Three Keys for Northwestern to Beat UL Monroe This Saturday

Ryan Cole

Oct 1, 2025, 22:51

Ryan Cole

Oct 1, 2025, 22:51

Updated at: Oct 1, 2025, 22:51

Northwestern plays a winnable game this weekend at home against UL Monroe, but it needs to be careful. This Sun Belt team is 3-1 so far this season, and it won't be a total cake walk.

The 'Cats are coming off a nail biting victory over UCLA last weekend by a score of 17-14. Steps were taken in the right direction, but Northwestern needs to use this contest against UL Monroe to keep making improvements.

Here are three keys for the Wildcats to handle business and bring their record over .500.

Keep the pressure on

Northwestern finally got to the quarterback against UCLA. After three games where it seemed like the defensive line was winning at the line of scrimmage but not making big plays, the 'Cats had three sacks against the Bruins.

One of them came from standout EDGE Anto Saka, who had yet to record a sack on the season. Getting him going, as has been discussed ad nauseam, is crucial to the team's success as the season progresses.

A game against an opponent from the Sun Belt is the perfect time to create some momentum in this department. If Northwestern's defensive line feasts, it will be difficult for UL Monroe to do much offensively.

Possess the ball

Northwestern had the ball for 34:21 seconds against UCLA to its 25:39. That was a big advantage for the Wildcats, especially in a game that came down to the wire.

Against Tulane and Oregon, both losses, NU didn't do a good enough job of keeping its defense off the field. It minimized perhaps the team's greatest strength. But with the emergence of Caleb Komolafe in the backfield, it seems the 'Cats may have the bruisers necessary to punch the ball down team's throats and sustain longer drives.

Again, this is an opponent they should be able to do just that against. If the Wildcats control possession and let Komolafe continue to break out, it will be difficult for UL Monroe.

Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (5) runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Be aggressive

Stop me if you've heard this one before.

In all seriousness, David Braun needs to commit to aggressive decision making, especially in games that project to be blowouts one way or the other. Against Oregon, Braun was aggressive on fourth downs. It was the right call -- they were probably going to lose anyway, so may as well give it a shot.

Against a team like UL Monroe, the strategy should be the same. Be aggressive, get out to a big lead and hold that lead. There's no reason to give up possession in short yardage scenarios, and it's time for Preston Stone to show us what he has in those situations.

Three Keys for Northwestern to Beat UL Monroe This Saturday