The first meeting between Northwestern and Ul Monroe on Saturday in Evanston, Illinois, stoses teams that have been launched from edifying victories paved by their success in the field.
In their victory of 17-14 Big Ten against the UCLA last Saturday, the Wildcats (2-2) obtained a career summit of 119 yards on the ground of Caleb Komolafe.
Meanwhile, Ul Monroe (3-1) broke a sequence of 15 loss games against Sun Belt Rival Arkansas State by dominating the melee line. The Warhawks rushed to 199 yards and, thanks to seven bags, limited the Wolves Red to 12 yards on the ground.
“They are robust in advance, good staff,” said North West coach David Braun. “… We will have to be at our best Saturday.”
Northwestern may get a more difficult than expected opponent when he agreed to play Ul Monroe, who has only had one winning season since 1981.
The Warhawks, chosen to finish last in the Sun Belt West of seven teams, have made progress under the second year chief coach Bryant Vincent. Other evidence finally came by taking care of the state of the Arkansas, Ul Monroe with an average of 6.2 yards per precipitation while the defense amassed 13 plated for loss.
“Our philosophy is that you must be able to perform football to win matches in any league at any level,” said Vincent. “You must be able to stop the race and run the ball.”
Warhawks have a trio of rear field threats, all transfers. Braylon McREYNOLDS (South Alabama) paid 309 yards, with an average of 6.4 per race. Dorian Lewis (New Mexico) is on average 9.4 yards per race while Zach Palmer-Smith (Richmond) reaches an average of 5.2 yards per ride.
Northwestern responds with Komolafe, a second year student who flourishes in his first chance of being a starter. The Wildcats needed help after the sixth year Cam Porter carrier suffered an injury at the end of the season.
“This young man turned into a very well balanced in Big Ten,” said Braun.
Northwestern could get a boost with the potential return of defensive departure Damon Walters, who has not yet played this season, and Josh Fussell, who missed the UCLA match.
“We are really excited by non-only these two, but the whole team is trendy,” said Braun. “I have the impression that we have the opportunity to be back in full health.”
– field level media
