For Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis and Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman, the passing pocket against Northwestern resembled a pitching mound.
In the Wildcats’ losses to the Blue Devils and Buckeyes, Lewis and Boeckman completed a combined 30-of-37 passes for 425 yards, pushing NU to 10th in the Big Ten in passing defense.
The drop in the rankings is a product of allowing big plays, which have plagued NU throughout all four games this season. Opponents have racked up 44 plays of more than 10 yards this season.
“I think most teams in the league are going to take five to six shots a game,” Fitzgerald said. “If you win on those five to six shots, you give yourself an opportunity to put them second-and-long. That’s a good situation as a defense as opposed to a touchdown. We had an 0-for (against Ohio State).”
After the Sept. 1 shutout against Northeastern – a game that now seems distant – several NU defenders took a harsh approach towards the lack of turnovers and sacks forced by the unit.
“We didn’t get the production we wanted to,” junior defensive tackle John Gill said after the 27-0 win. “We played well when it came to our assignment and being in our gap. But we just didn’t get the sacks and turnovers and even tackles.”
The drought of defensive plays has persisted. Gill’s sack last weekend against Boeckman came on a 4th-and-8 with Ohio State leading by 35, bringing the Cats to a season total of four sacks in four games.
“I think we’ve improved but I think we need to get better,” Gill said. “We get pressure every now and then, but it needs to be every play.”
A TRIO OF OPTIONS
NU’s running game will look to find its flare this weekend against Michigan after a paltry 38 yards combined in weeks three and four. As history indicates, the ground game has been a crucial element for the Cats, who are 36-12 since 1999 when out-rushing their opponent.
While Fitzgerald admitted that the loss of Sutton has been a blow to the offense, he believes the experience gained by backups Brandon Roberson and Omar Conteh can only benefit the offense.
“When Tyrell comes back, it’s going to be a great competition,” Fitzgerald said. “You don’t lose your job because you’re hurt, but these guys are going to push to be in our top 11. That gives me great optimism for our future of our offense.”
Sutton missed practice Tuesday with flu-like symptoms as he continues to fight through a high ankle sprain. His status for Saturday remains uncertain.
INCHES TO GO
Wolverines running back Mike Hart will make his first appearance at Ryan Field this weekend. Hart did not play in No. 25 Michigan’s 33-17 victory over No. 21 NU in Evanston two years ago. The senior has rushed for 246 yards on 43 carries in two career games against the Cats … Defensive end Corey Wootton practiced in non-contact drills Tuesday after suffering a hip flexor last Saturday against Ohio State. Fitzgerald said the move was a precautionary measure.
Reach Chris Gentilviso at [email protected].
