Sept. 7, 2009
NU Football Game Notes (vs. Eastern Michigan) 
For Openers
Northwestern is back at Ryan Field this Saturday, Sept. 12, entertaining Mid-American Conference foe Eastern Michigan University. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. with television coverage provided by the Big Ten Network.
Spurred by touchdowns on its first four offensive drives, Northwestern coasted to a 47-14 win over Towson in its season and home opener on Saturday. The 47 points were the most by a Wildcat team in a season opener in 65 years. The Wildcats led 30-0 early in the second quarter en route to their fifth straight season-opening triumph. Northwestern used a balanced offensive effort (221 rushing yards, 264 passing yards) to post its season's first win.
Eastern Michigan, like Northwestern's other three nonconference opponents, is under the guidance of a first-year head coach. Former Michigan and Louisville defensive coordinator Ron English was tabbed the Eagles' new head mentor last December. Eastern Michigan opened the 2009 season with a 27-14 home loss to Army on Saturday.
The Eagles return a majority of their offensive skill players from a year ago, led by senior quarterback Andy Schmitt. Running the spread offense a year ago, Schmitt made national headlines when he completed an NCAA-record 58-of-80 passes for 516 yards and 5 TD's in a wild 56-52 win over Central Michigan. Against Temple, he completed 50-of-76 passes. This year, operating out of a pro-style offense, Schmitt was 18-of-31 for 183 yards, one TD and two interceptions against Army. Dwayne Priest (19 carries for 83 yards, 1 TD) led the Eagles' ground attack while top returning wideout Jacory Stone was EMU's top receiver (8 catches for 97 yards vs. the Black Knights.
EMU's defense, which lost its top two tacklers from a year ago, was paced by senior defensive end Brandon Downs in the opener versus Army's triple-option offense. Downs collected a team-high 10 tackles, which included 2.5 TFL's.
Gameday Promotions/Info
Tickets for Saturday's game ($35 reserved/$25 end zone/$30 corner adult & $15 corner youth--advanced purchase only for the corner youth seats) can be purchased by calling 847-491-CATS or visiting NUsports.com.
Saturday is Heroes' Day at Ryan Field. All armed service and public safety officials and their families will be admitted free for Saturday's game. This offer is valid on the day of the game only. Armed service and public safety officials should enter at Gate J, and provide an ID to receive the free admission.
Saturday is also Orland Park Day at Ryan Field. All residents of Orland Park can purchase end zone tickets at half-price, which is only $13 each. Tickets must be purchased in advance. To receive the Orland Park Day code, please e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.
Prior to each home game, Wildcat fans are encouraged to take part in "Walk with Us." When the Wildcats arrive about two hours and 20 minutes before kickoff, fans, along with the NU Marching Band, line Walker Way to help welcome the Wildcats to Ryan Field.
Wildcat Alley, which is situated in the baseball outfield (behind Welsh-Ryan Arena), opens two hours before kickoff each home game.
The Broadcasts
Radio -- Due to a conflict with a Chicago Cubs, the game will be carried live WCPT (820 AM) with the pregame show starting at 10:30 a.m. The radio broadcast can also be heard live via the internet at wgnradio.com. Dave Eanet (play-by-play) and Ted Albrecht (analyst) call the action. WNUR (89.3), NU's student radio station, also will carry the game.
Television -- The Big Ten Network is televising the game, with Matt Rosen (play-by-play), Mark Campbell (analyst) and Rebecca Haarlow (sideline) calling the action.
(For a complete set of game notes, download the PDF file above.)