Northwestern turns to new QB against Eastern Illinois

Northwestern will turn to a new quarterback when it hosts Eastern Illinois on Saturday evening in Evanston, Ill.

The Wildcats (1-1) are coming off a 26-20 loss in double overtime against Duke last week. That followed a season-opening win against Miami (Ohio).

Northwestern coach David Braun decided the team needed a change at its most important position after the tough loss to Duke. Mike Wright completed 19 of 35 passes for 156 yards and an interception against the Blue Devils, and he has zero touchdown passes to go along with an underwhelming 56.9 completion percentage in two games.

Now Wright will head to the sidelines for backup duty, and Jack Lausch will get a chance to prove himself as QB1.

"Your ultimate responsibility is to protect and value the football," Braun said when asked to explain the move.

Lausch, a local product who starred at Chicago's Brother Rice High School, has completed 6 of 11 passes for 78 yards and an interception during backup duty in previous seasons. He has rushed 25 times for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Eastern Illinois (1-1) is coming off a 27-20 win over Indiana State last weekend. The FCS Panthers already have faced one Big Ten opponent this season, opening the season with a 45-0 loss at Illinois.

Panthers coach Chris Wilkerson praised his team after winning its home opener against Indiana State.

"I'm really proud of the guys that had the opportunity to step up when their number was called," he said.

Northwestern will look to maintain its success in the running game. Cam Porter leads the team with 29 carries for 157 yards and two touchdowns through the first two games.

Bryce Kirtz leads the Wildcats with 120 receiving yards on eight catches. A.J. Henning has a team-high 13 catches for 71 yards.

For Eastern Illinois, Pierce Holley has thrown for 415 yards with one touchdown and three picks. MJ Flowers has a team-high 121 rushing yards on 33 carries with one score.

--Field Level Media