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5 things to watch
Matt McGowan
Pregame Editor
matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
1. Kick return game
South Dakota State. Lujan was the offensive coordinator for his final season with the Jackrabbits and the architect of a unit that averaged 37.3 points per game.
While Northwestern doesn’t turn heads for its ground game or passing attack, its kick return game ranks among the best in the Big Ten. The Wildcats rank second in the conference with 410 yards and third with an average of 25.6 yards per return. Redshirt sophomore Joseph Himon II has been the key piece to such success, totaling 331 yards on 12 returns – including a 96-yarder against Washington in Week 4.
Given Iowa’s tackling struggles last week and its tendency to concede big plays to its opposition, the 5-foot-9 Himon will be a concern for the Hawkeyes’ special teams.
2. Rematch against dual threat QB
In its previous game against Michigan State, Iowa struggled to contain Spartan quarterback Aidan Chiles. Against Northwestern, Iowa will have a similar challenge in Wildcat quarterback Jack Lausch.
Hailing from Chicago, Lausch took over the starting role after the team’s first two games and delivered instant production in his season debut against Eastern Illinois, tossing for 227 yards and two passing touchdowns to go along with 62 rushing yards. This season, the 6-foot-2 Lausch has 196 yards on 4.2 yards per carry, each ranking first in the Big Ten among quarterbacks.
3. New Northwestern offense
Head coach David Braun, stepping into a full-time role over the offseason after an interim stint in 2023, made moves under his new title. In December, Braun fired offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian before hiring Zach Lujan as his replacement less than a month later. Evanston marks Lujan’s first FBS coaching job after spending the previous seven years with FCS powerhouse
Partly due to Northwestern’s early-season quarterback struggles, Lujan’s presence hasn’t made much of an impact in the passing game as the Wildcats have come more reliant on the run, averaging 20 more rushing yards per game than they did last season. Senior running back Cam Porter leads the team with 320 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
4. Second cornerback spot
While sixth-year cornerback Jermari Harris has been one of the Hawkeyes’ best defenders this season, his counterpart on the right side of the field remains to be seen. Junior TJ Hall as well as sophomores Deshaun Lee and John Nestor have each seen reps at corner, but none have earned consistent starts.
Lee, who started six games for the Hawkeyes last season, did not see action against Michigan State due to a coaches’ decision. Head coach Kirk Ferentz said Lee is in “a bit of a lull,” but has him as the starter on this week’s depth chart. Lee’s 19 total tackles this season rank best for any Iowa cornerback this season. The quality and quantity of Lee’s play on Saturday will indicate if perhaps the position has been figured out or will need more, as Ferentz put it, “learning on the job.”
5. Brendan Sullivan snaps
While Ferentz said starting quarterback Cade McNamara has to be better under center and more accurate with his throws, the head coach affirmed his position at the top of the depth chart.
Yet during his explanation as to why McNamara is still the starter, Ferentz slipped in the line, “keep an open mind.” Yes, this could just be a red herring, but it also could signal that Ferentz will have a shorter leash. Ranking 56th in the FBS in terms of yards allowed per game, the Wildcats sit in fifth in the Big Ten in total tackles and first in passes defensed with 36.
