Cats are 19 point favorites tonight.

Green received an offer from Northwestern on Oct. 29. I talked to him about the offer, his recruitment and what he thinks about Northwestern in this WildcatReport premium story.

Ohio State and Michigan back-to-back in November. 😬

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All times CENTRAL, and all games played on Saturday, November 11. Rankings come from the CFP poll. All games available nationally unless otherwise indicated.

First, the NU game:

Northwestern @ Wisconsin
2:30 PM, FS1
PxP: Chris Myers
Color: Robert Smith

And the rest:

#3 Michigan @ #10 Penn State
11:00 AM, FOX
PxP: Gus Johnson
Color: Joel Klatt

Indiana @ Illinois
11:00 AM, BTN
PxP: Connor Onion
Color: Matt Millen

Maryland @ Nebraska
11:00 AM, Peacock (streaming only)
PxP: Paul Burmeister
Color: Kyle Rudolph

Minnesota @ Purdue
2:30 PM, NBC
PxP: Jac Collinsworth
Color: Jason Garrett

Rutgers @ #22 Iowa
2:30 PM, BTN
PxP: Cory Provus
Color: Jake Butt

Michigan State @ #1 Ohio State
6:30 PM, NBC
PxP: Noah Eagle
Color: Todd Blackledge

Probably a lot depends on who starts at QB for Wisky.

Even after NU put up 33 on Saturday, I still think you take the under.

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Didn’t get a chance to watch the full game against Binghamton but I did see some clips and noticed that we did not double-team the post will we continue to do that this year or did we just defer from that this game because they didn’t really have a post threat?

I've stated here on the board, for me, Braun needed a win today or one at Camp Randall next week, and one more between Purdue and Illinois, to be a serious contender for the head coaching job.

Today was a winnable game, and I would argue coaching was the difference. We gave up a million yards in penalties, Sullivan is still genuinely difficult to watch on the field, O-line feels like it hasn't made one positive step forward (and yes, I'm happy to point the finger at Jake and Anderson for these shortcomings as well).

I like Braun a lot, and I would actually love for him to stay on as DC if all circumstances work out, but Iowa and Wisconsin, in my opinion, were/are the only schools on the schedule that earn him a permanent seat at the head of the table, and yes I will absolutely be rooting for him next week.

And so there's that.

Can anyone tell me why Bajakian had Sullivan in the pocket like at statue against Iowa? Obviously, the Iowa defense is much better than Maryland's but it's just as obvious that Sullivan is more dangerous as a passer or runner when he's on the move outside the pocket. Keeping him in the pocket seemed to be playing into Iowa's hands. Thoughts?

Here are @mshelton33's takeaways from Welsh-Ryan.

@lou v talked to 2024 DE Braxton Strong about his official visit last weekend for Northwestern's game against Iowa.

Anyone have a good sense about this?

watched this one… makes me feel better about NU’s sloppy first game.

Hopefully the cats can mesh a bit better this week.

Here are @mshelton33's takeaways from Welsh-Ryan.

I know it sucks to come away with 3 when you had 1st and goal but it sucks even more to come away with zero.

You kick the ball at 4th and goal when you know it’s gonna be a baseball score and the opponent can’t play offense but has one of the stingiest run defenses in the country.

Rookie mistake.

Here's @mshelton33's notes from Coach Braun's Monday presser.

After the narrow loss to Iowa, @mikefitz77 has three things he learned, two questions he's asking and one bold prediction heading into Wisconsin week.

Considering the level of competition, it is important to approach any positives with a grain of salt. Both offensive and defensive aspects require some cleaning up. There were numerous instances of careless passing and questionable decision-making in the offensive game. In certain moments, they were fortunate to retain possession. Defensively, there were several just bad switches, leading to wide open shot opportunities for the opponents. Additionally, moments of poor communication resulted in defensive breakdowns and lost players. Free throw shooting needs to be better. Nevertheless, they managed to handle their responsibilities effectively overall. They secured an easy victory, fulfilling the expectations set for them. They were clearly the better team and dominated athletically. I would anticipated that the starting lineup will remain consistent throughout the year.

Buie exhibited a more relaxed approach to the game, showcasing excellent ball movement and involving his teammates effectively. His ability to attract defensive attention allowed him to display his outstanding playmaking skills by delivering beautiful passes to a wide-open teammates. Barnhizer, who was looking to score early and often managed to put up an impressive 29 points. Given Barnhizer's proficiency in shooting from both inside and outside the arc, it's reasonable to expect him to be the second leading scorer for NU.

Berry and Langborg also possess the ability to score in large quantities on any given night. Although Berry faced some shooting struggles, he managed to hit his first three-pointer. On the other hand, Langborg displayed promising defensive potential against the weaker opposition, although he acquired a couple of unnecessary fouls that need to be addressed. It will be intriguing to see how his driving ability and defense hold up against stronger competition, as he is a legitimate threat from deep range. If Langborg starts finding his rhythm, watch out.

This team boasts several talented shooters from the starting 1-4 who can create scoring runs when they get hot. Mullins stands out with his energy and quickness. He made some impressive defensive plays and was active both on the boards and defensively. He showcased his hustle with numerous impactful plays and excelled in fast breaks. However, at times he tended to over-dribble and try to do too much, but his athleticism allowed him to recover against the level of competition he faced.

