Northwestern's offense has had a slow start to the season, to say the least.

The 'Cats rank 17th in the Big Ten in scoring offense through three games, their 19.7 points per game exceeding only 0-3 UCLA. Five of NU's seven touchdowns came against FCS Western Illinois, while the latter two were scored when Oregon already led Northwestern by 34 points.

Northwestern's struggles are in spite of a capable ground game. Even without injured running back Cam Porter in Week 3, the Wildcats ran for 178 yards on the Ducks' defense and currently rank eighth in the conference with 5.1 yards per rushing attempt. As Preston Stone aims to find his rhythm at quarterback, the team has committed to a ground-and-pound approach.

However, Northwestern's rushing success has not yet translated to more trips to the end zone. Running back Joseph Himon is confident that will change soon.

"We've had a lot of ups and downs, but I would say we're improving every week," Himon said. "We've established that we can move the ball in the run game, and once we start doing that, more of the pass game will open up. We've just gotta capitalize off drives when we're moving the ball, when we're running the ball, and I think that'll be the difference-maker for us moving forward."

Northwestern has been largely unable to generate explosive plays. The 'Cats have recorded 35 plays of 10+ yards so far this season; only Stanford, Wake Forest, Kentucky and Oklahoma State have fewer among Power Four schools.

The speedy Himon, whose resume includes an 85-yard catch-and-run against UTSA, a 51-yard rushing touchdown against Purdue and the walk-off score in that same game, could be the key to unlocking the big plays in the Wildcats' offense.

While adamant that Northwestern will not deviate from its game plan to "chase" explosive plays, Himon sees a path for the 'Cats to attack the Bruins on the ground on Saturday. Now in the second year of offensive coordinator Zach Lujan's system, Himon believes the wide zone and outside zone sets that Northwestern utilizes will allow him and Caleb Komolafe to take advantage of the created holes in the run game.

"There will be a lot of big plays that can be happening at the second and third level," Himon said. "If we, as running backs, continue to trust our reads on the first and second level, then it's up to us at the second and third level to make those guys miss and create those big plays. I think those plays are definitely out there."

UCLA has given up 244 rushing yards per game over its first three outings this season — the fourth-worst in the entire FBS. Himon's quickness may be the mismatch Northwestern needs to pick up the conference win, and he will likely need to do more than just run the ball.

With wide receivers other than Griffin Wilde struggling for NU, Himon's pass-catching prowess presents a new dimension that could aid the 'Cats' offense. Lujan has primarily used the All-Big Ten kick returner in the backfield, lining up Himon out wide or in the slot on just eight snaps so far this season. He has been effective in limited screen attempts, recording 42 yards on four catches behind the line of scrimmage.

Regardless of the position he plays, Himon is critical to Northwestern's success moving forward. With the speed that he possesses, No. 6 is far too talented to receive as few touches as he has. The running back room is the Wildcats' biggest strength this season, and both Stone and Lujan will have to rely on playmakers like Himon in order to win games.

"I see my role as whatever this team needs," Himon said. "I just try to come to work every day and do whatever they need me to do. Whether that's in the backfield at running back, in the slot or out wide, I'm gonna try to do that to the best of my ability to help this team win."

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