Oct. 05--No. 16 Northwestern enhanced its national standing with a convincing 27-0 victory against Minnesota in a Big Ten opener. A marquee matchup at Michigan is next on the to-do list for NU.
Offense
A-. The Wildcats controlled the time of possession (34 minutes, 2 seconds to 25:58) and total offense (312 yards to 173). Clayton Thorson played error-free at quarterback, completing 14 of 19 for 128 yards. Justin Jackson rushed for 120 yards.
Defense
A. NU recorded its second shutout of the season and is allowing just seven points per game. Godwin Igwebuike had a team-high nine tackles and Deonte Gibson (11/2), Joseph Jones and Tyler Lancaster each had a part in the three sacks.
Special teams
A-. Miles Shuler returned a punt 55 yards to set up a touchdown. Hunter Niswander landed two punts inside the 20 and averaged 39.2 yards on six kicks. Jack Mitchell made two of three field-goal attempts.
Coaching
A. Pat Fitzgerald and his staff did a better job of limiting carries for Jackson (20) and overseeing solid performances from all three phases.
