That's all she wrote. The Cats get the season started on the right foot with a (relatively) easy 30-10 win.
Some final thoughts:
-The no-huddle offense really looked good. Sure, there were a couple penalties because of the breakneck pace, but the Cats ran 77 plays to Syracuse's 58. You win most of those games.
-Final stats on TYRELL SUTTON: 21 rushes, 140 yards; 4 receptions, 41 yards, 1 TD. Wow. If he plays this well all year, the Cats are going to score a lot of points. A lot.
-Brendan Smith delivered the big play, getting the INT return for a touchdown to break the game open. It's nice to see the much-maligned defense deliver the game-changing play.
That's all, folks. I'd like to thank Angus Young, Bon Scott, Brian Johnson, and the rest of AC/DC for the musical accompaniment. Next week: Duke, and a chance at redemption a year in the making.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Not costly now, but...
They may win this game, but the Cats have some serious control issues when it comes to costly penalties. Wootton hits Robinson late on third down for a roughing-the-passer call to keep the Syracuse drive alive. That's two drive-extending, back-breaking penalties this half. Against Syracuse, it's a minor annoyance; against Michigan or Illinois or any Big Ten team, it could be a fatal mistake.
But NU stiffens again. Robinson simply has nowhere to throw the ball, as Smith and Co. have been gangbusters in the secondary. While he's flown under the radar today, corner Sherrick McManis has had a strong showing in his first game back from injury.
Garbage time, folks. Bacher is out, but curiously TYRELL SUTTON is still in. You'd think Fitz would want to keep his star player off the field and safe from injury with this game virtually out of reach.
Backup QB Mike Kafka leads the Cats up the field as the clock ticks down toward zero.
But NU stiffens again. Robinson simply has nowhere to throw the ball, as Smith and Co. have been gangbusters in the secondary. While he's flown under the radar today, corner Sherrick McManis has had a strong showing in his first game back from injury.
Garbage time, folks. Bacher is out, but curiously TYRELL SUTTON is still in. You'd think Fitz would want to keep his star player off the field and safe from injury with this game virtually out of reach.
Backup QB Mike Kafka leads the Cats up the field as the clock ticks down toward zero.
Mommy, I wanna to play in the tailgator!!!! NU 30, SYR 10
Kevin Mims' "Tailgator" includes a videogame system, a bunch of comfy chairs, and a Keg-erator. Party at Kevin's place, everyone!
Bacher leads the Cats up the field, spreading the wealth and wearing down the Orange defense. The no-huddle attack seems to have made its mark on the 'Cuse defense, which currently features 11 guys sucking wind.
It's all but over now: After a holding call on Rasheed Ward negates a nifty touchdown run by Conteh, Bacher finds Josh Rooks in the back of the end zone for a 30-10 lead. Rooks is the 10th different player to catch a pass today, as we get a early look at the depth of the Wildcat attack.
Bacher leads the Cats up the field, spreading the wealth and wearing down the Orange defense. The no-huddle attack seems to have made its mark on the 'Cuse defense, which currently features 11 guys sucking wind.
It's all but over now: After a holding call on Rasheed Ward negates a nifty touchdown run by Conteh, Bacher finds Josh Rooks in the back of the end zone for a 30-10 lead. Rooks is the 10th different player to catch a pass today, as we get a early look at the depth of the Wildcat attack.
Be very, very afraid (of Fitz?)
Apparently Fitz demonstrated a tackling drill to the TV crew and "scared the crap" out of one of the producers.
LOL.
In football news, the Cats stop the 'Cuse at midfield thanks to a holding call and a big tackle from Arrington. He'll face tougher offenses in Big Ten play, but so far, he's led a solid effort from an unproven linebacking corps.
LOL.
In football news, the Cats stop the 'Cuse at midfield thanks to a holding call and a big tackle from Arrington. He'll face tougher offenses in Big Ten play, but so far, he's led a solid effort from an unproven linebacking corps.
