The Northwestern Wildcats came into Saturday’s matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes scoring just 65 points in their first four games. The Wildcats were ranked as the worst scoring offense in the Big Ten and 125th out of 128 FBS teams coming into this game. Averaging just under 17 points per game the Wildcats put up 38 points versus the Hawkeyes defense in route to their 38-31 victory in Iowa City, Iowa.
Running back Justin Jackson had a big day on the ground as he rushed for 171 yards and wide receiver Austin Carr snagged three touchdown grabs from quarterback Clayton Thorson to secure their second victory of the season.
The defense also came up big as Trae Williams interception in the final minute sealed the win for the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1 Big Ten). The Wildcats tallied six sacks on the day and Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo had four of them.
“For us to weather that storm and then not to flinch after they went on a 17-0 run, I thought showed some maturity from this group and then to get the finish was critically important,” stated Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald. “We’ve got to squeeze everything out of this group. I think they’re coming along for us.”
Thomson completed 18 of his 30 passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns for a 75.6 QBR Rating. Jackson’s 171 rushing yards came on 26 carries and he had a nice dash to the end zone of 58 yards for a score. Carr had 6 grabs for 73 yards and the three touchdowns for the Wildcats. Carr is the first Wildcat player to catch a touchdown pass in four straight games since the 2000 season.
The offense put up three scoring drives of 75 plus yards in the second half. This was something the offense had problems with in the first four games was putting together long drives. Limiting mistakes Saturday was another big plus for Fitzgeralds squad.
“The offense has been there, but I just think we’ve had self inflicted wounds,” stated Fitzgerald.
Next up for the Wildcats is a bye week and then a show down against No. 17 Michigan State at MSU on October 15th.
