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Tale of the tape
A position-by-position breakdown of Saturday’s game
QUARTERBACKS
Northwestern is a run-first, think-second team this year. Through two games, the Wildcats have passed 46 times and ran 102 times. NU’s quarterback Mike Kafka isn’t asked to carry this team. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown yet this season. For Syracuse, Greg Paulus must do a better job going through his progressions this week. Considering Northwestern is not Penn State, that shouldn’t be a problem.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Syracuse has been lit up in the secondary over the first two games this year, albeit by two good passing teams. Syracuse gives up 100 more passing yards per game than the Wildcats (244 to 144). Northwestern’s safeties are loading up on tackles and seem to have a good knack for the ball.
Advantage: Northwestern
Advantage: Syracuse
RUNNING BACKS
The Wildcats’ offense will go as far as Stephen Simmons takes it. The junior has proved to be an adequate replacement for the graduated Tyrell Sutton, who ran circles around the Orange’s defense last season (144 yards on 21 carries). Delone Carter and Antwon Bailey had no holes to run through in Happy Valley last week.
Advantage: Northwestern
WIDE RECEIVERS
Both teams lost their placekickers from last season and entered training camp with question marks shrouding the entire unit. Syracuse’s Ryan Lichtenstein and Northwestern’s Stefan Demos have combined to connect on all fi ve field goals they have attempted through two games this year, with Demos hitting a 49-yarder. Give the Orange a slight edge with Rob Long’s 44.3-yard punting average and Mike Jones’ abilities in the return game.
Advantage: Syracuse
Though Northwestern hasn’t gone airborne often, it does boast a dangerous deep threat in Andrew Brewer. The 6-foot-3 wideout had a 72-yard touchdown in the Wildcats’ opener. Outside of him, NU relies on a committee of receivers, much like Syracuse. Nobody has stepped up outside of Mike Williams quite yet.
Advantage: Even
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Syracuse D-line has held two strong running backs in check the first two weeks this season. Northwestern, meanwhile, is allowing its opponents 118.5 rushing yards per contest. Syracuse should be able to get a better pass rush, but the Orange offensive line might give up some sacks as well. SU is more talented in the front four.
Advantage: Syracuse
LINEBACKERS
Syracuse’s linebackers have been playing well, but the Wildcats’ crew is putting together some good numbers. Quentin Davie, Nate Williams and Ben Johnson have combined for 39 tackles in the first three games. Derrell Smith has been solid for SU, but the rest of the unit can improve.
Advantage: Northwestern
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SPECIAL TEAMS
COACHING
Both coaches are alumni of their respective schools. Pat Fitzgerald took over a perennial loser in Northwestern and in just three years has made it a consistent contender in the Big Ten. The Wildcats went 9-3 last season, and the players have responded to Fitzgerald’s youthful enthusiasm and relatable personality. Meanwhile, Doug Marrone is searching for his first victory as a head coach at any level.
Advantage: Northwestern
INTANGIBLES
For one more game, at least, it seems the Carrier Dome will remain a significant home-field advantage. There were more than 40,000 fans in the building two weeks ago for the Minnesota game, and players from both squads talked about how the volume affected the on-field action. Though the attendance is expected to be lower Saturday, the Dome will still be raucous. Returning home could be just what SU needs to get into the win column.
Advantage: Syracuse
— Compiled by The Daily Orange sports staff
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