[NU Sports] (no subject)

[mlinhardt at netzero.net]

Is it too early for predictions?

My prediction 5-7(2-6).

** Likely Wins
Sat 09/09/06 New Hampshire -- The Bacher/Kafka butterflies are 
exorcised this will be closer than we would like, but in the end we 
will pull away.

Sat 09/16/06 Eastern Michigan -- The RW connection will make this 
interesting, but EMU is not as good as New Hamshpire.

Thu 08/31/06 @ Miami OR Fri 09/22/06 @ Nevada -- I think we will lose 
at Miami and win Nevada as we have never(?) started 3-0 non-
conference.  We did start 3-0 in 2001, but the 3rd game was MSU.

Sat 10/21/06 Michigan State -- The "John L. Farewell Tour" Sparty is 
looks tough in September, but falls apart in the Big Ten.  

Sat 11/18/06 Illinois -- Another RW connection, but in the end coaches 
will remind the players of the Hannibal helmet incident.  This is also 
necessary for NU to dominate Illinois HS recruiting.

** Unlikely Wins
Sat 09/30/06 @ Penn State -- JoePa will go back to being mediocre, but 
unless our QB matures it won't be a Happy Valley for the Cats.

Sat 10/07/06 @ Wisconsin -- The battle of the young coaches.  This 
could go either way, but given it is away I will give the Cheddarheads 
the advantage.

Sat 10/14/06 Purdue -- Possibly the beginning of the "Tiller Farewell 
Tour".  If Purdue is sliding coming into this game it is ours for the 
taking, but I think Purdue will right the ship and go back to a 2nd 
tier bowl team.

No Freaking Way
Sat 10/28/06 @ Michigan -- We are going to the game, but our defense 
would have to make giant leaps to keep even a mediocre Michgian team 
off the board.

Sat 11/04/06 @ Iowa -- Do you think Ferentz will forget last year?  I 
don't either.  It could get ugly as obviously 14 points was not a safe 
lead.  Btw I am selfish and since I can't watch or listen to it
(Ironman Florida) I don't want an upset and have to miss it.

Sat 11/11/06 Ohio State -- Tressel is still reminding them of 2004.


Things that could change the outcome for the worse:
* We forget our long passing game.  If we allow the opponents to put 8-
9 men on the line we are in trouble.  The quarterback is new, but make 
it trial by fire.  Take some risks and see how he responds.
* Sutton continues to fumble.  We were great early season with not 
turning the ball over, but near the end we became sloppy.
* Our defense stops creating turnovers.  We saved our butts many a 
time last year with a critical interception or fumble recovery.
* We play QB musical chairs and flip-flop trying to determine which QB 
should be the future.

Things that could change the outcome for the better:
* All three quarterbacks are suppossedly more athletic and bigger than 
Baz.  If they play like their talent Sutton should be able to run free.
* Our special teams improves.  It couldn't get worse ;-)
* Our defense improves.  Ditto.



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