End of the third quarter - Thunderstruck
The commentators at ESPN2 says this current Syracuse drive is "critical". You think?
Justan Vaughn makes just a terrible, terrible play, hitting Orange QB Andrew Robinson out of bounds after he was stopped on third down. When you have a chance to put the game out reach, a bonehead play like that gives some momentum back to Syracuse. We'll see if Vaughn's mistake comes back to haunt the Cats.
The into-commercial music has now changed to "Thunderstruck", mirroring the look on Fitz's face after Vaughn's blunder.
And as the third quarter draws to close, I'm forced once again to see the ridiculous Ruby Tuesday's commercial. Some guy saying "The 70s called - they want their lamp back" is supposed to change my opinion of Ruby Tuesday's? Please
Justan Vaughn makes just a terrible, terrible play, hitting Orange QB Andrew Robinson out of bounds after he was stopped on third down. When you have a chance to put the game out reach, a bonehead play like that gives some momentum back to Syracuse. We'll see if Vaughn's mistake comes back to haunt the Cats.
The into-commercial music has now changed to "Thunderstruck", mirroring the look on Fitz's face after Vaughn's blunder.
And as the third quarter draws to close, I'm forced once again to see the ridiculous Ruby Tuesday's commercial. Some guy saying "The 70s called - they want their lamp back" is supposed to change my opinion of Ruby Tuesday's? Please
No handlebar mustache, no problem: NU 23, SYR 10
Play of the game: Brendan Smith jumps a route, picks it off and heads to the house. Smith's sixth career pick gives NU a two-score advantage and earns him a hug from Fitz. The clean-shaven junior, who sported a days-of-yore mustache in the spring, has given the Cats some breathing room.
In related news, Ohio State stud running back Beanie Wells had to be helped off the field in the Buckeyes' season opener against Youngstown State. Tough break for the Heisman hopeful, but it may bode well for NU.
In related news, Ohio State stud running back Beanie Wells had to be helped off the field in the Buckeyes' season opener against Youngstown State. Tough break for the Heisman hopeful, but it may bode well for NU.
Living in a punter's paradise
Omar Conteh gives TYRELL SUTTON a rest, moving the chains and sending a Syracuse helmet flying on one run. Offensive coordinator Mick McCall has said he wants TYRELL SUTTON to get 20-25 touches a game, and he already has 21. So we may see more of Conteh today.'
Random thought: Who's more animated, Pat Fitzgerald or Bela Karolyi.
Another drive, another punt. For the sixth time, NU punts in Syracuse territory. Poor Demos is going to have to ice that leg tonight. In related news, the over/under on his "punts downed inside the 20 for the year" just jumped from 14 to 100.
Random thought: Who's more animated, Pat Fitzgerald or Bela Karolyi.
Another drive, another punt. For the sixth time, NU punts in Syracuse territory. Poor Demos is going to have to ice that leg tonight. In related news, the over/under on his "punts downed inside the 20 for the year" just jumped from 14 to 100.
Can't wait to play The Fighting Rich Rodriguezes
Defensive end Corey Wootton keys the NU defense with a 10-yard sack, forcing a three and out. Wootton and tackle John Gill are both plugged for big seasons, and so far today they've looked good.
Pam Ward promotes the upcoming Michigan-Utah game by touting the Wolverines as "The Fighting Rich Rodriguezes." I think she means "The Cut-and-Run Rich Rodriguezes"
After the punt, NU will have the ball at its 48.
Pam Ward promotes the upcoming Michigan-Utah game by touting the Wolverines as "The Fighting Rich Rodriguezes." I think she means "The Cut-and-Run Rich Rodriguezes"
After the punt, NU will have the ball at its 48.
Tyrell Sutton, "You Shook Me All Night Long" -- NU 16, SYR 10
They may have the lead, but the Cats gameplan remains the same: Sutton, Sutton, Sutton. Tyrell bulls up the middle for three, opening the middle of the field for a 10-yard strike to Brewer on second down.
