Football

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS 2008 record: 9-4, 5-3 Head coach: Pat Fitzgerald - 4th year, 19-18; 19-18 in career

2008 in review: It's somewhat hard to believe, but the Wildcats were a potential scoring drive or defensive stop away from tallying their first double-digit win season since 1995. It wasn't meant to be, however, as high-octane Missouri outlasted the Wildcats, 30-23, in overtime of the Valero Alamo Bowl. Even though the season ended in defeat, 2008 was a giant step in the right direction for Northwestern and star-turned-coach Pat Fitzgerald. And it's not like the Wildcats flirted with 10 wins by getting fat on cupcakes, either, winning at Iowa (22-17), Minnesota (24-17) and Michigan (21-14) and beating instate rival Illinois (27-10) in the season finale.

2009 preview: No Big Ten team lost more offensive weapons to graduation than Northwestern. You want proof? The Wildcats lost their quarterback, their top four pass-catchers, who accounted for more than 81 percent of their receiving production, and their top two running backs, who combined to run for 1,125 yards and nine scores. Good thing the Wildcats return an experienced defense, a unit that allowed a respectable 14.3 points per game in its nine wins. So, while hiccups are inevitable on the offensive end, Northwestern should remain competitive in large part due to the consistency it will receive when its defense is on the field. And when that defense is out there, pay attention to the secondary, the conference's most experienced and arguably deepest unit.

What they return: 5 offensive starters, 8 defensive starters, 1 kicker

Leading returners: QB Mike Kafka (330 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT); RB Stephen Simmons (178 yards, 2 TD); WR Andrew Brewer (18 rec., 145 yards, 0 TD); DEF Brad Phillips (109 tackles, 1.5 sacks)

Player to watch: DE Corey Wootton - Wootton says his surgically-repaired right knee feels good and that he is ready to get back into action. If healthy, Wootton, who had 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss last season, is one of the conference's top pass rushers. His presence directly improves Northwestern's experienced and talented secondary, so if he isn't all the way back, other areas of the Wildcats' defense could be affected.

Schedule: Towson, Eastern Michigan, @Syracuse, Minnesota, @Purdue, Miami (OH), @Michigan State, Indiana, Penn State, @Iowa, @Illinois, Wisconsin

Must-see game: Oct. 17 @Michigan State - The last time these two teams met in East Lansing, they combined on a 48-41 overtime thriller in 2007. There won't be as many points scored in this contest, to be sure, but it still has the makings of a great game; in fact, Northwestern could theoretically bring a 6-0 ledger into Spartan Stadium, assuming things play out in its favor.

Things will go well if ... QB Mike Kafka isn't forced to lead the rushing attack. Look, the senior proved he can run very well, scampering for a Big Ten quarterback record 217 yards against Minnesota last season, but the Wildcats need a running back to step up and become a consistent threat to open up a passing game comprised of an inexperienced quarterback and a revamped receiver corps.

My 2009 Prediction: 8-4, 4-4

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS
NEWSPAPERS	WILDCAT BLOGS	MISC
Chicago Sun Times Chicago Tribune Evanston Review The Daily Northwestern	BNPCats.com HailToPurple.com LakeThePosts.com	Facebook (Northwestern fans) Facebook (Big Ten Network) Twitter (Pat Fitzgerald) Twitter (Big Ten Network)
More links: Northwestern Football Roster, Football Media Guide

Northwestern athletics on Twitter (#NUCats)
Want to be listed here as a Wildcats fan? Come tell us at the Big Ten Network Twitter page.
@apgg, @alison089, @NUWildcats, @derekcftam, @rydietz, @1Leck, @michaelkohn, @NU_Sports, @Four_O, @dmbfan825, @soccerhaus, @hwells8, @derekcftam, @kinsella316, @edwardmonrad, @WNUR_Sports, NU_Broadcaster, @scottolstad, @hailtopurple,

• Features
• Shop
• Superfans

©2007-2010 Big Ten Network - All Rights Reserved. Portions ©2010 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.