News: Northwestern is expected to use a two-quarterback system again in 2013 with Kain Colter and Trevor Siemian, ESPN reports.
Analysis: This isn't a big surprise since both quarterbacks are returning. Kain Colter still thrived in last year's two-QB system as he had 872 yards passing with eight touchdowns and added 894 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns and also had 169 yards receiving. His rushing ability, especially in the red zone, will make him a fantasy factor regardless of how much he plays. However, his upside may be limited in the two-QB system.
News:Kain Colter completed 9-of-11 passes for 102 yards and three touchdowns against Illinois on Saturday.
Analysis:Kain Colter also added 88 yards and one touchdown on the ground.The duel-threat quarterback came on strong towards the end of the season and should be a solid option at quarterback next season.
News:Kain Colter (knee) is expected to play against Illinois on Saturday, ESPN reports.
Analysis:Kain Colter left during the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against Michigan State, but it appears that he'll be ready for a much friendlier Illinois defense.
News:Kain Colter wasn't available for the final series of Northwestern's win over Michigan State due to a minor knee injury, the Chicago Tribune reports. He was 13-of-20 passing for 80 yards and a touchdown before departing. He also rushed for 28 yards.
Analysis: Michigan State largely held Northwestern's rushing offense in check, which limited Kain Colter's fantasy value. His injury is likely minor and he may have been on the field except Trevor Siemian was playing well in the second half as the two quarterbacks continue to share playing time.
Northwestern's Colter Can't Spark Wildcat's In Overtime
News:Kain Colter completed 8 of 14 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown against Michigan on Saturday. He also ran the ball 24 times for 82 yards.
Analysis:Kain Colter remains an integral part of the Wildcat offense, as they feature him heavily in the run game as well as the passing game, but he has a tough matchup against Michigan State next week.
News:Kain Colter faces a tough task after coming off of a bye when Northwestern faces Michigan this week.
Analysis:Kain Colter plays a key role in the Wildcats offense, but his versitility will be challenged against a Michigan defense ranked 44th against the run and 12th against the pass.
News:Kain Colter completed six of nine passes for 80 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against Iowa on Saturday. He also carried the ball 26 times for 166 yards and three touchdowns.
Analysis: When Kain Colter gets the ground attack going he's proved to be a valuable commodity. Northwestern has a bye next week, but when they come back, Colter will face a tough road test against Michigan.
News:Kain Colter completed one pass for five yards, carried the ball 14 times for 35 yards, and caught three passes for 17 yards against Nebraska on Saturday.
Analysis:Kain Colter has become a swiss army knife for the Wildcats, and they value his versitility on offense. Still, his inconsistency makes him valuable in deeper leagues only.
News:Kain Colter completed all 10 of his passing attempts against Minnesota on Saturday. He also ran the ball 10 times for 26 yards and one touchdown.
Analysis:Kain Colter wasn't as dangerous in the running game as he had been in past weeks, but he did score a rushing touchdown for the third-consecutive week. He re-established himself in the passing game, but his value still remains in his ability to have an impact on multiple areas of the offense.
News:Kain Colter ran the ball five times for 24 yards and a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 17 yards in the Wildcats' loss to Penn State on Saturday.
Analysis:Kain Colter's role is shifting more to that of a running back and receiver, as he didn't attempt a pass for the first time this season. However, he is seeing plenty of targets in the passing game, and should continue to play a major role in the Northwestern offense. It just will be less traditional.
News:Kain Colter carried the ball 14 times for 161 yards and four touchdowns against Indiana on Saturday. He also caught nine passes for 131 yards.
Analysis:Kain Colter only threw three passes for two yards and one interception, but he still had an outstanding day and was effective running the read-option at quarterback while also staying on the field by moving to receiver when Trevor Siemian came in at quarterback.
News:Kain Colter (wrist) completed seven passes for 46 yards, and also ran the ball three times for 38 yards in Northwestern's win against South Dakota on Saturday.
Analysis:Kain Colter left the game briefly but returned in the second quarter. He split snaps with Trevor Siemian and threw more passes than his counterpart, but for fewer yards. As long as he continues to split snaps, he won't produce enough to have much fantasy value.
