Pat Fitzgerald returns for another year in Evanston after 3 straight bowl appearances. One has to figure that at some point, hopefully soon, the big boys will come calling to pluck Fitzgerald away from Northwestern.
Dan Persa, who arguable is the best QB in the Big Ten, returns after his 2010 campaign was cut short due to injury. Questions remain if Persa will actually be healthy enough to compete at that same high level this fall. RB Mike Trumpy contributed as a freshman and will see an expanded role carrying the ball this year. Persa should end up carrying the ball less than he did in 2010 due to the possibility of further injury, and as a result, Adonis Smith will see more carries.
The Northwestern defense looks to be around the league average however they do return 3 of 4 starters in the secondary. The battle in Evanston has always been keeping opponents points off the board. This does not figure to change in 2011 as the Wildcats will be involved in several high scoring shoot outs.
Northwestern opens with a good test at Boston College, a game that will likely be determined by the health of Persa. The other 3 non-conference games should be wins for the Wildcats. During Big Ten play, Northwestern misses Wisconsin and Ohio State but travels to both Nebraska and Iowa. Prediction: 7-5 overall, 4-4 in conference.
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