Forget the ‘Cardiac Cats.’ What we saw Saturday in New Orleans was the ‘Lifeless Cats.’
From the opening drive to the final whistle, Northwestern could get nothing going as the Wildcats fell to Tulane, 23-3.
Uncharacteristic performance
The hype around transfer quarterback Preston Stone quickly vanished as the former SMU leader threw four picks on the day and fumbled twice, one of which was lost. Entering Saturday’s game against Tulane, Stone had thrown eight picks throughout his entire collegiate career.
Head coach called Stone’s outing “Uncharacteristic.”
“A lot of practices with Preston throughout spring ball and summer and, you know, shoot … he’s going to let it rip and fit in some tight windows,” Braun said. “But you know, I think his worst performance in fall camp had a couple interceptions in it.”
Receiving the ball to start the game, Stone was hit immediately from the blindside and lost the ball. The Wildcats recovered after a loss of roughly seven yards. After a run back to the 25-yard line, Stone threw his first interception of the day to end the opening drive.
Tulane responded to take an early 7-0 advantage.
Within the final minute of the first quarter, Luke Akers notched a 21-yard field goal to make it a 4-point game.
Stone threw another pair of picks in the second quarter while the Green Wave extended their lead to 20-3 at the half.
Running back Cam Porter said that the level of ball security was not up to their standard.
“We’re going to get right back to work and, you know, work through, you know, and watch the tape and just improve on today,” Porter said.
Another pick was thrown in the final minute of the third and fumble happened in the latter part of the fourth. Stone finished 19-of-36 through the air.
“It’s going to be an opportunity for him to bounce back and rebound,” Braun said. “He’s mentally tough, physically tough.”
Lackluster all around
The Wildcats’ offense reached Tulane territory on just five drives all game. The first trip ended in three points, but the remaining ended in interception, turnover on downs, turnover on downs and finally the late fumble.
Northwestern mustered just 237 yards of offense, including 161 through the air and 76 on the ground. The Wildcats were 5-of-12 on third down.
The defense gave up 421 yards to Tulane, including 269 on the ground. In the second quarter, Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff took off for a 69-yard score to boost that stat line. Aidan Hubbard recorded the Wildcats’ lone sack of the game.
Bright spot
Safety Robert Fitzgerald recorded a career-high 13 tackles in the game. Braun called him a warrior.
“You know, one of the most consistent guys I’ve ever coached, one of the toughest guys I’ve ever coached, one of the best leaders,” he said.
Fitzgerald shrugged off the mark, stating that he doesn’t care for personal achievements when the team lost.
Stone’s top target Griffin Wilde, a transfer receiver from South Dakota State, showed his value with six catches for 64 yards.
Next up, the Wildcats host Western Illinois on Friday at the Lakefront. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST.
