Halftime Analysis

The story line is similar to last years contest, but Northwestern has the lead 17-10. After struggling both offensively and defensively early, the Wildcats responded with three scoring drives of their own and limiting Duke to only one. The biggest difference? NU has taken advantage of opportunities, despite being out-gained and losing the time of possession battle. 

The game has been up-tempo as expected, and conditioning will definitely come into play in the second half. Both teams stressed it in spring practices, but we'll see who put the extra hours in.

Great job so far by Mick McCall to balance the play calling - 16 passes, 13 runs. 

Defensively, Wooton has been in the backfield on nearly every play, Quentin Davie has made big game-saving tackles, and the secondary has held Thaddeus Lewis and Zack Asack to 94 yards through the air. 

Coach Pat Fitzgerald always stresses finishing. The Cats hold a seven point advantage, but Duke is certainly within striking distance. NU needs to put Duke away just like it did last week against Syracuse. Last year the Cats let teams hang around and surrendered late leads and was forced to play two overtime thrillers.