OFFENSE
QB 12 Cade McNamara Sr 1 Brendan Sullivan Jr
RB 2 Kaleb Johnson Jr 28 Kamari Moulton #Fr
WR 15 Reece Vander Zee Fr 0 Jarriett Buie #Fr
WR 21 Kaden Wetjen Sr 7 Dayton Howard #Fr
WR 5 Jacob Gill Jr 8 Terrell Washington Jr. #Fr
TE 85 Luke Lachey Sr 87 Addison Ostrenga Jr
LT 78 Mason Richman Sr 71 Jack Dotzler Soph
LG 70 Beau Stephens Jr 64 Leighton Jones #Fr
C 65 Logan Jones Sr 58 Kade Pieper #Fr
RG 77 Connor Colby Sr 76 Tyler Elsbury Sr
RT 67 Gennings Dunker Jr 56 Nick Dejong Sr
PK 18 Drew Stevens Jr DEFENSE
LE 45 Deontae Craig Sr 48 Max Llewellyn Jr
LT 95 Aaron Graves Jr 57 Will Hubert Soph
RT 94 Yahya Black Sr 55 Jeremiah Pittman Jr
RE 49 Ethan Hurkett Sr 90 Brian Allen Soph
OFFENSE
QB 2 Jack Lausch Soph 5 Mike Wright Sr
RB 1 Cam Porter Sr 25 Caleb Komolafe #Fr
WRX 17 Bryce Kirtz Sr 10 Ricky Ahumaraeze #Fr
WRZ 16 Frank Covey IV #Fr 7 Calvin Johnson II Jr
WRSL 8 A.J. Henning Sr 11 Donnie Gray Jr
TE 87 Thomas Gordan Sr 88 Marshall Lang Sr
LT 72 Caleb Tiernan Jr 70 Cooper Lovelace Sr
LG 70 Cooper Lovelace Sr 72 Nick Herzog Soph
C 69 Jack Bailey Sr 65 Jackson Carsello Jr
RG 56 Josh Thompson Jr 73 Duece McGuire Soph
RT 71 Ben Rather Sr 61 Matt Keeler Jr
PK 82 Jack Olsen Sr DEFENSE
DE 91 Aidan Hubbard Jr 97 Sean McLaughlin Sr
DT 94 R.J. Pearson Sr 54 Tyler Grant #Fr
DT 95 Najee Story Jr 47 Michael Kilbane #Fr
DE 41 Jaylen Pate Sr 4 Anto Saka Soph
29 Sebastian Castro Sr 37 Kyler Fisher Sr
CASH/ LEO
MLB 34 Jay Higgins Sr 41 Jaden Harrell Jr
WLB 10 Nick Jackson Sr 43 Karson Sharar Jr
CB 27 Jermari Harris Sr 7 John Nestor Soph
SS 1 Xavier Nwankpa Jr 4 Koen Entringer Soph
FS 30 Quinn Schulte Sr 6 Zach Lutmer #Fr
CB 8 Deshaun Lee Soph 2 TJ Hall Jr
P 9 Rhys Dakin Fr
WLB 37 Mac Uihlein Jr 5 Kenny Soares Jr. Soph
MLB 34 Xander Mueller Sr 33 Braydon Brus Soph
NB 9 Braden Turner Soph 6 Robert Fitzgerald Soph
CB 19 Theron Johnson Jr 7 Ore Adeyi Jr
SS 8 Devin Turner Jr 21 Damen Walters #Fr
FS 0 Coco Azema Sr 18 Garner Wallace Jr
CB 12 Evan Smith Soph 13 Josh Fussell #Fr
P 11 Luke Akers Sr
Lujan
Lausch
Himon II
Lee
Weekly Wager
PETE RUDEN College Football Editor, Action Network Daily Iowan alumnus
The Daily Iowan’s official bettor’s guide to Iowa football’s Week 9 matchup with Northwestern.
MATT MCGOWAN Pregame Editor
NORTHWESTERN +14
I wanted to buy low on Iowa coming into this week, but I just can’t trust its aerial attack with Cade McNamara under center. He still hasn’t eclipsed 200 passing yards against an FBS opponent. If the Wildcats can contain Kaleb Johnson even a little bit, I think they can keep it close.
+14
The Hawkeyes and Wildcats have played close games in recent history, with six of the last eight matchups decided by a touchdown or less. The Wildcats will make things difficult for quarterback Cade McNamara, ranking first in the Big Ten in pass defenses.
We need to have a conversation about the Iowa defense. This is not the same Phil Parker unit that has trotted out onto the field in recent years. Before this season, the Hawkeyes ranked 26th or better in defensive success rate for four straight seasons. This year? Down to 75th.
The Tigers can exploit a weak Texas A&M pass defense and a turnover prone QB in Conner Weigman.
YTD: $638
Iowa is averaging 27 points per game while Washington checks in at 25.5. Besides basic math, both squads can easily exploit each other’s weaknesses. The Huskies struggle against the run, while the Hawkeyes aren’t great against the pass.
The Hoosiers average margin of victory is a whopping 35 points and have a great red zone offense. This line is easy money.
Each week during the Iowa football season, Daily Iowan Pregame Editor Matt McGowan and Action Network College Football Editor
Pete Ruden will place three hypothetical bets of $100. The score of the contest will be kept in the piggy banks to the right and left with a winner to be declared at the end of the season.
Ruden’s 2024 record: 7-13-1
YTD: $1,082
McGowan’s 2024 record: 12-9
Disciplined background brings mindful player
Iowa defensive lineman Deontae Craig
Colin Votzmeyer Sports Editor colin.votzmeyer@dailyiowan.com
Pads weighing down on his shoulders, his cleats rooted in the grass beneath him,
recognizes the privilege of his opportunity.
