Every week after a Northwestern win or loss, we'll be handing out player grades as a way to analyze the Wildcats' performance from an individual perspective. Rather than rush out the grades on Saturday, we'll sleep on them, and wake up ready to accurately evaluate NU's players, coaches and opponents.
After a slow start, Northwestern dominated a hapless Purdue team, leaving Ross-Ade Stadium with a resounding 45-17 win. The Wildcats put up over 600 yards of offense and forced four Purdue turnovers, meaning high marks for (almost) everyone.
Clayton Thorson: B+
23 of 36, 356 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions; 1 rush, 2 yards, 1 touchdown
Clayton Thorson set a career high in yards and was responsible for four touchdowns.