2008 Northwestern Wildcats
Pat Fitzgerald returns for his third stint as Northwestern’s head man after an up-and-down 2007 campaign. The Wildcats mustered up a six wins last year by winning nearly all of their close games, including overtime wins against Michigan State and Minnesota. It’s hard to predict these same breaks to go their way in 2008. Let’s see how their season plays out with Info Plays 2008 Northwestern Wildcats football predictions .
Offense:
Mick McCall takes over as offensive coordinator after a record-setting season at Bowling Green. He’ll have his hands full as Northwestern was last in rushing and 10th in scoring in the Big Ten in 2007. McCall is a specialist in quarterback progression and the spread offense. His main project is C.J. Bacher, who managed to complete 61 percent of his passes last year. But his 19 touchdowns to 19 interceptions from a year ago is an unacceptable ratio. The Wildcats utilized the no-huddle offense to perfection under Randy Walker a few years back, and McCall will bring this no-huddle scheme back into Northwestern’s offense this season.
Bacher is important, but no player is more crucial to the offense than running back Tyrell Sutton. He was limited to seven games last season, but has the skills to post 2,000 yards from scrimmage when healthy. He totaled 1,474 yards and 16 touchdowns as a freshman. Omar Conteh was effective in the spring game and could take some carries from Sutton. NU lost three starters on the offensive line and rebuilt this unit in the spring. Redshirt freshman All Netter is their most promising young lineman, who’s 6-6 frame fit’s the system at tackle.
Defense:
The Wildcats searched within the conference to fins a new defensive coordinator. Wisconsin’s Mike Hankwitz comes over to run a conventional 4-3 system that thrives on high-effort players. This is perfect for Northwestern who always seems to have plenty of these types, when elite athletes aren’t available. Northwestern was saved from a last-place ranking in total defense last season by a miserable Minnesota group. The Wildcats allowed 410.5 yards per game, 167.1 rushing yards per game and 31 points per game last season.
Malcolm Arrington has starting experience and moves to middle linebacker to take over for captain Adam Kadela. He’ll likely share time with run-stopper Nate Williams. Tackle John Gill has the potential to become one of Hankowitz’ first homemade starters. Sherrick McManis is a returning starter at cornerback who will be surrounded by youngsters in the secondary. Redshirt freshman corner Jordan Mabin showed signs of brilliance in the spring.
Northwestern Wildcats Predictions at Info Plays: 11th in the Big Ten
Almost all of the Wildcats best players are back. C.J. Bacher and Tyrell Sutton lead an offense that has the potential to be prolific. Young defensive talent creates optimism that the team can be back in a bowl game for the first time in three seasons. Still, the bottom half of the Big Ten isn’t getting any easier with teams like Purdue, Iowa and Michigan State on the schedule. In fact, the Wildcats have three straight games against those teams, respectively, which easily could be three losses.
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