[NU Sports] Cat pre-season report card

[Dennis W. Brandt]

I always do this at the end of the season, but I thought I would try to 
offer realistic expectations of what I expect them to do this season.  It 
will be interesting to compare pre-season predictions with actual scores 
(mine, that is)between the Illinois and bowl games.  May I be on the low 
side in every case.

OL - C+  There are returning starters here that should improve play.  (Will 
Rees play or not?)  They will not be in the Michigan or Wisconsin class but 
should be adequate barring injury.  Better play here will obviously affect 
the QB and RB ratings.  Depth, as usual, is an issue.

QB - C+  Bacher has the potential to be a B if he cuts down on the mistakes 
and gets help from the OL.

RB - A-  Sutton will get his 1,500 yards barring injury to him or Bacher. 
The question is his backups and who will carry the ball on 3rd and 1, an 
area that has haunted the Cats.

WR - C  There is depth here but no one spectacular.  The loss of Brewer has 
hurt.  Someone has to step up and be the guy who defenses must cover.

DL - C  Lots of returners from on a line that was dreadful last season in 
the first half but improved in the second.  They MUST generate a pass rush, 
something that is not traditional on NU's DLs.  How the DL plays. as usual, 
will be the key to the Cats' overall success.

LB - C  Kadela should be steady, and perhaps Jeske will live up to his 
billing, but there are ifs here.

DB - B-  Could be even better if the DL plays well.

ST - I  Who the heck knows how we'll kick?  Who knows about ther coverage 
and return teams?

Depth - D  What else is new?

Coaching - B-  Will improve over last season's tragic start.  Fitz will 
become one of the nation's best - eventually.

Intangibles - C  Playing three home games before mostly empty seats will not 
help enthusiasm.  We will need three out-of-conference victories and an 
upset over Ohio State to really get the motor revving.