Tag: Wildcats

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FOOTBALL: Northwestern-Stanford Halftime Notes

Northwestern headed into halftime with a 10-3 lead over #21 Stanford Cardinal. Here’s some notes from the first half:

  • Stanford had their way with the NU defense on the first drive. RB Christian McCaffrey got plenty of touches,  and he figures to be a big part of the Cardinal’s offense this season. But on 3rd & 8 on Northwestern’s 12-yard line, QB Kevin Hogan’s pass to McCaffrey was incomplete. Good pass defense by LB Anthony Walker while DL Deonte Gibson hurried Hogan up.
  • NU’s second drive much better than first. 13 plays, 69 yards. Thorson connecting with Christian Jones early, but later in the drive made a couple poor passes. Justin Jackson had two runs of at least 16 yards, and entered the second quarter with 45 yards on five rushes. He is good.
  • Stanford’s fourth drive went 6 plays, 7 yards. The Northwestern defense really clamped down on the Cardinal offense after that initial drive.
  • Clayton Thorson ran for a 42-yard touchdown with 6:18 left in the half. He had 63 yards, second on the team to Jackson’s 66.
  • LB Anthony Walker was everywhere in the first half. The sophomore had 5 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and also recovered a fumble. An absolute monster on the field.

 

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Northwestern vs McKendree Halftime Rapid Reaction

By Mike Marut

NU Era Round 2 is officially underway with half of coach Chris Collins’s squad being freshmen. The Wildcats started out strong, winning the tip and scoring 15 unanswered points and forcing McKendree to take rushed shots and make hurried plays. If NU didn’t have enough momentum, a charge taken within the first four and a half minutes added to it. The ‘Cats’ defense seemed spot on to start the game and Collins made sure to keep the team breathing making substitutions early and often.

Uncle Mo’ ran alongside NU tonight especially after Vic Law threw down the first dunk of the season. Alex Olah led the offense as the only double digit scorer while five players recorded more than one rebound. The first half was a blowout by the ‘Cats, having multiple And-1’s, charges, scorers (10 players put up points) and going 6 for 9 from beyond the arc. With a hand in every passing lane and bodies on the floor for loose balls, it’s clear the 2014-2015 team will be a force to be reckoned with.

One aspect NU still needs work on: free throws (5/12 in the first half).

Halftime Score: 57 Northwestern 24 McKendree