OFFENSE

All-Big Ten quarterback Dan Persa will be at full strength for the season, a great sign for a team that fell apart after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in November. A healthy Persa combined with loads of experience at wide receiver and offensive line could make Northwestern one of the Big Ten’s top offenses in 2011. The big unknown is whether the Wildcats can complement Persa with a rushing attack, the team’s biggest shortcoming in coach Pat Fitzgerald’s tenure.

One of the nation’s most accurate passers, Persa will have plenty of options at his disposal, namely All-Big Ten receiver Jeremy Ebert and tight end Drake Dunsmore, an NFL prospect. Northwestern returns a combined 130 career starts along the offensive line, and it’s time for the group to meet expectations and spark the rushing attack.

Offensive coordinator Mick McCall wants to settle on a featured running back, and sophomore Mike Trumpy has the inside track. Trumpy showed flashes during Big Ten play last fall and has matured in the role. Adonis Smith also is in the mix. Northwestern produced 1,000-yard rushers from 2002-06 but since has failed to do so.

DEFENSE

Finish is the theme for a unit that struggled both at the end of games and at the end of the season in 2010. Although the final three games skewed the stats, Northwestern ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten in most major defensive categories. The Wildcats need more reliable contributors to emerge, particularly in the front seven.

The line returns three starters but must build better depth. End Vince Browne put up impressive numbers a year ago (seven sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss) and should contend for postseason honors. If Jack DiNardo, Niko Mafuli and others can shore up the interior and another pass-rusher or two emerges, the line could thrive.

Northwestern loses two multi-year starters at linebacker. It needs Bryce McNaul to stay healthy and others, like David Nwabuisi and Roderick Goodlow, to step up.

 The secondary could be the unit’s strength. Cornerback Jordan Mabin enters his fourth season as a starter, and safeties Brian Peters and David Arnold both bring experience. Northwestern needs a big year from cornerback Jeravin Matthews and continued playmaking from Mabin and Peters, but the bar should be raised.

SPECIALISTS

Northwestern comes off of its best special teams performance in years and looks to take another step this season. Placekicker is the only major question as Jeff Budzien and Steve Flaherty compete to replace four-year starter Stefan Demos. Punter Brandon Williams returns after a strong 2010 season. Venric Mark can be a difference maker on returns. He capped his freshman season with a flourish, recording eight kickoff or punt returns of 25 yards or more in Northwestern’s final three games last year.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Last season, Northwestern unravelled after Persa’s injury and also blew big leads in losses to Michigan State and Penn State. This year, the non-conference schedule could be tricky with trips to Boston College and Army, but the Cats catch some breaks in their Big Ten slate by missing both Ohio State and Wisconsin. If Northwestern can start strong and make it through a tough stretch from early October to early November, it could enter the stretch run with a chance to make some noise in the Legends Division.