Towson at Northwestern

Posted September 04, 2009 11:00 pm

When: 11:01 a.m. at Ryan Field

TV: Big Ten Network

Radio: WCPT 820-AM, WNUR 89.3-FM

Series: First meeting

Players to watch: Towson graduated a four-year starting quarterback in Sean Schaefer, so the Tigers are trying to keep Northwestern guessing by listing three untested QBs (Brian Potts, Peter Athens, Tommy Chroniger) as co-starters. Senior WRs Casey Cegles and David Newsom combined for 77 catches, 934 yards and 6 TDs last year. LB Alex Butt is the only defender in Towson's nine-man senior class.

Northwestern welcomes back eight starters on defense, including three of its four co-captains: DE Corey Wootton (10 sacks), CB Sherrick McManis (23 career pass breakups) and S Brendan Smith (7 career INTs). Senior QB Mike Kafka makes his seventh career start for an offense that has few tested skill players. Junior Stephen Simmons (175 career yards) and true freshman Arby Fields lead a horde at running back.

The skinny: Here's how inexperienced the Wildcats' skill players are: QB Mike Kafka is the team's active rushing leader (592 yards) while WR Andrew Brewer is No. 2 in rushing (202 yards) and No. 1 in career receptions (19). Fortunately for Northwestern, the visiting Tigers (a Football Championship Subdivision team) are in the midst of a massive rebuild. Ambrose, who became buddies with Fitzgerald when both coached at Maryland in the late 1990s, must replace half of the starters from last year's 3-9 team. This marks Towson's second game against an FBS team in its 40-year history.

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