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Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
Sport
Fred Mitchell

BRIEF: Grading Northwestern's performance vs. Ball State

Sept. 28--The No. 17 Wildcats were tested before emerging with a 24-19 victory against Ball State at Ryan Field on Saturday. Northwestern opens the Big Ten season at 11 a.m., Saturday when it hosts Minnesota.

Offense

C+. Turnovers were nearly the undoing for NU as quarterback Clayton Thorson lost two fumbles and threw an interception in the first half. But he rebounded in the second half and wound up with three touchdown passes, two to Dan Vitale. Running back Justin Jackson ran for 184 yards as the Wildcats racked up 546 total yards.

Defense

C+. The NU defense has set a high standard for itself, leading the nation with 5.3 points allowed before facing Ball State. On Saturday, the Wildcats allowed two touchdown passes and 359 total yards. Safety Traveon Henry led NU with seven tackles.

Special teams

B-. Jack Mitchell kicked one field goal but clanked another attempt off the right upright from 26 yards out. Dean Lowry blocked a Ball State extra-point attempt. Hunter Niswander landed one punt inside the 20.

Coaching

B. Pat Fitzgerald said he "didn't get them ready to play the way they are capable of in the first half." But the Wildcats regrouped to hold off a talented Ball State team.

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