No. 8 Northwest (0-1)

at

Southwest Baptist (0-1)

6 p.m., Plaster Stadium

When NORTHWEST has the ball

Northwest Missouri State's offense returns just three starters from 2008, and under the glare of television lights in last Thursday night's season opener at Abilene Christian, it showed. The Bearcats sputtered offensively, having trouble on first down. Illegal procedure penalties also caused the Bearcats problems. In fact, they hurt more than the major penalties, because Northwest seldom got a manageable second down. In addition, turnovers handed Abilene Christian the majority of its points. Thankfully, Southwest Baptist's program is far from the level of that of Abilene Christian. However, the purple-clad Bearcats are improved this season, especially on defense, where junior transfer lineman Ino Vitale, a 6-foot-3, 315-pounder, could cause problems. Northwest's challenge for its offensive unit is to show the same type of swift, steady improvement that its inexperienced defense did last year.

Advantage: Even

When BAPTIST has the ball

Baptist scored 28 points against the Bearcats last season, largely on the athletic ability of quarterback Steve Gachette. The junior returns after being named the 2008 Independents Collegiate Athletic Association Offensive Player of the Year. He became the only player in SBU history to pass for more than 3,000 yards (3,371 yards and 27 touchdowns). His primary target was wide receiver Johnnie King, who led the nation in receptions per game (89 in 10 contests) and helped fuel the team to the No. 4 offensive ranking in the nation. Northwest is much more experienced on defense than it was at the point of their meeting last year, with eight returning starters and a huge load of players back from the 2008 two-deep. Last season's national defensive player of the year, safety Myles Burnsides, and fellow All-American Sean Paddock could give Gachette fits. Northwest also boasts returners at all three of its linebacker spots, and they have already produced, beginning with Willie Horn. Horn had a game-high 10 tackles and three sacks in the game against Abilene Christian.

Advantage: Northwest

Special teams

Northwest's Joe Schroeder performed pretty well in his debut as the No. 1 kicker. He averaged a game-best 63.7 yards on his kickoffs and drilled both PAT attempts. However, he fell short on a 47-yard field goal attempt. Michael Stadler averaged 38.6 yards on five punts, more than two yards better than Baptist punter Brock Jolly's effort.

Advantage: Northwest

Players to Watch

Blake Bolles, Northwest quarterback - The junior had a forgettable debut as a starter, with a fumble and interception haunting him. Coach Mel Tjeerdsma said Bolles played "tentative." His style is more reckless. Northwest needs him to rebound.

Steve Gachette, Baptist quarterback - The most prolific passer in school history is back as a junior. That is reason enough to have respect for the purple-clad Bearcats' offense. He had his team ahead of a 25th-ranked Central Missouri team for three quarters last week.