Preston brought valuable energy to the game and demonstrated a touch that was unseen last year for the center position last year. However, he still needs to work on his defense in order to be fully prepared for the more challenging B1G play. According to the commentators, it is likely that the starting lineup will see the majority of minutes, while Mullins, Preston, and Martinelli will also receive playing time. Clayton might come off the bench when Buie is resting as they said he was the back up pg. Hunger I would anticipate to be the primary reserve. Hunger moves well and possesses good size, though he struggled to find his shooting rhythm in the scrimmage. It is uncertain whether he will see significant playing time this season.

Barkley only made a late appearance, and it is unlikely that he will have much playing time this season. Strauss, Clayton, and Martinelli were inactive for the game.

In general, the team took care of business. The good news is that there are numerous minor details that need to be addressed, but nothing glaring early. It was evident that they were the superior team and performed accordingly. I imagine that Coach Collins and the 🧙‍♂️ will ensure that the next practice is “fun”.

Braun just wrapped up his weekly presser, here are my initial notes. There will be a full takeaways piece this afternoon.

Quaterback intrigue is back!
Braun reintroduced the quarterback dilemma with a double negative: "I'm not willing to sit up here and say that he's not available."

This was a change from the press conference preceding Iowa when Braun unequivocally named Sullivan the starter, but is also very similar to language before Maryland and Nebraska. I'd lean towards Sullivan again but don't have information to log a serious prediction one way or another.

"With the progression he's shown over the last couple weeks, there's a possibility that he's ready to go."

There's also the matter of if Northwestern would go back to Bryant when Sullivan has more years of eligibility and starred against Maryland. Bryant compiled a 2-3 record, including a monster 396-yard, four-touchdown performance against Minnesota, before being knocked out against Penn State. Sullivan is at 2-2, albeit with a narrow win over Howard and a narrow loss to Iowa.

"We'll take that day-to-day as well," Braun said about which quarterback he'll play at full health. "We'll make a decision that we feel is in the best interest of the team to win a football game. Tremendous amount amount of respect for the way that Sully has played, battled and fought for this team. The greatest statistic you can hang your hat on as a quarterback is wins and losses. What you see right now is a football team that's fighting its butt off and rallying around a bunch of guys, including Brendan Sullivan. So that's not a decision that's been made yet."


Braun gave emotional window into his family
Braun's voice broke with emotion several times in his postgame Wrigley press conference, including when he mentioned his father being able to come see him play. He wouldn't specify the severity or details of his father's medical situation, but said there were initial doubts he would be able to attend before he talked his doctors into it.

"His presence this past Saturday was a testament and credit to him more than anyone else," Braun said about his father. "I'm not going to get into details but he was dealing with some things this past week with his health. I didn't think he'd be able to attend the game but in a very patient and stubborn manner he worked with his doctor to ensure he could get down for the game. That was an opportunity to join our family down there when he was able to that was neat."

Flashing forward two generations, Braun talked about his excitement and his sons' excitement for the start of basketball season.

"Lucas and Andrew get fired up to be at Wildcat football games and are looking forward to being a huge part of basketball games this winter...I tell you what, the Big Ten Network, I don't know what their ratings look like but the Braun boys are helping those ratings whenever the Wildcats are on. It doesn't matter what sport it is, they're tuned in, they're cheering their butts off."


Advice from Collins
On the note of basketball, Braun said he's been very appreciative of the support and wisdom he's received from men's basketball head coach Chris Collins. He said he's had multiple conversations about recruiting at Northwestern and how to pitch players on the experience. He added that he's very excited to support Collins and the team this year.


Braun offered first comments on sign stealing
Braun deferred to Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti on dealing with the sign stealing investigation and allegations, but confirmed he was part of the Big Ten coaches meeting with Petitti on the matter.

"I'm involved in all those conversations, but I won't share the content."

"That's not in my lane," Braun said what he thinks an apt punishment for the Wolverines would be.

NU preparing for Mordecai
Wisconsin has quarterback intrigue of its own and this week could be the rumored return of starter Tanner Mordecai. Braun said they'll prep as if he'll return but be ready for backup Braedyn Locke as well.

"I think you have to prepare like you're going to see Tanner and understand that both quarterbacks are very capable of playing winning football," he said. "We'll certainly be mindful and prepared for both quarterbacks. Tanner brings a level of scrambling and the quarterback run game that makes you uneasy at times."


Reaction to goal line stop

NU ran four plays inside the Iowa 2 without scoring. Although they scored on the next drive, in part to advantageous field position, it was still a black eye for the offense. Braun gave his take on what took place.

"If you were to give me the play calls in that situation, in that sequence with where the ball was placed, and say 'Dave, are you comfortable with these play calls in this sequencing that we could score a touchdown?' I'd say absolutely we find a way to get in the end zone. Were we disappointed with the result? Absolutely. But in hindsight, it's easy to be critical. I feel really comfortable with the calls that were made."

After the narrow loss to Iowa, @mikefitz77 has three things he learned, two questions he's asking and one bold prediction heading into Wisconsin week.

When these most recent allegations are proven to be true…Harbaugh should be fired and the team ruled ineligible to complete in this year’s playoffs. This really crosses the line I’m my opinion…Blanton cheating. Total bullshit. And don’t give me the “Stalions acted on his own crap”; Im not buying it for a second.

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Iowa is a bad football team, but Sullivan is worse. Gotta play someone else who can complete a 15 yard pass. Such a winnable game it’s pathetic.

..Is better than Justin fields in every department, especially:
1. Poise
2. Accuracy
3. Decision making
4. Pocket awareness
5. Reading coverage
6. Getting ball out on time