NORTHWESTERN (+7) at NEVADA -- Have to applaud Northwestern's defensive effort in holding Eastern Michigan to five first downs and 134 total yards last weekend. But the Wildcats put together only 15 first downs and 14 points of their own, and neither of their two freshman QB's has done anything to stand out and show they deserve the job. Nevada suffers no such offensive malfunctions. In the "Pistol" offense installed by hall of Fame coach Chris Ault, QB Jeff Rowe is capable of great things; witness the dissection of Colorado State's stop unit to the tune of 19 completions in 22 attempts. Rowe runs with the football as well, giving Northwestern's defense another dimension to prepare for. Northwestern began the season with a big effort against Miami-Ohio, the alma mater of coach Randy Walker, who died of a heart attack on June 29. After that, they've gone flat, and lost their second game by 17 to Division 1-AA New Hampshire. Now the Wildcats are trying to get some offensive continuity going under new coach Pat Fitzgerald, at 31 the youngest head man in the country. But he can't pull it out of thin air.
JAY'S PLAY: NEVADA * |
Home