Deontae Craig’s eyes peered over his broad facemask and locked onto the ball carrier before him. It was his first tackle football game, but he wasn’t afraid. He loved the art of tackling. And finally, his parents couldn’t
get him in trouble for doing it around the house. Now, it was allowed.
When Craig’s father, Deon, first told him he was taking him to a football practice, Craig was reluctant. He didn’t want to
play football. One Oklahoma drill later, he dropped down into the car and looked right to Deon.
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
Defensive lineman Deontae Craig attempts to block a pass by Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles during a game between Iowa and Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Oct. 19. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 32-20. Craig finished with four tackles in the loss.
CRAIG | 6
understand what he was doing, but after backs. His pads perfectly fit — or are maybe
From Fort Wayne, Indiana, Craig spent his high school years an hour and a half west at Culver Academies, a college preparatory tary Academy, to play basketball, his first Craig and his father often traveled downments, where he played for former Indiana Pacer George Hill’s program. And his team’s assistant coach was Mark Galloway, the head basketball coach at Culver Academies.
Galloway encouraged Deon to bring Craig over to Culver to connect with his son, Trey,
Emma Calabro | The Daily Iowan
Iowa defensive lineman Deontae Craig tackles Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles during a game between Iowa and Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Oct. 19. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 32-20. Craig finished with four tackles in the loss.
and see the school’s campus. Craig and Trey developed a close friendship, and when Craig got home, he knew he wanted to return to Culver for school.
“It really was a no-brainer,” Deon said. “Man, that school, it was really off the chain. Man, it’s a really, really good school. I recommend any young kid [go there]. It was hard … to leave the house and live on their own, but the outcome of it was really, really good, man.”
Never quite a prominent scorer, Craig’s athletic IQ and physical force put him in the right positions to make the necessary plays, and it made him an impactful player in any area of the court. A four-year varsity basketball player, Craig won a state championship in his sophomore year, a massive feat in one of the country’s biggest basketball states.
And while Trey Galloway is now a starting guard on a nationally-ranked Indiana Hoosiers basketball team, Craig’s potential on the football field grew clearer and clearer at
Culver, overtaking basketball and quickly paving a path of his own toward college athletics.
“We had a great team that year, and he was so productive … and playing at a very
tion. And then that’s when the recruiting started happening.”
But the military structure always took priority.
Up at 7 a.m. Ready the room for inspec -
“He learned that he could do something hard; he learned how to structure his time; he learned how to be uncomfortable. He learned how to reach out to teachers for support when he needed to. And he’s got such a big personality and smile that people just gravitated toward him, so he learned to be a leader.”
Andrew Dorrel Culver head coach
high level,” Culver head coach Andrew Dorrel said. “He was our leading tackler. He had double-digit sacks, double-digit tackles for loss, playing against really good competi -
tion. March to breakfast in uniform. Class from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Football practice. Dinner. Military activities. Study tables for two hours. Bed. Repeat.
“Culver is hard,” Dorrel said. “It’s hard for young people to learn to manage.”
But it’s also produced some of the greatest American athletic minds — Bud Adams, founder of the Houston Oilers, co-founder of the AFL, and former owner of Tennessee Titans; George Steinbrenner, principal owner of the Yankees across seven World Series championships; and Walter O’Malley, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers credited for moving baseball to the West Coast. In Craig, it produced the qualities necessary to make him a Division I football player.
“He learned that he could do something hard; he learned how to structure his time; he learned how to be uncomfortable,” Dorrel said. “He learned how to reach out to teachers for support when he needed to. And he’s got such a big personality and smile that people just gravitated toward him, so he learned to be a leader.”
Craig earned all-state honors as a junior, finishing his career with school records in career tackles, career and season sacks, and season and career tackles for loss.
A 247Sports Composite four-star football recruit in the class of 2020, Craig ranked 373rd in the country, 20th in weak-side defensive ends, and third in Indiana. He gathered offers from the biggest names in college football, from Georgia Tech and Michigan to Notre Dame and Ohio State — and of course, his hometown school of Indiana.
Growing up just three hours north of Bloomington, the Hoosiers have a soft spot in Craig’s heart, even as they’ve succeeded this season with a 7-0 start.
