GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Northwestern’s defensive front turned up the pressure against Iowa, hurrying quarterback Nate Stanley twice and sacking him once while tallying five tackles for losses in the 14-10 road upset. Defensive ends Joe Gaziano and Samdup Miller combined for nine tackles, including two for losses, as well as a sack and a quarterback hurry. Golden Gophers’ freshman quarterback Tanner Morgan will likely be under heavy pressure from the Wildcats’ veteran defensive line, and how he responds to that pressure will be a big key to the outcome Saturday.
DRAFT SLANT
–QB Clayton Thorson had a pedestrian day against Iowa, completing 15-of-30 passes for 122 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, but was aided by Bennett Skowronek’s spectacular grab on the go-ahead score. Thorson’s draft stock will most likely be largely dependent on his performance down the stretch this season, with big stages already set in the form of the Wildcats’ Big Ten Championship Game berth and subsequent bowl appearance.
ROSTER REPORT:
–LB Nate Hall missed three games this season with an undisclosed lower body injury and appeared to suffer a similar injury in last Saturday’s win at Iowa. No official status has been given for Hall’s availability this week, but given his track record of nagging injuries, it is likely he will miss Saturday’s game at Minnesota.
–S Jared McGee was injured during Northwestern’s 31-21 loss to Notre Dame, and did not play last Saturday against Iowa. The extent of McGee’s injury is unknown and his availability for Saturday’s game at Minnesota is uncertain.
–CB Trae Williams was also injured against Notre Dame and subsequently held out of the division-clinching win at Iowa. Williams’ injury status is undisclosed, and no updates have been given regarding his availability against Minnesota.
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