News: Head coach Pat Fitzgerald said the quarterback job has become an open competition between Trevor Siemian and Kain Colter, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Fitzgerald had previously been adamant that Kain Colter was his starting quarterback, so this could signal a significant change. Fitzgerald didn't give any indication that Colter could be moved back to his multi-position role of last season, but that has to be a possibility. Siemian is a better passer, but Colter has great running abiilty. It will be hard to use either for fantasy purposes until one wins the bulk of playing time.
News:Kain Colter completed 16 passes for 144 yards in the Wildcats' win against Boston College on Saturday. He also ran the ball 15 times for 66 yards.
Analysis:Kain Colter started the game, but continued to split time with Trevor Siemian. Neither quarterback threw a touchdown pass or really claimed a stranglehold on the starting job. Until there is an update, expect the quarterback timeshare to continue.
News: Northwestern Head coach Pat Fitzgerald said Kain Colter will start at quarterback this week against Boston College despite being replaced again in the fourth quarter by Trevor Siemian last week, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Siemian has looked like the better passer in both games as he's led the Wildcats to key fourth-quarter scoring drives. It may only be a matter of time before Siemian takes over at quarterback and Kain Colter moves back to his multi-position role.
News:Kain Colter completed seven passes for 42 yards and carried the ball 13 times for 66 yards and one touchdown in Northwestern's win against Vanderbilt on Saturday.
Analysis:Kain Colter scored a late touchdown to put the game out of reach, but earlier in the fourth quarter he was replaced in the fourth quarter by Trevor Siemian. He left the game the previous week against Syracuse due to a rib injury. With Colter underwhelming at quarterback, and a possible quarterback controversy brewing, his value is at a low point now.
News:Kain Colter (non-throwing shoulder) went through a full practice Tuesday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: It looks like Kain Colter will start this week against Vanderbilt. However, our confidence in Colter as an every-down quarterback is a bit shaken with Northwestern quick to go to Trevor Siemian off the bench last week. It's still not really clear if Colter was really hurt or if the team just felt it needed a better passer given the game situation.
News:Kain Colter did not play on Northwestern's final drive in Saturday's win over Syracuse due to an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder. "I'll make sure I'm clear here: Kain's our starting quarterback," head coach Pat Fitzgerald told the Chicago Tribune.
Analysis: It wasn't clear during the game whether Kain Colter was hurt or just pulled for Trevor Siemian as it apeared Colter could have played (the two rotated the final two series before the last drive). Colter said he should be able to play next week. However, given Siemian's success in this game and last year, we can't totally rule out that Colter may move back at some point to his previous role where he was used at QB, WR and RB.
News:Kain Colter left the game in the fourth quarter and did not return.
Analysis:Kain Colter tossed two touchdown passes and ran for one more before leaving the game. The Injury is to his non-throwing shoulder, so there is still a chance he could play next week.
Northwestern's Colter Eager To Show He's Every-down QB
News:Kain Colter cannot wait to prove he's an every-down quarterback with arm strength on par with the Big Ten's top signal callers, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis:Kain Colter, who was named one of the Wildcats' four captains entering this season, can convert the majority of throws with confidence, except for one - a go route from the right hash to the left sideline. As the team's top returning passer, rusher, and receiver, he may have a tough transition to full-time QB duties. However, the 6-foot, 190-pound Colter has had a terrific offseason and done well focusing on one position, according to coach Pat Fitzgerald. The dual threat should easily surpass last season's passing (673 yards) and rushing (654 yards) outputs.
News: Northwestern super-athlete Kain Colter was held without a touchdown in the loss to Michigan State.
Analysis: It was the first time Colter didn't score a touchdown since 10/15 against Iowa.
News: Northwestern athlete Kain Colter had only 63 yards of offense, but he scored another touchdown against Minnesota.
Analysis: So far, Colter has thrown for 660 yards, rushed for 571, and has 410 receiving, with 16 total touchdowns.
News: Northwestern hybrid athlete Kain Colter had 70 yards of offense with a touchdown against Rice.
Analysis: This pales in comparison to what he had been doing over the past few weeks, but today was about Dan Persa and Jeremy Ebert.
News: Northwestern wide receiver Jeremy Ebert caught six passes for 147 yards and a touchdown against Nebraska on Saturday.
Analysis: Ebert caught an 81-yard score from Kain Colter in the fourth quarter, benefiting from the fact that Colter was behind center in the second half, and not at wide receiver.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa left Saturday's game against Nebraska late in the second quarter with a shoulder injury with the Wildcats up 7-3. Backup Kain Colter came in and got the save as Nortwestern upset the Cornhuskers 28-25.
Analysis:
Colter ran for two scores and passed for another. He's done a heck of a job filling in for Persa this season.
News: Northwestern wide receiver Jeremy Ebert caught just one pass, but it was a 29-yard touchdown against Indiana.
Analysis: With the emergence of Kain Colter at wide receiver, Ebert is becoming a risk/reward type of start. That being said, this was a blip on the radar, as Ebert should continue to be a solid 80-yard type of player with a chance at a score on a weekly basis.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter had 191 yards of offense (115 receiving, 38 pass, 38 rush) and two touchdown passes against Indiana.
Analysis: The do-it-all athlete for Northwestern is worth a start for your squad, even if he only qualifies at quarterback.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa was proclaimed "good to go" by coach Pat Fitzgerald for the game against Indiana this weekend.
Analysis: Persa left the fourth quarter of the Penn State game with a mild case of turf toe, and will play with a heavy wrap around the foot. Kain Colter will play his usual hybrid role, but could see more time at quarterback than usual.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter rolled up 112 yards of offense with two more touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) in the loss to Penn State.
Analysis: Colter threw for 18 yards, rushed for 51, and added another 43 receiving. He's a playmaker. Start nagging your commish for a position eligibility change.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter is listed second on the depth chart behind Dan Persa despite playing multiple positions in recent games.
Analysis: This is relevant to fantasy leagues who use team depth charts to decide position eligibility. Colter has been playing as a wide receiver and a running back recently, and has been productive. He's an interesting flex play if your league allows it.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter rushed 12 times for 76 yards, caught six passes for 71 yards, and threw for 44 yards and a touchdown against Iowa.
Analysis: It's evident coach Pat Fitzgerald thinks the team is better with Colter in the lineup in some capacity. Question is, what position will he qualify for in your league?
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa (Achilles) is expected to start today against Illinois. Kain Colter is also expected to see some snaps.
Analysis: All eyes will be on Persa this afternoon to see if he's in game shape and if he's regained all his mobility.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa is expected to play against Illinois, but he is still listed as the co-starter with Kain Colter.
Analysis: Regardless of who starts, both should play on Saturday. The real question is, at what position does Colter line up? We may see both in the game at the same time.
News: Chris Emma from Scout.com tweets the Northwestern depth chart still reads Dan Persa OR Kain Colter at quarterback.
Analysis: I fully expect Persa to get his first start of the season this week, but we will continue to monitor the situation.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter had just 146 yards of total offense and one touchdown in a loss to Army.
Analysis: Colter was actually benched in favor of freshman Trevor Siemian. The good news is that Dan Persa is expected back soon.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa is itching to play and if it doesn't happen this weekend, he vows to play against Illinois in the Big Ten opener. "I kind of feel like I'm ready to play; it's just them telling me not to. ...I think I'll be 100 percent ready by Illinois," Persa said.
Analysis: As we noted earlier, Persa has been splitting reps with Kain Colter in practice this week. I wouldn't be surprised to see him for a series, but there is no reason to push it with the bye week up next.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa split reps with Kain Colter for the first time this season on Wednesday.
Analysis: It's hard to imagine Persa sees action against Army, but the possibility exists. While I think it's still safe to start Colter, be prepared for the possibility that he doesn't play the entire game.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa (Achilles') felt ready to play last week, but wasn't given medical clearance.
Analysis: With Army the upcoming opponent, many feel that Persa will not return until the Illinois game. In his absence, Kain Colter has rolled up 502 yards of offense while completing 73 percent of his passes.
News: Chris Emma of Fox Sports and Scout.com tweets that Northwestern's depth chart reflects Kain Colter OR Dan Persa once again.
Analysis: If you are starting to think Persa's rehab is not going very well, you are not alone. Stay tuned for more information, but if you own Persa, it's time to add Colter if you haven't already.
