When Northwestern defeated Wisconsin 20-14 two weeks ago, the Badgers threw four costly interceptions, but Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen also knew his defense had let one slip away.
"Fifteen missed tackles," Andersen said. "That's not good."
Northwestern rushed for 203 yards against Wisconsin but managed just 124 one week later in a 24-17 loss to the Gophers. A big difference was the tackling. The Gophers didn't miss many. Middle linebacker Damien Wilson led the way with 15 tackles, followed by defensive backs Briean Boddy-Calhoun (11) and Cedric Thompson (nine).
What makes the Gophers good tacklers? Mostly it's recruiting, defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said.
"If a kid's not a very good tackler in high school, he's not going to be a very good tackler in college," Claeys said. "Not that you can't make him a little better. But that's basically been our belief.
"That's why we don't just watch highlight tapes. We watch the whole game. If you watch the highlight tape, that's all you're going to see is that kid making tackles."
Where's the jet?
The Gophers had success with the jet sweep last season, especially in the Nebraska win, but they haven't run that end-around play as much this year. Wide receiver Donovahn Jones has just two rushing attempts for 13 yards after having 16 carries for 73 yards last year.
Last week, offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover explained.
