[NU Sports] Some summer reading ...

[Beamsley, Jeff]

I love this time of year.

All the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the
children are above average.

I doesn't matter how good the defense or the special teams are if you
aren't getting production out of the QB position. The QB has to be able
to be a threat in running and passing for NU's version of this offense
to work.  As much as I like Kafka's grit, you know that teams are going
to overplay the run until he proves that he can complete a pass.  I'm
sure he has been working hard on his throwing, but he has been working
hard on his throwing for the whole time he has been here and we didn't
see much in his starts last year.  So I guess I'm not expecting dramatic
improvement from Kafka this year.

As a result, I predict that this will be a frustrating football year for
Northwestern because we will struggle at QB.  Hopefully an underclassman
will step up like 2002 when Baz emerged as our QB of the future, or 1999
when Kustok arrived.  But it could also be like 1998 when we couldn't
seem to find anyone to lead the team.

I hope I'm wrong.

Jeff
  

 

The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only. It contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the named addressee or an authorized designee, you may not copy or use it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you received it in error please notify us immediately and then destroy it.

From: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com]
On Behalf Of Dennis W. Brandt
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 11:23 AM
To: nwu-sports at tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Some summer reading ...

> NORTHWESTERN
> Record: 10-14 / 19-18
> Average finish: 6.3
> Burning question: Do we remember how to win games with defense?
>
Me thinks you understate the Cats this season, Herr Truog.  The defense
could be very good.  For the first time since I can recall we have two
bonafide pass-rushing defensive ends in Brown and Wootton.  Toss in an
experienced secondary and some better talent at linebacker, and you have
something.  Just pray no one goes down for the season.  Offense is the
big question, of course, but it is not without experience and skill.
There is an experienced and deeper offensive line and improvement at the
superback position, which I predict will play a greater role this
season.  There has to be question marks on the wideouts and running
backs, pero numero uno pregunta es quarterback.  We know Kafka can run,
but if he can metamorphosize into a good thrower, he could be
devastating.  Finally, special teams improved remarkably last season,
and there is no reason they cannot improve even more.  But please, Dear
Lord, give us a steady place-kicker.

My prediction, barring a serious number of injuries, is at least 10 - 3
including a bowl victory.  We should start 5 - 0, and there is no reason
it can't be 7 - 0.  The toughest game is Penn State, but we can win it,
and the rest are definitely winnable. 

_______________________________________________
nwu-sports site list
nwu-sports at tssi.com
http://romaine.tssi.com/mailman/listinfo/nwu-sports