B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

[redsox907]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

With how run heavy you've been in the first two years, I see Kush being a vital piece of the puzzle as the Wildcats continue their upward momentum.

Nice snag in the transfer portal too! Love finding guys that plug and play, especially when they're replacing a senior that's departing

[BDawg35]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

That was a nice grab at DE. Really excited for Kush to get some reps. Seems like year two is when you can finally start building roots and an identity.

I'm hoping to finally start making some noise this season. Last year wasn't bad, but we didn't end up in the playoff, which is our goal this coming season.

With how run heavy you've been in the first two years, I see Kush being a vital piece of the puzzle as the Wildcats continue their upward momentum.

Nice snag in the transfer portal too! Love finding guys that plug and play, especially when they're replacing a senior that's departing

I'm excited about Kush, especially where he'll progress by Year 3 or 4. I was thrilled to get a defensive end who is ready-made to be an impact player. He'll be fun to control like I controlled Anta Saka.

[BDawg35]

2026 SEASON PREVIEW




Redshirt sophomore quarterback Ryan Boe has vaulted to 89 OVR.

No quarterback controversy (for now)
as B-Dawg enters third year at NW

B-Dawg heads into his third season as coach at Northwestern with some decisions to make.

One of those decisions won’t be at quarterback, which has been a shaky position in the first two seasons.

Ryan Boe has separated himself from Aidan Gray in the offseason, firmly establishing himself as QB1 in Evanston. Boe has vaulted to 89 OVR as only a redshirt sophomore after beginning last season at 77 OVR.

He was only one point ahead of Gray going into last season, but Gray has progressed to only 79 OVR despite taking more snaps last year than Boe. Boe lost the starting job after throwing three interceptions in the first half at Nebraska, but has worked hard in the offseason to regain his spot.

Boe will be on a short leash if he’s anything like the version of himself we saw in 2025 when he threw only four touchdown passes to go with 10 interceptions. Gray threw nine touchdowns and six picks.

“You get excited when you see an 89 OVR redshirt sophomore quarterback on your roster,” B-Dawg said. “In two years, he could be elite status, one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the nation. I just have to make sure my lack of stick skillz don’t drag him down.”

Elsewhere, B-Dawg has to decide whether to start 77 OVR four-star freshman Nazir Kush or 84 OVR Caleb Komolafe at running back. B-Dawg could be intrigued by the possibility of making Kush a four-year starter and seeing what kind of numbers he can rack up with his highest-rated offensive recruit so far.

Perhaps the most controversial move B-Dawg will make is having Matthew Smith start at middle linebacker over Brendan McIntosh. McIntosh set B-Dawg’s all-time record for tackles in a season last year with 141, while Smith had only 22 as a backup.

However, Smith made immense strides in the offseason heading into his redshirt sophomore year, shooting up from 70 OVR to 83 OVR. McIntosh had a modest bump from 76 OVR to 79 OVR for his senior season.

“I have to reward hard work,” B-Dawg said. “Matthew Smith was grinding throughout the offseason, while Brendan McIntosh apparently thought the job would be given to him. That’s not how I operate.”

Defensive end Nuer Gatkuoth, who came to Northwestern from Colorado State, will start at the coveted left end spot from which B-Dawg gets most of his sacks. At 82 OVR, Gatkuoth is tied with defensive tackle Troy Regovich for the highest rating on the defensive line.

The secondary has a chance to be very good with 87 OVR Josh Fussell (98 SPD) and Cole Shivers at the corners, plus 80 OVR Tito Williams at free safety. Lamar Bakhtiari will start as a redshirt freshman at strong safety at only 73 OVR, so smart teams may attack his side of the field.

Northwestern enters the 2026 season rated 80 across the board.










