Sept. 06--Northwestern has been dealing with an identity crisis the past couple of seasons.
Who are these guys?
Back-to-back 5-7 seasons after a 10-3 campaign in 2012 can do that to even the most well-adjusted college football programs. But the Wildcats' frustrations were "unleashed" Saturday, as defensive end Dean Lowry put it, in a stunning 16-6 upset of No. 21 Stanford at Ryan Field.
The Wildcats' intended identity now is a physical, imposing defense, as well as a powerful running game to complement a resourceful young quarterback.
"This started in January after a long offseason," coach Pat Fitzgerald said after winning the ninth season-opener in his 10 years as head coach. "None of us were happy with or pleased ... and (we) started talking about what we need to change back to the culture that we've had here over my time.
"The credit goes to our seniors first and foremost. They have done a terrific job leading."
Yet it was redshirt freshman quarterback Clayton Thorson efficiently leading the offense with a clutch 42-yard run for the only touchdown of the game in the second quarter. Junior kicker Jack Mitchell kicked three field goals, including a career-long 49-yarder in the fourth quarter that gave the Wildcats a two-score cushion.
While Thorson's passing numbers were not eye-popping (12 of 24 for 105 yards), Fitzgerald said he outplayed fifth-year senior Kevin Hogan of Stanford.
"That's what I saw today," Fitzgerald said.
Sophomore running back Justin Jackson rushed for 134 yards on 28 carries in warm and humid conditions that Fitzgerald said his team was prepared to endure.
Defensively, linebacker Anthony Walker was all over the field making plays. He was credited with 10 tackles, a half sack, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. He also broke up two passes that he nearly intercepted.
"We just wanted to let everybody know that we're a physical football team," Walker said. "We wanted to be able to stop the run first, and that starts with the front seven. And I think we were able to get that job done today. And our back four -- safeties and corners -- they played with that swagger that lets everyone know that they can't throw the ball either. That's all we wanted to do is set a tone today."
The Cardinal's final scoring threat was thwarted by Kyle Queiro's interception in the end zone with less than a minute left.
"The guys up front, they did the dirty work today," Walker said in praise of the defensive line. "They came to play and we won the line of scrimmage battle."
Fitzgerald referred to Saturday's defensive effort as "a dominant performance. It looked like we controlled the line of scrimmage on every single play defensive line-wise."
Stanford was limited to 240 total yards, including just 85 on the ground.
"I felt like today, defensively overall, we unleashed a caged bull," Lowry said. "It has been a long offseason, it has been a long time since November, so we definitely had an unmatched work ethic this offseason. I think it showed off today. It's just a start. Consistency is key."
fmitchell@tribpub.com
2-minute drill
They do run, run: The best friend for an inexperienced quarterback is a reliable running game and the Wildcats churned out 225 net yards on the ground, led by Justin Jackson with 134 yards on 28 carries (4.8 avg.). Northwestern won the time of possession 31 minutes, 52 seconds to 28:08.
It's what's up front: Northwestern refused to get pushed around by a Stanford team reputed to be physical, controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Accomplished Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan completed 20 of 35 passes, but for only 155 yards. His longest completion was 16 yards.
Isn't that special: Jack Mitchell kicked three field goals, including a career-long 49-yarder. Punter Hunter Niswander averaged 38.8 yards. Stanford's only punt return went for an 8-yard loss.
Catching on: Senior wide receiver Christian Jones played in a game for the first time since 2013 and caught five passes for 52 yards. Miles Shuler also was clutch with his two receptions.
Looking ahead: Eastern Illinois visits Ryan Field at 3 p.m. Saturday.
