Mohammad Azharullah had a good day as Northamptonshire took control against Loughborough MCCU.
The 29-year-old, who joined the County in the summer after impressing while on trial, took full advantage of a first-team outing by reducing the students to 73-6 by the close on day two.
His figures of 14-2-40-4 accounted for the bulk of the Loughborough top order and put Northamptonshire in control.
A result may still be unlikely, however, after both the first two days have been heavily affected by rain.
The County, captained by Kyle Coetzer, had earlier declared on 243-9.
David Murphy (27), Richard Moore (24), Olly Stone (24) and Azharullah (21no) all added runs to the earlier efforts of openers Coetzer (38) and Rob Keogh (56).
Medium-pacer Stu Whittingham did most to impress for Loughborough finishing with figures of 20-1-79-6.