Frederic Tarver is getting a second chance in the ever-fluid Northwestern secondary. Tarver is back in the lineup at strong safety now that Brendan Smith is out with a sprained knee.
Tarver suffered a broken hand against Northern Illinois in the second game of the season and eventually lost the starting job to Smith.
“I wasn’t playing up to par,” Tarver said. “I wasn’t able to support the run because of the injury, so coach was right to take me out. I was jeopardizing the defense.
“It wasn’t until last week that I was 100 percent again.”
The Wildcats’ secondary faces one of its toughest challenges Saturday. Michigan quarterback Chad Henne has thrown 15 TD passes and only four interceptions. And wide receiver Jason Avant, from Chicago’s Carver High, has 60 catches, 6 for TDs, and is averaging 12.8 yards per catch. . . .
The Nov. 5 home finale vs. Iowa has been set for an 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN.
More Top Picks Best Sensory Mats For Autism