Northwestern-Southern Illinois: College Football Pregame Primer

PREGAME PRIMER

Southern Illinois (1-0) at Northwestern (2-0)

Date: Sept. 13, 2008

Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

Game Time: 11:00 a.m. CT

On Air: Big Ten Network, 720 AM

Line: Off

Northwestern can win if… 

…quarterback C.J. Bacher can find his rhythm early.  The Southern Illinois defense surrendered 450 total yards to Hampton last Saturday and likely won’t be able to stop a mistake-free Bacher.

Somehow, 404 of those yards-allowed were through the air, with only 46 on the ground.  Still, running back Tyrell Sutton should have no trouble finding the end zone in this game.  He cramped up late in the Duke game but hasn’t had any setbacks all week during practice.

Northwestern’s offensive line been very good so far in 2008.  If the group can continue to mesh, the holes should be there for Sutton to run through.  Guard Keegan Kennedy has provided a major boost after converting from playing defensive tackle last season. 

The Northwestern defense must contain shifty running back Larry Warner, who is a major threat in the backfield and on special teams.  Wildcat defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz needs to reduce his blitzing calls in order keep his linebackers from over-pursuing.  If the Cats shut down Warner and force the Salukis to pass, Hankwitz will be a happy man.

Northwestern will struggle if…

…they let the Salukis gain any sort of momentum.  There will be more Southern Illinois fans making the trip up from Carbondale to cheer on their team, so it is essential the Wildcats score early to silence them and keep the momentum.

If Warner returns his second kickoff of the year for a touchdown, the Saluki faithful will erupt and be buzzed the entire game.

There likely will be a shootout between both teams, as both quarterbacks are prepared for a potential gunslinging competition.  Southern Illinois will focus on stopping Sutton from any big gains, hoping to force Bacher to commit costly turnovers.  The Saluki defense forced five of them last weekend.

As always, if the Wildcats dig themselves into a hole by committing penalties and turnovers, Southern Illinois will walk away a winner.

Northwestern players to watch

Quarterback C.J. Bacher

He could have a career game against a poor Saluki defense that allowed Hampton quarterback Herbert Bynes to throw for over 400 yards and three scores.  Sure, they force turnovers, but it’s “hit or miss” with this unit, and they tend to miss more frequently.

Running back Tyrell Sutton

Sutton has piled up three touchdowns this season, demonstrating that as he goes, so goes the offense.  He needs to be a factor in the passing game like he was in the opener against Syracuse.  Against Duke, Sutton didn’t record a reception, failing to give Bacher the safety valve he clearly needs.

Linebacker Prince Kwateng

For the Wildcats to contain the Saluki running game, Kwateng must keep his fellow linebackers (Quentin Davie and Malcolm Arrington) honest to make sure Larry Warner doesn’t get past them. 

Southern Illinois players to watch

Quarterback Chris Dieker

In his first career start, the 6'5", 227-lb. sophomore dominated Hampton, completing 55 percent of his passes and throwing for three touchdowns.  He isn’t afraid to let it fly. 

Running back Larry Warner

The “mighty midget” himself ran for 151 yards on 19 carries last weekend against Hampton and scored two touchdowns, including one a 95-yard kickoff return.  By the end of the day, he had accumulated over 350 all-purpose yards.  Warner, the Missouri Valley offensive player of the week, may be only 5'5" and 170 lbs., but he is the one player the Wildcats must stop in order to win.

Safety Mike McElroy

Only a sophomore, McElroy finished with two interceptions and recovered a fumble against Hampton, while also recording five tackles.  On Monday, he was named the Missouri Valley Conference defensive player of the week.  He will be licking his chops if Bacher is forced to throw in a close game.

Most Telling Statistic

Southern Illinois has won 50 games from 2003 to 2007, averaging 10 wins each season in that span. 

Personal Note

Saluki offensive lineman Mike Farrell was a senior when I was a freshman at Lake Forest High School in Illinois.  Farrell, at 6'5" and 296 lbs., earned a full ride to SIU for his outstanding talent, blocking, and leadership skills, and helped Lake Forest make the state playoffs in his final year.

Prediction 

Last week I said the Wildcats would blow out the Blue Devils, but obviously that wasn’t the case.  Northwestern has so much talent on both sides of the ball, and they should watch it come to fruition in this game.

It wouldn’t be a shock to see Bacher have a career day, but he needs to use the play-action fake more often, hoping the Saluki defense bites.  Wide receiver Eric Peterman needs to find the end zone in this game, and I bet he does twice before the final whistle blows.

Northwestern 37, Southern Illinois 17

Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune