New Hampshire loss haunts NU

For months, Northwestern has refused to look back, wiping away a season blighted by tragedy and turmoil.

Taking ownership, building spirit and starting fast have been NU's training-camp catch phrases. But as the season opener approached, senior linebacker Adam Kadela allowed himself to drift back and add a term to the team glossary.

"You always hate looking back to last year," he said, "but you have to in a situation like New Hampshire.

"It was embarrassing."

The Wildcats still sting from that 34-17 loss to New Hampshire, a Championship Subdivision program, in their home opener. As much as players want to forget it, the memory resurfaces today as Northwestern opens the season against another Championship Subdivision foe, Northeastern, at Ryan Field (11 a.m., Big Ten Network).

New Hampshire and Northeastern share more than a Division I designation.

Both teams play in the Colonial Athletic Association. And though New Hampshire had the better season last year, Northeastern won the teams' only meeting.

"We are very mindful that New Hampshire went over there and was able to come away with a win," Northeastern coach Rocky Hager said. "(Northwestern is) mindful as well, so they aren't going to overlook a I-AA team."

Northwestern senior defensive end David Ngene watched from the sidelines in shock last September as New Hampshire quarterback Ricky Santos dominated the game. Ngene, who enters a season injury-free for the first time, expects the defense to respond differently today.

"We played down to a level that we weren't supposed to," Ngene said. "We learned our lesson last year about starting slow."

Optimism abounds on defense, particularly up front, where six players with starting experience return. The line gets an immediate test today against a run-heavy offense that features 1,000-yard rusher Mo Murray and speedster Alex Broomfield.

The Huskies use two quarterbacks, Anthony Orio and John Sperrazza, but their passing game averaged only 153 yards a game last year. Stopping the run is essential, and with two new starting linebackers (Mike Dinard and Prince Kwateng) and Brad Phillips likely replacing the injured Brendan Smith at strong safety, Northwestern will rely heavily on its line.

Head coach Pat Fitzgerald expects to rotate at least eight linemen today.

"When we have been really good on defense, we have played a lot of players up front," he said. "It's time now to walk the walk, to step up and make things happen."

The same goes on offense, where quarterback C.J. Bacher returns after starting the final five games last season. He should have some big-play chances against Northeastern's 3-4 defense, which ranked second to last in its conference against the pass a year ago (209.4 ypg).

NU hopes to spring junior running back Tyrell Sutton, who eclipsed 100 rushing yards in three of his final five games last fall. Sutton's performance hinges on a rearranged offensive line that plays without suspended center Trevor Rees.

The kicking game also will be spotlighted, as place-kicker Amado Villarreal and punter Stefan Demos make their first starts.

"There's so much unknown going into the opener," Fitzgerald said. "It doesn't make your season, and it doesn't break your season. But you're going to learn a ton."

Northeastern at Northwestern

When: 11 a.m. at Ryan Field

TV: Big Ten Network

Radio: WCPT 850-AM

Series: First meeting

Coaches: Rocky Hager (12-21, fourth year at Northeastern; 103-46-1, 14th year overall); Pat Fitzgerald (4-8, second year at Northwestern and overall)

Players to watch: Northeastern running back Mo Murray gained 1,061 ground yards last season and is on pace to become just the school's second 3,000-yard rusher; Northwestern wide receiver Eric Peterman has averaged 15.1 yards per reception his first two seasons.

The skinny: After being dominated by New Hampshire last year, Northwestern won't underplay another Championship Subdivision opponent. Northeastern returns 16 starters from a team that played the second toughest Championship Subdivision schedule last year. The Wildcats likely will be without safety Brendan Smith, who was held out of contact drills all week but remains a game-time decision. Smith reinjured his surgically repaired right shoulder in training camp. Northeastern's banged-up offensive line could be without right guard Matt Allain. Pat Fitzgerald is hoping to become NU's first coach to win his first two season openers since Lynn "Pappy" Waldorf in 1935-36.

-- Adam Rittenberg