Amid uncertainty at quarterback, Northwestern's defense held down the fort after a shaky first half
EVANSTON — The story of the day for Northwestern was the benching and then reemergence of Clayton Thorson, but while that soap opera was unfolding, Northwestern's defense was picking up the pieces from a subpar first half.
It was an inauspicious start for the Wildcats as Nick VanHoose was beat deep for a 68 yard touchdown on the defense's very first play. A quick stop and go from Purdue's Domonique Young froze VanHoose and Young was sprung for the easy touchdown.
After that, Purdue switched up their passing attack.