backwards to Peterman who is streaking to the sideline. Peterman does the rest, diving to the pylon. Purdue 14, NU 14. 0:32 left in the half.

See-saws for sale

2007-10-27T12:29:00.000-05:00

And the Cats come back. Starting at the 33, 17 yards to Thompson. On a 3rd and 6, a screen to Sutton with nothing but daylight: 19-yard gain. A sack to Bacher and an incompletion to Sutton sets them back. BUT a late hit on Purdue's Justin Scott gives NU a first down on the 24.

There goes the ole turnover margin

2007-10-27T12:22:00.000-05:00

Conteh takes a pitch on the option and the ball mysteriously disappears from his grasp. First down Purdue on its own 28. BUT the Cats' defense forces a three and out. So no harm no foul, but that's the second turnover in Purdue territory and the fourth overall. 2:01 to go.

Another 3rd down conversion

2007-10-27T12:18:00.000-05:00

And the Cats are in business. On a 3rd and 2, Bacher found SUPERback Drake Dunsmore for 12 yards, down to the Purdue 32. NU is 4 of 6 on third downs. 4:11 to go in the half.

Corey Wootton is a manimal

2007-10-27T12:13:00.000-05:00

On a 3rd and 18, Wootton got inside a Purdue's right tackle and buried Curtis Painter. And then he got really excited. On the punt, players got chippy and there were offsetting unnecessary roughness calls. Play nice, boys.

Ross Lane is a better receiver than a juggler

2007-10-27T12:11:00.000-05:00

Bacher throws to Lane, who juggles the ball a lot ... and right into the hands of Purdue's Dan Bick at the NU 34. Purdue driving now, 2nd and 10 at the NU 49 with 7:39 to go

False Alarm

2007-10-27T12:06:00.000-05:00

Sutton's back, and picking up 9 on a draw. Cats are driving, 1st and 10 at the Purdue 44 with 11:20 to go in the half.