“While getting recruited, I had a really good relationship with Coach [Tom] Allen, and I think a lot of success you’re seeing now stems from a little bit of the belief that he poured into that program,” Craig said. “You’ve got to take your hats off to them. They went through it, built up the right way, and their success is paying off.”
So after a visit to Tennessee on April 12 of 2019, Craig made the trip next to Indiana on June 7. But two weeks later, he came to Iowa City, and the relationship he solidified with defensive line coach Kelvin Bell turned him from Hoosier to Hawkeye.
“I just remember a lot of honesty,” Craig said of the process with Bell. “He did a great job of not invading my space. He gave me my own space and let me think about making my own decisions. And he stayed persistent throughout the whole thing and stayed consistent as well, which is a big thing for me. And I definitely landed where I was supposed to.”
Joining the team in 2020, the hunter became the hunted as Craig’s teammates tested his loving relationship with hitting his opponents. In stark contrast to his first
Ethan McLaughlin| The Daily Iowan
Iowa defensive lineman Deontae Craig poses for a portrait outside of the Ronald D. and Margaret L. Kenyon Football Practice Facility during Iowa football media day on Aug. 9.
CRAIG from 7
tackle football game, his first practice in pads included his welcome-to-college-foot ball moment when fullback Turner Pallissard popped Craig under the chin in a drill, sending him and his helmet flying backward.
“I was like, ‘This is what I’m doing now,’” Craig said. “‘I gotta figure it out or I’m going to get killed.’”
Craig redshirted that season and made steady jumps across the next two, both learning from and playing alongside the likes of current Green Bay Packer Lukas Van Ness and Pittsburgh Steeler Logan Lee. He did whatever possible to contribute, from the defensive line to punts and kickoffs.
In 2021, Craig played 12 of 14 games, fin ishing the season with 14 tackles. In 2022, he played in all 13 games and more than doubled that finish with 31 tackles, earning the Coaches Appreciation Award for defense and special teams.
Still, Craig attributes his growth first and foremost to Bell, a relationship that has only strengthened across his development.
“He does a great job [with our] freshman class,” Craig said. “[He’s] leading meetings, having guys ask the right questions, having guys step out of their comfort zone and get up in front of the older guys to try to figure out plays on the board.”
Because Craig joined fellow linemen Yahya Black and Ethan Hurkett in first playing for Iowa during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bell had much more time to connect with them and give them a head start in the process over Zoom.
“[I have] just the utmost trust in those guys because they’re going to do it the right way,” Bell said. “They understand if they play for themselves, they play for each other. They’re not playing for their own individual accolades. And I think that’s what makes that group so, so special.”
But Craig always stood out to Bell, from the first day at Culver Academies to playing special teams at Iowa. He took Craig under his guidance, advising him to find one aspect of his life he can improve each day.
“I just, I can’t say enough about him,” Bell said. “Craig’s always been very self-aware.
He’s always been very conscientious and communicates extremely well … But, man, I’m just looking forward to a big year for him.”
Craig started at defensive end in all 14 of the Hawkeyes’ games in 2023 — amassing 54 tackles, five tackles for losses of 25 yards in total, three sacks for losses of 22 yards in total and seven quarterback pressures on his way to an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection by the conference’s media.
More importantly, though, Craig again won the Coaches Appreciation Award for defense, was named to the Player Council, and earned the UI Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence Student Leadership Award.
Craig embodies the ideal of a “stu -
dent-athlete.”
“We are just so proud of him, man, because he takes his academics and that side of his career — he takes it personally,” Deon said. “It’s just like he does on the football field. It’s the same way … He goes hard, and he plays hard, tries to be one of the best out there. That’s the same way he does in the classroom. That’s the same way.”
Last year, Craig did an internship with the Big Ten Network and worked the Big Ten Basketball Tournament in Chicago. He attended the Black Student Athlete Summit in Los Angeles, and he coaches elementary-school-aged flag football in Iowa City.
“[He does] a lot of things that, out from underneath the helmet, don’t get a lot of
publicity,” Bell said. “And I think that’s going to serve him well once he finally hangs the cleats up. Hopefully, that won’t be for a while.”
It certainly didn’t end after his breakout season last year, as Craig was a preseason third-team All-Big Ten selection and again named to the Player Council. Starting at defensive end once more, Craig is a vital piece in Iowa’s strong pass rush that has limited offenses from explosive plays in
Craig has 20 tackles thus far this season, including one for a loss and one sack as well as a high of five tackles against pass-heavy Washington.
