NU's Arrington injures knee
Saturday's 48-26 victory over Purdue may have come at a costly price for Northwestern.
Senior middle linebacker Malcolm Arrington went down with an injury to his left knee during the Boilermakers' drive to their first field goal late in the first quarter. Arrington, who entered the game tied for second on the team in tackles (48), watched the game on crutches during the second half and will be doubtful for next week's game at Indiana.
"I still have to get the report from our medical staff, so I'm uncertain of his status,'' head coach Pat Fitzgerald said.
Sophomore Nate Williams replaced Arrington and matched his career high with 4 tackles.
"I recruited Nate when I was the linebackers coach and loved him,'' Fitzgerald said. "Like so many players on this team, he's been just one play away.''
Tiller's farewell: After 5 turnovers, Purdue coach Joe Tiller, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season, will not have fond memories of his final trip to Evanston. The Boilermakers had a 9-3 record against the Wildcats under Tiller.
"Joe Tiller has changed the landscape of Big Ten football, and this league will never be the same,'' said Northwestern third-year coach Pat Fitzgerald. "He coached the right way. He's been a great mentor for the younger coaches.''
Sutton as a receiver: Tyrell Sutton receives a lot of notoriety for his running ability. But the senior running back passed another milestone as a receiver Saturday.
Sutton, who entered the game leading the nation in catches per game (3.7) and receiving yards per game (30.8) among running backs, added 4 more catches (62 yards), including a 9-yard touchdown, to his totals.
His 142 career receptions lead all Northwestern running backs, and he stands eighth on the Wildcats' all-time overall list.
"He gets a lot of respect, but not enough as a receiver,'' quarterback CJ. Bacher said. "He has great hands and knows how to get open. His ability as a receiver is not a secret to us.''
The touchdown reception demonstrated Sutton's ability to adapt to the situation.
"I told C.J. if I didn't have to block I was going to get open,'' Sutton said. "The only trouble was, C.J. rolled the opposite direction (right), and I had to quickly change direction.''
Many options: Quarterback C.J. Bacher made full use of his receiving corps Saturday. His 20 completions (230 yards, 3 touchdowns) were distributed among eight players.
The only wide receiver not to make a connection with Bacher was sophomore Sidney Stewart. But wide receiver Eric Peterman hit Stewart with a 30-yard scoring strike in the second quarter.
Hall of Fame journey: Head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the heart of Northwestern's defense in the 1995-96 championship seasons, took another step in his yearlong journey to his induction in the College Football Fame.
At halftime of Saturday's game a representative of the National Football Foundation presented Fitzgerald with the school's Hall of Fame plaque. Fitzgerald officially will be inducted in December; the ceremony will be next summer in South Bend, Ind.