After an offseason that turned the Northwestern football program upside-down, the team had a chance to wash away some of the summer negativity with a strong performance on the road. Unfortunately, despite the fact that Pat Fitzgerald was not on the sideline for the first time in 17 seasons, the on-field product looked all too similar to last year’s disappointing campaign. With the chance to move to 1-0 and pick up a crucial conference win early in the season, the Wildcats fell flat, losing 24-7 to Rutgers. Here are five things we learned in the season opener:
The defensive line has to step up
It didn’t take long for Northwestern fans to muffle any optimism they may have held headed into the season, as on the opening drive the Scarlet Knights marched down the field on a 16-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown.