Managing Tyrell Sutton’s workload is on Randy Walker’s mind. The Northwestern coach used Brandon Roberson in relief of the running back in Saturday’s 34-29 victory at Purdue, and Sutton will continue to get breaks.
“I don’t want to continue to just run Tyrell to death and get him 35 carries a game,” Walker said. “I think he’s better fresh.”
The 5-foot-9-inch freshman had season lows of 13 carries and 89 yards against the Boilermakers. But he was a major factor, setting career highs with 10 receptions for 89 yards and diving 1 yard for the game-winning touchdown.
Roberson caught a touchdown pass and carried three times for 3 yards. He also fumbled on Purdue’s 2-yard line, taking a blow to the knee on the play.
But Roberson still will have a role, Walker said. “We’re going to play Roberson and continue to play him,” Walker said. . . .
The victory was Brett Basanez’s 19th as NU’s starting quarterback, tying Steve Schnur’s modern record. . . . The Wildcats’ four takeaways gave them 16, one more than they had last season.
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Next: Saturday at Michigan State, 11 a.m., TV TBA
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