[NU Sports] Annual Cat Report Card

[Dennis W. Brandt]

OFFENSE

QB Bacher: C; Kafka: D-; Brewer F-; overall D-  Bacher is the man.  If only he had started the season healthy, we might be looking forward to a bowl.  Así es la vida.  C. J. made a bunch of rookie mistakes, but he was a rookie.  I believe he learned from them - I hope.  I'm looking forward to seeing a more mature version of him next season.

RB B  Knocked down due to the quarterback and OL issues.  I'm looking forward to returning Tyrell to an A+ next season.

WR C   The QB situation hurt this group.  We have steadiness at wideout but no real star or deep threat.  When will Kim Thompson actually play football for Northwestern?

OL D-   Biggest flop of the season.  For the first half of the season they had to climb 10 stories to reach an low grade F.  They improved, but they were touted as being better than they played.  Most return next season, though, so things should improve.  A bit more size, speed, strength, and talent would be nice.  I have never enjoyed seeing a dominant OL at Northwestern.

TE  I   Only on the cheerleaders. 


DEFENSE

DL  Running C; Pass rush D-  Overall D+  They improved over last season's straight F crew, but that isn't saying a lot.  Next year's version has to get a LOT better at pass rushing, which I've been saying for 10 years.  This remains the weakest and thinnest component of the defense.  Even when we had the talent, they couldn't stay healthy.

LB   C  Losing Nick Roach hurt, but there appears to be some talent returning.  It needs more outside speed and beef in the middle.

DB   C+  Our perennial weak spot became the surprise unit of the season in spite of their dreadful start.  They will offer experience next season.  The Deadly McManis was the big improvement and is a sure bet to make the All Big 10 team before his playing days are done, maybe next season. 


SPECIAL TEAMS  F  I don't want to talk about this crew anymore.  Get some damn kickers!  We also need to improve our own kick returning.


COACHING  C+  This is a tough one.  The year started on a hellish note that would try the patience of Job.  We had no quarterback until C. J. healed and several new coaches who didn't seem to click.  Still, the boys held together and were showing improvement at the end, the OSU game notwithstanding.  I believe Fitz got his size 12s wet and will be the man for the next 50 years.  Eat your heart out, JoePa!  We may see changes in assistant coaches, who serve at the big man's pleasure.


Prognosis 2007 - Definitely a bowl team next season.  If a few of those incoming and redshirt freshmen can add some needed talent in key areas and the rest of the guys develop, we might even pull off a big upset or two.  Is it August 31, 2007, yet?