On third and 5 at midfield, Sutton takes a screen for the first down, and NU is right back in Orange territory. The commentators have called the senior tailback 'relentless' and he certainly has been that today.
At the 30, Bacher pulls his inner Vince Young, scrambling all the way across the field before firing on the move to Lane for a gain of 22. Since the early interception, Bacher has really righted himself and looks comfortable in the pocket.
Peterman, who has been screaming for pass interfernce calls the entire time, finally gets one on 3rd and 1 to keep the drive alive.
The offensive line gives one back, as redshirt freshman Ben Burkett is called for holding after Bacher dives into the end zone on a keeper. Offensive line penalties may prove be an costly byproduct of the frenetic no-huddle offense.
But who cares when you've got TYRELL SUTTON. The senior has earned capital letters the rest of the way, as he takes a Bacher pass in the flat and flies by the defense for six.
ESPN2 finally changes songs, if not authors, for its into-commercial music, blasting "You Shook Me All Night Long." Thank you, TYRELL SUTTON.
On third and 5 at midfield, Sutton takes a screen for the first down, and NU is right back in Orange territory. The commentators have called the senior tailback 'relentless' and he certainly has been that today.
At the 30, Bacher pulls his inner Vince Young, scrambling all the way across the field before firing on the move to Lane for a gain of 22. Since the early interception, Bacher has really righted himself and looks comfortable in the pocket.
Peterman, who has been screaming for pass interfernce calls the entire time, finally gets one on 3rd and 1 to keep the drive alive.
The offensive line gives one back, as redshirt freshman Ben Burkett is called for holding after Bacher dives into the end zone on a keeper. Offensive line penalties may prove be an costly byproduct of the frenetic no-huddle offense.
But who cares when you've got TYRELL SUTTON. The senior has earned capital letters the rest of the way, as he takes a Bacher pass in the flat and flies by the defense for six.
ESPN2 finally changes songs, if not authors, for its into-commercial music, blasting "You Shook Me All Night Long." Thank you, TYRELL SUTTON.
Second Half: Off on the wrong foot - SYR 10, NU 9
AAANNNDDDD we're back!!!! New half, same music: apparently AC/DC's "For Those About To Rock" is the only track available for the good folks at ESPN2.
After a first half where the Cats outgained the 'Cuse 232-157 in total offense and had a whopping six possessions inside Orange territory, they can only be so happy with a 9-3 lead.
And the second half does not start well. Bacher coughs it up on NU's first play from scrimmage, giving Syracuse the ball deep in NU territory.
The NU defense stiffens... almost. On 3rd and goal, Adam Hahn has Orange running back Curtis Brinkley in the backfield but lets him slip away. Brinkley bounces it outside and into the end zone.
Just like that, the Cats are behind again, 10-9
After a first half where the Cats outgained the 'Cuse 232-157 in total offense and had a whopping six possessions inside Orange territory, they can only be so happy with a 9-3 lead.
And the second half does not start well. Bacher coughs it up on NU's first play from scrimmage, giving Syracuse the ball deep in NU territory.
The NU defense stiffens... almost. On 3rd and goal, Adam Hahn has Orange running back Curtis Brinkley in the backfield but lets him slip away. Brinkley bounces it outside and into the end zone.
Just like that, the Cats are behind again, 10-9
HALFTIME: NU 9, SYRACUSE 3
With a trio of carries, Sutton is over 100 yards in the first half. Facing 3rd and 4 with 1:05 left, Syracuse calls a timeout. Greg Robinson's defense looks exasperated after one half.
Bacher completes to Rasheed Ward on a timing route - for 13 yards. Under a minute left to play. Completes to Lane for 5 yards. NU uses its second timeout with 43 seconds left in the half.
Our school commercial appears with a shot of the library, a trombone, a Medill classroom, Crowe cafe, and a crowd of girls giving two thumbs up on an alcohol-free tailgating table. North-Wes-Tern University.
