Blake Gallagher – Noteworthy
LB Blake Gallagher continued his impressive sophomore season Saturday with a team-high 11 tackles, including one for a loss, and is tied with Maryland’s Tre Watson for the conference’s leading tackler. Gallagher’s role will be even more important against Nebraska if senior Nate Hall is unable to return to action after missing Saturday’s game against Michigan State with an undisclosed lower body injury.
Clayton Thorson – Noteworthy
QB Clayton Thorson had a season-high four touchdowns in Saturday’s win at Michigan State, throwing for 372 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, as well as a two-yard touchdown run with 2:51 remaining to seal the Wildcats’ first victory since their season-opening 31-27 win at Purdue on Aug. 30. Thorson appears to be regaining confidence just in time for the thick of Northwestern’s conference schedule and will look to make an impact Saturday against Nebraska in his final homecoming outing.
Montre Hartage – Noteworthy
CB Montre Hartage has been one of Northwestern’s most durable and reliable defensive backs over the course of his career, starting 30 consecutive games at corner. Hartage had four tackles and three pass breakups against Michigan State, and currently ranks fifth among all active FBS players with nine interceptions. Hartage still has some questions to answer regarding his straight-line speed and ability to fit into run gaps but has plenty of time remaining in his senior season to prove this to NFL scouts.