News: Northwestern running back Adonis Smith was helped off of the field Saturday after injuring his leg. Smith had an increased role, with 17 carries, in the Wildcat run game as starter Mike Trumpy (concussion) was not cleared to play.
Analysis:Kain Colter or Dan Persa will continue to lead the Northwestern rushing attach, but a healthy running back group would help balance the attack. Treyvon Green and Jacob Schmidt will likely see more work if Trumpy and Smith are held out of action this week against Army.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter rushed for 109 yards and three scores in Saturday's win over Eastern Illinois. He added another 104 through the air on 10-of-13 passing.
Analysis: Colter made our start list last week, but it is still unclear when regular starter Dan Persa (Achilles') will return. In the meantime, Colter has proven himself more than capable of running the offense and is a great pickup in keeper leagues.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa is in uniform but will not play today against Eastern Illinois. Kain Colter, who led the Wildcats to a win at Boston College last week, will once again get the start.
Analysis: The Achilles tendon that Persa ruptured last season still isn't back to full strength, so it may be wise to keep him on the bench until he gets some solid practice reps in.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa is once again listed as questionable on the injury report.
Analysis:Kain Colter should get his second start of the season against Eastern Illinois and is a good bet for decent fantasy numbers.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa (Achilles') is listed as questionable this week against Eastern Illinois.
Analysis:Kain Colter is a decent sleeper start this week with Pera likely to sit this one out.
News: Northwestern quarterbacks Kain Colter and Dan Persa are separated by an "or" on this week's depth chart for Eastern Illinois.
Analysis: It's hard to imagine Persa getting a lot of reps considering the opponent, but a few snaps to get his feet wet are not out of the realm of possibility. Unless Persa's status changes, Colter looks like a good sleeper start this week.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter, filling in for the injured Dan Persa, accounted for 267 yards of offense and a touchdown in the Wildcats' win over Boston College.
Analysis: This was a big win for Northwestern without their star quarterback. Check our updates later in the week on Persa's status against Eastern Illinois.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa has been ruled out for today's game against Boston College according to College Gameday. Persa, who ruptured his Achilles late last season, has not fully recovered from the injury. Kain Colter will get the start in Chestnut Hill.
Analysis: Persa is a huge part of the Northwestern offense. Colter played in three games last season, completing 3 of 9 passes for 38 yards and rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 29 rushes.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter took a majority of the first team reps on Tuesday. Starter Dan Persa says his Achilles' tendon is "not as strong as it needs to be just yet, but I'm almost there."
Analysis: If you haven't already, you need to pull Persa out of your starting lineup. In fact, I'd start looking at waiver wire prospects just in case. Note, I didn't say drop Persa.
News: Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa sits atop the team's Week One depth chart against Boston College.
Analysis: There have been some concerns recently that Pera may yield some snaps to Kain Colter as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles' tendon. The depth chart should help ease those fears a bit, but we still don't expect Persa to be back to his old self for several weeks.
News: Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter was referred to as 1b on the depth chart by head coach Pat Fitzgerald on Wednesday, essentially naming him the co-starter.
Analysis: Fitzgerald also said that he expects Dan Persa to be under center for week one. Persa is coming back from Achilles tendon surgery and is fighting his way back into form. I expect Persa to be the starter, but I also expect his rushing numbers to be down significantly from last year because he won't be as mobile.
News: Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said that Kain Colter has pulled ahead of Evan Watkins in the battle to be the team's backup to Dan Persa.
Analysis: This is news both for 2011 (should Persa struggle with injuries) and moving forward, as it's expected that Colter and Watkins will battle for the starting gig in 2012.
News: Colter may have edged Evan Watkins as the No. 2 quarterback behind Dan Persa after spring practice, ESPN reports.
Analysis: Persa is expected to be ready for the start of training camp after last year's season-ending Achillies injury, but Colter could become a factor if he has a setback. Both Colter and Evan Watkins played in the TicketCity Bowl vs. Texas Tech, but Colter was more impressive with his rushing ability (105 yards rushing and two TDs). However Coulter was just 3-of-6 passing, so it remains to be seen if he has the throwing ability to be an every down solution if Persa isn't ready.
