Some pretty strong consensus from our staffers
Rounding out Northwestern’s non-conference schedule, the Wildcats welcome Eastern Illinois to their lakeside venue. The ‘Cats are 2-0 all time against the Panthers, last facing Eastern Illinois in 2015 in a 41-0 victory in Evanston. Let’s see which team our staffers like in this all-cat clash.
Adam Beck: Northwestern 20, Eastern Illinois 14
Dating back to last season, 10 of Northwestern’s last 12 games have been one-score games. It’s just what Northwestern does, including its last two games against FCS opponents, beating Howard 23-20 last season and losing 31-24 to Southern Illinois in 2022. Although Northwestern looks way better on paper, flinging Jack Lausch onto the field for his first career start doesn’t promise the smoothest open to this football game. For the Panthers, MJ Flowers brings a dangerous downhill rushing attack while quarterback Pierce Holley can certainly zip it. The ‘Cats will find a way, but in typical Northwestern fashion, it’ll be ugly.
Miguel Muñoz: Northwestern 34, Eastern Illinois 0
After a heartbreaker under the Friday night lights against Duke, the Wildcats have the perfect opportunity to get back on track against an inferior opponent. Most notably, it’ll be Jack Lausch’s first opportunity to earn the role of QB1, and for the offense as a whole to hone in their craft and finish their drives. Defensively, this stout front seven should have its way against the Panthers all day long.
Charlie Jacobs: Northwestern 38, Eastern Illinois 0
After a tough loss Friday night to Duke, the Wildcats are set up to dominate this game. With an FCS school that has struggled this season coming to Evanston, it’s time for Mike Wright to show everyone why he’s the starting quarterback. This game is also a great opportunity for Zach Lujan’s scheme to really sink in before the schedule gets tough. The defense for the Wildcats should also have their way with the Eastern Illinois offense. Don’t be surprised if this one is a blowout.
Ascher Levin: Northwestern 24, Eastern Illinois 7
Northwestern’s crushing loss to Duke last week sparked criticism of the play-calling and decision-making, with Mike Wright’s risky throws consistently putting the ball in jeopardy. The decision to insert Jack Lausch as quarterback seems to be the right move, as he should provide more stability as a game manager. With standout defensive players like Anto Saka, who has already recorded 10 pressures this season primarily as a third-down pass rusher, Northwestern’s defense is in strong shape. The ‘Cats now face Eastern Illinois, who sport a 1-1 record with a lopsided 45-0 loss to Illinois and a narrow victory over Indiana State. Although FCS teams should never be underestimated, especially given Northwestern’s own history of upsets, NU should cruise to victory with Lausch at the helm.
Natalie Wells: Northwestern 31, Eastern Illinois 10
Losing to the Blue Devils last Friday night was rough to say the least. But the ‘Cats have new life at quarterback in Jack Lausch, a dynamic dual threat who will look to play cleaner football than Mike Wright did. This is a “get right” game for Zach Lujan and the offense, who have put up just 33 points in two games — more than only UCLA in the Big Ten. If Lausch can avoid turnovers and get the ball in the hands of NU’s playmakers, the ‘Cats should have no issue in the final contest of their three-game homestand.
Ethan Weinberg: Northwestern 34, Eastern Illinois 3
After two closely contested games to start the season, Northwestern’s bout with the Panthers is a prime opportunity to notch a decisive victory. With Jack Lausch now under center as QB1, this is the perfect game for the sophomore to get his feet wet and give Zach Lujan’s offense a much-needed spark. The ‘Cats scored a combined 33 points on offense against Miami (OH) and Duke, and it’s plausible that NU could shatter that total against EIU. Northwestern should never take FCS opponents for granted, but if Lausch can play steady football and Tim McGarigle’s unit can pounce on Eastern Illinois’ lackluster offense, this should be a blowout in Northwestern’s favor as it prepares to head out west and start conference play next week.
Brendan Preisman: Northwestern 28, Eastern Illinois 10
Here’s the main thing you need to know about this game: so far this season, the Panthers have given up 318 yards on the ground at a brisk 4.3 yards a pop. Eastern Illinois also gives up about 75 kickoff and punt return yards per game. Northwestern averages 4.1 yards per carry and 44.5 return yards per game. In other words, Eastern Illinois struggles precisely where Northwestern has been the strongest so far this year. As long as the Wildcats play mistake-free football and let Cam Porter have a day, they should be just fine. And if they don’t play mistake-free football…well, we all saw what happened against Duke.
Season Standings:
2-0: Adam Beck, Natalie Wells, Ethan Weinberg
1-0: Miguel Muñoz
1-1: Brendan Preisman, Charlie Jacobs, Ascher Levin, Harris Horowitz