NCAA Football Betting Previews – Northwestern Wildcats
by Dave D
NCAA betting season behind them.
Overview:
Northwestern is off a disappointing season, still stinging with the thought of what could have been had they not lost to Duke at home or blown a few fourth quarter leads.
With a veteran squad returning and a soft schedule to start, the Wildcats might make a better impression on the Big Ten than most people anticipate.
Offense:
The Wildcats were a different team when running back Terrell Sutton was in or out of the lineup. He is a dynamic their and quite possibly their best skill player. Backup Omar Conteh stepped in and stepped while Sutton was out, proving to be a capable first-string runner. Having both in the lineup is an intriguing thought for the Wildcats and in the long run, a time share should keep both backs healthy and effective.
The fact that Wildcats offense finished second in the Big Ten is misleading. They were only 10th in scoring offense and most of their yards were piled up when the team was airing it out and coming from behind. C.J. Bacher led the Big Ten in passing but also led the conference in interceptions.
The big change will be the introduction of offensive coordinator Mike McCall, who orchestrated Bowling Green's explosive offense last year.
The goal is still to spread things out but the game plan is to simplify the passing game for Bacher so he can continue the gaudy passing numbers but avoid the 19 passes to the other team. The offense should be fairly fluid.
Defense:
Just like the offense, the defense introduces a new coordinator. Mike Hankwitz will take over and bring with him an attacking style 4-3 defense.
The trick for Hankwitz will be getting an experienced team to start playing like their experience is worth something. For the most part, it hasn't been.
Last year, no one in the secondary had more than one interception.
That situation looks like it might change as Jordan Mabin and Mike Bolden have had a spirited battle for the starting job opposite of stalwart corner Sherrick McMannis. Also, more pressure from the front seven will help these guys out.
The defense will really be the key to the team. They have the weapons, experience and coaching to rack up points on offense but they can't keep getting hammered on defense and expect to compete in the Big Ten.
Outlook:
If the defense does step up, the Wildcats have a simple enough schedule to be a surprise team at least early in the season.
They start with Ohio.
The Wildcats should be 4-0 before they start their Big Ten schedule.
If they can ride that confidence, they could be a very competitive team. Keep in mind that Ohio State. And they get their matchup with the Buckeyes at Evanston.
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