It struck me while covering Cardale Jones’ spectacular performance against Wisconsin.
And J.T. Barrett’s near-perfect night at Michigan State.
Ohio State is a program. Every coach says his team adopts a “Next Man Up” philosophy, but how many can replace an injured star with another? How many can do it twice?
Northwestern certainly couldn’t. Quarterback Zack Oliver had nearly four seasons to prepare for an Illinois pass defense rated last in the Big Ten. Playing in the comfort of Ryan Field on a dry day, he was chiefly responsible for four first-half turnovers.
Matt Alviti was such a heralded recruit out of Maine South, he drew offers from Notre Dame, Michigan State and Nebraska. A severe ankle injury sapped the mobility from starting quarterback Trevor Siemian in Week 2, yet the speedy Alviti was deemed unfit to play until the Wildcats’ ninth game. He finished the season with 1 net rushing yard on nine attempts and zero passing yards on four throws.
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This from a coaching staff that NU’s Pat Fitzgerald has praised as the nation’s finest in developing talent.
So what happens next? Does Fitzgerald chalk up another 5-7 season to a horrendous spate of injuries, a rash that ate into the lines and receiving corps and forced the Wildcats to start linebacker Jimmy Hall at safety and safety Kyle Queiro at cornerback against Illinois?
Does he change how his team practices? On top of not having bowl practices a season ago, NU’s spring ball was wrecked by union-related dissension. Then, apparently fearful of injuries, Fitzgerald went too easy on his players in fall camp.
After listless home performances against Cal and Northern Illinois, Fitzgerald vowed to “put my size 12 where the sun don’t shine” if the Wildcats didn’t respond. They practiced in the rain. They got physical. It had the feel of a boot camp. It worked — in the short term.
“We built this thing to where we went to five straight bowl games on competition (among players),” Fitzgerald said after the Illinois loss. “Frankly, we haven’t had it. We had to force it after Week 2, and maybe that’s a byproduct of why we had so many guys injured. We had to practice harder than we (ever) have. It starts with me. I’m critical of myself first.”
The major question is whether Fitzgerald will shuffle his offensive staff, firing assistant coaches he likes and respects. And if he is not inclined to do that, would athletic director Jim Phillips force his hand?
That seems doubtful to those who know Phillips’ supportive, nonconfrontational style.
Phillips has avoided answering questions about the football program, saying he’ll be willing only after he debriefs Fitzgerald, who has been on the road recruiting. That recruiting period ends Sunday.
At that point, Phillips and Fitzgerald will owe NU fans an answer to this question: If you don’t shake up the staff, why should anyone believe anything will be different in 2015?
Players such as Oliver, Alviti, receiver Mike McHugh, offensive linemen Eric Olson and Geoff Mogus and defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo have not developed at a level that’s commensurate with their talent or experience.
What will be done to try to change that?
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein