Coach David Braun was visibly emotional after NU’s 24-22 loss to Michigan.
In his postgame press conference, he refused to accept a moral victory after Northwestern pushed and tested No. 18 Michigan and looked
like the better team for long stretches of the fourth quarter.
“I’m proud of this team, we are hungry, I want to be really clear,” Braun said. “Whether it is our football team, fanbase, media or officials, none of us want to hear ‘good effort, guys.’ We came here to win a football game. That was our expectation. I’m going to get right back to work.”
Braun wanted to set a new standard after many fans criticized his passive play call in the loss to USC when he chose not to go for it on a fourth-and-three. Against Michigan, he made an aggressive call early in the game, faking a punt with five minutes left in the first quarter.
“One of the biggest restrictions of performance is a fear of failure,” Braun said. “I need to be at my best and stay in the moment. We will not operate in a position of fear.”
Before long, Braun made it clear that his message went beyond one call and pointed to the direction he expects the program to go.
“The expectation for this program is to win a Big Ten Championship,” Braun said. “Everyone better understand that. Do not mistake my politeness for weakness.”
Braun is trying to set a new standard for NU and the team expected to finish the job. Even though NU was out-gained 496 to 245, an astonishing gap, the ‘Cats forced five turnovers, including three in the fourth quarter. NU trailed 21-9 early in the fourth but scored twice in a three minute span. Preston Stone sneaked into the end zone to cap a long drive, and Caleb Komolafe followed with a six-yard touchdown after an interception by Braden Turner.
After that score, NU grabbed another interception courtesy of Robert Fitzgerald, who played one of the best games of his career with 15 tackles and a pick. Fitzgerald has been outstanding all season and has emerged as one of the team’s brightest stars.
Still, some questionable playcalling followed. The ‘Cats went three-and-out with a run by Komolafe, a short pass to Lawson Albright and an incompletion to Hunter Welcing. The deep shot to Welcing on third-and-four was almost completed but slightly under-thrown. It was not the right moment to take that risk when a simple crossing route likely would have moved the chains.
Michigan marched back down the field and faced fourth-and-one at NU’s 24. Bryce Underwood mishandled the snap, and Bryson Kuzdzal failed to secure it, allowing Turner to recover a huge fumble. NU followed with another three-and-out. Stone missed Wilde on first down, a play that should have been a run to begin the drive. Then Joseph Himon II broke free for a 29 yard gain that was wiped out by holding. Two runs later, NU punted again. Michigan got the ball back, converted three consecutive third downs and drilled a 31-yard field goal for the win.
NU forced three straight turnovers in the fourth quarter, and the offense needed to capitalize. Going three-and-out on two of those drives wasted the chances the defense kept creating. Zach Lujan drew a lot of criticism for his playcalling, and it felt deserved. Forcing five turnovers should produce more than 22 points.
Despite the brutal finish, there were still clear positives. Robert Fitzgerald continued his outstanding season, and Braydon Brus delivered a huge performance with 13 tackles and a sack. Braden Turner came away with a fumble recovery and an interception, and Hunter Welcing led the receiving group with 81 yards. It was not all bad for NU, but it is difficult to swallow a loss in a game where Michigan seemed determined to keep giving the Wildcats chances.
Northwestern now returns to Wrigley Field still searching for its first ever win at the venue. Minnesota comes to town, and it should be a very winnable game. The Gophers have six wins, but they have been blown out in two of their last three outings, losing 42-13 to Oregon and 41-3 to Iowa. Their first-year quarterback has struggled, and the offense has stalled for long stretches. NU should have a real opportunity to secure the win and punch its ticket to bowl eligibility.
While it may be hard to appreciate at the moment with three losses in a row, the season has still exceeded early expectations. If you told most NU fans in August that the team would be sitting at five wins after 10 games, many would have taken it.
The ‘Cats may have walked off Wrigley Field hurting, but everything they want is still in front of them, and next Saturday offers the chance to finally take it.
