Indiana vs. Northwestern

THE GOOD: The receivers. All of Northwestern's receivers stepped up. It was not only Austin Carr, although he did score a touchdown. Macan Wilson and Solomon Vault also scored touchdowns. Vault was very impressive as he consistently got open.
THE BAD: The finish. Northwestern played a good first quarter and that's all. The defense did not allow Indiana to score much, but they were the definition of bend but don't break. The offense was atrocious after the first quarter.
THE UGLY: The defensive play calling. Northwestern continued to have their corners sit fifteen yards off the line and allow Indiana to gain ten yards a completion. This strategy is beyond stupid. No team can willingly give up ten yards a play and expect to win. Northwestern also seemed to forget about covering the flats.

Northwestern vs. Michigan State

THE GOOD: Clayton Thorson. Thorson made some great throws and lead the offense down the field. This was the kind of confidence building performance Thorson needed.
THE BAD: The start. Northwestern started very poorly. They cannot continue to do this or it will catch up with them.
THE UGLY: The defense. The defense gave up more than thirty points for the second straight game. This needs to be corrected soon.

Beavers vs Utah

Positives: The defense played great.

Negatives: The offense needs to pass the ball better. Also injuries killed them such as Nall and Garretson.

Beavers vs. California

Positives: The offensive line finally held up together as a whole. Ryan Nall AKA WreckingNall was a beast with 221 yards and 3 TDs. Garretson finally stepped up.

Negatives: The defense can't give up 40+ points consistently.

Bye Week vs. Northwestern

THE GOOD: Rest. Northwestern gets to rest and hopefully get some key players healthy, like Matthew Harris.
THE BAD: The timing. The bye week comes just as it appeared the offense had figured it out; hopefully, they do not lose their rhythm.
THE UGLY: No game. As frustrating as Northwestern games can be, Saturdays just aren't the same without them.

Northwestern vs. Iowa

 THE GOOD: Ifeadi Odenigbo. Odenigbo had the best game of his career. He consistently harassed Iowa's quarterback and was a big part in stopping the run. Odenigbo is becoming the perfect defensive end this year.
THE BAD: The defense. The defense gave up 31 points. This was largely due to bad field position as they held Iowa to a low amount of yardage. They cannot continue to give up this many points, however.
THE UGLY: The kick coverage. No matter who was returning kicks or punts for Iowa, they were ripping off huge returns. Northwestern needs to get this issue fixed or it will hurt them down the line.

Beavers @ Colorado

Positives: nothing

Negatives: everything