Northwestern polished its bowl-game resume with a dramatic victory over an estimable opponent Saturday. Jack Mitchell kicked a 35-yard field goal with nine seconds left to give NU a 23-21 win over Penn State. The Wildcats (7-2, 3-2 Big Ten) host Purdue on Saturday.
Offense
B. Justin Jackson rushed for 186 yards. Dan Vitale caught four passes. Senior quarterback Zack Oliver stepped in and did a reasonable job (11 of 24 for 111 yards, touchdown, interception, rushing touchdown) after Clayton Thorson left with an injury.
Defense
More Top Picks Honeywell Hcm 350
B. Cornerback Nick VanHoose grabbed a key fourth-quarter interception. Nate Hall and Anthony Walker each had 10 tackles.
Special teams
C. A mixed bag as Solomon Vault returned a kickoff 96 yards and Mitchell kicked the winning field goal. But Mitchell missed two field-goal attempts and anextra-pointtry and Warren Long was whistled for a roughing-the-kicker penalty.
Coaching
B. The Wildcats came prepared to take it to Penn State, storming to a 20-7 halftime lead. But Northwestern took its foot off the pedal in the second half and nearly blew it.