Pre-Game Primer
Michigan State (5-1) at Northwestern (5-0)
Date: Oct. 11, 2008
Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL
Game Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
On Air: ESPN 2, 720 AM
Line: Michigan State by three
Northwestern can win if...
...they don’t let Javon Ringer beat them. Ringer has been the best playmaker in the conference (maybe the nation) and will be looking to build on his already impressive 2008 season. Averaging over 164 yards per game, Ringer has found the end zone a nation-leading 12 times.
Northwestern defensive tackle John Gill will need to provide a consistent push on the line to disrupt the Spartans' rushing attack.
Wildcat quarterback C.J. Bacher needs to be the game manager he has been through the first five games, despite MSU’s banged-up secondary. His history against the Spartans is fantastic, and he’s coming of an impressive win over Iowa, but letting the ball fly on every play isn’t going to cut it in this game. If he continues to use all of his receivers, as he has done frequently this season, the chains will be moving all afternoon.
Running back Tyrell Sutton shouldn’t have trouble against an average Michigan State defense. The bye week allowed Sutton to rest his less than 100 percent hamstring, and he will most likely have another productive Saturday.
NU offensive coordinator Mick McCall has to run the ball early and often, taking advantage of a healthy Sutton and a receiving corps that has really come on as of late.
Northwestern will struggle if...
...they lose the time of possession battle. Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer has one mission: Hand the ball to Ringer. The Spartans can keep drives alive by running the ball on almost every play, as they have done for a majority of the season.
If Northwestern can’t at least contain the running game (forget stopping it) and try to make Hoyer beat them, the contest could quickly turn into “The Javon Ringer Show.” Remember, Ringer is a favorite for the Heisman Trophy, and MSU head coach Mark Dantonio will do all he can to get his senior the award.
Wildcat defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz has received a lot of praise so far and is one of the big reasons Northwestern is undefeated. However, Hankwitz has yet to face a talent like Ringer in 2008 and will have to implement some new plays to keep his numbers in check. The heavy blitz scheme Hankwitz likes to use will need to be toned down as the linebackers are better off playing zone for this matchup.
Northwestern players to watch
Running back Tyrell Sutton
comments (4) write a comment »
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about 1 month ago
Great article. Go Wildcats.
It is a crying shame students at NWU failed when they tried to change the nickname to the purple haze. Mildcats is such a generic name. ;)
If they had maybe today we would have more interesting nicknames. Schools are missing a great fundraising opportunity.Couldn't you see the UC Zolofts? OSU Viagras? Alabama Abilifys? ...
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the nice words. I'm not so sure about those fund raising opportunities, but they certainly are funny!
about 1 month ago
Big game for the Wildcats, It has been a great season for the Cats this season. Hopefully they can keep it going on Saturday!
from about 1 month ago
I can't wait to see Purple Haze take place. The fans have really adopted this 2008 team and want them to do as well as possible. If NU can pull the upset, who knows what will happen?!
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