2026 PRESEASON AP TOP 25

1. Penn State (41)
2. Oregon (1)
3. Clemson (24)
4. Georgia
5. Alabama
6. Michigan
7. Boston College
8. Tennessee
9. Virginia Tech
10. Mississippi
11. USC
12. Kansas State
13. Illinois
14. Texas A&M
15. Kentucky
16. Rutgers
17. Ohio State
18. Alabama-Birmingham
19. Arizona
20. Utah
21. Florida State
22. Iowa State
23. Pittsburgh
24. Colorado
25. NORTHWESTERN


2026 PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL

1. Penn State (35)
2. Clemson (23)
3. Alabama (2)
4. Georgia
5. Oregon
6. Boston College
7. Michigan
8. Illinois
9. USC
10. Texas A&M
11. Tennessee
12. Kansas State
13. Kentucky
14. Virginia Tech
15. Ohio State
16. Mississippi
17. Utah
18. Rutgers
19. Iowa State
20. Pittsburgh
21. Florida State
22. Arizona
23. Alabama-Birmingham
24. NORTHWESTERN
25. North Texas





2026 PRESEASON LIST

1. AVERY JOHNSON, Kansas State, QB, Sr.
2. NICO IAMALEAVA, Tennessee, QB, rJr.
3. MAKHI HUGHES, Tulane, HB, rSr.
4. JERRICK GIBSON, Texas, HB, Jr.
5. TAYLOR TATUM, Oklahoma, HB, Jr.




FIRST TEAM
QB, Avery Johnson, Kansas State, Sr.
HB, Jerrick Gibson, Texas, Jr.
HB, Jaheim White, Penn State, Sr.
WR, London Humphreys, Georgia, Sr.
WR, Jalen Hale, Alabama, Sr.
WR, Johntay Cook, Texas, Sr.
TE, Jamari Johnson, Louisville, rJr.
OT, J’ven Williams, Penn State, rJr.
OT, Bo Hughley, Georgia, rJr.
OG, TJ Ferguson, Florida State, rSr.
OG, Bryce Lovett, Florida, Jr.
C, Parker Brailsford, Alabama, rSr.
DE, T.J. Parker, Clemson, Sr.
DE, Tim Booker, Wisconsin, Soph.
DT, Stephiylan Green, Clemson, rJr.
DT, John Walker, Central Florida, Sr.
OLB, Jamal Anderson, Clemson, Sr.
MLB, Troy Bowles, Georgia, Sr.
OLB, Anthony Hill, Texas, Sr.
CB, Daniel Harris, Georgia, Sr.
CB, Ellis Robinson, Georgia, Jr.
FS, Kamari Ramsey, USC, rSr.
SS, Kylin Jackson, LSU, rJr.
K, John Love, Virginia Tech, rSr.
P, Declan Duley, Illinois, rJr.

SECOND TEAM
QB, Austin Novosad, Oregon, rJr.
HB, Taylor Tatum, Oklahoma, Jr.
HB, Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame, Sr.
WR, Antonio Williams, Clemson, rSr.
WR, Darnell Lee, Florida State, rSr.
WR, Micah Hudson, Texas Tech, Jr.
TE, Christian Bentancur, Clemson, Jr.
OT, Charles Jagusah, Notre Dame, Sr.
OT, Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M, Sr.
OG, Caleb Holmes, Pittsburgh, Jr.
OG, Alex Birchmeier, Penn State, rJr.
C, Mark Nabou, Texas A&M, rSr.
DE, Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, rSr.
DE, Kelby Collins, Florida, Sr.
DT, DJ Hicks, Texas A&M, Sr.
DT, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, Texas A&M, rSr.
OLB, Adarius Hayes, The U, Jr.
MLB, Raylen Wilson, Georgia, Sr.
OLB, Devon Jackson, Oregon, rSr.
CB, Malik Muhammad, Texas, Sr.
CB, Amorion Walker, Michigan, rSr.
FS, Khalil Barnes, Clemson, Sr.
SS, Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma, Sr.
K, Alex McPherson, Auburn, rSr.
P, Dylan Joyce, The U, Sr.