Bacher is flushed out of the pocket and gets out of bounds for a loss of one. NU faces a 3rd and 6 with 36 seconds left in the half, at the NU 46. Bacher misfires to Brewer, and Stefan Demos will punt for a fifth time.
He's 5-for-5 inside the 20. Syracuse returns it five yards to their own 17.
Robinson takes a QB draw and that's the end of the first half.
Thoughts: NU lost three 4th-quarter leads last season. With the no-huddle offense in play, the Cats' offense not only profits, but the defense does as well. Can't hurt to have opponents gassed for a change.
Bacher completes to Rasheed Ward on a timing route - for 13 yards. Under a minute left to play. Completes to Lane for 5 yards. NU uses its second timeout with 43 seconds left in the half.
Our school commercial appears with a shot of the library, a trombone, a Medill classroom, Crowe cafe, and a crowd of girls giving two thumbs up on an alcohol-free tailgating table. North-Wes-Tern University.
Bacher is flushed out of the pocket and gets out of bounds for a loss of one. NU faces a 3rd and 6 with 36 seconds left in the half, at the NU 46. Bacher misfires to Brewer, and Stefan Demos will punt for a fifth time.
He's 5-for-5 inside the 20. Syracuse returns it five yards to their own 17.
Robinson takes a QB draw and that's the end of the first half.
Thoughts: NU lost three 4th-quarter leads last season. With the no-huddle offense in play, the Cats' offense not only profits, but the defense does as well. Can't hurt to have opponents gassed for a change.
Two cell phones for Syracuse's AD?
With three minutes left in the half, Syracuse takes over at the 'Cuse 33.
Malcolm Arrington stuffs Hogue for no gain. Robinson delivers a late throw to Lobdell that's batted away by Justan Vaughn. Sets up 3rd and 10 from the 33. Robinson completes to Davis, but Justan Vaughn makes a solid tackle.
4th and 6 with 2:09 left in the half - Syracuse is forced to punt. The Cats call their first time out, and hit their favorite point of any game - the two-minute drill.
Dr. Daryl Gross, Syracuse's AD, appears to be on a pair of cell phones asking his sources whether the Orange have improved. Entertaining ESPN camerawork as always.
Smith fields the punt at the Cats' 12. That's where they will take over.
Malcolm Arrington stuffs Hogue for no gain. Robinson delivers a late throw to Lobdell that's batted away by Justan Vaughn. Sets up 3rd and 10 from the 33. Robinson completes to Davis, but Justan Vaughn makes a solid tackle.
4th and 6 with 2:09 left in the half - Syracuse is forced to punt. The Cats call their first time out, and hit their favorite point of any game - the two-minute drill.
Dr. Daryl Gross, Syracuse's AD, appears to be on a pair of cell phones asking his sources whether the Orange have improved. Entertaining ESPN camerawork as always.
Smith fields the punt at the Cats' 12. That's where they will take over.
Ebert gets the Cats rolling - NU 9, SYR 3
Sutton gets the offense going again, picking up 13 on a playfake draw up the gut. Bacher continues the assault, running for nine yards on the back side.
2nd and 1 at the 'Cuse 33 - Sutton picks up an unbelievable 18 yards, churning his legs through four Syracuse players. NU is quickly at the 'Cuse 14 - and the offensive line stalls. Al Netter called for the false start, after setting up several key blocks on the trio of runs.
1st and 15 from the NU 19 - Sutton is stuffed by Syracuse defensive line stalwart Arthur Jones for a one-yard loss. Bacher draws to Sutton again, picking up 4 yards.
On 3rd and 12 - Bacher completes to true freshman Jeremy Ebert for the TD. It's his first career catch - 15 yards.
Thoughts: NU led the offense in yards in the Big Ten last season, but they were 10th in scoring. Red zone conversions like that will be crucial all season to this team winning more than six games.
