Nov. 09--Northwestern polished its bowl-game resume with a dramatic victory over an estimable opponent Saturday. Jack Mitchell kicked a 35-yard field goal with nine seconds left to give NU a 23-21 win over Penn State. The Wildcats (7-2, 3-2 Big Ten) host Purdue on Saturday.
Offense
B. Justin Jackson rushed for 186 yards. Dan Vitale caught four passes. Senior quarterback Zack Oliver stepped in and did a reasonable job (11 of 24 for 111 yards, touchdown, interception, rushing touchdown) after Clayton Thorson left with an injury.
Defense
B. Cornerback Nick VanHoose grabbed a key fourth-quarter interception. Nate Hall and Anthony Walker each had 10 tackles.
Special teams
C. A mixed bag as Solomon Vault returned a kickoff 96 yards and Mitchell kicked the winning field goal. But Mitchell missed two field-goal attempts and anextra-pointtry and Warren Long was whistled for a roughing-the-kicker penalty.
Coaching
B. The Wildcats came prepared to take it to Penn State, storming to a 20-7 halftime lead. But Northwestern took its foot off the pedal in the second half and nearly blew it.
