A few notes, observations, and random facts before and after Northwestern’s 24–20 win over Duke…
Pre-game (Wild)Cat Nips
- Tony Pauline of TFYDraft.com on running back Tyrell Sutton’s NFL potential: “He's one of the better third-down backs in the nation heading toward the draft.”
- I emailed ESPN Draft Expert Mel Kiper Jr. on Wednesday asking for his take on Sutton’s NFL potential:
Sam (Bleacher Report.com): What are the scouts saying about Tyrell Sutton's pro-grade?
Mel Kiper: “First of all, when he's healthy, Northwestern is a different football team. Their offense at Northwestern is outstanding. Sutton [is] not real big, but when he's healthy, [he is a] really a good football player. He gives them a weapon in the backfield. How does he project to the pro level? I'd say a situational guy. But I think this [Northwestern] can win 8-9 games.”
- Leading up to the game, senior defensive tackle John Gill was named the Wildcats' defensive “practice” player of the week. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald on Gill’s preparation for Duke: "He was like a man possessed."
Post-game (Wild)Cat Nips
- What an exciting game to watch…oh wait, it wasn’t on television. At least we could listen, albeit on a random radio station (1160 AM) due to the Cubs vs. Reds game earning first priority on WGN Radio.
- Quarterback C.J. Bacher didn’t throw an interception this time, but he also didn’t record a touchdown pass and completed only 45 percent of his throws. He did have an exciting play in the second quarter, when receiver Eric Peterman found Bacher on a 25-yard receiver throwback.
6 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Michael Wagner 10 months ago
Man I'm not sure if I would have wanted to watch this game get all frustrated. I thought that this offense would run over the average, at best, Duke defense but they were held to 327 yards. At least they didn't lose, I agree with Pat...they have a lot of work to do.
2-0
Loved the Mel Kiper thing 8 win team? Awesome. As much as many people do not like Mel I think his is great.
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Sam Wenk 10 months ago
Thanks for the comment Michael. I was shocked when Kiper emailed me back. The funny thing is he writes like he talks, so at least I know the email was real.
The Cats need to put this game behind them, even though they won. I thought they'd make a statement by destroying the Blue Devils but too many things went wrong. Unlike last year, they managed to win despite playing below their expected level.
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Bob Warja 10 months ago
Kudos on the Kiper mini-interview. Now you have a foot in the door in case yu want to do an article on him or use him for another reason. Excellent work.
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Sam Wenk 10 months ago
Thanks Bob. I was shocked when I found his response in my inbox. He probably gets a million emails a week.
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Bob Warja 10 months ago
I once got a response from Peter Gammons and they say he hardly ever responds. So you never know. In fact, I had asked him if Texas would consider trading A-Rod and he said no way, he is untradeable with hsi salary. Oh well, nobody's perfect.
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Chris Bremner 10 months ago
Nice coverage Sam, Way to stay on top of things. I am surprised he responded as well. I wouldn't even know where to go to e-mail Mel, then again Iv'e never looked. Keep up the good work.
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