Northwestern @ Army preview

THE STORY: Army aims for its first win when it hosts Northwestern, which might or might not have QB Dan Persa. A onetime Heisman candidate, Persa has missed the first two games while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. He got closer last week, dressing for a win over Eastern Illinois, but has yet to take a snap. In Persa’s absence, Kain Colter has emerged as a dual-threat and is coming off two strong performances. Army has its own dual threat in junior Trent Steelman and is powerful on the ground. The Black Knights have been much less adept in the passing game, dooming them to a winless start.

TV: CBS. LINE: Northwestern -7.5

ABOUT ARMY (0-2): The Black Knights rushed for 403 total yards last Saturday but finished with just 43 yards passing in a 23-20 loss to San Diego State. It marked the second straight game that Army had put up at least 300 yards on the ground and 400 yards of total offense, only to fall short. Steelman ran for 157 yards and three touchdowns on the ground against the Aztecs but attempted only four passes, completing two.

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (2-0): Persa’s status for Saturday has yet to be determined but Colter should be fine guiding the offense for at least one more week. The sophomore fill-in has completed 73 percent of his passes through two games and has racked up 180 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Three of those rushing TDs came against Eastern Illinois in a 42-21 triumph last weekend. The Wildcats’ first eight touchdowns of the season came on running plays.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Steelman’s 157 rushing yards last week were the highest for an Army quarterback since Myrean Williams totaled 161 against Louisville on Oct. 19, 1991.

2. The Black Knights have not played against a Big Ten opponent since beating the Wildcats, 23-7, in West Point on Sept. 24, 1991.

3. Northwestern has won seven straight games against non-conference opponents and 14 of its last 15. Under coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats are 12-5 in true road games.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 24, Army 14 -- Both teams will pile up yards on the ground in a fast-moving game. But in the end Army will be too one-dimensional.