NORTHWESTERN OFFENSE

Better or worse? Right now, that answer depends almost entirely on one person… and we don’t even know that person’s name yet.

That person, of course, will be Northwestern’s starting quarterback, the winner of a three-man competition that didn’t come any closer to being decided in the spring. With the departure of Trevor Siemian, a 7^th-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos, senior Zack Oliver, sophomore Matt Alviti, and redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson will duke it out to take over the starting gig.

Of the three, Thorson is easily the most impressive physically. He’s 6-foot-4, has an above average arm, and is mobile — he ran some option in high school. Alviti, a smaller dual-threat QB, showed signs of progress this offseason, but his reads and decision making are still very questionable. And Oliver is the veteran, but had a nightmare first career start in the season finale last year, and is the least talented of the three. But they all split reps during spring ball, and the starter won’t be named until the fall.

Elsewhere, there’s really only one positive: Justin Jackson is back to lead a backfield that figures to be both talented and deep. He’s joined by redshirt freshman speedster Auston Anderson, junior bruiser Warren Long, and versatile sophomore Solomon Vault.

But the success of the group might depend on an already-shaky offensive line that loses its one consistent player, center Brandon Vitabile. There may very well be question marks at all five spots.

And a receiver group that was awful in 2014 loses its top two weapons, Kyle Prater and Tony Jones. If Christian Jones can’t recover from a knee injury that will keep him out until August, it could be a rough year for Northwestern on offense no matter who the quarterback is.

 

NORTHWESTERN DEFENSE

It’s tough to get a read on this defense. On one hand, the Wildcats lose some big contributors: safety Ibraheim Campbell, linebacker Chi Chi Ariguzo and linebacker Jimmy Hall. But on the other hand, there is a lot of young talent.

Northwestern’s strength will be its pass defense. The Wildcats have plenty of capable pass rushers, led by Dean Lowry, arguably the team’s top player. And despite the loss of Campbell, the secondary is strong. Junior Matt Harris and senior Nick VanHoose have now been the starting corners since midway through 2013 (VanHoose for even longer), and Harris especially is developing into a really nice player. And Godwin Igwebuike, who showed flashes of potential last season, will step into Campbell’s spot full time.

But up the middle, there is a lot of uncertainty. The defensive tackle rotation has no above average players, and two of the top three must overcome serious injury issues if they even want to get on the field. And at linebacker, Anthony Walker looks like he’ll be an impact player in the middle, but the outside linebackers will be a weakness. Senior Drew Smith, a part-time player last year, must have a huge year, especially as a run stopper.

Overall, the defense shouldn’t be too much better or worse than last year.

 

BUY OR SELL?

I’m selling. As much as I like how Pat Fitzgerald has built this defense, the offense is going to have to outperform expectations just for Northwestern to get back to six wins and a bowl game. I’m not saying that can’t happen. But I think another five-win season is more likely than not.

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Henry Bushnell of Inside Northwestern provided the information for our Northwestern Football 2015 Spring recap. For more Northwestern football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Henry on Twitter @HenryBushnell. 

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