Northwestern Notes, Quotes
by Sports Xchange
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: With top two running backs Tyrell Sutton (wrist surgery) and Omar Conteh (knee surgery) gone for the rest of the season -- though Sutton has a chance to return for the bowl game -- Northwestern's spread offense will be much more about the pass. QB C.J. Bacher (hamstring) returned last week and threw two second-half touchdown passes to lead NU past Michigan. But since coach Pat Fitzgerald doesn't want to put all of the onus on Bacher's arm -- and since he wants to take advantage of an Illini defense that surrendered 305 rushing yards last week -- look for soph RB Stephen Simmons to get 20 carries or so.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Northwestern has lost three important players (MLB Malcolm Arrington, DE Vince Browne and DT Corbin Bryant) over the last five weeks, but the Wildcats continue to be far better than they've been in the last several years. Fitzgerald touts junior DE Corey Wootton (8.5 sacks, 14.5 TFLs) for all-Big Ten honors, while S Brad Phillips has been terrific at covering receivers as well as coming downhill and smacking running backs.QUOTE TO NOTE: "Illinois is as talented as any team we've faced all year. Across the board, they've got skill weapons that can score on any play." -- Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.
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