His motivation in the classroom and at work parallels that on the gridiron, a student of the game constantly hunting for an aspect of his skillset he needs to patch up.
“I think a lot of it is just a lot of intense, detailed film study,” Craig said. “It’s tough, but the preparation is still the same. You’ve got to put in the time, got to put in the work, because nothing of it is ever easy.”
Through his football journey, from a small mass of padding and polycarbonate in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to an NFL hopeful playing for a top defense in the nation before 70,000 fans, Craig doesn’t view much of a difference. It’s still the same game, the same love for tackling he first found, and the same little lack of concern for his impact.
“Sometimes it’s just like, ‘Wow, I really did that,’ [but] I don’t even have time to think about it because I’ve just got to get back to the huddle,” Craig said. “But if it’s at the end of a quarter, end of the half, or something, then I could be like, ‘OK, that was really cool.’”
Craig still likes a little celebration, forcefully pumping his fist forward to the end zone after a sack like Tiger Woods following a big putt. But then it’s always with his teammates.
“What we do is hard,” Craig said. “[My teammates] always taught me to just really appreciate everything that’s going on around you. We live a great life, especially us up here … We get to play in front of the best fans in the country. There’s nothing to pout about. There’s nothing to be sad about. I try to wear a smile every day.”
Grace Smith | The Daily Iowan
Iowa defensive lineman Deontae Craig smiles at fans during a football game between Iowa and Rutgers at Kinnick Stadium on Nov. 11, 2023. The Hawkeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights, 22-0.
From weakness to strength
After a forgettable 2022 season, the Iowa offensive line is a more mature and united front.
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
Ask Logan Jones about the 2022 season, and the Iowa center’s face flashes red. He lets out a sigh as his eyes drift to the ceiling of the team’s practice facility.
“Oh, jeez. I don’t,” he lets out through an uneasy smile. His head shakes slightly as if attempting to forget the memory, but reluctant to let it disappear from his mind.
That season was a trying one for Jones. After two seasons spent on the sideline due to a redshirt and injury, the Hawkeye made his starting debut at center – a position he hadn’t played since his high school. Recruited to Iowa as a defensive lineman, Jones found himself in an unfamiliar situation, but wasn’t alone with his inexperience.
Among the nine Hawkeye linemen who started for Iowa that season, the group had 40 starts heading into the season. Jones, as well as linemen Gennings Dunker, Beau Stephens and Tyler Elsbury, had no starts to their names. This trial by fire had shortcomings, as evidenced by the 38 sacks allowed and the 2.9 yards per rush mustered that season.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said he wasn’t too surprised by this lack of production. The Hawkeyes don’t usually recruit linemen with the size and ability to start as soon as they get on campus. Growing pains are inevitable.
“Maturity brings confidence, but you usually got to go through some bad experiences to get there.That’s how the path works,” Ferentz said.
Two years later, seven of those nine players remain, boasting greater maturity and unity as they have evolved from a team weakness to one of its biggest strengths. The 2024 unit made the Joe Moore Award midseason honor roll – aiming to take home the hardware as the nation’s best offensive line for the first time since 2016.
Looking back on that 2016 unit – which was composed of four future NFL players – Jones admitted admiration. Battling injuries all season, the 2016 unit featured seven different starting lineups but still paved the way for two 1,000-yard rushers. But for all that group’s talents, this year’s edition is on pace to give up fewer sacks and produce more rushing yards.
Not that it’s a matter of comparison, though. For Jones and the offensive line, the award is a tangible goal, but not a distraction.
“It’s always a dream of ours, but right now we’re focused on what we need to do,” Jones said. “And as long as we’re focused on the now and getting better in practice, everything will take care of itself.”
Starting with the second half of the season opener against Illinois State, the Iowa line has been a key component to running back Kaleb Johnson’s 14-touchdown 1,137-yard season. Johnson repeats the mantra after every game – his job is made a lot easier
with the five guys up front; so much so that he owes them dinner. When a reporter mentioned this to Jones, his face lit up thinking of the possibilities. Onion rings. Lobster mac and cheese. All on his teammate’s dime.
“I’ll run that bill up,” he said with a smile. “He’ll spoil us.”
Before uniting with Johnson, Iowa’s offensive line had to come together themselves. Dunker missed the 2021 season due to a foot injury. He said he was reserved in his younger years and didn’t often make conversation with his older teammates. Yet as the games and practices wore on, he soon realized that communication was a priority, most evidenced by left tackle Mason Richman.
