COVERITLIVE.COM

10:45

Nathan Lipkin - This is Nathan Lipkin reporting live from Ryan Field with updates and analysis as the 'Cats take on Minnesota to open up Big Ten play.

10:49

Colin Becht - This is Colin Becht, alongside Nathan, from Ryan Field. We'll be giving live updates throughout today's conference opener.

11:02

Nathan Lipkin - The Golden Gophers will start their first drive of the game from their own 42 yard line after a 37-yard return that almost broke loose. Let's see how the struggling 'Cats defense can hold up against Eric Decker and the Minnesota offense.

11:07

Colin Becht - Minnesota marched 58 yards in just over two minutes. Bennett broke into the endzone on a one-yard touchdown run. The drive took just five plays. Rough start for the 'Cats defense.

11:19

Nathan Lipkin - Stefan Demos puts the 'Cats on the board with a 26-yard field goal. Mike Kafka led the 'Cats down the field with five third-down conversions but a holding call pushed Northwestern back. The 'Cats defense may have problems but the offense looks methodical and efficient.

11:25

Colin Becht -

'Cats defense forces a three-and-out on Minnesota's second drive. Corbin Bryant came up with a big third-down sack. After the first drive's struggles, a big improvement by the 'Cats.

11:27

Nathan Lipkin - The injured 'Cats look healthy and in form. Northwestern eagerly returns star cornerback Sherrick McManis, linebacker Nate Williams, running back Jeravin Matthews and wide receiver Sidney Stewart. Defensive end Corey Wootton, though, still looks slow and hurt after tearing his ACL last winter.

11:30

Nathan Lipkin - The first quarter has come to an end and Northwestern is ready to punt the ball away after a sack and failed screen play. After one quarter of play, Minnesota leads the 'Cats 7-3.

11:50

Nathan Lipkin - Minnesota will go for it on fourth down from the Northwestern 34 yard line after the officials overturned an Eric Decker catch, calling it incomplete after reviewing it twice.

11:53

Colin Becht - McManis intercepts Minnesota's fourth-down pass. 'Cats take over on their own 32 yard line.

11:54

Nathan Lipkin - After a Kafka intentional grounding, Demos will punt the ball away to the Golden Gophers. Minnesota returns the ball to midfield.

11:58

Colin Becht - Minnesota adds another touchdown on a three-yard run by Duane Bennett, his second of the game. 'Cats trail 14-3.

12:04

Nathan Lipkin - Kafka leads the 'Cats down the field with efficient passing and true freshman Arby Fields punches it in with a run after making a few nice plays himself. When the 'Cats offense is clicking, it's hard to stop. It just has to click more often. 'Cats cut the lead to four, 14-10.

12:11

Colin Becht -

'Cats force Minnesota to punt. The offense takes over on the Northwestern 35-yard line. They'll have 3:20 to score so Kafka will have to be efficient.

12:12

Nathan Lipkin - So far we've seen terrible kickoff and punt coverage, a near-fumble by Matthews on a kick return along with another mediocre return, and now Brendan Smith bobbles the punt. Luckily it was recovered but the 'Cats will not survive the Big Ten schedule without these basic fundamentals.

12:19

Colin Becht -

Northwestern's late-half drive came to an end when Kafka's pass was intercepted by Kim Royston on the Minnesota two-yard line. Minnesota runs out the clock. At half time, the Golden Gophers lead 14-10

12:40

Nathan Lipkin - And we're back after the halftime break - 'Cats will start with the ball at their own 35-yard line after Matthews returns the kickoff.

12:48

Colin Becht - Northwestern's inability to tackle on first contact continues to hurt the 'Cats. After a quick punt on offense, the 'Cats are routinely giving Minnesota a few extra yards on each play because of missed tackles. Minnesota has first and ten on the Northwestern 27.

12:53

Nathan Lipkin - Surprise, surprise - Minnesota scores on yet another pass from Adam Weber to Eric Decker. Decker now has seven catches for 82 yards and we still have almost a half to play. Weber has only found one other target this game, but the 'Cats have been unable to stop Decker and Nick Tow-Arnett.

1:02	Colin Becht - Touchdown 'Cats. Kafka completes a nice 24-yard pass to Andrew Brewer despite facing some heavy pressure from the Minnesota defensive line. Demos' extra point brings the 'Cats back within four, 21-17.

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