Northwestern Struggles Early But Eases Past Syracuse

Tyrell Sutton was in freshman form today versus Syracuse and carried the team to a 30-10 victory.

C.J Bacher and the Northwestern offense was shaky in the first quarter after Bacher was picked by Syracuse linebacker Derrell Smith on a crossing pattern.

The turning point of the first half was the intentional grounding forced by the Northwestern defense that was called a safety since it took place in the end-zone. 

Nine minutes later Bacher was able to connect with true freshman Jeremy Ebert for a 16 yard touchdown that put the Wildcats up six going into the half.

As the 2nd half began, Northwestern fans were given a scare as Sutton put the ball on the ground and that fumble resulted in a Syracuse touchdown.

After the fumble Sutton came back and ran all over the Syracuse defense, which opened up the Northwestern passing game.

Bacher would connect with Sutton on a 12 yard touchdown pass and then on the next Syracuse possession Junior Brendan Smith would intercept Syracuse QB Andrew Robinson and take it in for a touchdown.

After the interception you could sense the Syracuse spirit had been crushed. Coming into the game Syracuse was a heavy underdog and for 2 and 1/2 quarters they were staying with Northwestern.

It took the offense a while to get going but when they got it going they looked really good and may have a bowl caliber team this season.

Only time will tell if this team will be a bowl threat but if they can beat the first four teams of their soft schedule then they will be poised for a real run at making a bowl this season.

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