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Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
Sport
Fred Mitchell

BRIEF: Grading Northwestern's performance vs. Duke

Sept. 20--No. 23 Northwestern improved to 3-0 with an impressive 19-10 victory at previously unbeaten Duke. The Wildcats host Ball State (2-1) at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Offense

C+. Justin Jackson and Warren Long came up big as NU rushed for 201 yards against one of the country's top defenses. Redshirt freshman quarterback Clayton Thorson struggled through the air (9-for-23, 2 INT) but had a 20-yard run.

Defense

A. Linebacker Anthony Walker (19 tackles) and defensive end Dean Lowry (red-zone interception) kept the Cats in the game until the offense and special teams came through in the second half.

Special teams

A. Solomon Vault returned the second-half kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, Jack Mitchell kicked two field goals and Long recovered a key fourth-quarter fumble after a punt.

Coaching

A. Pat Fitzgerald played everyone except the two backup quarterbacks and the backup kicker in an effort to beat the 90-degree heat.

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