18-The Michigan Dily-Kickoff'5 -Thursday, September 7,1995 _ Northwestern ho pes 17conquest of Irish is typical fare for year The Michigan Da Hayes and Toomer lead bounty of rec By Scott Burton It's hard to figure how a three-win season can lay the foundation for a foot- ball program's turnaround. But if you know anything about the history of the Northwestern football team, you know that things are truly getting a lot better in Evanston. That's not to say that the Wildcats are going to be dancing on a bed of roses anytime in the next century. But for a team that hasn't had a winning season since 1972, last year's two Big Ten victories (its most in the 90's) represent a move in the right direc- tion. "I feel we are at a point now where we're Northwostom Oct,7 Ann Arbor 1994: 2-6 Big Ten, 3-7-1overall "I feel ... we're ready to make a move in this league." - Gary Barett Northwestern football coach yard rusher and the Wildcats' top of- fensive threat from a year ago, gradu- ated, leaving a group of untested sophomores to fight for the starting role. But Darnell Autry proved that he is an adept feature back, gaining 160 yards on 33 carries. The quarterback spot was expected to be an area of controversy, with three helmsmen competing for the starting role. The two returning Wildcats with game experience - Steve Schnur and Tim Hughes -threw a combined 18 in- terceptions last year. However, Schnur looked solid in the Notre Dame contest, throwing two touchdown passes. The defense returns eight starters, in- cluding honorable mention All-Big Ten safety William Bennett. Yet the Wildcats had only 12 sacks in conference play last season and finished 10th in total defense, so it remains to be seen whether Saturday's impressive defensive effort will be typical fare. Perhaps the Wildcats' one unquestion- able strength is their kicking game. Punter Paul Barton was a first-team All-Big Ten with a 43.0 average. Placekicker Sam Valenzi has a strong leg and contributed six field goals in the Wildcats' four non- losses in 1994. By Ryan White Preseason predictions are a risky business. There is always the chance that when the year is done you can end up looking like a fool. That said, the Michigan receiving corps will make an impact this season. The Wolverines return one of the top receiving pairs in the country in seniors Mercury Hayes and Amani Toomer. Last season, Toomer became only the third player in Michigan history to top 1,000 yards receiving breaking the Wolverine record for most yards in a sea- son with 1,096. Toomer also found the end zone six times in 1994. Hayes' numbers paled in comparison to Toomer's. He finished with 589 yards, but he has already proven himself invaluable this season. Hayes racked up 179 yards on seven catches in Michigan's season-opening win over Virginia. His biggest catch was, of course, the game-winning touchdown grab in the comer of the end zone as time expired. The relationship between Hayes and Toomer is built upon friendship and a little friendly competition. "We watch film together and watch how we run the routes," Hayes said. "I'll say, 'Hey, I did it better today, you do it better tomorrow."' Although Toomer didn't put up his normal numbers in the opener against the Cavaliers, he was just as happy to see the performance Hayes put on. "He showed a lot of skills that some people were doubting and I think he proved it to them," Toomer said. "I'm glad for him because it's good for him and the team." Another receiver who will see exten- sive time is redshirt freshman Tyrone Butterfield. While not normally considered re- ceivers, the Wolverine tight ends will also play a pivotal part in Michigan's passing attack this year. Two years ago, senior Jay Riemersma was a backup quarterback who didn't know if he would ever be- come anything more than just that. But last season, after a move to tight end, he became a pro prospect. Riemersma finished last season with 33 catches for 336 ya downs and he was an All-Big Ten by the m However, he's no rels. "I'm looking for this season and provi again, and hopefully the guys I'm playing N ing staff," Riemersm< Redshirt freshma will backup Riemersi two balls for 25 yards F AG Delux QU ready to make a move in this league," coach Gary Barnett said. "We're prob- ably a year away from maturity, being able to compete in the first division of this league, but we may be closer than think." Notre Dame can attest to just how close the Wildcats are. The then-No. 8 Fighting Irish suffered perhaps their most humiliat- ing defeat in over a decade in their 17-15 loss to Northwestern Saturday. In that game, the Wildcats an- swered a lot of the concerns that had made them a preseason pick for the Big Ten's cellar. Tailback Dennis Lundy, a 1,000- MARK FRIEDMAN/Daily Flanker Mercury Hayes caught seven passes for a career-high 179 yards against Virginia in the Pigskin Classic. Why pay a premium price for a proprietary system when the components, knowledge, and training are available for $1,000's less? We Integrate Systems: - Color Printers " Digital Film Recorders " Flatbed and Slide Scanners " LCD Panels & Projectors We have one of the most diverse and cost effective service bureaus in the country. Our staff & facilities are prepared to deliver on time and within your budget. 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