Running back Terrell Jordan opened the season with three carries and a loss of five yards against TCU. Now the junior is splitting possessions with starting senior Noah Herron.
Northwestern coach Randy Walker said after Saturday’s loss to Minnesota and in a press conference Monday that the Wildcats’ running game will revolve around two rushers for the remainder of the season.
“I think there was some kind of misconception that we were a solo, single-back team,” Walker said Monday. “I think Terrell has earned some carries and earned some opportunities. It’s a good thing. We needed to have another guy emerge.”
Jordan has 148 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries this season. But he struggled against Minnesota, running for just 19 yards on nine carries. Jordan also had the only fumble of the game.
“What we’re doing is what I’m certain is the best thing to do,” Walker said. “And we’re going to play two backs. That’s just going to happen.
And it’s the best thing for our football team. It’s the best thing for Noah.”
After Herron ran for three consecutive first downs in NU’s opening drive against the Golden Gophers, he sat for most of the game, carrying just eight more times.
Herron, who has 362 yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries this season, said after the game he was “a little” surprised with his number of carries.
“Right now coach said we’re rotating, so that’s how I have to play,”Herron said. “(I have to) wait my turn, I guess.”
Herron finished with 78 yards against the Gophers. The Cats totaled 267 offensive yards, their worst showing of the season.
“Noah’s number of carries and plays had nothing to do with our offense’s production Saturday, ” Walker said.
Returner needed
With junior Derell Jenkins out for the season after suffering a broken wrist, it’s time for NU to find a new kick returner to accompany junior Jeff Backes.
Walker said Monday the new returner probably would be true freshman Brandon Roberson, who was recruited as a running back.
“He’d be a good selection, I think,” Walker said. “He’s been working at it. We’ve kind of been bringing him along as a backup.”
The 18-year-old from Pearland, Texas, said he’s ready to play against No. 7 Ohio State on Saturday night.
“I feel pretty confident going into this weekend,” Roberson said. “I’m pretty mature for my age, and I think I’m ready.”
If he’s not ready, Walker said there are a couple of other options available.
“Mark Philmore works back there,” Walker said. “Terrell got going a little bit back as a deep guy. There’s several guys we’re going to probably look at.”
Jenkins suffered the injury while blocking during a kick return at Minnesota. He had surgery on his wrist earlier this week, Walker said.
Captain of the week
Win or lose, there’s one category in which NU will be inconsistent for the remainder of the season: captains.
For the first time since 1987, the Cats will have different team captains every week.
“I thought we had a lot of quality seniors who deserved the opportunity,” Walker said. “And I wanted to keep everybody involved. Once you select captains in August, it seems like everybody else thinks they don’t have to lead.”
NU has had 13 different captains this season. Safety Dominique Price is the only player who has been named captain twice.
“We did that when I was player, and I thought it was positive,” Walker said. “I did it for a number of years at Miami (Ohio), and I thought it was positive just to get everybody that experience.”
Basanez to play
Quarterback Brett Basanez, who suffered a sprain in his shoulder against Minnesota, is expected to start against the Buckeyes on Saturday, Walker said.
Basanez threw the ball Wednesday but has yet to practice with the team this week. Both Walker and Basanez said he’ll be back in action at practice Thursday.
Reach Teddy Kider at [email protected].
