Northwestern is a bit of a surprise matchup for Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game this weekend. Very few predicted this type of season for the Wildcats, and the campaign has been spearheaded by an opportunistic and very quick defense. There are a few takeaways from watching Northwestern this season.
The coaching staff has been solid. The hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian was a slight departure from the Wildcats of previous years and their gunslinging wide-open style. Instead, Northwestern has tried to be balanced and efficient, relying on the defense to shut teams down and score on the opportunities.
And, yeah, it has worked wonders while winning the Big Ten’s West division out of seemingly nowhere. But, let’s talk about the guy under center for Northwestern.
Peyton Ramsey won’t beat you alone…
Peyton Ramsey will not take over a game, but he is dangerous…
What is more impressive?
• Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman’s name
• Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman’s catch
• Peyton Ramsey’s back-shoulder throw
— BroBible (@BroBible) November 21, 2020
Peyton Ramsey transferring to Northwestern solidified the quarterback situation, and Ramsey has been efficient without being overly flashy. This season Ramsey is averaging 5.8 average yards per attempt. To put that into context, Justin Fields is throwing at a 10.3 yard per attempt average. Ramsey can throw a good deep ball, but the Northwestern offense is predicated on the running game with Ramsey throwing out of play action.
The Wildcat gunslinger has a little bit of a wind-up when he throws and has a tendency at times to throw off his back foot. When he does both, his accuracy drops, and he can throw some balls up for grabs if he gets too far out of rhythm. Northwestern has done a good job mitigating this by not asking him to throw deep too much. As a consequence, the offense can become stagnant. If he can stay within the scheme and play-calling, Ramsey can move the ball.
Beware of the defense…
Northwestern’s defense is good, very good…
The 2020 Northwestern defense allowed 2 2nd half touchdowns in 7 B1G games. One was a garbage time TD vs Illinois. Holy Sh*t. #GoCats
— 🎩(6-1) B1G NU Fan 🎩 (@NUCatFan23) December 14, 2020
Watching the Northwestern defense was a little scary, to be honest. The defensive strength comes from being opportunistic and creating turnovers. The Wildcats have 12 interceptions and six fumbles this year, and it has created opportunities for short fields. The secondary is outstanding, and it starts with a strong pass rush up front designed to create mistakes by opposing quarterbacks. The defense is aggressive in pursuit, coverage and getting off the ball.
However, that aggressive nature can get the defense into trouble. It will look for a big hit instead of simply wrapping up a receiver, or it can overpursue on misdirection. The tackling is sufficient but has lapses. The defense has solid gap discipline most of the time, however, the linebackers will sometimes get out of position and fall into no man’s land.
Speed over Power…
Northwestern has speed all over, the power is a weakness…
Can't stress this enough…
A ROOKIE.
PLAYING LEFT TACKLE.
IN THE BIG TEN.
IS NO JOKE. @PSkoronski is the real deal. #GoCats | @PFF_College pic.twitter.com/PYUxJU274a— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) December 4, 2020
The Northwestern offensive line is good, but there are times the pocket collapses, forcing Ramsey to panic and improvise. There is ample speed that has helped them escape some of the problems, but if Ohio State can contain Ramsey and control the line of scrimmage, Northwestern can struggle. The running game is similar: There is pretty good speed, but the overall power isn’t there in blocking schemes.
The defense has a similar issue, and it amplifies the overpursuit issues when there are backside blocks. Broken tackles are also an issue. More powerful running backs can get extra yards by breaking arm tackles. The Wildcats are a dangerous team, but Ohio State can wear it down with the right game plan.
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