NU 38, Ohio 14

So, all in all, I'd say that was a pretty sweet opener, but in my mind it was one of two big games on Saturday. The Mens National Team 2-0 victory over Mexico to become the first team from CONCACAF to qualify for Germany 2006 was pretty huge too. Let us review:

NU got off to a hot start with 31 points in the 1st half - 28 in the 2nd quarter. That pretty much iced it right there, because the 1st string defense did a nice job stopping both the run and pass from Ohio. Giving the 2nd stringers on both sides of the ball a lot of game experience was a good way to finish the game. CJ Bacher looked good, but I would have liked to see more of Omar Conteh.

The US and Mexico got off to a slow start in Columbus. Neither side had any real shots in the first half. In the 2nd, two goals within 5 minutes of each other put the US up for good. Mexico was clearly hoping for a scoreless draw (which would have qualified them) and had no push toward goal.

NU got excellent individual performances. Basanez' 353 passing yards quickly moved hime among the best in the nation. His Freshman RB Tyrell Sutton had 104 yards rushing in his debut, and he made a great first impression. Sutton had good quick moves and a nose for first downs and TDs. Note on Sutton: Full name is Tyrell DelShawn Sutton. I like the TD in there. It speaks to me.

The US got excellent individual play too. Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley took quite a beating as he continued his return from injury. He put pressure on the Mexican backline with his speed and put in the 2nd goal to secure the win. Young defender Oguchi Onyewu had a great game stiffling striker Jared Borguetti with a combination of physical play and intelligent positioning.

Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 9.5 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 3 - 3 = 0 (positive = good)

Standings after Game 1:
Josh: 1
Randy: 0
NU Record: 1-0

And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: I look forward to hearing "Basanez and Sutton" all year, but I totally love nine receiver with at least one catch.
MNT O: We hear a lot about Donovan and McBride (rightly so), but I totally love DaMarcus Beasley.
Cats' D: Fewer big plays is good. Got to keep improving to succeed in the conference.
MNT D: Onyewu and Hejduk are looking good, but any more injuries in the back could be a killer.
Cats' Special Teams: Ryan Pederson's punts were OK. Howells' 1-3 FGing was OK for now. I give them a Meh+.
MNT GK: Kasey Keller is one of the best GK in the world. He'll get some well-deserved rest from the national team for a while. I give him a WooHoo-.

Let's go Cats!