Northwestern Wildcats - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

The Wildcats return 17 players from a squad that went 7-5 and played in the Sun Bowl, a 50-38 loss to UCLA.

There isn't much positive about a 4-8 record. But you have to hand it to Northwestern, as they battled all through the season trying to cope with the sudden death of head coach Randy Walker. Pat Fitzgerald is back for his second season as head coach and he brings with him 15 returning starters.

Tail back Tyrell Sutton and quarterback C.J. Bacher are keys to the offense and they will benefit from playing behind four returning offensive linemen. However, with the departure of Shaun Herbert (team leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions last season), Bacher is going to have to look for a new favorite wiedout. With 3,100 total yards in two seasons, Sutton will surely see his share of passes. Quarterback-turned-receiver Andrew Brewer could also provide a spark, but the likes of Eric Peterman, Ross Lane and Rasheed Ward will need to impress. Considering the offense ranked 92nd last season, the Wildcats will need more than marginal improvement if they expect to increase their win total. The defense is also filled with familiar faces and looking to improve on a lowly ranking (85th). Nine starters are back in Chicago, including the entire front four. Linebacker Nick Roach, who was in on 62 tackles last season, is gone. However, the team's three leaders in tackles are all back. Middle linebacker Adam Kadela (80 tackles), strong safety Brendan Smith (68 tackles) and cornerback Deante Battle (67 tackles) will need to continue their solid play.

Things look to be improving for Northwestern and with a schedule that includes games against Division-AA Northeastern, lowly Duke and Nevada in the first three weeks and a road game against Eastern Michigan, Northwestern could go bowling in December. They must win more than two conference tilts however (they were 2-6 in 2006) to achieve that goal.

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