FACT OR FICTION: Week 5 Edition

Before I get into the truths and untruths of various media reports about Northwestern football, a quick thought on the betting line for Saturday’s game at Iowa. Now, I know that the Wildcats have basically feasted on cupcakes so far this season – they haven’t played a single team that currently has a vote in either the AP or USA Today/Coaches Poll. That being said… eight-point underdogs? Really? I mean, Iowa’s biggest win came against Big 12 patsy Iowa State, and they lost to a Pittsburgh team that may or may not be mediocre. The skewed line is yet another example of NU being shafted by the general public. Maybe a win would shut the naysayers up. Which leads me to…

FICTION: “The difference comes at the line of scrimmage, where Iowa’s defense overpowers Northwestern’s new-look offensive line and neutralizes Tyrell Sutton.”
-Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Big Ten blog

Maybe if Sutton were still favoring the left hamstring he strained last Saturday. But with him 100 percent, look for a repeat of last year’s performance against the Hawkeyes (159 all-purpose yards and a touchdown)

FACT: “But it’s worth pointing out that two teams experiencing an early-season renaissance are the spread teams Minnesota and Northwestern, both 4-0.”
-New York Times, The Quad Blog, Big Ten Notebook

NU has run the spread for years now, but the advent of new offensive coordinator Mick McCall’s no-huddle offense has certainly helped the Cats this season. Minnesota might even be more impressive, where sophomore quarterback Adam Weber in second in the conference in pass yards per game and passing efficiency. Oh, and the Gophers have already quadrupled last year’s win total.

FICTION: “If Northwestern can shut down Iowa first downs early and force (Iowa quarterback Ricky) Stanzi into second-and-longs, some experts are predicting a surprisingly fulfilling afternoon for the purple passionate at Kinnick Stadium.”
-Jim O’Donnell, Chicago Sun-Times

Don’t get me wrong, NU has a great chance at victory on Saturday. But defense intensity on first down is far from the key to a win. Much more important is the ability of NU quarterback C.J. Bacher to avoid mistakes, the turnover battle, and the red zone efficiency of both teams.

Also what “experts” are predicting a Cats win? ESPN’s Rittenberg picked Iowa 20-17, and as I said earlier, Iowa is an eight-point favorite. But that’s just me.

Bye now.
-Jake Simpson