And with Ebert, this receiving corps somehow has another weapon. Scary.
2nd and 1 at the 'Cuse 33 - Sutton picks up an unbelievable 18 yards, churning his legs through four Syracuse players. NU is quickly at the 'Cuse 14 - and the offensive line stalls. Al Netter called for the false start, after setting up several key blocks on the trio of runs.
1st and 15 from the NU 19 - Sutton is stuffed by Syracuse defensive line stalwart Arthur Jones for a one-yard loss. Bacher draws to Sutton again, picking up 4 yards.
On 3rd and 12 - Bacher completes to true freshman Jeremy Ebert for the TD. It's his first career catch - 15 yards.
Thoughts: NU led the offense in yards in the Big Ten last season, but they were 10th in scoring. Red zone conversions like that will be crucial all season to this team winning more than six games.
And with Ebert, this receiving corps somehow has another weapon. Scary.
Punters making case for player of the game
Stefan Demos is making a case for player of the year. He nails his fourth punt inside the 20-yard line during the first half.
Of course, he's been kicking inside the 50-yard-line quite often. The Cats defense holds Syracuse to a three-and-out after Robinson delivers a flank right way short of the first down.
Rob Long punts near his goalpost, and NU will take over at the NU 46. With six minutes left in the half, its time for a big drive to get this ofense going.
Of course, he's been kicking inside the 50-yard-line quite often. The Cats defense holds Syracuse to a three-and-out after Robinson delivers a flank right way short of the first down.
Rob Long punts near his goalpost, and NU will take over at the NU 46. With six minutes left in the half, its time for a big drive to get this ofense going.
The dreaded doink - run defense holds
Under pressure on the first two downs, Robinson completes a pair of passes to Donte Davis. Delone Carter, Sutton's teammate at Archbishop Hoban in Ohio, runs for 30 yards down the right sideline on a trap play, quickly advancing the ball into NU territory
Carter is stuffed on the next play by Marshall Thomas. Robinson completes to Bruce Williams for seven yards, setting up a 3rd and 3 from the NU 34.
And the run defense is there again - Prince Kwateng and Thomas make a huge stop for no gain. Kwateng took out a
Patrick Shadle attempts a 51-yard field goal. It had plenty of distance, but clanked off the upright.
Northwestern takes over.
Thoughts: Syracuse coordinator Mitch Browning has his offense picking up yards. But he hasn't picked apart the NU defense yet. Same goes for Mick McCall. Which team will pick up the first big play that produces points instead of just yards?
Carter is stuffed on the next play by Marshall Thomas. Robinson completes to Bruce Williams for seven yards, setting up a 3rd and 3 from the NU 34.
And the run defense is there again - Prince Kwateng and Thomas make a huge stop for no gain. Kwateng took out a
Patrick Shadle attempts a 51-yard field goal. It had plenty of distance, but clanked off the upright.
Northwestern takes over.
Thoughts: Syracuse coordinator Mitch Browning has his offense picking up yards. But he hasn't picked apart the NU defense yet. Same goes for Mick McCall. Which team will pick up the first big play that produces points instead of just yards?
Cubs 3, Phillies 2 - seriously?
Syracuse punter Greg Long kicks the free kick out of bounce. That's a 30-yard advance, and amazing field position for NU at their own 50.
Pam Ward is calling a baseball game, with the dumbest graphic of the 2008 season - a comparison box to the Cubs-Phillies game yesterday. In fact, I've eaten three bowls of cereal, and my dad's only eaten two. They could've used that as well.
After a pair of carries by Omar Conteh and Sutton for 7 yards, NU has a 4th and 3 from the 'Cuse 40. Fitzgerald takes no chances - and Demos delivers another solid punt. Syracuse is pinned at their own 8-yard-line.
Thoughts: To punt in that situation, it is obvious that Fitz is more confident in the defense this season.
