[NU Sports] Some summer reading ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

I love this time of year too ... just a bit more as kickoff approaches.:)

I was encouraged with Kafka's passing during the spring game - I think he is underrated and would also have RB as the big key for the offense. I think with Kafka, we'll go back to a Kustok-like spread with the QB being more of a running weapon and that fits our OC's track record better anyway - it will be rusty at first and mistake-prone to be sure, but I think the offense will be fine by October.

So that puts the pressure on the defense - they can't just be good, they have to be like that 1995 squad and win the game in the fourth quarter with a key interception, sack or fumble. They have to help the offense in September to beat the teams we SHOULD beat, because the schedule is back-loaded and we need those early Ws for the tough games later.

A lot of it depends on health, as always, and how quickly Wootten returns to 2008 form ... but looking at our Big Ten foes, I really only see PSU, Minny and the Illini as the big offensive threats. The rest have some big holes to fill from last year (MSU/Iowa - though Sparty's transfer QB looks good) or big questions (Wisky/Purdue/Indiana) in the rebuilding process -- so our defense needs to be able to shut them down.

You also look at the defenses league wide and a lot of them are young - you could make a case that NU has one of the 2-3 most experienced returning defenses. Another reason we gotta rely on them, for a change.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


--- On Mon, 6/1/09, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng at comcast.net> wrote:

> From: Dennis W. Brandt <tbng at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Some summer reading ...
> To: nwu-sports at tssi.com
> Date: Monday, June 1, 2009, 8:23 AM
> > 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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