Aug. 27, 2007

NU FB Game Notes (vs. Northeastern)
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern makes its 2007 season debut versus the Northeastern Huskies this Saturday, Sept. 1 at Ryan Field, the first of three straight home contests for the Wildcats. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT and the contest is one of six that the new Big Ten Network is televising on 2007's opening college football weekend.

Northeastern, which returns 16 starters from a 5-6 squad, is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, the nation's premier NCAA Division I Football Championship Series (formerly Division I-AA) conference. This is just the third time in school history that Northwestern is facing an FCS opponent. The Wildcats' first two FCS games came against Princeton (in 1986) and New Hampshire (in 2006).

According to the Sagarin ratings, the Huskies played the toughest FCS schedule in 2006. They played eight ranked teams (out of 11) and nearly finished with a winning record after being picked last in the bottom half of their conference's division. One of Northeastern's wins came against New Hampshire, which surprised Northwestern in week two of last year.

Nine starters return on offense for the Huskies, led by quarterback Anthony Orio and tailback Maurice "Mo" Murray. Murray, a two-time second-team all-conference selection, has rushed for 2,385 career yards and is in line to become just the second Husky to run for 3,000 career yards.

Defensively, seven starters return from a unit that surrendered just over 350 yards of total offense per game. Two returning starters at linebacker, Craig Kenney and Joe Mele, anchor a defense that is expected to improve.

Fourth-year head coach Rocky Hager, who led North Dakota State to a pair of NCAA Division II national titles between 1987 and '96, says this about his 2007 Husky team: "Our young players have matured, and with the experience they received last year, we expect them to flourish this season."

Northwestern finished the 2006 season with positive momentum, winning two of its last three games, which included a victory over Iowa in Kinnick Stadium. NU's strong finish carried over into its off-season workouts and spring drills, which has Wildcat Nation anxious to see the 'Cats in action this weekend.

Offensively, Northwestern is led by running back Tyrell Sutton, who has climbed to sixth place on NU's all-time rushing list (2,474 yards) in just two seasons. A member of preseason watch lists for the Maxwell and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards, Sutton has rushed for 1,000 yards or more in his first two seasons as a Wildcat.

Defensively, Northwestern is led by its front line, which returns every starter and key reserve from a year ago. The front four is expected to be the cornerstone of an improved defensive unit.

North Shore Community Day
City of Evanston employees and members of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and the North Shore Convention and Visitor's Bureau who received an official flyer can purchase tickets for $15 (advanced ticket sales only). Call 847-491-7504 for more information.

The Broadcasts
Radio -- WGN (720 AM) will carry the game live (game will be broadcast on WCPT 850 AM due to a conflict with the Chicago Cubs), with its pregame show starting at 10:30 a.m. The radio broadcast can also be heard live via the internet at wgnradio.com. Dave Eanet (play-by-play) and Ted Albrecht (analyst) call the action. WNUR (89.3), NU's student radio station, also will carry the game live. The contest is also available on the XM Satellite Radio network. (Channels 196-199).

Television -- The Big Ten Network makes its debut this weekend, televising the game to a national audience. Direct TV will carry the game on a channel TBA. Scott Graham (play-by-play), Derrick Walker (analyst) and Lisa Byington (sideline) call the action. To find out whether or not your cable company offers the Big Ten Network, visit BigTenNetwork.com.

(For a complete set of game notes, download the PDF link above.)