FIRST TEAM
QB, Austin Novosad, Oregon, rJr.
HB, Jahiem White, Penn State, Sr.
HB, Darius Taylor, Michigan, Sr.
WR, Semaj Morgan, Michigan, Sr.
WR, Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, Jr.
WR, Duce Robinson, USC, rSr.
TE, Brady Prieskorn, Michigan, Jr.
OT, J’ven Williams, Penn State, rJr.
OT, Jacob Hood, Nebraska, rSr.
OG, Justin Evans, Nebraska, rSr.
OG, Alex Birchmeier, Penn State, rJr.
C, Iapani Laloulu, Oregon, rSr.
DE, Mylachi Williams, Penn State, rSoph.
DE, Tim Booker, Wisconsin, Soph.
DT, Jason Moore, Ohio State, rSr.
DT, Aaron Graves, Iowa, rSr.
OLB, Cole Sullivan, Michigan, Jr.
MLB, Kam Robinson, Ohio State, Sr.
OLB, Tony Rojas, Penn State, Sr.
CB, Amorion Walker, Michigan, rSr.
CB, Ify Obidegwu, Oregon, rSoph.
FS, Kamari Ramsey, USC, rSr.
SS, Aaron Flowers, Oregon, Jr.
K, Tyler Robles, USC, rJr.
P, Declan Duley, Illinois, rJr.

SECOND TEAM
QB, Jadyn Davis, Michigan, rSoph.
HB, Quinten Joyner, USC, rSr.
HB, Dante Dowdell, Nebraska, Sr.
WR, Ryan Pellum, Oregon, rSoph.
WR, Justius Lowe, Oregon, rSr.
WR, Malachi Coleman, Nebraska, Sr.
TE, Jerry Cross, Penn State, rSr.
OT, Jensen Somerville, UCLA, rSoph.
OT, Spencer Fano, Washington, Sr.
OG, Justin Tauanuu, USC, rSoph.
OG, Luke Montgomery, Ohio State, rJr.
C, Cooper Cousins, Penn State, rSoph.
DE, Aydin Breland, Oregon, Jr.
DE, Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon, rSr.
DT, Jericho Johnson, Oregon, rSoph.
DT, Riley Van Poppel, Nebraska, Sr.
OLB, Blake Purchase, Oregon, rSr.
MLB, Payton Pierce, Ohio State, rSoph.
OLB, Devon Jackson, Oregon, rSr.
CB, Marcelles Williams, USC, rSoph.
CB, Rodrick Pleasant, Oregon, rSr.
FS, Vaboue Toure, Penn State, Jr.
SS, Zion Branch, USC, rSr.
K, Tristian Alvano, Nebraska, Sr.
P, Ryan Eckley, Michigan State, rSr.

[RyanLeaf16]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

You know, I'm not mad at Brendan McIntosh. I'm just disappointed that he thought he could rest on his laurels and coast through the off-season. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. I hope McIntosh is humbled by this and moves forward as a great teammate and does whatever NW asks of him.

[BDawg35]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

You know, I'm not mad at Brendan McIntosh. I'm just disappointed that he thought he could rest on his laurels and coast through the off-season. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. I hope McIntosh is humbled by this and moves forward as a great teammate and does whatever NW asks of him.

The nice thing is he's a senior, so I can severely drop his playing time without worrying about him transferring. I need to establish a culture for my program. Guys need to know that hard work gets rewarded, that nobody's job is safe.

As we speak, I'm watching a YouTube video on recruiting and other offseason shenanigans. I didn't realize how random progression is compared to past NCAA Football games. Boe and Smith had massive improvement and other guys got small nudges. They may stay close to the same next year. It's as random as it is in real life. I think I like it.

[RyanLeaf16]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

The nice thing is he's a senior, so I can severely drop his playing time without worrying about him transferring. I need to establish a culture for my program. Guys need to know that hard work gets rewarded, that nobody's job is safe.

As we speak, I'm watching a YouTube video on recruiting and other offseason shenanigans. I didn't realize how random progression is compared to past NCAA Football games. Boe and Smith had massive improvement and other guys got small nudges. They may stay close to the same next year. It's as random as it is in real life. I think I like it.

I like the randomness as well. I also don't use my coach points b/c I think it gives an unfair advantage over the AI. So my next 'nasty, I'm going to avoid the skill-tree, I think it gives the players too much of a buff once you get deep into it and makes things a little too easy as you move along through the seasons. If you wanted an added challenge, might be something to consider.

[cookies00]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

Boe's jump was unreal! Where did he make most of his improvements? Also, what are the archetypes of your RBs? I'm excited for Kush as well, but I'm curious if a committee approach makes sense, or if they're the same type of back.

[BDawg35]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

I like the randomness as well. I also don't use my coach points b/c I think it gives an unfair advantage over the AI. So my next 'nasty, I'm going to avoid the skill-tree, I think it gives the players too much of a buff once you get deep into it and makes things a little too easy as you move along through the seasons. If you wanted an added challenge, might be something to consider.

Yeah, it probably does. I made my guy a motivator/recruiter. I'm building up my recruiting ability so I can start getting some dudes. This will probably be my one and only dynasty in CFB 25, so I'll have to make do by changing sliders when/if things get too easy.

Boe's jump was unreal! Where did he make most of his improvements? Also, what are the archetypes of your RBs? I'm excited for Kush as well, but I'm curious if a committee approach makes sense, or if they're the same type of back.

I didn't really take a look at the breakdown by attributes. The other thing I don't pay much attention to are the archetypes. I hear people talk about them all the time, but I'm not sure how/if they manifest themselves in game situations. I figure my success or failure is determined by my own ability or decisions (mostly dumb decisions). Some friends of mine who are playing dynasties bring up this kind of stuff all the time and I feel like the dumbest man in the room because I know little to nothing about it.

[BDawg35]

2026 SEASON - GAME 1




CMU's Christian Alliegro grabs a pick-six 36 seconds before halftime.


CMU's Tai Newkirk hauls in an 82-yard touchdown pass.


Jaylen Love catches a pass for Northwestern's only touchdown.


Northwestern defensive end Nuer Gatkuoth grabs an interception dropping into coverage.

HELP WANTED: QB
Two Ryan Boe pick-sixes doom NW
in season-opening loss to Chippewas

EVANSTON, Ill. — Just when B-Dawg promised there wouldn’t be another quarterback controversy at Northwestern this season, Ryan Boe did more Ryan Boe things.

That meant he was back on the bench after three interceptions, the final one being a pick-six, just as he was last season in a loss to Nebraska.

That meant Aidan Gray entered the season opener against Central Michigan hoping to breathe life into a Northwestern offense that had nothing after two early scoring drives.

Gray wasn’t much better, and the 25th-ranked Wildcats lost and game they expected to win, 28-10, to Central Michigan on Sept. 5, 2026.

Boe was 15-for-32 for 113 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The final pick was returned 25 yards to the house by Bryce Rowe just 10 seconds after the Chippewas struck from an 82-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Jefferson to Tai Newkirk.

The two touchdowns 10 seconds part expanded CMU’s lead from 14-10 to 28-10.

Gray had a chance to seize the job, as he did last year when Boe faltered, but he wasn’t much better. He went 9-for-21 for 68 yards, no touchdowns and one pick.

“I’ll have to sleep on this one,” B-Dawg said. “Right now, I can’t trust either guy if they’re combining for four interceptions against a team like CMU.”

Not that B-Dawg is in a position to talk down about Mid-American Conference teams. The Wildcats are 1-3 in this dynasty against the MAC, losing to Miami (Ohio) in the first game of this dynasty and to Western Michigan in the 2024 Detroit Bowl. Northwestern beat Bowling Green last season before losing this game to CMU.

It looked like the Wildcats would have their way after jumping out of a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. They marched 83 yards in 17 plays, taking 7:22 off the clock, to score on a 6-yard pass from Boe to Jaylen Love on their first drive.

But then B-Dawg tried to get cute, running plays he doesn’t normally try. Attempting play-action passes that are outside his comfort zone, he settled for a field goal on the second drive. Then the pick parade began soon thereafter.

“I lost focus,” B-Dawg said. “When we got up 10-0, it was coming so easy that I started to experiment with some pass plays we don’t normally run. If I’ve learned anything from playing College Football 25, it should be to stick with what you know. Attempting anything else is just inviting disaster.”

The Chippewas got on the board on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jefferson to Matthew Robinson before Boe served up an 8-yard pick-six to Christian Alliegro with 36 seconds left in the first half.

“I threw a flat pass over the middle and he was right there,” B-Dawg said. “I had just watched a video on lobbing the ball with the L1 button, but didn’t have a chance to lab it. This is what I get for not going into the lab more often.”

On a brighter note, middle linebacker Matthew Smith had 14 tackles and five tackles for losses. There was controversy when he took over the starting job from Brendan McIntosh, who set B-Dawg’s single-season tackles record last year, but Smith is on pace (albeit early) to break that mark.





NORTHWESTERN BLOCKING
Jordan Knox 5 pancakes, 0 sacks; Simon Silva 5-0; Jaelen Camarda 4-0; Brandon Henderson 4-0; Anthony Birsa 2-0; Camp Magee 1-0; Julius Hazel 1-0; Carson Grove 1-0; Shawn Boyett 1-1.

[redsox907]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

Whew, wasn't expecting that one.

Been there with the interceptions. Feels like once you throw one it just kind of snowballs from there unless you can get the ground game going again.

Doesn't get easier next week with a trip to The Blue

[RyanLeaf16]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

Oof...not a great start to the season. Get in that lab my man! Might have to hand it to Nazir Kush 40x's a game with this QB play.

[BDawg35]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

Whew, wasn't expecting that one.

Been there with the interceptions. Feels like once you throw one it just kind of snowballs from there unless you can get the ground game going again.

Doesn't get easier next week with a trip to The Blue

Yeah, the pick-six before halftime was on a simple drag route that is completed nearly 90% of the time and is hardly a dangerous play. The game decided the fix was in against CMU, I guess. I'll blame it on the game, not me.

Looking forward to going to the Smurf Turf! But we'll have to be a lot better. And they'll be looking for revenge after what we did to them in the Gronk Bowl.

Oof...not a great start to the season. Get in that lab my man! Might have to hand it to Nazir Kush 40x's a game with this QB play.

If I could, I would. If I could get by without throwing a single pass, I would. Bad things happen when I pass. I'd probably kill the kid giving him 40 carries right now, but I'm hoping in time he's a guy we can feed 35-40 times a game and he gets tons of yards after contact. I can go the service academy route with my offense if it works.

[BDawg35]

2026 SEASON - GAME 2




Northwestern freshman running back Nazir Kush scores his first career touchdown.


Northwestern freshman running back Nazir Kush celebrates his first career touchdown.


Northwestern receiver Jaylen Love catches an 11-yard touchdown pass.


Northwestern’s Timi Oke catches a touchdown pass.


Northwestern’s Tito Williams breaks up a pass in the end zone.


Northwestern receiver Jaylen Love makes a diving catch.


Northwestern’s Troy Regovich sacks Boise State quarterback Malachi Nelson.

SMURFTASTIC!
Wildcats actually do their jobs,
leave Boise State with victory

BOISE, Idaho — And, just like that, everything is right in the world.

Ryan Boe isn’t serving up picks, Timi Oke isn’t dropping passes, the defense isn’t hemorrhaging big plays and Jaylen Love is making miraculous diving catches and coming up with tipped balls.

One week after an embarrassing loss to Central Michigan in a pick-fest, Northwestern looked more like the team that cracked the top 25 in the preseason polls in a 28-21 victory over Boise State.

“It felt good to have a relatively drama-free game,” B-Dawg said. “Guys just did what they’re paid to do.”

Although Northwestern is a Big Ten Conference team and Boise State is from the Mountain West, the Wildcats came into the game as underdogs. Boise State was rated 85 overall, 85 on offense and 86 on defense. Northwestern is 80 across the board.

There was concern at first that playing on the Smurf Turf might be too big a stage, particularly for freshman running back Nazir Kush, who fumbled on his first carry in a hostile environment. That led to an early Broncos touchdown.

But that would be the only turnover for the Wildcats after they had four against the Chippewas. Boe was an efficient 18-for-22 for 177 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, as B-Dawg went right back to him after his three-pick performance got him pulled against CMU.

Kush settled down after the fumble and showed he could be a workhorse, running 28 times for 97 yards and his first career touchdown.

The Wildcats were 13-for-17 on third down and 3-for-3 on fourth down, requiring only one appearance from punter Larry Hurley.

It was an old-school throwback game, with Northwestern running 44 times for 142 yards and Boise State toting the rock 30 times for 119 yards. Neither team gained much traction on the ground, but didn’t abandon the run in favor of an aerial circus either.

Kush atoned for his early fumble by getting a fourth-and-two from the Boise State 15 to set up the Wildcats’ first touchdown, an 11-yard pass from Boe to Love.

After the Broncos regained the lead on a 2-yard run by Sire Gaines, Boe found Oke for a 10-yard touchdown on third-and-goal with 52 seconds left in the first half. There was a sigh of relief when Oke hung on, as he dropped two passes last week.

Northwestern took the lead with an impressive 16-play, 80-yard march that took 6:20 off the clock to start the second half. Love made a diving catch on third-and-18 to keep the drive alive before Kush got the first of many career touchdowns on a 3-yard run.

Caleb Komolafe, Kush’s backup, made it a 28-14 game with 8:03 left in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run. Komolafe entered the game because Kush was showing up as a severe injury risk with a foot contusion.

“It’s nice to have a solid backup like Caleb who has played in big games,” B-Dawg said. “I’m comfortable with either guy, but I’d like to see what kind of damage I can do with Kush over a four-year career.”

Boise State cut the lead to one possession with 50 seconds left, converting two fourth-and-twos in the process, but Northwestern’s CJ Young recovered the onside kick to seal the victory.





NORTHWESTERN BLOCKING
Brandon Henderson 11 pancakes, 0 sacks; Anthony Birsa 6-0; Simon Silva 5-0; Jordan Knox 5-0; Shawn Boyett 3-0; Julius Hazel 2-0; Camp Magee 1-0; Trayvon Riggins 1-0; Jaelen Camarda 1-0; Kyle Baity 1-0.

[BDawg35]

2026 SEASON - GAME 3




Northwestern’s Caleb Komolafe fights his way into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 1:51 left in the
game.


Sam Houston’s Joe Swen grabs one of three interceptions thrown by Ryan Boe.


Running from the little-known Monster formation, Caleb Komolafe is practically the only player in the frame.


Northwestern’s Troy Regovich sacks Sam Houston quarterback Sylas Gomez.


Northwestern defensive tackle Tyler Gant recovers a fumble.


Northwestern freshman Nazir Kush ran 28 times for 152 yards and a touchdown.


Northwestern safety Tito Williams picks off a pass.


Sam Houston receiver Byron Green hauled in two touchdown passes in the second quarter.

FIGHTING FOR P.T.
Komolafe not content with backup role,
scores 3 TD’s in win over Sam Houston

EVANSTON, Ill. — Backing up a freshman running back isn’t how Caleb Komolafe envisioned his senior football season at Northwestern.

But B-Dawg has him over a barrel. As a senior, Komolafe can’t jump to the transfer portal, so he has to ride out his final year with the Wildcats.

Komolafe isn’t going to quietly ride out that year playing an insignificant role, however.

He made the most of his playing time while spelling freshman Nazir Kush, running eight times for 38 yards and three touchdowns during a 31-17 victory over Sam Houston on Sept. 19, 2026.

Kush needed some occasional blows after lugging the rock 28 times for 152 yards and a touchdown. Komolafe scored the game-winning touchdown on a six-yard run with 1:51 left in the game, breaking a 17-17 tie. He tacked on an insurance eight-yard touchdown run 51 seconds later after Josh Fussell broke up a fourth-and-16 pass.

Komolafe began last season as the backup, but quickly became the main running back when Joseph Himon was injured in the season opener. Komolafe led Northwestern in rushing with 829 yards and nine touchdowns on 202 carries.

“It’s obvious we can’t get by with only one running back,” B-Dawg said. “Guys get tired, guys get hurt. We’re fortunate to have really three guys I feel comfortable with as our main back. We definitely need to focus on running more, because …”

Because there’s a world in which Ryan Boe exists.

Boe served up three interceptions for the third time in his last four starts. He was benched after throwing three interceptions in the first half of a loss at Nebraska last season and didn’t start again until this year’s opener against Central Michigan. He served up three picks in that game, but redeemed himself the following week with two touchdown passes and no interceptions in a win at Boise State.

But he reverted to form against Sam Houston, going 18-for-36 for 206 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.

B-Dawg is in quite the quandary, because Boe is the team’s highest-rated quarterback by far at 89 OVR. Backup Aidan Gray is 79 OVR and redshirt freshman Forrest Edmond is 76 OVR with wheels.

“I have no clue what to do,” B-Dawg said. “I’ll keep going with the higher ranked guys unless this persists. At some point, the man on the sticks needs to take a good long look in the mirror, too. There’s that.”

It was almost a repeat of the loss to Central Michigan.

Against the Chippewas, Northwestern jumped out to a 10-0 first-quarter lead before falling apart and not scoring again.

Against the Bearkats (2-1), Northwestern led 14-0 after one quarter before giving up 17 points in the second quarter. Sylas Gomez connected with Byron Green for touchdown passes of 27 and 82 yards to put Sam Houston ahead.

Gomez had 284 passing yards and Green 160 receiving yards at halftime. Green didn’t have another catch the rest of the game.

The Wildcats (2-1) regrouped after halftime, shutting out the Bearkats and doing enough to get the dub. An Enrique Swaim field goal tied the game 17-17 in the third quarter.

The game then devolved into a turnover-fest, with Boe sandwiching two interceptions around a fumble recover by Northwestern’s Tyler Gant.

Sam Houston was set up at the Northwestern 44 when cornerback Jalen O’Neal intercepted a pass with 8:09 left in the game. The Bearkats went three-and-out, as did the Wildcats.

Sam Houston was nearly right back where it started following O’Neal’s pick, getting the ball at Northwestern’s 45 with 6:38 left following a short punt. A 14-yard sack by Troy Regovich on third-and-13 with 5:27 left ended that threat.

Two holding penalties slowed the Wildcats’ next drive, but didn’t stop it. They even got some help from the refs with a pass interference call on Tyler Bailey with 3:21 left.

After two big catches by Love, Komolafe gave the Wildcats the lead on a toss play in which he almost went down short of the goal line but fought his way in to cap a 10-play, 74-yard drive.

Northwestern’s longest run of the day was 13 yards as it ran 39 times for 190 yards, but the Wildcats consistently got five to nine yards to move the chains.





NORTHWESTERN BLOCKING
Anthony Birsa 7 pancakes, 0 sacks; Jordan Knox 7-0; Kyle Baity 3-0; Jaelen Camarda 3-0; Camp Magee 2-0; Simon Silva 2-0; Brandon Henderson 2-0; Julius Hazel 1-0; Shawn Boyett 1-0.

[redsox907]

Re: B-Dawg's Northwestern Wildcats: Navigating the new Big Ten in CFB25

What do the individual ratings look like for the QBs? I've had guys that were higher rated, but only because they had high awareness. They were actually rated lower than the two QBs below them in all of the accuracy metrics.

But I'd say worse case scenario, go with the RSFR with the wheels and just go '04 Vick on em