As we review the Northwestern Wildcats odds for 2008 we know they're going to be a high powered offense, but the big thing is they need to play better defense.  The new defensive system is up for debate if it's going to work or not.

Pat Fitzgerald is coming into his 3rd year with the team (career 10-14).  When he took over the team he became the youngest head coach in the NCAA by 5 years at 31 years old.  He brings a new guy in to be the offensive coordinator, Mick McCall.  He is coming over from Bowling Green where last year they had a record setting season.  Bowling Green went from 19.6 points per game in '06 season to 30.2 last season.  Wildcats have always put up the points, and they will be even better this season with McCall there.  The Big 10 odds at Sbgglobal.com currently have Northwestern Wildcats +1750 to win the Big 10 championship.

Well McCall will have to start off with his new project in quarterback C.J Bacher.  Bacher finally got his start against Purdue last season and then played the final three games after that.  He threw for 1,172 yards, 59%, and the Northwestern offense seemed better with him at the controls.  He had 19 touchdown passes, but the problem with him is he threw 19 interceptions, that came in crucial times during the game.  Most of his throws he couldn't find anyone and the pocket collapsed  Look for them to do more of the no huddle offense this season for him to find the first open man.  McCall will help him with that and they should average over 30 a game this season. The Big 10 odds at Sbgglobal.com currently have the field +250 to win the 2008 Heisman Trophy.

All of Northwestern best players for a season ago are back.  They have the potential to be one of the top scoring offenses, but the young defense is the big question.  They were bowl eligible last year but never made it to a bowl game.  They look to get back to a bowl game for the first time in the past three seasons, but it's not going to be easy as this will be a tough conference this year.  They return with 14 starters and 47 letterman, the most since 1992.  One of their big games will come on October 11th when they host Michigan State.  The last time they played MSU they came back from a 38-3 third quarter deficit, for the NCAA's biggest come back ever.  The road team has won 5 out of the last 7 including last 3.  The best thing for Northwestern this year is they don't have to play both Penn State and Wisconsin in Big 10 play.

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