First Look: Northwestern

Here's an early look at Purdue's 10th opponent in 2019, the Northwestern Wildcats

Time: Saturday, Noon ET

Location: Ryan Field

Surface: Grass

Capacity: 47,130 (Tickets Available)

Schedule/records: Northwestern 1-7 overall, 0-6 Big Ten; 2018, 9-5, 8-1 in 2018; Purdue 3-6, 2-4 in 2019, 6-7, 5-4 in 2018

Series notes: Purdue leads the all-time series 50-32-1, but is in the midst of a five game losing streak to the Wildcats dating back to the Boilermakers' 20-17 win in Evanston on Oct. 9, 2010. In that game, the Wildcats were ranked in the coaches poll, making it the Boilermakers' most recent road win over a ranked foe (of any kind). Wildcats' coach Pat Fitzgerald has won seven of eight against the Boilermakers, and is 7-3 overall since taking over the reins at Northwestern in 2006. Purdue's five game skid is the longest by a Purdue team dating back to when the series began in 1895.

TV: BTN

Early line: Purdue -2

The Wildcats have not scored a touchdown in their last three games, and have been in the end zone only four times in conference play,. And, three of those scores have been late in the fourth quarter when the game was well decided.

The numbers are a bit stunning: 258 yards per game in total offense and 9.8 points per contest. It is certainly the most challenged team in Evanston in decades, and a low point for coach Pat Fitzgerald since the 44-year old coach took over in 2006. In that season his team finished 4-8 overall, 2-6 in the Big Ten.

It is all a bit shocking, considering the Wildcats won the Western Division last year, only to lose to Ohio State in the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis.

Aidan O'Connell, a Chicago area native, will get the starting assignment on Saturday, becoming the first walk-on quarterback to open a contest for Purdue since (we think) Chuck Piebes last did in the first five games of the 1970 season. O'Connell led the Boilermakers on its last-minute game-winning drive last week, connecting on 6-of-7 passes.

With the Wildcats offensive struggles, it is not surprising the Fitzgerald's team is struggling behind center. Much heralded Clemson transfer, and Brownburg, Ind. native, Hunter Johnson has been out of the lineup for three weeks supporting his mother's during her bout with breast cancer. He saw his first action since Sept. 28 at Wisconsin in Saturday's loss versus IU, but left the game after being injured following being sacked and slammed to the turf. Johnson was inserted in relief of junior Aidan Smith in the first half of the IU game and directed three drives. Smith led the 'Cats on their only scoring drive, but Fitzgerald decided to start Johnson in the second half.

NU has gotten very little production out of any of its quarterbacks through eight games — they’ve completed a collective 47 percent of their passes with just two touchdowns and 11 interceptions. But like Purdue, injuries have been an issue, as T.J. Green, who started the season opener against Stanford, was lost for the season in a 17-7 loss to the Cardinal.

Johnson's status is uncertain for Saturday. Against Indiana, even sophomore quarterback Andrew Marty was inserted for the last two possessions and possibly could be in the mix against Purdue.

So the game in Evanston could be Aidan vs. Aidan, with the commonality that each started the season third on the depth chart only to become starters in November. But with the Wildcats' offensive struggles, it is hard to know for sure what you will see.

Despite giving up 414 yards against IU, and a 100-yard rusher in Stevie Scott, Northwestern defense has been decent for much of the season. The'Cats rank 36th overall in total defense, as that has been an hallmark of the Fitzgerald Era. Not surprisingly, turnovers have been an issue, as the Wildcats rank 125th out of 129 FBS teams with a -1.25 clip. The rub is, Purdue is only four slots better at 121st at -1.00.

"We are 0-2 against them so we have great respect for coach (Pat) Fitzgerald and their program. They are physical and aggressive and their defensive line is really tough and one of the better fronts we have faced this season.. They have been there and done that (winning the Big Ten West last year), so they will be ready.

"They like to control the football and are typically very disciplined. This will be a big challenge for us."

Membership Info: Sign up for GoldandBlack.com now | Why join? | Questions?

Follow GoldandBlack.com: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

More: Gold and Black Illustrated/Gold and Black Express | Subscribe to our podcast

Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2019. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited.