Notebook: Porter out for the season as Cats prep for No. 4 Oregon
EVANSTON-The press conference the Monday after Northwestern’s triumphant 42-7 win over Western Illinois was quickly soured by head coach David Braun‘s announcement that six-year veteran running back and three-time captain Cam Porter would miss the rest of the season with the lower-body injury he suffered in the third quarter against the Leathernecks.
“All of us are crushed for Cam,” Braun said. “There’s no one that’s worked harder or invested more in the program…I learn from Cam Porter daily. He was in meetings this morning, he’ll continue to be in meetings, he’ll continue to have a profound impact on this football program.”
STORY: Cam Porter out for season
Porter will be beloved by Northwestern fans as an exceptional leader and representative of the program whether or not he pursues a medical waiver and a potential seventh season. He’s been a true rock across a turbulent stretch for the program that included the COVID season of 2020, the hazing scandal, the firing of former head coach Pat Fitzgerald and the resulting lawsuit that was just settled last week, and the Braun era.
Porter has also been someone who connected with Braun very deeply, which is why Braun got emotional talking about him. One of Braun’s sons, Andrew, went as Porter for Halloween in 2024.
“Cam Porter has this unique ability to meet people where they’re at and inspire them to reach their fullest potential,” Braun said. “I’m emotional because I’m feeling for Cam, but also just speaking the truth that he will continue to be one of the best captains we’ve ever had, and will continue to lead this football team.”
Other injury updates
Braun gave insight into a couple other injured players from the Western Illinois game.
Wide receiver Frank Covey IV was listed out against the Leathernecks. Braun didn’t detail Covey’s injury but said he is “day-to-day”, so the Wildcats could get one of their top receivers back for Oregon or, if not then, for UCLA on Sept. 27 after the first bye week.
“We’re very optimistic that Frank will be back here sooner than later,” Braun said.
Punter/kicker Luke Akers was sidelined for the last two extra points of the game on Friday. Kicker Jack Olsen checked in and made both so it was unclear if Akers had tweaked something between possessions, or if this was a chance to give Olsen some reps with the game well in hand.
Braun confirmed that Akers was dealing with cramps during that late stage of the game.
“Luke is full go,” he said. “Just had a cramping issue, nothing at all long-term.”
Braun reacts to Schill’s resignation
Northwestern’s president Michael Schill resigned last Thursday.
It was Schill who fired Fitzgerald in the wake of the program’s hazing scandal. He promoted Braun to take over as the interim head coach in July, and then the full-time coach in November.
Braun reflected on his partnership with Schill over the course of the past two years.
“Changes in leadership are hard,” he said. “The things that I will acknowledge are the things that I absolutely know to be true. Without his support, I wouldn’t hold this position. I’m incredibly appreciative of the opportunity that I have, and that’s something that he ultimately had to make a decision on.”
Braun credited Schill for his support in creating Martin Stadium, Northwestern’s temporary lakeside stadium that saved the team from traveling across Chicagoland searching for places to play. He admitted that he and the university president didn’t always see eye to eye but were able to unify where it mattered.
“We did get to share time together through some really trying times,” Braun said. “It was a lesson for my young boys, 8- and 10-years old, as we navigated a really difficult time for our family. [We] moved across the country, [and a] huge reason why we decided to move was to work for Coach Fitz.
“Now I’m getting asked a lot of hard questions from young kids, and ultimately it was a lesson for them: ‘Boys, you can disagree with the decision that is made, but you can also be willing to enter into conversations where you can find common ground.'”
Respect for Oregon is palpable
Braun was sure to convey his respect for No. 4 Oregon after their 69-3 romp over Oklahoma State last Saturday. The Ducks have come out of the gate this season with a purpose, winning their first two games by a combined score of 128-20.
What does Oregon do well? “We could be here a long time,” Braun quipped.
He went on to compliment almost every aspect of their team, working through their offense, defense and even special teams.
“Sometimes when you face a team as talented as Oregon, maybe special teams becomes an afterthought,” he said. “They use it as an opportunity to use the skill that they have and be aggressive. They play in all three phases. Tremendous amount of respect for what those guys are doing.”
Braun has faced elite teams before, including last year’s national champion, Ohio State. The Wildcats hung with the Buckeyes early, taking a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter before eventually losing, 31-7. We’ll see if Northwestern can mount a similar challenge this Saturday against the defending Big Ten champion Ducks, who opened as a 27.5-point favorite according to BetMGM.
In addition to the game, Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff will telecast their pregame show from Evanston.
