Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/416910
NORTHWESTERN RUNNING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE In the first quarter, the Wildcats had 44- and 45- yard explosions through the middle on the zone read by running backs Justin Jackson and Treyvon Green to set up two different touchdowns. That in turn helped open up 15- and 16-yard runs by quar- terback Trevor Siemian, not known for his running skills, off the zone read on a couple of second-half scoring drives. Siemian also walked into the end zone on a six-yard run to narrow the deficit to 40-35, after a successful two-point conversion. In the second half, especially once Irish junior lineman Sheldon Day was sidelined, Northwestern was productive running along the edge, similar to Arizona State the previous week when it finished on a 21-0 run. The Wildcats totaled 263 yards on the ground while averaging 5.5 yard per carry, and the absence of Notre Dame senior Mike linebacker Joe Schmidt (fractured and dislocated ankle) has been all too conspicuous. ADVANTAGE: Northwestern NORTHWESTERN PASSING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME PASS DEFENSE The best pass defense that Notre Dame sometimes offered was dropped passes by the Wildcats, includ- ing four well-thrown balls by Siemian on one stalled drive in the first half. Only two of the 30 Northwest- ern completions went for more than 17 yards. Interceptions by senior nickel Matthias Farley in the end zone and sophomore corner Cole Luke to set up a 13-yard touchdown drive that extended Notre Dame's lead to 40-29 evened out this category. It was Northwestern's ability to run effectively that hurt the Irish more and spread out the defense. ADVANTAGE: Even NOTRE DAME RUNNING GAME VS. NORTHWESTERN RUN DEFENSE Senior quarterback Everett Golson's surprising ON PAPER REVISITED BY LOU SOMOGYI Sophomore running back Tarean Folston led the way for the Notre Dame rushing attack with 106 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, breaking the cen- tury mark for the third time this season. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA