Michigan State vs. Northwestern

THE GOOD: Backfield. I couldn't pick just one. Clayton Thorson and Justin Jackson both balled out. This was probably the best performance of Thorson's career. He played essentially mistake free football and continually made clutch plays when he needed to. Jackson was held in check from a rushing yards standpoint, but his impact in other areas. He was nearly impossible to tackle in the open field because he was so shifty. To top it all off, he threw a touchdown pass. He showed why he is the best running back in the Big Ten by putting on a show when his team needed it most.
THE BAD: Tackling. This was not a huge issue, but Northwestern missed more tackles than they usually do. Northwestern has been fairly good when it comes to tackling this year, so this was an unexpected area for them to struggle in.
THE UGLY: Coverage. Northwestern got beat far too many times in this game. Northwestern's safeties like to play up in the box, but this presents a challenge when they bite on play action because they cannot get back effectively cover over the top. Northwestern probably should reconsider how close to the line their safeties play in order to prevent getting burned over the top in the future.

Iowa vs. Northwestern

THE GOOD: Defense. Once again Northwestern's defense was dominant. There was really nothing negative about their performance. They tackled well, they got good pass rush, and they were pretty good in coverage. Probably the only negative was their trouble covering the hitch route by the tight end, but overall, the defense won this game.
THE BAD: Decision making. Fitzgerald needs to put more faith in the kicking game. Kubhander is a good, young kicker and he should get more opportunities to showcase his talents and put points on the board.
THE UGLY: Clayton Thorson. Thorson made just enough plays to win the game. The scramble on third and long was a great example of Thorson making a good decision and using his athleticism to his advantage. He needs to work on getting the ball out faster and not throw into coverage as much as he has been if he wants to take the next step.

Northwestern vs. Maryland

THE GOOD: Justin Jackson. The Ball Carrier finally looked like himself. He was quick and elusive and ran through Maryland's defense all game long. To top it all of, he became Northwestern's all time leader in rushing yards and total yards.
THE BAD: Play calling. I thought Northwestern threw the ball too much in this game. Jackson was dominant, and Northwestern continued to throw. While Thorson had success, I thought Northwestern would have been better suited to pound it on the ground.
THE UGLY: Interceptions. Thorson threw two really, really bad interceptions. They were both overthrows that went right to Maryland defenders. Thorson already has nine interceptions this year, and this has been one of his biggest issues thus far.

Gary Fired

Earlier this week Gary Anderson and OSU mutually agreed to part ways. Gary looked as he finally had the Beavs going in the right direction last year but this year was AWFUL. My biggest issue with Gary and this season is the QB issues. Gary had Seth his first year. Seth was an ATHLETE. Seth was plaqued by injuries that year and Gary wasn't satisfied. Gary then thought let's go th JUCO route for the next two years neither of them worked. Gary was a fun and energetic guy but not a good coach for the BEAVS in their rebuilding stage. Cory Hall is the interim coach. I don't expect the former assistant coach to win every game but I want to get the BEAVS to play with heart and win a few games.

Penn State vs. Northwestern

THE GOOD: Defense. Northwestern was dominant on defense once again. The kept Barkley completely in check for three quarters. The only problem is the offense can't move the ball at all, so the defense is absolutely gassed by mid way through the second half. The defense continues to give Northwestern opportunities, which is about the only positive from these last two weeks.
THE BAD: Wide receivers. Northwestern has talent at receiver. They just can't use it because their offensive line can't block anyone. Northwestern is forced to rely on short passes to try and move the ball through the air because if they try to throw the ball down field, Thorson gets sacked. As much as I like Skowronek and Nagel, they just aren't quick enough to get adequate separation on these quick passes. The answer to this could be as simple as getting youngsters such as Jace James and Riley Lees more action, or as unexpected as lining Matt Alviti up in the slot. As unfortunate as it is, this is what Northwestern's offense has come to.
THE UGLY: Offensive line. FIRE ADAM CUSHING RIGHT NOW. FIRE ADAM CUSHING RIGHT NOW. FIRE ADAM CUSHING RIGHT NOW. FIRE ADAM CUSHING RIGHT NOW. This is a joke. This group is a pathetic excuse for Division 1 athletes. How Adam Cushing still has a job is beyond me. He has never coached a good offensive line, and this year is the culmination of his ineptitude. The amount of times I see players standing around not blocking anyone makes me want to injure myself. HOW CAN CUSHING ALLOW THIS. If Northwestern had a semi-competent offensive line, they could be 5-0 and at least 4-1. Cushing's inability to do his job is preventing this team from achieving its potential. I can't do this anymore. Playing offensive line is simple, HIT SOMEONE ON THE OTHER TEAM. While there is youth and inexperience at the tackles, there is no excuse for Hance and Doles to be as bad as they have. The only explanation is Cushing's inability to prepare them, or they are just completely inept on a football field. Honestly, I think it is a combination of both at this point. I'm sick and tired of watching this group go out there and get absolutely manhandled week in and week out. JUST HIT SOMEONE. It's not even technique, they literally stand around and don't hit anyone half the time. Either Fitzgerald fires Cushing, or everyone goes, including Fitzgerald.

Northwestern vs. Wisconsin

THE GOOD: Defense. Northwestern's defense played their best game of the season. Forcing three first half turnovers kept gave Northwestern a chance in this game. By the second half, they were gassed because they played so much due Northwestern;s offensive struggles. This was a great sign from a unit that had struggled with consistency earlier in the season.
THE BAD: Clayton Thorson. Thorson had some very good moments and some very bad moments. When he had time to throw, he was able to find receivers and pick up solid yardage. While his offensive line did him no favors, he needs to be more willing to move out of the pocket when he feels pressure. He also made one of the dumbest plays I have ever seen. All I can say is THROW THE BALL.
THE UGLY: Blocking. Northwestern got dominated by Wisconsin's blitzes in the third and early fourth quarters. Some of this falls on Mick McCall for not calling quick hitting passes to get the ball out of Thorson's hands before the blitz got there. Ultimately, though, it falls on the offensive linemen. It's not hard to HIT SOMEONE. If someone is getting through unblocked, MOVE AND HIT THEM. This group needs to wake up and use their eyes. It simply comes down to being physical and HITTING SOMEONE.