SPRING OBJECTIVES
Pat Fitzgerald's second spring as Northwestern's boss figures to be twice as hectic as his first. Fitzgerald replaced both of his coordinators during the offseason -- he fired defensive coordinator Greg Colby while offensive coordinator Garrick McGee took the QB coach job at Arkansas -- and this serves as the first opportunity for new OC Mick McCall and new DC Mike Hankwitz to see their new charges in action.

McCall will maintain Northwestern's long-held preference for the spread and the no-huddle, but he's bringing some new ideas and tricks that are being viewed positively by the squad. Hankwitz conducted a 4-3 defense at Wisconsin, but the Wildcats had started stocking outside linebackers to enable them to switch to a 3-4.

While the Wildcats get familiar with their new coordinators and new defensive line coach Marty Long, the coaches must identify 10 new starters. The most pressing needs are on the offensive line, where NU lost three veterans, and at middle linebacker and safety.

BUILDING BLOCKS
If football was all about experienced and solid skill players, then Northwestern would be well on its way toward contending for a Big Ten title.

In senior quarterback C.J. Bacher and senior running back Tyrell Sutton, who complement each other well in the spread offense, the Wildcats boast the most prolific returning duo in the Big Ten. Bacher led the league in passing yards last year (3,656) as well as total offense (3,687). Though much of his 2007 season was ruined due to a foot injury, Sutton still owns 2,996 career rushing yards, 939 career receiving yards and 29 total touchdowns.

Northwestern also welcomes back senior Eric Peterman, its most prolific receiver last year with 66 catches for 744 yards and three TDs. Peterman and Ross Lane headline a veteran receiving corps that will only get better with the return of Andrew Brewer. He missed last season with a broken arm.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
Northwestern had the potential to get off to a critical 3-0 start last year, but ruined it with a disastrous, mistake-filled home loss to Duke in Week Three.

This time around, the Wildcats have another chance for a fast start. They open with a home game against Syracuse (2-10) and a visit to Duke (1-11) before playing host to Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse Southern Illinois as well as Ohio (6-6).

The Wildcats don't play a 2007 bowl team until Week 6, but they finish with six bowl opponents in the last seven weeks. How's this for a final three games? Ohio State, Michigan and Illinois. If the Wildcats are serious about returning to a bowl, they better hit November no worse than 6-2.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"The offseason is extremely important to the development of a football team and I like where we're headed." -- Coach Pat Fitzgerald.

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