Pre-Game Primer: Northwestern Wildcats Vs. Syracuse Orange

Pre-Game Primer

 Syracuse (0-0) at Northwestern (0-0)

Date:  August 30^th, 2008

Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

Game Time: 11:00 A.M. CT

On Air: ESPN 2, 720-AM

Line: Northwestern by 11.5

Northwestern can win if:  The Wildcats display an understanding of new coordinator Mick McCall’s no-huddle offense.  They must establish the run early with returning senior running backs Tyrell Sutton and Omar Conteh.  Quarterback C.J. Bacher, who finished second in passing yards in the conference in 2007, must find early success and look for his play-making receivers Eric Peterman and Ross Lane.  Having worked on reducing his turnovers and improving his decision making all spring, Bacher should try to play it conservative in the first half.

The defense, under the guidance of new coordinator Mike Hankwitz, must keep the Orange and their 16.4 points per game average out of the end zone.  Hankwitz will begin to implement his blitz-heavy scheme, creating pressure on the opposing quarterback.  ‘Cuse running back Curtis Binkley returns from injury (broken leg, various knee injuries) and will be looking to make a name for himself this season.  If Northwestern can contain him, as he is the only real threat, they should have no trouble shutting down the rest of the offense.

Northwestern will struggle if: Bacher decides to play the role of “gun-slinger” and turns the ball over early and often.  A make-shift offensive line, that will resemble a reclamation project the entire year, needs to gel and prove they belong.  With new faces all over, including left guard Keegan Kennedy, who played on the defensive line last season, this could be a reoccurring weakness on a veteran team. 

The defense is missing its best player in defensive tackle John Gill, who is serving a one-game suspension for violating team policy.  With Gill watching from the sideline, sophomore Corbin Bryant will have to step up in his place, along with defensive ends Corey Wooton and Kevin Mims.

Linebackers Malcom Arrington, Quentin Dabie and Prince Kwateng form a solid unit and are responsible for tackling the 5'-9'' Binkley when he reaches the second tier of the defense.  Safety and 2008 team captain Brendan Smith should have no trouble registering his first interception of the year against Syracuse junior quarterback Andrew Robinson.

 Northwestern players to watch:

QB – C.J. Bacher: Ranked second in the conference in passing yards last season.

RB – Tyrell Sutton: Looking to regain freshman success, when he ran for 1,474 yards and scored 18 total touchdowns.

WR – Eric Peterman: Quickly making a name for himself as the team’s “go-to” receiver. 

Syracuse players to watch:

RB – Delone Carter: After missing all of the 2007 season with a dislocated hip, Carter will be counted on to form a two-headed running attack with Binkley.

RB – Averin Collier: The Orange’s top freshman recruit and the #1 prospect from New York must justify his decision to pass on signing with Pittsburgh.

Most Telling Statistic: Syracuse averaged .75 sacks per game last season, ranking last in the entire country.

Prediction:  Northwestern shouldn’t have a problem with a team that finished dead last in the Big East last season.  As long as they don’t overlook the Orange, like they did last year against Duke, the Wildcats should see solid production on both sides of the ball under the new coordinators.  Head coach Pat Fitzgerald knows the importance of beginning the season on a high note and will have his troops motivated and ready for battle. 

Syracuse 10, Northwestern 34