NU's lackluster play on 'D' could prompt changes
The head coach in Pat Fitzgerald celebrated a mettle-testing victory fueled by do-no-wrong quarterback C.J. Bacher.
But the linebacker in Fitzgerald couldn't excuse a distressing performance from Northwestern's defense, which allowed 481 yards and couldn't protect six leads in Saturday's 48-41 overtime victory at Michigan State.
A week after showcasing their swarm tackling against Michigan, the Wildcats missed countless tackles and couldn't protect the edges against Spartans running back Javon Ringer (12 carries, 185 yards, 3 touchdowns) and versatile wideout Devin Thomas (6 carries, 52 yards).
As a result, changes could be coming.
"We're going to see guys missing tackles at the point of attack, losing leverage, coming out of coverage," Fitzgerald said. "Those are just notes that I took during the game. … We cannot allow them to repeat.
"If they repeat, you need to make a change in scheme or you need to make a change in personnel. That's how you learn. That's how you grow."
The defense has fared well against straight-ahead runners such as Michigan's Mike Hart, who was contained for three quarters, and Michigan State's Jehuu Caulcrick, who had only 32 yards on 11 carries Saturday.
But the Wildcats often lose containment, hurting them against edge rushers such as Ringer and scrambling quarterbacks.
The unit can take pride in preventing Michigan State from taking the lead. NU stopped five Spartans drives when the score was tied.
"Everybody on defense believes in themselves," linebacker Malcolm Arrington said. "Some days, the offense will hold us up. Some days, we'll hold them up. That's football."
Getting some mo': How does a winless team pull off a 20-6 road victory despite generating just 140 yards of offense? When a defensive player decides to take over.
That's what linebacker Maurice Crum did Saturday as Notre Dame improved to 1-5 by beating UCLA.
Crum finished with 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, a sack, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries, 1 of which he returned 34 yards for a touchdown.
A candidate for national defensive player of the week, Crum became the first Notre Dame player to force and recover 2 fumbles in a game. He's also the first Irish defender to record 4 takeaways in a game.
Notre Dame forced 7 turnovers in the victory, its first since Nov. 18.
"I made the plays when the ball came to me," Crum told Rivals.com. "But all credit goes to the defensive line."
Price is right: Senior punter Geoff Price reclaimed his starting job against UCLA and showed no sign of another letdown. Price averaged 40.3 yards on 9 punts, placing 3 inside the 20-yard line.
Inches to go: Northwestern improved to 6-0 in overtime games against Big Ten opponents and is 12-3 in its last 15 games decided by 7 points or fewer. … Notre Dame wide receiver David Grimes (ankle) didn't dress for the game, and freshman Golden Tate made his first career start. … C.J. Bacher became only the fourth NU quarterback to eclipse 400 passing yards in a game. His 38 completions marked the 10th-highest total in Big Ten history.