2011 Northwestern Wildcats College Football Expert Predictions, Picks, Vegas Odds and Schedule – Northwestern Wildcats NCAA Football Preview: Northwestern has never been confused with a powerhouse in the Big Ten. Middle of the pack finishes and even time in the basement of the conference have been the norm for the Wildcats. That being said, there is actually some buzz around the program in Evanston as the 2011-12 season approaches. Some experts even have the Wildcats finishing in the top 25 this season. Whether or not the hype is justified remains to be seen.
The main reason for the optimism in Evanston is starting quarterback Dan Persa, who emerged as one of the most efficient passers in the nation last season. Persa connected on 73.5 percent of his throws in 2010-11, tallying more than 2,500 yards in just 10 games. He also delivered 15 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions. While adept in the pocket, Persa can beat teams with his legs as well. Last season, he broke the plain nine times on the ground.
Given his versatility, it isn’t hard to see why Persa is regarded as one of the top QBs in the conference. He is the Wildcats most dynamic player and biggest offensive threat. His top target from a year ago will be back this season as well. Wide receiver Jeremy Ebert caught 62 passes for 953 yards last season, along with eight touchdowns. With Persa at the helm, Ebert could easily top 1,000 yards in 2011-12 and reach double-digit touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Persa, he hasn’t had a lot of help in the past from the run game, and it may not change this season. Starting running back Mike Trumpy is back, but he managed just 51.0 yards per game last season and only four scores. However, the offensive line didn’t exactly create a lot of running room last year, and they didn’t protect Persa overly well either. He was sacked 34 times, and the big guys up front allowed 40 sacks overall. Given the pressure he was under, Persa’s numbers are even more impressive. That being said, the offensive line has to play better this season if the Wildcats are going to live up to expectations.
The defense is going to have to improve as well if Northwestern is going to make a run at the Big Ten title. The Wildcats gave up nearly 30 points a game last season, and only Michigan gave up more yards per game. The defense was torched equally be both the run and the pass, ranking in the bottom four in both categories. With the starters coming back, the secondary has a good chance of improving. However, an undersized front seven will likely get outplayed once again, allowing the bigger offensive lines in the Big Ten to dominate the line of scrimmage.
The Big Ten isn’t exactly loaded these days, but if the Northwestern defense struggles, there are a number of conference rivals capable of knocking off the Wildcats. The season opener against out-of-conference opponent Boston College could go either way as well. If Persa plays out of his mind, he is capable leading the Wildcats to some upsets. However, the reality of the situation is that he is a one-man show fighting an uphill battle.
2011 Northwestern Wildcats College Football Predictions: 9-3 Record
Preseason 2011 Northwestern Wildcats NCAA Football Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS Championship: Off The Board/NA
Odds to Win 2011 Big Ten Champonship: +1500
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2011 Northwestern Wildcats College Football Schedule
Sat, Sep 3 at Boston College 12:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 10 Eastern Illinois 3:30 pm —
Sat, Sep 17 at Army 3:30 pm —
Sat, Oct 1 at Illinois 12:00 pm —
Sat, Oct 8 Michigan 7:00 pm —
Sat, Oct 15 at Iowa 7:00 pm —
Sat, Oct 22 Penn State 7:00 pm —
Sat, Oct 29 at Indiana 12:00 pm —
Sat, Nov 5 at Nebraska TBA —
Sat, Nov 12 Rice TBA —
Sat, Nov 19 Minnesota TBA —
Sat, Nov 26 Michigan State TBA —
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