NU trails 21-16 at Halftime

By Carlos Cabrera
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Viewed 896 times.

After a quick 76-yard opening drive by Purdue, culminating in a 5-yard Joey Elliot touchdown pass to Aaron Valentin, Northwestern trails big 21-3. Although Northwestern dominated the possession battle in the 2nd quarter (as well as in the 1st), the Cats turned the ball over on downs in their first possession, failing to convert a 4th and goal rush on the half-yard line. Sherrick McManis came up with a big-time interception on Purdue’s next play, ending in a 5-yard Arby Fields rushing touchdown to set the score at 21-10, Purdue. The Boilermakers appeared to be running out of steam as a costly turnover on the ensuing kickoff set the Cats up on the 24-yard line. Following a Stefan Demos field goal to put the game at 21-13, the Cats forced a fumble yet again, ending in another Northwestern field goal. Heading into halftime, the Cats trail 21-16.

Key Statistics

Passing Leaders:
Kafka (NU) 18-27, 128 Yds
Elliot (PUR) 7-9, 160 Yds, 3 TD

Rushing Leaders:
Fields (NU) 13 rushes, 39 Yds, 1 TD
Kafka (NU) 9 rushes, 34 Yds
Bolden (PUR) 6 rushes, 28 Yds

Receiving Leaders:
Markshausen (NU) 7 rec, 46 Yds
Smith (PUR) 3 rec, 47 Yds, 1 TD
Valentin (PUR) 2 rec, 72 Yds, 2 TD