>Pre-Season Preview: Northwestern Wildcats

Strengths should be the O-line, WRs and LB units. NU is finally at a point where we reload talent in to the system as opposed to having a big drop-off in the spread at the skill positions. That is, of course with notable exception – RB – where we’ve been scuffling. The RB slot is a key part of the difference between having a great year and an average year. A lot of eyes are on the secondary which will be tested early and often as we lost a lot to graduation.

Opening game – Vanderbilt. Why? Northwestern is synonymous with losing games it shouldn’t in the non-conference (see Syracuse last year) and a road game in SEC territory, regardless of expectations of Vandy is still a true test. As Wildcat fans who support a team that tends to underachieve in non-conference and over-achieve in Big Ten play this is par for the course.

Considering there is no Ohio State on the schedule I’m happy to say “none”. There are several “payback” games to keep an eye on – notably Iowa at home and Wisconsin on the road. Simply put, we’ve owned the Hawkeyes the past several years and the yellow-clad Iowa fans who are plentiful in Chicago are pissed. They’ve got the game on Nov. 13 circled especially considering we ruined their undefeated season last year. Wisconsin and NU always seems to be entertaining and last year’s upset of the Badgers propelled NU to a New Year’s Day bowl. You know the Badgers and specifically john Clay – who fumbled on the game’s final drive – will be looking for retribution.

Probably Quentin Davie, LB.  He’s got a pro body and is really coming in to his own. He seems to have that intangible of incredible nose-for-the-ball closing speed. Corey Wootton and Sherrick McManis (CB) got all of the attention last year from the media, but I expect big things from Davie this year.

TBD.  NU is in the same exact scenario on offense we were a year ago. Last year at this time, fans were left to ponder life after multi-year starter CJ Bacher at QB and the loss of a trio of senior WRs in Ross Lane, Rasheed Ward and Eric Peterman.  A New Year’s Bowl day appearance later and fans are lamenting how to replace QB Mike Kafka (Drafted by Philadelphia), and WRs Zeke Markshausen (went from 1 career reception to 90 in a season) and Andrew Brewer. Dan Persa has moxie at QB and like Kafka, is a huge threat with the run. There are high expectations of WR Jeremy Ebert who is finally healthy after a rough sophomore year. Sidney Stewart is a proven talent at WR as well.

See above – likely Davie or DE Vince Browne. Browne had a great
freshman year in part due to the disruption caused by Corey Wootton. He slid back a tad last year and is a key for pressure this year. Keep an eye on CB Jordan Mabin.

Obviously Dan Persa at QB whose major question (in addition to height) is his downfield arm to help stretch defenses (same EXACT question as last season). I’d also say Arby Fields at RB who is the incumbent at the 1-slot for RB right now. We simply have to get productivity out of the backfield which we did not last year.

What’s a “JUCO”? Kidding.  We simply don’t get those at NU. As for RS freshman, Drew Moulton made some waves in the Spring Game and will be getting some serious time at WR.   I’d say there are three true freshmen to keep an eye on. One is WR Tony Jones who has the potential to make an instant impact at WR. Also, Venric Mark is a true speed threat who may get a chance to actually be a PR as a frosh which is an area we were once solid, but have failed to capitalize on in recent memory.  Since the RB slot is wide open, RB Adonis Smith shouldn’t be dismissed as finding his way on to the field. Fitz is famous for redshirting nearly every player so these three would have to really make impressions this summer.

I think RS FR DE Davon Custis could make some noise backing up Vince Browne. As for true freshman, DE Chance Carter has some high expectations from fans, but I suspect the Evanston native will get the RS tag. Carter chose NU over Notre Dame and Nebraska and has the “instant” impact traits.

Gut record is 7-5. Successful is easy – we win a bowl game and get the monkey off the back. I’d say 8-4 is very successful and above that is dream scenario for this team. Fitz finally has the program at a point where anything less than 7-5 is a major disappointment and with bowl appearances in every other year on average (2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009) getting to a bowl doesn’t cut it anymore. We’ve got to get the “win”.

Next Up: Minnesota Golden Gophers

2010 Previews
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Michigan Wolverines, Purdue Boilermakers
Conference USA- Houston Cougars
MAC- Temple Owls