Trick Is Treat for Wildcats

Northwestern’s Noah Herron wrapped his arms around the ball, hunched over and waited.

When he finally looked up, the defenders were gone, the end zone was in sight and so was an upset over No. 20 Wisconsin.

The Wildcats beat the Badgers, 16-7, on Saturday and got 104 yards rushing from Herron, who keyed a fake field goal on fourth and six with Northwestern leading, 9-7.

The trick play was the biggest of the game, and it surprised everyone except Herron and the Wildcats (4-4, 2-2 in the conference).

“We ran it a few times in my career. It’s probably out the window now. You can only dust it off every few years,” Coach Randy Walker said. “It’s a heck of a play.”

Eric Batis took the snap, slipped the ball between the legs of Herron and ran left with a group of blockers to draw the defense. Herron stood still for a couple of counts, then took off with the ball to the right for a 20-yard gain and a first down to the three-yard line.

Jason Wright scored two plays later, giving Northwestern its 16-7 lead in the third quarter.

It was Northwestern’s first win over a ranked opponent since a 27-26 win over Michigan State in 2001.

Wright also caught a 53-yard touchdown pass and ran for 97 yards in 18 carries.

Wisconsin (6-3, 3-2) played without injured quarterback Jim Sorgi and lost running back Anthony Davis to injury early in the game. The Badgers clearly missed them.

Backup quarterback Matt Schabert (20 of 36 for 193 yards) was effective running the ball but overthrew several receivers, particularly on long routes.