By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Northwestern Football Athletics
Northwestern (7-6) defeated Central Michigan (7-6) 34-7 to win the GameAbove Sports Bowl on Friday afternoon at Ford Field.
Northwestern dominated this game, attacking and scoring in the second and third quarters. The Wildcats have now won six straight bowl games. They haven’t lost a bowl game since 2015, when they faced the Pittsburgh Panthers in the Outback Bowl.
Quarterback Preston Stone threw three touchdown passes, completing 19-for-31 for 226 yards. Stone had one of the best performances of the season. Showing up in bowl season will have teams watching him. Therefore, it’s essential to step up when the stage is big and bright. Stone sat throughout most of the fourth quarter since the Huskies had the game in the bag.
Huskies’ wide receiver Griffin Wilde had himself a great game. He finished with 10 receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He led the receivers in all aspects of this game. Wilde earned MVP honors after the game. Northwestern had 313 total yards.
Northwestern’s defense did an incredible job in this game. The defense turned four turnovers into touchdowns. Defensive back redshirt Junior Braden Turner came up with an impressive interception for Northwestern.
Central Michigan ended its season on a terrible note. There was no fight or competitive spirit at this time. Central Michigan managed not to be shut out, scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Joey Labas completed 21 of his 25 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. Running back Trey Cornist ran for 66 yards on 11 carries. Langston Lewis led the receivers with 83 yards and eight catches.
The Big Ten in bowl games does not serve Central Michigan well. They’re now 0-3 against the Big Ten in bowl games. Central Michigan and Ford Field are not a good match, as all these losses have come at Ford Field. The Chippewas lost to Purdue, Minnesota, and now Northwestern at Ford Field.
Eventually, streaks and droughts will come to an end. Central Michigan will someday win a bowl game, and they must do it at Ford Field to end the misery.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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