Syracuse quarterback Andrew Robinson dropped back, looked left and with his eyes fixed on his receiver, fired toward the sideline.
Northwestern safety Brendan Smith read the play all the way. The redshirt junior swooped in, picked off the throw and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown, putting the Wildcats ahead 23-10 with 2:13 left in the third quarter of their 30-10 victory.
But the play meant more than just a 13-point-cushion. It symbolized something bigger - that the Wildcats defense might show some teeth this season, thanks to the hiring of highly respected defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz.
"I love Coach Hankwitz," Smith said. "His defense allows me to be a playmaker. If they run a certain route, I'm allowed to just read the quarterback and be a robber....I think as a defense as a whole, we have a different energy level. Guys just feel more confident, and I expect big things from us this year."
While the Orange are not expected to be an offensive powerhouse this season, the Cats clearly are taking to Hankwitz's more aggressive, attacking style. They gave up just 10 points, with the lone touchdown coming on a drive that started at their 9-yard-line after a Tyrell Sutton fumble.
Syracuse managed only 225 yards of total offense, and NU recorded an interception, five tackles for loss and two sacks. With the Orange backed up against their own goal line early in the second quarter, linebacker Quentin Davie forced Robinson to panic and throw the ball away in the end zone resulting in an intentional grounding penalty and a safety, cutting Syracuse's lead to 3-2. Davie got credit for the sack, the first of his career.
"This year it's a more attacking style under Coach Hankwitz, and that allows the (defensive line) to get in the backfield a lot more than in previous years and the linebackers to come downhill and flow and make plays," said defensive end Corey Wootton, who recorded three tackles and a sack on the day. "I really like the way the scheme has allowed everyone to make plays and get in the backfield and disrupt the running back and quarterback."
2008 Woodie Awards
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