The news was bad but not as bad as it could have been Monday as Northwestern learned it will be without starting middle linebacker Adam Kadela and defensive end David Ngene for four to six weeks because of injuries.
Kadela was hurt in Saturday’s 20-17 win over Kansas, and an MRI exam revealed a sprained left knee ligament. Ngene, injured in the Arizona State game, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and also is out for the Big Ten Conference opener Saturday at Minnesota.
“We have a saying: If one spirited soldier goes down, another spirited player steps in,” defensive end Barry Cofield said. “Ryan Keenan played very well (starting at defensive end, recording five tackles and a sack) last week.”
The Wildcats get some help back in the form of senior linebacker John Pickens, who returns from a shoulder injury. . . . The Ohio State-Northwestern game Oct. 2 at Ryan Field will start at 8 p.m. to accommodate ESPN2. Some tickets are still available.
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