GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Northwestern’s defense looked much improved in its 29-19 victory against Michigan State last Saturday, particularly in its secondary play. The Wildcats intercepted Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke while limiting him to one touchdown pass and a season-low QBR of 44.8. Northwestern also tallied a season-high eight pass breakups and limited the Spartans to 4-of-15 on third-down conversions. This unit will need a similar performance Saturday if it hopes to contain the conference’s top pass-catching duo of JD Spielman and Stanley Morgan Jr. The two wide receivers are averaging a combined 164.6 receiving yards per game and set a single-season school record in 2017 with 1,816 combined receiving yards. Spielman leads the Cornhuskers this season with 32 catches for 461 yards and five touchdowns, while Morgan has 25 catches for 362 yards and a touchdown.
DRAFT SLANT
–CB Montre Hartage has been one of Northwestern’s most durable and reliable defensive backs over the course of his career, starting 30 consecutive games at corner. Hartage had four tackles and three pass breakups against Michigan State, and currently ranks fifth among all active FBS players with nine interceptions. Hartage still has some questions to answer regarding his straight-line speed and ability to fit into run gaps but has plenty of time remaining in his senior season to prove this to NFL scouts.
ROSTER REPORT
–LB Nate Hall did not play against Michigan State while nursing an undisclosed lower body injury but is listed as the starter on this week’s depth chart, and when asked if Hall would play against Nebraska, Fitzgerald said, “I hope so.”
–CB Greg Newsome II also missed last Saturday’s road win against the Spartans with an undisclosed illness, but is expected to suit up for the Wildcats’ homecoming.
=======
