[NU Sports] Some summer reading ...

Mon Jun 1 11:33:12 CDT 2009

Personally, I think that many are underestimating Kafka's throwing abilities
- mainly because he's a good runner.  Yes, he didn't put up prolific passing
numbers in his two starts this season, but he had some pretty solid throws
against Minnesota - specifically his first TD pass to Ebert.

Now, it's obvious that he needed some time to get in sync with the first
team offense (remember that he'd been practicing with the backups almost
exclusively since his first stab at QB in early 2006), and then he ran up
against a prolific defense in OSU (nobody, including Texas, burned that OSU
D).  An offseason where he's groomed for the starting spot and the offensive
system is tailored to his strengths/weaknesses will go a long way.  In all
of his starts (2006 & 2008) he was basically filling in for an injured
Bacher (in 2006 a reported stress fracture kept CJ out for most of camp and
the first half of the season), and he was basically playing a fill-in role.

No, I don't expect a return to 2000/2001/2005 type offensive numbers, but
with a now-experienced OL in front of him, an offensive scheme well-suited
for him, and a full offseason of practice at the helm, I expect he will be a
pretty solid QB come fall.  I would argue that NU is in a lot better shape
at QB this year than they have been in previous QB transition years: 2006
(CJ injured, Kafka/Brewer filling in for the first half of the season), 2002
(Stauss failure, Basanez taking over and eventually showing his skills), and
even 1999 (waiting on Kustok to be eligible - and even then the offensive
show wasn't put on until the appearance of the spread in 2000).

The biggest obstacle for the offense will be replacing all of the other
skill position players - obviously RB is most concerning.  The WRs rotate so
much that there are plenty of guys with experience who will be out there -
and if Brewer lives up to his potential, that should give NU a true
field-stretcher (see his spring game 55 yd TD).  RB, though, is a huge issue
- last year without Sutton in, NU averaged under 3 yards/carry from the RB
position - hopefully a seasoned OL and some fresh blood in Daniel and
Matthews can help invigorate that, but that is a lot of ifs.

In any case, I'd say NU's offense should land it in the middle of the
conference in terms of potential production (including strength of schedule
considerations) and NU shouldn't be in bad shape.  And, as others have
noted, the D is looking very strong going into the season, with a lot of
solid starters returning (I'll hold off on further details right now).  So,
put together, NU should be bowl-bound at a minimum if they can live up to
expectations.

Jonathan

On Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 11:12 AM, Beamsley, Jeff
<Jeff.Beamsley at covisint.com>wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
>
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> 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.
>
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-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
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