Film Room: Dissecting Duke's Week 2 opponent, Northwestern

In Duke’s 41-17 domination of Northwestern in 2017, a suffocating performance from the defense led the Blue Devils. The Wildcats amassed just 66 yards on the ground, as former star running back Justin Jackson, who finished as Northwestern’s all-time leading rusher, and current starter Jeremy Larkin both struggled to find any holes to run through. 

The defensive success was not exclusive to stopping the run, as Clayton Thorson completed only 37.9 percent of his passes. Additionally, Duke was absolutely disruptive, forcing three turnovers and sacking Thorson four times. 

The Wildcats seem to be unlikely to flail offensively as they did in the two teams’ 2017 meeting. In Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald and company’s season opening 31-27 win over Purdue, the Wildcats did not turn the ball over or yield a sack. Larkin had no issues finding room to run, as he rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns, including a scamper of 46 yards. 

Northwestern’s second play from scrimmage in their contest against Duke last year encapsulates the struggles that they would have throughout the game. Running a set with two tight ends on the right side and a wide receiver in motion to the same side allowed for 10 Blue Devils to be in the box. Duke was able to provide immediate pressure, and stuff Jackson at the line of scrimmage.

Larkin scampered for 46 yards, and John Moten IV punched in an easy score three plays later.  

These long, explosive runs plagued the Blue Devils in 2017, and preventing these plays is essential for Duke to succeed. 

Coverage in the secondary and pressure in the backfield tend to go hand in hand, and this play is a perfect example of this symbiotic relationship. Purdue pass catchers struggled to get open, allowing for Northwestern’s men up front to get to Elijah Sindelar, forcing him to make a poor throw that resulted in a J.R. Pace interception. 

Perhaps most concerning for the Wildcats was their performance in stopping the run, as they allowed 202 yards on the ground, including a 76-yard Rondale Moore touchdown and the 45-yard D.J. Knox dash shown here. The Boilermakers’ offensive line easily took care of Northwestern’s first line of defense, and Knox was able to easily advance for a long gain.  

Defensively, it seems that the key for Duke is to contain Larkin as they were able to do last year with Jackson. If the Blue Devils’ offensive line is able to protect Daniel Jones and open up running lanes for Brittain Brown, Duke should be able to secure an impressive road victory in Evanston, Ill.