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Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
Sport
Fred Mitchell

BRIEF: Grading Northwestern's performance vs. Wisconsin

Nov. 23--Northwestern captured a rare victory at Wisconsin on Saturday, prevailing 13-7. The Wildcats (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten) remain on pace to do what no other Northwestern football team has accomplished -- win 11 games. They face Illinois on Saturday at Soldier Field before awaiting a bowl bid.

Offense

B. Justin Jackson rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Clayton Thorson was not spectacular (9 of 20 for 60 yards) but managed the game well.

Defense

A+. The Wildcats held the Badgers to minus-26 rushing yards. NU also collected five sacks and claimed five turnovers. Deonte Gibson had three sacks. Nick VanHoose and Anthony Walker each had an interception.

Special teams

C+. Jack Mitchell made 2 of 4 field-goal attempts, missing a 27-yarder and a 40-yarder. Matthew Harris made an acrobatic play to down a punt by Hunter Niswander on the Wisconsin 1.

Coaching

A. Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz had his troops stopping the run and creating turnovers. And offensive coordinator Mick McCall put his players in position to succeed.

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