Central Michigan @ Northwestern preview
Ryan Field
The Big Ten squares off against the Mid-American Conference when Northwestern hosts Central Michigan on Saturday.
This matchup figures to be a defensive struggle decided by big strikes and turnovers. Both Central Michigan (2-1) and Northwestern (3-0) are ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense. Central Michigan is fourth, allowing 9.0 points a game, while Northwestern is eighth at 12.3.
The Chippewas are also eighth in total defense, allowing 250.7 yards a game.
Both offenses have been effective, with Central Michigan averaging 31.7 points a game to Northwestern's 30.0.
Last week, Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa completed a career-high 24 of 32 for 307 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown to Jeremy Ebert. Persa also scrambled 18 yards for another score in a 30-13 victory at Rice. He spread his completions among eight receivers.
On the season, Persa is a pinpoint 62 of 76 (.816) with six touchdowns and no interceptions, helping Northwestern maintain a plus-6 turnover margin.
Persa and running back Arby Fields have gotten about half the carries in a rushing attack that's averaging 150 yards a game.
Wildcats linebacker Quentin Davie had three interceptions in the past two games, including an 11-yard touchdown return last week. He also made 10 tackles against Rice and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. He helped hold Rice to 86 rushing yards.
Chippewas tailback Paris Cotton rushed 21 times for 209 yards and three touchdowns in last week's 52-14 win at Eastern Michigan, the Eagles' 15th loss in a row. Cotton also caught three passes for 36 yards and was named the MAC West's Offensive Player of the Week.
In three games, he has 343 yards and five touchdowns rushing and has caught 11 passes for 92 yards. His previous career high was 75 yards rushing against Akron last year. On the downside, he lost two fumbles and nearly lost two more.
Central Michigan quarterback Ryan Radcliffe is 60 of 92 for 795 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Chippewas’ defensive leader is senior linebacker Nick Bellore, who has started every game of his career. His 400 career tackles lead all active players in the Bowl Subdivision.
Central Michigan, facing Northwestern for the first time, is just 4-19 against current members of the Big Ten but won its last two matchups, beating Michigan State 29-27 in 2009 and Indiana 37-34 in 2008.
The Chippewas have won three of the last four MAC titles and have made four straight bowl appearances.