Yes, football is an 11-on-11 game, but when it comes down to it, you have to win at the individual level to win at the team level. Here are three matchups that will be key in Saturday’s game between Northwestern and (new member of the AP Top 25) Nebraska.
Tommy Armstrong Jr. vs. Northwestern secondary
An incredibly athletic dual-threat quarterback, Armstrong can wreck havoc against a Northwestern defense that hasn’t looked great yet this season, even in the Duke win (the Wildcats gave up nearly 400 yards). Interceptions—he threw 16 picks compared to 22 touchdowns last season—have always been a major issue for Armstrong but through three games, he has thrown only one.