2007 Northwestern Wildcats College Football Picks & Predictions


June 5, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

Northwestern football will once again rely on their offense to carry the load in 2007. They return 15 starters with seven coming on the offensive side of the ball. C.J. Bacher finally stabilized the quarterback position late in the season last year, which has struggled since Brett Basanez graduated in 2005. Bacher’s evolution, along with the return of start running back Tyrell Sutton and several big-play receivers, indicates an offensive rebirth is possible.

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Sutton got most of the work load last season with Bacher trying to gel as a starter in the tough Big Ten conference. The 5-9 Junior is primed for a third consecutive 1000-yard rushing season. Their wide receiver corps is as solid as it has ever been. Deep threats in Ross Lane, Eric Peterman, Kim Thompson and Andrew Brewer will give opposing defenses fits. Possession receiver Rasheed Ward will get in there and do some damage win his number is called as well. Brewer, a quarterback turned wide receiver, is an absolute playmaker who could have his own chapter in coordinator Garrick McGee’s playbook.

The Wildcats’ biggest concerns are on their offensive line. They can’t make any progress in Big Ten football unless their line can move defenders around. The Wildcats need to find a right tackle and build depth behind Trevor Rees, Dylan Thirty, Adam Crum and Joel Belding. Turnovers are also a big concern, with Sutton needing to put more concentration on holding onto the ball. Bacher should be a more mature quarterback that doesn’t try and force the ball everywhere while taking what the defense gives him. If Northwestern can cut their turnover differential, their defense will get the rest needed to keep them in ball games.

A defensive unit historically dominated by linebackers could take a new form this season. The Wildcats are stacked up front, returning all four starting linemen and several talented reserves. Corey Wootton heads a front four that includes John Gilll and a versatile end in Kevin Mims. Wootton is a rising start with a big frame. He led the team in sacks, all though not the number the defensive coordinator will be looking for in 2007, with 4.5 takedowns. He also led the team in tackles for loss with nine.

The Wildcats’ secondary brings back safety Brendan Smith and cornerback Sherrick McManis. Cornerback Deante Battle and safety Reggie McPherson will add some veteran leadership. Northwestern returns capable linebackers in Adam Kadela and Eddie Simpson, but is in need of a weakside starter. They are lacking depth in the linebacking corps, so this is a very big concern as well for the Wildcats.

The Northwestern football players and coaching staff have had time to recover from the sudden death of head coach Randy Walker last season. Second-year coach Pat Fitzgerald can how shape his team. Northwestern’s scoring average should skyrocket this season and the defense has fewer holes than in past seasons. With a favorable schedule featuring seven home games, the Wildcats can return to the middle of the pack in the Big Ten and perhaps reach a Bowl Game in 2007.

Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:  50-1 (Field Bet)
Bodog:          150-1

Odds to Win Big 10:
BetUS:         +2200

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