Pam Ward is calling a baseball game, with the dumbest graphic of the 2008 season - a comparison box to the Cubs-Phillies game yesterday. In fact, I've eaten three bowls of cereal, and my dad's only eaten two. They could've used that as well.
After a pair of carries by Omar Conteh and Sutton for 7 yards, NU has a 4th and 3 from the 'Cuse 40. Fitzgerald takes no chances - and Demos delivers another solid punt. Syracuse is pinned at their own 8-yard-line.
Thoughts: To punt in that situation, it is obvious that Fitz is more confident in the defense this season.
Safety first - SYR 3, NU 2
Prince Kwateng almost forced a huge turnover, stripping the ball at the 'Cuse 5. The Orange recover.
The defense makes another huge play, as linebacker Quentin Davie bats down Robinson's pass. There was no receiver in the area, and a safety is awarded for intentional grounding in the end zone. Huge momentum shifter for the Cats.
Thoughts: For a unit again facing questions in the offseason, the linebackers have been all over the ball so far - Kwateng, Arrington and Davie look solid. And without John Gill, the defensive line has applied plenty of pressure.
Mike Hankwitz is already proving his worth. It's unlikely the score would've been 3-2 midway through the second quarter a year ago.
The defense makes another huge play, as linebacker Quentin Davie bats down Robinson's pass. There was no receiver in the area, and a safety is awarded for intentional grounding in the end zone. Huge momentum shifter for the Cats.
Thoughts: For a unit again facing questions in the offseason, the linebackers have been all over the ball so far - Kwateng, Arrington and Davie look solid. And without John Gill, the defensive line has applied plenty of pressure.
Mike Hankwitz is already proving his worth. It's unlikely the score would've been 3-2 midway through the second quarter a year ago.
Cats come up empty, but 'Cuse pinned back
1st and 10 at the Syracuse 35 - Sutton continues to show his skill, picking up seven yards.
And the offensive line makes its first miscue - Desmond Taylor's hold brings it back. The redshirt junior pushes the offense back to the 45.
Bacher play actions, and flanks right to Brewer, but the Syracuse defense reads it beautifully.
The Cats are in a 2nd and 22 spot - Bacher completes underneath over the middle to Brewer for 12 yards. Brewer adds another big weapon over the middle on zone defense routes, with speed and size.
On 3rd and 9, Bacher goes over the middle with no one present. Peterman begs for a flag on Syracuse's all-out zero blitz. It appeared there was contact, but the Cats are force to punt.
Demos pins a beauty, as redshirt freshman Jordan Mabin pins Syracuse at their own 3. Demos was solid throughout the latter half of last season.
And the offensive line makes its first miscue - Desmond Taylor's hold brings it back. The redshirt junior pushes the offense back to the 45.
Bacher play actions, and flanks right to Brewer, but the Syracuse defense reads it beautifully.
The Cats are in a 2nd and 22 spot - Bacher completes underneath over the middle to Brewer for 12 yards. Brewer adds another big weapon over the middle on zone defense routes, with speed and size.
On 3rd and 9, Bacher goes over the middle with no one present. Peterman begs for a flag on Syracuse's all-out zero blitz. It appeared there was contact, but the Cats are force to punt.
Demos pins a beauty, as redshirt freshman Jordan Mabin pins Syracuse at their own 3. Demos was solid throughout the latter half of last season.
First quarter in the books - SYR 3, NU 0
Sutton gets the third drive going with a six yard rush. That sets up the pass on the next play, as Bacher completes to Peterman for the first down.
And the no-huddle continues - Sutton runs for another big gain of seven. That sets up the pass again as Lane makes his first catch of the season - 12 yards.
With the defense on its heels - Bacher has Peterman wide open down the field, but the ball goes off his fingertips. It would've been a huge play.
2nd and 10 from the 'Cuse 45 - Bacher carries right and takes a huge hit from the Syracuse safety, . Picks up seven on the play.
