[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?