Wildcats need to find end zone

For two straight weeks, Northwestern's offense has received unflattering feedback from opposing defenders.

After Ohio State pummeled the Wildcats 58-7, Buckeyes linebacker Brian Rolle said physical play caused NU to fold fast.

Michigan defensive end Tim Jamison was the next to sound off, telling the Detroit Free Press that the assault on C.J. Bacher left the Northwestern quarterback in obvious pain during Saturday's game.

"I heard him screaming one play after (Shawn) Crable got him," Jamison told the Free Press. "So I think it took a toll on him."

Bacher received treatment after the game and didn't meet with reporters, but he suffered nothing more than "nicks and bruises" and practiced Monday.

"I think (Jamison) over-exaggerated a little bit," Bacher said. "I may have yelled a little bit, but I wasn't sitting there screaming in agonizing pain."

A bigger cause for outcry is Northwestern's lack of scoring. The Wildcats outgained both Duke and Michigan, racking up a combined 923 offensive yards, but lost both games because they scored only 30 points combined.

Excluding the Ohio State debacle, NU has averaged 442.8 yards per game but ranks 99th nationally in scoring offense (20 ppg).

"We've been moving the ball against just about everybody," Bacher said. "We're not making the plays when we need to."

Especially in plus territory.

Northwestern has had 16 drives end in opposing territory without a score, as each possession has concluded on downs or because of a turnover. The Wildcats have scored only 9 touchdowns in 17 red-zone chances.

"We practice down there quite a bit … for probably about 20 plays during the week," coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "We've just got to make the plays when they're there."

Sutton still out: The prognosis for running back Tyrell Sutton remains grim, as the junior missed Monday's practice with a high ankle sprain. Sutton last played Sept. 8 and isn't listed on the depth chart for Michigan State.

"I'm going to fully expect him to be out this week," Pat Fitzgerald said, "based on the injury report that I heard (Sunday)."

Reserves Omar Conteh and Brandon Roberson have filled in well for Sutton, though quarterback C.J. Bacher admitted Sutton's presence is missed in the huddle. Because Sutton has played in only two games, he would be a candidate for a medical hardship waiver if his ankle doesn't improve.

If granted the waiver, Sutton would retain two years of eligibility.

"It comes down to the medical staff," Fitzgerald said. "I'll wait to hear their direction to make my input.

"We'll cross those bridges when we come to them."

Rapid rewards: Place-kicker Amado Villarreal was among the four walk-ons awarded scholarships when classes began last week. Villarreal has stabilized NU's oft-suspect kicking game, going 7-for-7 on field goals.

Punter Kyle Daley, cornerback Tim Downing and offensive lineman Keegan Grant were the other scholarship recipients.

"I was extremely excited," Villarreal said. "That was one of my goals coming in, and to finally accomplish that was a dream come true."

Health watch: Linebacker Eddie Simpson (leg) didn't practice Monday but linebacker Prince Kwateng (shoulder) returned. Wide receiver Jeff Yarbrough and tackle Desmond Taylor could return this week.