There's replacing players - and then there's what Northwestern will be doing this fall.

Quarterback C.J. Bacher? Gone. Running back Tyrell Sutton? Gone. Wide receivers Ross Lane and Eric Peterman? Gone. And Gone.

All were among the most prolific players at their positions in Northwestern history. So why, then, does Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald seem to be very confident in his team this year?

"Not just because it's this year, but I'd rather replace my skill," Fitzgerald said. "Guys grow up throwing the ball, catching the ball. Guys don't grow up putting their second step in the ground trying to move a guy six inches.

"If you have your left hand in place with your offensive and defensive line, then you can always find guys to run the ball, catch the ball and throw it."

At quarterback, Northwestern is set with fifth-year senior Mike Kafka. Stephen Simmons will likely slide in at tailback with Alex Daniel and Jeravin Matthews backing him up. Simmons played in 10 games and started in three last year when Sutton was hurt.

At wide out, Jeremy Ebert, Sidney Stewart, Andrew Brewer and Zeke Markshausen look like the potential replacements for last year's group. Brewer had 18 catches for 145 yards last year and Ebert had 15 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

"If you look at it, we're not that young or raw or inexperienced," Kafka said. "A lot of those guys bring a lot to the table."

And Fitzgerald is trying to make his player pool better. He said this year, he's gone after higher-caliber recruits than he ever has before after the exposure from the Alamo Bowl appearance against Missouri.

Northwestern may have lost, 30-23, but the extra exposure has helped - both from the bowl game and the Big Ten Network.

"We have been on a higher, more talented prospect than we've ever been on this last offseason," Fitzgerald said. "Our coaches have done a tremendous job.

"...I don't know who has benefitted more than us from having the Big Ten Network. We're getting our story out there a little more. Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, their stories are being told. It gives us an opportunity to have our story told throughout the country."

Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for annarbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558 or by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com.