EVANSTON—Northwestern’s chances of a decent season came to an end in their opener as they showed that 1)they have a lousy defense, and 2)their longtime problems with MID American Conf teams continued with Western Michigan pulling off a 22-21 upset. Justin Jackson scored all three NU touchdowns, the first on a 1 yard run around left end on a fourth down, and after a 46 yd TD run, and sneak with 12:13 left.The difference might have been when the Cats converted a 2 point conversion, but it was called back for abn illegal man downfield. They then settled for a Jack Mitchell 1 point kick instead. That was the difference. The Broncos got a one yard run by Jamuri Bogan with 5:38 to go, also on a fourth down in which he scored by less than a foot. NU drove to the Broncos 5 with 3 minutes to go, but QB Clayton Thorson on a keeper, fumbled into the endzone, and it went out for touchback.NU Fans pretty much knew the Cats would not get the ball again, and that defense could not stop WMU.

NOTES—NU hosts Illinois State next week, but this loss was a crusher to start the season.

LES