With the shift away from the spread offense, the Wildcats and new coordinator Dunbar must build around more of a straight, drop-back passer in Stauss and also hope that Backes and Wright are the answer in the ground game. Wright hopes to build on momentum from a terrific spring, while Backes has the necessary ability and was a prize recruit from the prep ranks. Also remember: It's just a matter of time before highly regarded youngster Webb is under center and directing the Wildcats' offense. Patrick is a difference-maker at WR, while they at least have the imposing size you look for at the TE spot. While King and Roehl provide excellent play along the interior of the offensive line at center and RG respectively, it will be interesting to see how the new OTs settle in. This is critical since, unlike former starter Kustok, Stauss is unlikely to create problems for the opposition with his legs.

Opponents ran roughshod over the Wildcats' defense last season, and the team is now without its stalwarts, particularly Harris and Bentley. The Wildcats should be fine at DT if Castillo establishes himself as one of the Big Ten's bright young performers and Derricks gets the job done as well, but there are questions about how much of a pass rush will be generated from the outside. Durr is a quality MLB, and sophomore CB Ward has few, if any, peers at his spot.

The question is whether the Wildcats have enough overall talent to show substantial defensive improvement. While they might be able to pull off a stunning upset along the way, anything better than a four- or five-win season would have to be considered a very satisfying accomplishment.