Nov. 07--Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald hopes to change the Wildcats' trend of seven straight losses following an off weekend when NU hosts Penn State Saturday at Ryan Field.
Passing fancy: Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg is having a record-breaking season. Hackenberg threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 39-0 win over Illinois. Only a junior, Hackenberg already owns most of the career passing records at Penn State.
On the run: The Wildcats hope to get sophomore running back Justin Jackson going against the Nittany Lions. Opposing defenses have loaded up against the run in the past three games.
"Justin is fine. He works hard and he competes, like he caught the ball out of the backfield in the last game (against Nebraska)," offensive coordinator Mick McCall said of Jackson's confidence level. "Any way he can get some touches it is going to be better. Justin is eager, he will bounce back. He's a heck of a player. He's an all-around player, too."
The quote: "Their defensive line is very strong, so our offensive line needs to show up and have the best game they've had all year. I think the game's definitely going to be won down in the trenches." NU senior superback Dan Vitale.
Zak back: Former Northwestern quarterback Zak Kustok, (1999-2001), who was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, is the honorary captain for Saturday's game.
Bowling: Representatives from the Holiday Bowl were on hand to watch Saturday's NU-Penn State game.
fmitchell@tribpub.com
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