Wildcats have something in mind for MSU
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Their main incentive is obvious, can't-miss, unmistakable.
It slaps Northwestern players across the face, the cutting reminder of an afternoon that began with so much hope but ended with a collapse of historic proportion.
None of the Wildcats has forgotten the details of last year's Michigan State game.
The 38-3 third-quarter lead they held. Coach Pat Fitzgerald's star-crossed halftime reminder: "You don't want to do anything crazy." The rapid decline. The Spartans' field goal, with 13 seconds left, to complete the biggest comeback in NCAA history.
"There's a bit of feeling of wanting to get redemption," quarterback C.J. Bacher said.
Added defensive end Corey Wootton: "We didn't finish them."
The Wildcats can redress that disaster today at Spartan Stadium (11 a.m., Big Ten Network), but they don't have to rewind 12 months to find inspiration. Only seven days.
Last week's 28-16 loss to Michigan lacked the historical magnitude of the Michigan State flop, but it was just as enraging. Just as they did last year, the Wildcats lost the fourth quarter, committing 4 turnovers and failing to score.
"We pride ourselves in this program on finishing," Fitzgerald said. "We played 51 minutes of probably our most consistent football of the year. You need to make plays that winners make.
"When we do that, we'll win. We'll win a lot."
Preventing Spartans defenders from reaching Bacher is NU's primary challenge today. Michigan State ranks second nationally in sacks (4.6 spg) and is tied for fifth in tackles for loss (9.8 tpg). NU is tied for 104th in sacks allowed (3.2 spg) and tied for 97th in tackles for loss allowed (7.6 tpg).
Led by defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic (7 sacks, 9 TFLs), MSU pass rushers are taking wider angles, forcing offensive tackles and running backs to seal the edges.
"A smarter first step," Wildcats left tackle Dylan Thiry said of his approach today. "You've got to be able to know on film where the (linebackers) are. If the backer's cheating out, then the (defensive end) might come underneath. But if the backer's tight, that end's probably got contain.
"You're going to have to take a better first step to get your body at an angle to block him out. (Saint-Dic) knows how to use that alignment."
Running back Tyrell Sutton will miss his fourth consecutive game with a high ankle sprain, but Thiry and his linemates are itching to run the ball more. Wisconsin gashed MSU with P.J. Hill last week, but will NU actually commit to running backs Omar Conteh or Brandon Roberson for an entire game?
"We're not going to be afraid to run it at a wide technique," Thiry said, "because if you do get (the corner), there's nobody else left. For us, moving guys and making holes, there's no reason to pass."
On the Wildcats' last trip here, in 2005, they played their best game in recent years, pounding Michigan State 49-14. NU forced 4 turnovers in the win, but this year's defense has generated no more than 2.
Improved swarm tackling could be the first step toward increasing takeaways. Fitzgerald said NU missed more tackles against Michigan than in other games, but having several defenders around the ball masked the errors.
A collaborative effort will be crucial against running backs Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick, who combine to average 183.4 rushing yards per game. Ringer is the featured back, but the 255-pound Caulcrick has 8 rushing touchdowns.
"They switch it up on you," said NU linebacker Quentin Davie. "You get used to one, and then you've got to get ready for the other one."
Fitzgerald saw more urgency in practice this week, as the Wildcats try to snap a three-game slide.
"We've got seven games left," Fitzgerald said. "You're either putting yourself in position for postseason play, or you're not."
Northwestern (2-3, 0-2) at Michigan State (4-1, 0-1)
When: 11 a.m. at Spartan Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network Radio: WGN 720-AM Series: MSU 32-15
Coaches: Pat Fitzgerald (6-11, second year at NU and overall); Mark Dantonio (4-1, first at MSU; 22-18, fourth year overall).
Players to watch: NU needs continued production from running back Omar Conteh, who had 115 rushing yards last week. QB C.J. Bacher has thrown 7 interceptions and lost 3 fumbles in his last three games. The Wildcats' run defense likely hinges on nose tackle John Gill, who had a career-best 10 tackles last week.
Expect receiver Devin Thomas to capitalize on NU's soft zone, much like Mario Manningham did last week. Thomas ranks 18th nationally in receiving yards (96.2 ypg).
The skinny: NU is at a crossroads. A victory snaps a three-game slide with winnable games ahead against Minnesota and Eastern Michigan. A loss puts the Wildcats 0-3 in Big Ten and makes a bowl bid highly unlikely. Sherrick McManis (concussion) is expected to rejoin Stephen Simmons on kickoff returns. Prince Kwateng (shoulder) likely will return but might not start at strong-side linebacker. Wide receiver Jeff Yarbrough (leg) practiced with the second-team offense Wednesday and could play for the first time since Sept. 15. Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer ranks 28th nationally in passing efficiency (144.3 rating).
- Adam Rittenberg