Sutton returns to form at Northwestern

The Tyrell Sutton whom Northwestern fans know and love is back.

Sutton played in only seven games in an injury-plagued 2007. Saturday, he flashed the form that earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2005.

Sutton ran for 144 yards on 21 carries. He also caught 4 passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.

"He's hungry for this year," Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "He's probably that small snapshot of our football team is Tyrell Sutton, just a hungry player."

Sutton, on the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker preseason lists, upped his career rushing total to 3,140 - 1,345 behind Northwestern's career leader Damien Anderson.

"Tyrell ran great," Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher said. "First time we've seen Tyrell healthy since his true freshman year. You can see some of the things he can do when he's healthy. He was really able to set up blocks and use what the offensive line gave him."

Sutton, like Fitzgerald, credited the play of his line: Al Netter, Keegan Kennedy, Ben Burkett, Joel Belding and Desmond Taylor.

"It's great to get back out there with the guys," Sutton said. "That's the biggest confidence booster to know I have 10 other guys around me."

Everyone involved: Like Tyrell Sutton, Andrew Brewer also is returning from injury. The junior wide receiver missed the entire 2007 season with a broken arm.

Brewer paced a balanced Northwestern receiving group with 6 catches. Ten players caught at least 1 pass.

"Andrew is very gifted," Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "His attitude hasn't wavered. We spread the wealth. I think it makes us difficult to defend."

Injury update: Desmond Taylor got the start at right tackle in place of Kurt Mattes.

Mattes sprained his knee two weeks ago in practice. Coach Pat Fitzgerald said he'll be back next week at Duke.

"You might see a little different combination next Saturday," Fitzgerald said. "Kurt is at full speed now, ready to go next week. The play of the offensive line, that's what I'm most proud of today."

Pinning 'em deep: Punter Stefan Demos placed all six of his kicks inside the Syracuse 20, including one at the 3-yard-line and another at the 4.

"We practice that, the exact situation, every Thursday, our sky punt situation," coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "Outside of the one punt, I thought he hit the ball great all day."

Good first impression: Northwestern players raved about new defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz.

"It's a new style of defense, a more aggressive, attacking style," said linebacker Malcolm Arrington, who led the Wildcats with 10 tackles. "Everybody is playing for the man next to him."

"I love coach Hankwitz," safety Brendan Smith said. "His defense allows me to be a playmaker. It allows me to play with a little more aggressiveness.

"The defense as a whole, we have a different energy level. Guys just feel more confident. I expect big things from us this year."