Wildcats to open up playbook vs. Nevada

One of Tyrell Sutton's favorite mottos is "expect something different."

That's exactly what the Northwestern running back got Saturday when he lined up against Northeastern. On tape, Northeastern's defense showed heavy rotation and basic blitz schemes. On Saturday, the Huskies repeatedly disguised their coverages and ran unorthodox blitzes.

Northeastern, in essence, laid its cards on the table, but Northwestern refused to show its hand. Though a rearranged offensive line struggled with the blitzes, the Wildcats scored 27 points and looked efficient, operating with an abridged playbook.

"We game-planned as basic as we could," said Sutton, who rushed for 108 yards. "I don't think we showed too many plays. As the season goes on, it gets more complicated. You have to game-plan a lot more."

Added coach Pat Fitzgerald: "We could keep some things we planned on running."

The play selection undoubtedly will expand this week against Nevada, which uses a pressuring 3-4 defense that emphasizes takeaways. The Wolf Pack led the WAC in turnovers forced (37) and sacks (37) last season, but their gambling style makes them suspect to the run.

Nebraska had 413 rushing yards against Nevada on Saturday. Sutton, who should see an increased role, said a three-man front makes it "a little easier" to find open lanes.

"With our offense, they have to spread it out and (the outside linebackers) have to go out and guard the No. 3 wide receiver," Sutton said. "That really leaves like a five-man box."

Growing up: Like every coach in America, Pat Fitzgerald thinks his team makes its greatest strides between the first and second games. But an upgrade is never guaranteed, as Northwestern found out last year when it got pummeled by New Hampshire in Week 2.

Can the Wildcats avoid a similar letdown against Nevada?

"We're a different football team than we were a year ago," Fitzgerald said. "Watching our offense making strides, I see a maturity level that I didn't see last year at this time."

Fleet feet: Northwestern didn't call any designed runs for quarterback C.J. Bacher against Northeastern, but the junior had a career-high 6 attempts and his second rushing touchdown. Though Bacher isn't nearly as mobile as predecessors Brett Basanez and Zak Kustok, he could be moving more often this fall.

"I've got be able to make plays with my feet," Bacher said. "I'm healthy this year, so I'm feeling pretty good doing that."

No word yet: Starting strong safety Brendan Smith (right shoulder) will be a game-time decision for the second straight week. Pat Fitzgerald said the junior could be cleared for contact drills this week in practice.

Sophomore Brad Phillips replaced Smith against Northeastern and broke up 2 passes.

"(Phillips) knows all the plays -- very smart, intelligent," free safety Reggie McPherson said. "I have no problem working with him."

Inches to go: Senior Eddie Simpson supplanted junior Mike Dinard for the starting weak-side linebacker spot late last week and remained the starter on Monday's depth chart. … Northwestern will hold its first football fantasy camp next July. Highlights include four practice sessions with NU coaches, team apparel and a flag football game at Ryan Field. More information is available at www.nufootballfantasycamp.com. … Nevada star linebacker Ezra Butler returns Saturday after serving a one-game suspension.