On 3rd and 3 - it appears third down receiver Charles Brown has picked up the first down. The officials take a measurement and he does. Pat Fitzgerald appears to be most fired up about his team's performance to date.
And we're through one with the Cats driving.
Thoughts: With all the yardage Syracuse picked up, it was a successful first quarter for the defense in giving up just three points.
On the offensive-side, this no-huddle attack is daunting to watch. It must be equally daunting for the players to run. If NU can begin to grasp new coordinator Mick McCall's ways, this could be very dangerous in tiring out opposing defenses throughout the season. With that being the coaches' intentions, they'll take a few kinks in the first game (the early INT, overthrow to Peterman).
And the no-huddle continues - Sutton runs for another big gain of seven. That sets up the pass again as Lane makes his first catch of the season - 12 yards.
With the defense on its heels - Bacher has Peterman wide open down the field, but the ball goes off his fingertips. It would've been a huge play.
2nd and 10 from the 'Cuse 45 - Bacher carries right and takes a huge hit from the Syracuse safety, . Picks up seven on the play.
On 3rd and 3 - it appears third down receiver Charles Brown has picked up the first down. The officials take a measurement and he does. Pat Fitzgerald appears to be most fired up about his team's performance to date.
And we're through one with the Cats driving.
Thoughts: With all the yardage Syracuse picked up, it was a successful first quarter for the defense in giving up just three points.
On the offensive-side, this no-huddle attack is daunting to watch. It must be equally daunting for the players to run. If NU can begin to grasp new coordinator Mick McCall's ways, this could be very dangerous in tiring out opposing defenses throughout the season. With that being the coaches' intentions, they'll take a few kinks in the first game (the early INT, overthrow to Peterman).
Staying honest on defense
Syracuse takes over on their own 13.
Hogue slices through the heart of the Cats' defense for a 10 yard gain. Kwateng, Phillips shut him down on the next play for a gain of two. Phillips has been active early in coming up to stop the run.
Robinson overthrows Turner Hansen, setting up 3rd and 8 deep in the Cuse's own territory.
And with the pass struggling, Hogue and the Orange convert with a draw up the middle for eight yards.
1st and 10 - John Gill's replacement, sophomore Corbin Bryant, stops Hogue for no gain. Brendan Smith comes up on the next play to make a great tackle for no gain. Sets up 3rd and 11, forcing the 'Cuse into a timeout.
Thoughts: Unlike last season, the eight-yard cushion that the defensive backs were giving the receivers is gone, and that's a positive sign.
Syracuse has 62 rushing yards and we're not even through the first quarter. Is that a sign of poor defense? Or is it an issue of staying honest in making the first defensive reads of the season?
And Pam Ward just mispronounced the Ba'Hai Temple. Bai-Hai worldwide leader in sports.
Hogue slices through the heart of the Cats' defense for a 10 yard gain. Kwateng, Phillips shut him down on the next play for a gain of two. Phillips has been active early in coming up to stop the run.
Robinson overthrows Turner Hansen, setting up 3rd and 8 deep in the Cuse's own territory.
And with the pass struggling, Hogue and the Orange convert with a draw up the middle for eight yards.
1st and 10 - John Gill's replacement, sophomore Corbin Bryant, stops Hogue for no gain. Brendan Smith comes up on the next play to make a great tackle for no gain. Sets up 3rd and 11, forcing the 'Cuse into a timeout.
Thoughts: Unlike last season, the eight-yard cushion that the defensive backs were giving the receivers is gone, and that's a positive sign.
Syracuse has 62 rushing yards and we're not even through the first quarter. Is that a sign of poor defense? Or is it an issue of staying honest in making the first defensive reads of the season?
And Pam Ward just mispronounced the Ba'Hai Temple. Bai-Hai worldwide leader in sports.
Cats come up empty on second drive
Quick flank right - Bacher completes to Peterman for eight yards.
