[NU Sports] One week from today....

[Jonathan Hodges]

The defensive line definitely must improve - and it probably will
considering the valuable experience the starters gained last season as
they were thrown into the fire.  It will probably not be the most
amazing line ever seen, but it should be an improvement.  Also, a
switch to the 3-4 at least some may help things considering the
injuries we've seen at that position over the past couple of years
(now the LBs have to stay healthy).

Regarding the QB, I also think it will be decided by the time the
'Cats head to Nevada - and definitely before the Big Ten season starts
up.  I think it will end up being Kafka, although it is still too
early to know for sure since nobody has really collapsed or stepped up
yet.

The kickoffs will be interesting - especially considering the fact
that the tee size has been reduced to 1" from 2" this year to try and
prevent as many touchbacks (in yet another effort to shorten the
length of the game - which also includes starting the clock when the
ball is kicked and starting the clock when the ball is set after a
change of possession).  Unless NU finds someone who can consistently
boom the kickoff, I think we'll see more pooches (which work when you
take teams by surprise, but by now most teams know its coming - see
OSU last year who consistently had great field position after the
pooches).

And about Fitz's sideline demeanor, I think he will get excited at
times, but in general will be more subdued as his new position is to
run the show and not to pump up the team at all times (he'll probably
leave that for the position coaches).  I think we'll still see the
fire in his eyes, though, and I'm sure he won't hold back emotions at
all times and will definitely be a different character than Coach
Walker, who was relatively stoic.

Jonathan

On 8/25/06, Brian H. Winkler <Winkler_Brian_H at cat.com> wrote:
> Jim - I like your optimism.
>
> To help the football discussion, I 'd like to hear what others will be
> looking for in the first game.
>
> On the defensive side, I want to see more consistent d-line play.  Camp
> news has suggested this has improved but some pressure on the QB and no
> long runs is what we need to see.    17 pts or less and fewer than 325
> yards given up would be a nice start.
>
> On the offensive side, turnovers is the key given the new QB situation.
> Continuation of our strong run game should help the new QB.  On a side
> note I am excited that it looks like Kafka is the starter.  We went to the
> same high school in Chicago, and it would be great to see a local Chicago
> kid excel as QB.
>
> As for special teams, no pooch kicks on the kickoffs and a consistent FG
> game.
>
> As for coach Fitz, I am looking forward to seeing what his demeanor and
> presence will be on the sidelines.  How will it change?  Will it change
> from previous years?
>
> Go Cats,
> Brian
>
>
>
>
> Jim Leonard <jleonard518 at yahoo.com>
> Sent by: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com
> 08/25/2006 06:47 AM
>
>
> To
> To
> nwu-sports at tssi.com
> cc
>
>
>
>
> Subject
> [NU Sports] One week from today....
>
>
>
>
> Caterpillar: Confidential Green Retain Until: 09/24/2006        Retention
> Category:  G90 - General Matters/Administration
>
>
> ..I will be reading about our first victory of the 2006 season.
>
> We haven't had a lot of football talk on the list over the past two weeks,
> but
> it just occured to me that this can be a very positive thing. Last year's
> news
> from camp was mostly bad. Howard transferring, more injuries, etc.
>
> For me, the only bad news from fall practice is that we don't have a clear
> #1
> at quarterback. I'm sure that Fitz and the coaches are well aware of the
> need
> to establish one guy as the leader. My guess is that Brewer will settle in
> to a
> slot receiver role and either Kafka or Bacher will emerge before the team
> heads
> to Reno.
>
> GO CATS!
> Jim
>
>
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-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
829 Foster St Apt 401
Evanston, IL  60201-3259
(847) 736-2449
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