Defense Dominates in Northwestern's 16-6 Win over Miami (Ohio) - Northwestern University Official Athletic Site

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Defense Dominates in Northwestern's 16-6 Win over Miami (Ohio) Wildcats record four turnovers and seven sacks

Quetin Davie recorded three tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in the win over Miami (Ohio).

Oct. 10, 2009

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern's defense put together a stellar effort as it forced four turnovers and recorded seven sacks in posting a 16-6 win over Miami (Ohio) Saturday at Ryan Field. Offensively, Mike Kafka threw for 191 yards and ran for 52 more and two touchdowns as the Wildcats notched their second straight win.

NU (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) jumped out to an early lead as Stefan Demos capped the opening drive of the game by converting on a 46-yard field goal to put NU ahead 3-0. Northwestern added to its advantage with just five seconds remaining in the first quarter as Kafka finished off a 12-play, 73-yard drive by rushing the ball in from six yards out to put the 'Cats ahead 10-0.

The Wildcat defense was outstanding over the opening half of play, limiting the RedHawks to only 113 yards of total offense while sacking quarterback Zac Dysert five times and forcing him to run on numerous other occasions.

Miami (0-6) threatened to score in the waning moments of the first half as it reached the NU 16-yard line. However, Dysert was tackled after a five-yard gain and the RedHawks were unable to get another play off prior to the intermission.

After forcing six turnovers in a victory at Purdue last week, Northwestern's defense was opportunistic once again on Saturday. The Wildcats intercepted Dysert once in the first half and Brian Peters ended the RedHawks' first drive of the second half with a pick.

Peters was a part of another takeaway late in the third quarter as he scooped up a fumble forced by Quentin Davie and returned it 27 yards to the Miami 27. Following a 25-yard pass by Kafka to Jacob Schmidt down to the 2, Kafka punched the ball in three plays later from one yard out to extend NU's lead to 16-0 with 1:18 remaining in the period.

The only thing left in doubt was whether or not the Wildcats could complete the shutout. The RedHawks were able to spoil Northwestern's bid with only 1:19 left in the contest as Dysert connected with Andrew Cruse on a 23-yard touchdown pass. The score snapped a stretch of five consecutive scoreless quarters by the Wildcat defense.

The two-point conversion attempted failed an NU recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt to seal the victory.

Miami finished with only 302 yards of total offense in the contest, Northwestern's second-best defensive effort in terms of yardage this season, trailing only the 205 yards accumulated by Towson in the season opener.

Nate Williams paced NU with 12 tackles, while Brad Phillips chipped in with 11 and Davie had three tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. On the offensive end, Zeke Markshausen hauled in a team-best five receptions for 68 yards.

Northwestern returns to action at 11 a.m. CST next Saturday as it travels to Michigan State.