And the running game is back - Sutton carries for 24 yards on 2nd and 2. He appears ready to jump back into talk of the Big Ten's best back.
Another shaky throw by Bacher - batted by Vincenzo Giruzzi at the line of scrimmage.
Bacher throws another flank to Sutton for seven more yards. Sets up a 3rd and 2. The Cats go back to the same play, but Giruzzi bats it away.
On 4th and 2, the Cats are forced to punt. Stefan Demos's pooch kick is back, pinning the Orange inside the 15.
Thoughts: Syracuse's defense has crowded the middle of the field early on the first two drives. NU's experienced receivers - Lane, Peterman, and even the younger Brewer - can't find room.
And the running game is back - Sutton carries for 24 yards on 2nd and 2. He appears ready to jump back into talk of the Big Ten's best back.
Another shaky throw by Bacher - batted by Vincenzo Giruzzi at the line of scrimmage.
Bacher throws another flank to Sutton for seven more yards. Sets up a 3rd and 2. The Cats go back to the same play, but Giruzzi bats it away.
On 4th and 2, the Cats are forced to punt. Stefan Demos's pooch kick is back, pinning the Orange inside the 15.
Thoughts: Syracuse's defense has crowded the middle of the field early on the first two drives. NU's experienced receivers - Lane, Peterman, and even the younger Brewer - can't find room.
Syracuse goes 3-and-out, and kicks how long a punt?
Sherrick McManis, and Brad Phillips force an incomplete on third down. The Orange go three-and-out and are forced to punt.
Brendan Smith lets the punt go, and it almost falls dead on the 1-yard-line. A 72-yard-kick that was inches from pinning Bacher and the Cats offense in huge trouble.
The defense showed its stuff again early. How will Bacher react after the pick? Stay tuned.
Brendan Smith lets the punt go, and it almost falls dead on the 1-yard-line. A 72-yard-kick that was inches from pinning Bacher and the Cats offense in huge trouble.
The defense showed its stuff again early. How will Bacher react after the pick? Stay tuned.
Is the hurry-up right for this team? Early mistakes
Stephen Simmons returns the kickoff for 40 yards. The special teams are run by Fitzgerald, and Simmons showed flashes of brilliance last season.
Bacher slings to Sutton for nine yards - offensive rhythm appears solid on the first play of the season.
Sutton gains six - and the hurry-up is in full-swing. With the defense not set, Rasheed Ward picks up six on a flank right.
And an interception. A.J. Brown intercepts C.J. Bacher.
Thought: Will the no-huddle offense exacerbate Bacher's decision making issues that he had last season? Hopefully its just early kinks.
Bacher slings to Sutton for nine yards - offensive rhythm appears solid on the first play of the season.
Sutton gains six - and the hurry-up is in full-swing. With the defense not set, Rasheed Ward picks up six on a flank right.
And an interception. A.J. Brown intercepts C.J. Bacher.
Thought: Will the no-huddle offense exacerbate Bacher's decision making issues that he had last season? Hopefully its just early kinks.
We're underway - 'Cuse strike first
Welcome Northwestern Football Fans. The 2008 season is here, and the Daily will be liveblogging throughout the season to bring you up-to-the-minute news during Wildcats football games.
The Orange were last in the Big East in scoring last year. But it doesn't matter on the first drive. Syracuse nails a 36-yard field goal.
Syracuse 3, Northwestern 0
Positives - The run defense, led by linebackers Malcolm Arrington and Prince Kwateng, made two key stops when it had to.
Negative - If this is the type of penetration they're going to give up all season, has anything changed from the Colby era?
The Orange were last in the Big East in scoring last year. But it doesn't matter on the first drive. Syracuse nails a 36-yard field goal.
Syracuse 3, Northwestern 0
Positives - The run defense, led by linebackers Malcolm Arrington and Prince Kwateng, made two key stops when it had to.
Negative - If this is the type of penetration they're going to give up all season, has anything changed from the Colby era?
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