While quarterback Brett Basanez and linebacker Tim McGarigle savored Big Ten player of the week honors Monday, Northwestern’s struggling defense began work on stopping Purdue.
“I’m going to challenge the defense,” coach Randy Walker said. “As Teddy Roosevelt said, they have to dare greatly. At some point you have to take some risk, and there are consequences with risk. We have to play more assertively and more aggressively.”
Walker praised the play of Herschel Henderson, who moved from cornerback to safety in Saturday’s 51-48 victory over Wisconsin, and said massive personnel changes are not being considered.
Basanez was named offensive player of the week after throwing for 361 yards and rushing for a career-high 69. McGarigle, who had 25 tackles (15 solos), shared the defensive honor with Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny.
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Next: Saturday at Purdue, noon, ESPN2