Skinny - Northwestern probably won't ever become a football powerhouse simply as a result of the type of school they are. Northwestern is known more for their academics than athletic prowess; however, I would like to give credit to their women's lacrosse team and their dominance. CJ Bacher won't be the signal caller this year for the Wildcats, but the new frontman Mike Kafka is no stranger to Northwestern fans, or Minnesota fans for that matter. Kafka started the Minnesota game and look like Tim Tebow as he busted out 217 rushing yards at quarterback in route to a victory. Northwestern surprised a lot of people with 9 wins last season and they put up a very respectable fight to a Jeremy Maclin-led Missouri Tigers before falling in an overtime thriller. There's also clear room for improvement for a team that typically doesn't have the same talents pipelines as other schools. They could cut down on turnovers after being negative last season despite their 9-4 record. Northwestern has Penn State return to the schedule this season, but Ohio State and a better Michigan team both fall off meaning the Wildcats have a good shot at finishing near the top of the conference.
Strength - Secondary
The clear strength of the team, the secondary looks to build towards being a dominant unit. Brendan Smith, Sherrick McManis, and Brad Phillips will all fight for all conference honors and sophomore Jordan Mabin could too if he builds on a solid performance as a freshman. Justan Vaughn also returns this season after being injured early last season and he was the starter before Mabin showed why he was a talented recruit. Smith, McManis and Phillips are 1, 2, 3 in returning tackling leaders for Northwestern and thats not just because the linebackers graduated. They ranked 1, 3, 4 last season (Phillips, Smith, McManis in order). Mabin also pulled down 52 tackles and 3 picks as a redshirt freshman, exciting Northwestern fans of his future. Three of the players are seniors and one would expect the leadership to come from this unit in an otherwise young defense.
Weakness - Running back
Gone is four year performer Tyrell Sutton. Sutton was one of those players that everyone felt was around forever before he graduated last season, four years after a stellar freshman season. Despite some injuries, Sutton had a very successful career for the Wildcats and now they have the task to replace him which won't be easy. Stephen Simmons is the assumed starter considering his previous experience as opposed to the others, but Jeravin Matthews and redshirt freshman Alex Daniel should provide friendly competition. Look for Mike Trumpy, the true freshman to be the darkhorse contender and try to make a Sutton type impact. Kafka could easily end up being the leading rusher with about 700 yards if a running back doesn't step up and take the lead role, because this could easily end up an ugly tailback by committee.
Key Game - 9/26/09 Minnesota
Win this game and Northwestern could be on their way to a 6-0 record and than a 7-1 or possibly 8-0 start if they could upset Michigan State in East Lansing. Minnesota has Weber and Decker back, but those two couldn't beat a Kafka-led Northwestern last season and the game is in Evanston this season only helping Northwestern. Northwestern will have a tough final 4 playing Penn State and Wisconsin and going on the road to Iowa and Illinois, but if they could pull out 2 of the final 4 coupled with at least 7 of the first 8 they could be on their way to equally or surpassing last years win total.
Key Player - Jeremy Ebert
Ebert earned a few starts last season as a true freshman and is the leading receiver back for the Wildcats. If Ebert could take over Ross Lane's position in the offense, the Wildcats will be in solid shape in the passing game despite losing three senior starters to graduation. Ebert showed his potential last season and in his second year in the program, he will become the go to guy. Former quarterback Andrew Brewer could be a solid possession guy similar to the mold of Kansas' Kerry Meier but it is up to Ebert to become the big play man for the Wildcats. He had 15 receptions for 161 yards and 2 TDs as a freshman and needs to really build on those numbers now as a full time starter.
Impact Freshman - Mike Trumpy
Predicted Big Ten finish - 5th
Top 5 Players
1. SS Brendan Smith
2. DE Corey Wooten
3. FS Brad Phillips
4. CB Shane McManis
5. QB Mike Kafka
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