Northwestern is making a change under center.
After falling in overtime to Duke last week, 26-20, head coach Dave Braun is moving off of quarterback Mike Wright in favor of redshirt sophomore Jack Lausch — at least for now.
“We have made a decision at the quarterback position to give Jack Lausch the start against Eastern Illinois,” Braun said near the end of his opening statement in his weekly press conference on Monday. “I’m excited for Jack. I’m excited for our football team.”
Northwestern (1-1, 0-0 B1G) has yet to score a touchdown through the air this season. Against Miami (Ohio), Wright finished 18-of-30 for 178 yards. He scored a touchdown in that game on the ground, leading all rushers with 65 yards on nine carries. Last week against the Blue Devils, Wright finished 20-of-36 through the air with 158 yards and an interception.
“Incredibly appreciative of Mike Wright and the teammate that he is and the effort that he has put in to being a member of this team,” Braun said after revealing the decision. “Mike will continue to be an integral piece of everything that we’re doing. Talk about a young man that’s high character, a great teammate — everything you want in a Northwestern Wildcat. I know Mike and I am very confident Mike will handle this like the high character young man that he is. He’ll prepare the same way; he’ll stay ready.”
Braun added that he is excited for Lausch to have his first collegiate start. Lausch appeared in 10 games last season for Northwestern, but completed just two of his three attempts for 10 yards while having 19 carries for 80 yards and a score. In 2022, Lausch appeared against Illinois. He has yet to appear in a game this season.
One factor played a big role in this decision: protecting the ball.
Against Miami, Wright lost two fumbles in the first half, including one on the goal line that should’ve been a Northwestern touchdown. He then through the aforementioned pick against Duke.
“It’s just executing our offense and valuing the football. That’s something for us to be at our best, we need to win the turnover margin,” Braun said when asked about what he hopes to see from Lausch that he didn’t from Wright. ” It’s something that we emphasize in terms of valuing the football. At the quarterback position, you’re going to have the ball in your hand every single play — your ultimate responsibility is to protect and value the football.
“It’s going to be the ultimate charge for Jack to lead this group, to execute in this offense and make sure we’re valuing the football.”
The decision to tag in Lausch for the starting nod was a collaborative one between Braun and his staff. The coach added, “I’m incredibly confident in the direction that we’re going.”
Northwestern hosts Eastern Illinois Saturday at Martin Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. CST kickoff.
