Northwestern Wildcats @ Vanderbilt Commodores Football Preview

Every year, Northwestern makes a bowl and overachieves relative to the full scope of its abilities. Every year, Northwestern loses its bowl game and misses out on the kind of achievement that has evaded the program for so long.

As a new journey begins on the gridiron for the Wildcats, the NU crew will be breaking in new quarterback Dan Persa, who steps in for Mike Kafka under center. Persa spotted Kafka at several points during the 2009 season, including in the Cats’ 17-10 upset of top-10-dwelling Iowa. Persa has some gameday experience under his belt, but only now will he begin a full season with the full weight of expectations placed squarely on his shoulders.

The Wildcats will emphasize the running game this season, featuring Arby Fields, Jacob Schmidt, and Stephen Simmons. Persa is also more of a runner than Kafka, so Northwestern will use his legs as well.  The receivers aren’t explosive, but are sure-handed.  The offensive line was a weakness last season, but the raw materials are there, and it should be much better.

The NU defense has to replace two stars in defensive end Corey Wootton and corner Sherrick McManis, but may improve anyway.  The line is improved, and the linebackers, led by Quentin Davie, should be outstanding.  The secondary loses three starters and will count on cornerback Jordan Mabin to be a shutdown performer.  The special teams are mediocre.

Now, what about Northwestern’s opponent in a game that could be viewed as the Academic Bowl, given the classroom reputations of these two intellectual powerhouses?

Robbie Caldwell will be making his debut as Vanderbilt’s head coach after Bobby Johnson retired on July 14, stunning his team and program.

Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith was disappointing last year, but should be at least somewhat improved given all the adversity he had to play through in 2009.  Running backs Warren Norman and Zac Stacy are budding stars, but they’ve both been injured in August training camp. They’re both listed as questionable for this game and will have a hard time being supremely effective if they do indeed take the field.

Vandy’s receivers and offensive line might struggle as they gain experience. One of VU’s more prominent pass catchers, big-target tight end Austin Monahan, is out for the season with an injury suffered in training camp. Monahan was going to be a dependable third-and-five type of outlet for Smith, and now that he’s gone, it’s hard to pinpoint who will step up on a team that had no superb receiving presence last season.

The Commodores’ defensive line is athletic but wasn’t productive last season.  The linebackers and defensive backs could be outstanding, led by linebacker Chris Marve and cornerback Jamie Graham.

Vandy’s special teams will be excellent, with kicker Ryan Fowler returning after an outstanding freshman season.  Running backs Warren Norman and Zac Stacy should make an impact as kick returners.

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