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Northwestern - TeamReport

[October 25, 2016] Surging Wildcats face big test at Ohio State

Northwestern was held to a mere 24 points last Saturday but the final result was what counted most in a 10-point Big Ten victory over Indiana.

The Wildcats (4-3, 3-1) had averaged 46 points in two previous games but scored all they needed early last weekend as they jumped to leads of 14-3 in the first quarter and 24-3 by halftime on the way to a 24-14 victory.

"Everything worked well for us in the first half," Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson said. "We were really balanced. When we're like that, we're tough to beat. We feel we can go against anyone in the country when we're playing like that."

Thorson and Co. won't face just anybody this week. They travel to Columbus, Ohio on Saturday to take on No. 6 Ohio State, coming off a 24-21 loss to Penn State.

The lack of second half scoring and other lapses may be a concern for Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald, but it was hard to argue with the fast start and successful outcome.

"We haven't put together three phases of 60-minute football," Fitzgerald said. "We're not going to stop coaching the heck out of these guys until we get that accomplished."

Thorson threw for another career-high -- this time 285 yards and three touchdowns -- while Austin Carr hauled in nine receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown. Justin Jackson added 34 receiving yards to his 94 yards on the ground.

Carr caught his ninth touchdown pass of the season and it also marked the sixth-straight game in which he's had a touchdown reception, the first Wildcat to do so since 2000.

Northwestern outgained Indiana by 138 yards the first quarter alone and that dominance continued into the second.

The Wildcats will complete the season without senior defensive back Matthew Harris, who announced his retirement from football this week after being sidelined since Week 2 with a concussion.

Harris, a 2016 team captain, earned All-Big Ten recognition in 2015 and is a two-time Academic all-conference honoree. In 37 career games he collected 161 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions and three forced fumbles.

"There are few things I love more than playing the game of football and the game has provided me with so many opportunities, including the chance to attend this university," Harris said in a statement. "It has been a blessing to be a part of this community and learn so many lessons."

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NCAAF Team Report - Northwestern - NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--WR Austin Carr had seven catches for 125 yards and a touchdown against Indiana. He's now scored a TD in six straight games and recorded his fourth 100-yard plus day. He continues to lead the Big Ten in receptions (50), yards (720) and touchdowns (9).

--QB Clayton Thorson went 24-of-43 for 285 yards and three TDs, his fourth game with three or more. He's now tied for 10th in program history with 14 TD passes this season and has already surpassed his 2015 passing yardage total with 1,686 so far this season.

--LB Ifeadi Odenigbo recorded his eighth sack of the season and has 21.5 for his career, good for second place all-time at in program history. He passed Steve Shine (21.0 from 1990-93) and now trails all-time sacks leader Casey Dailey (1994-97).

--P Hunter Niswander averaged 39.6 yards on eight punts and landed one at the Indiana five-yard line.

SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads Northwestern 60-14-1 and has won five straight.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're a pretty young team, and we were playing young. Over the last few weeks, we realized either we step it up now or we let it roll downhill.'' -- Junior safety Godwin Igwebuike on the difference between Northwestern's early season play and recent games.

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NCAAF Team Report - Northwestern - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

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GAME BREAKDOWN

Scouting the running game: Justin Jackson rushed for 94 of Northwestern's 123 net yards last Saturday against the Hoosiers. But the Wildcats slipped to 106th nationally with an 137.4 yards per game average.

Scouting the passing game: QB Clayton Thorson had another big game, going was 24-of-43 for a career-high 285 yards, three touchdowns and no picks. WR Austin Carr had seven catches for 125 yards and one score. Northwestern moved up to 52nd nationally this week with a per-game average of ranks 64th nationally in passing yardage with a 241.1 yard per game average.

Scouting the run defense: The Wildcats held an opponent under 100 yards for the third straight game, limiting Indiana to 84 net yards rushing. Northwestern is now 32nd in the country allowing 132.2 yards per game.

Scouting the pass defense: Indiana passed for 319 yards on 35-of-59 attempts but had no passing TDs. Northwestern tumbled to 106th in the country with a 276.3 yards per game average.

Scouting the special teams: P Hunter Niswander averaged 39.6 yards on eight punts and landed one at the Indiana five-yard line. Jack Mitchell had a 19-yard field goal and his five kickoffs averaged 59.0 yards.

DRAFT PROSPECTS (includes 2017 NFLDraftScout.com rating as applicable):

--MLB Anthony Walker (No. 3 ILB, 62nd overall) -- The returning All-American made his 27th consecutive start. He had a game-high 11 tackles, including 10 solo against Indiana.

--RB Justin Jackson (No. 12 RB, 132nd overall) -- Rushed for 94 of Northwestern's 123 net yards last Saturday. He has 17 career games with 100-yards or more rushing.

--CB Matthew Harris (No. 28 CB, 233rd overall) -- Suffered a head injury vs. Illinois State and has missed significant time in each of his three seasons. He announced his retirement from football this week.

--LS Chris Fitzpatrick (No. 3 LS, 501st overall) -- Has played in every game as long snapper and contributed to kicker Jack Mitchell's 18 field goals and Hunter Niswander's 38.3 punt average last year.

--OT Eric Olson (No. 45 OT, 611th overall) -- Started all but two games last fall at right tackle and was a key member of unit that has helped Justin Jackson rush for 792 yards and six TDs this season.

--DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (No. 56 DE, 734th overall) -- Had three tackles including a sack against Indiana.

--OLB Jaylen Prater (No. 58 OLB, 737th overall) -- Collected seven tackles, including five solo, last Saturday against the Hoosiers.

--OG Ian Park (No. 52 OG, 912nd overall) -- Helped running back Justin Jackson rush for over 1,000 yards for the second-straight season.

--WR Austin Carr (No. 138 WR, 943rd overall) -- Caught a seven catches for 125 yards -- his second game with 100-yards plus receiving -- and caught a TD against Indiana.

ROSTER REPORT

--LB Brett Walsh remains out with an unspecified injury but head coach Pat Fitzgerald said he's expected to make a full recovery and return to football at a later date.

--RB Warren Long remains out with broken hand.

--CB Matthew Harris suffered a head injury early in the season and has not played since. He announced his retirement from football this week.

--CB Keith Watkins is out for the year after suffering a torn ACL in the preseason.

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