Hailing from Leawood, Kansas, Richman was one of the few Hawkeyes with experience in 2022, having started 12 games the year prior following his redshirt 2020 season. Part jokester and part drill sergeant, Richman isn’t afraid to either poke fun or instruct a teammate whenever the situation calls for it.
“He’ll yell at some guys, whether it be grabbing when you’re running, just these little things,” Jones said.
Chemistry also developed alongside individual improvement. After countless dinners together on Thursday nights, when grilling and board games entertain the evening, even members of the Iowa defense can’t help but notice.
“They set the tone in practice. They’re a really energetic group,” Black said of the Hawkeye offensive line. “A strong, bonded group of guys that show that they’re really together. So that makes us work even harder, because you know they know what they’re doing.”
Jones is well aware of his own and the line’s progress since that forgetful 2022 season, but the 23-year-old keeps perspective. Football isn’t an easy game. Struggles are inevitable. But armed with the belief of his teammates and coaching staff, the potential is hard to ignore.
“We have everything out there for us still,” Jones said. “If we want to go out there and take it, then we’ve got to continue to do that and grow each week.”
Cody Blissett | The Daily Iowan Iowa offensive linemen huddle during a football game between then-No. 3 Ohio State
One on One: Brendan Sullivan
The Daily Iowan Pregame Reporter Chris Meglio spoke with the Hawkeye quarterback on Iowa football media day on Aug. 9.
Chris Meglio Pregame Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
The Daily Iowan: What drew you to Iowa?
Brendan Sullivan: I just like the tradition of Iowa football — a bunch of tough, gritty guys. They get the job done and are tough to go against.
Three words that you think describe you as a player?
I would say tough, versatile, and gritty.
What’s one food or drink that you don’t like that all your peers do?
I think it’s sweet potatoes. Trash. I like sweet potato fries, which is weird.
If you were in the jungle, which animal would you want to be?
A gorilla. I just think they’re so dominant. They’re so strong.
What’s the most important part of an outfit?
I like having the right shirt on, having the tattoos pop.
Carpet floors or wood floors? Wood floors. They’re easy to clean.
What’s one place that your parents forced you to go as a kid that you hated going to?
My dad was a football coach growing up, and someti mes they wouldn’t let me go to their practices. I always hated staying at home. I loved to be at the football prac tices.
Turf or grass?
If it’s good-cut grass, then low-cut grass for sure.
What other sports did you play in high school? Basketball.
Who’s your favorite NBA player?
The GOAT, LeBron James.
Who’s your favorite NFL player right now?
I’ll go with former teammate Peter Skoronski.
Who’s the best NFL player right now?
I definitely have to go with Mahomes. What he’s done for the quarterback position, I feel like it’s got to be him.
What do you think about the Chicago Bears? Do you think trading Justin Fields was the right move?
I mean, they got to make decisions. I was a big Justin Fields fan. I like the way he played, the way he carried himself, but I wish him the best in his future. But I would’ve kept him.
What Sullivan’s former Northwestern teammates and coaches had to say:
“He’s a special guy, a very determined individual. He loves the game and is a competitor through and through.”
Cam Porter Northwestern running back
Brendan Sullivan
Junior
Quarterback
6-foot-4
Davison, MI
“He’s a true leader, someone who leads by example, a vocal guy. ”
A.J. Henning
Northwestern wide receiver
“He’s an athletic, talented quarterback, but there’s a lot of talented quarterbacks out there. What it comes down to is those differentiating factors, and that’s where I think Brendan Sullivan is on a whole other level with the competitive spirit he possesses.”
David Braun Northwestern football head coach
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan hands the football to running back Kaleb Johnson in a football game between Iowa and Washington on Oct. 12. The Hawkeyes defeated the Huskies, 40-16. Sullivan ran for nine yards in the contest.
Friday | 10 p.m. |
Rutgers (4-3, 1-3) USC (3-4, 1-4)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA
A matchup of the ages for history nerds. Knights against Trojans? Please both wear red for this late-night bloodbath.
Line: USC -14.5 O/U: 55.5
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Nebraska (5-2, 2-2)
No. 4 Ohio State (5-1, 2-1) Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH
Is it the Republican National Convention with all this red? Just can’t imagine “Ave Maria” being played though.
