One day after the offense controlled the season's opening practice in full pads, the defense got its revenge Thursday morning. Greg Colby's defensive unit held the offense in check the majority of the day as the Wildcats worked double sessions of interior running, 7-on-7 and full team play.

"We started out a little slow. We gave a few big plays up, which I don't like seeing," Colby said of the defense. "But they stepped it up in the second half (of practice) and kind of responded to the challenge. I think that's a good sign if we can do that."

The defense was able to keep the offense out of the end zone, including when they were inside the red zone. The group was even able to record a touchdown of their own as sophomore safety Dominique Price (Jeffersontown, Ky./DuPont Manual) recovered a fumbled snap from center in the end zone.

The pressure was on quarterbacks Tony Stauss (Racine, Wis./Horlick), Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator) and Alexander Webb (Dallas, Texas/ Highland Park) all day as the defense regularly baffled the offense with blitz packages, something Colby said Northwestern fans may see throughout the season.

"I wouldn't call us a blitzing team," Colby stated, "but we certainly would like to do it whenever it's advantageous and when (the opposition) doesn't expect it."

Meanwhile, Offensive Coordinator Mike Dunbar said that fans can expect a similar style of play to what they have seen offensively in the past, while incorporating new approaches that could help the team build around its strengths.

"Philosophically, when people watch us play, we're going to be very similar (to last season)," Dunbar said. "We're trying to take advantage of the film study that we've done over the summer and some of the areas that we need to improve. It's kind of a chess game. Defenses make adjustments and we've got to make adjustments. We're trying to enhance the opportunity we have and take advantage of our personnel."

One position that fans can expect to see more of than in the past is tight end. An area that once was lacking has now become on of the team's strengths.

"That's a factor because we have a couple of good, young tight ends that have good size and good physicalness that we want to take advantage of them," Dunbar said. "We think it will help us on the edge a little bit. That will give us a new dimension that we're looking forward to using."

While both coaches are pleased with where their respective squads are at one week into camp, both agreed that there is a large amount of work that needs to be done before the Wildcats open the season at Air Force on Aug. 31.

"We've got a ways to go between now and Saturday's scrimmage," said Colby. "Saturday's scrimmage will be a real important point in time for us to see where we are and where we need to go. It will kind of set the tone for the beginning of the season."

Offensively, injuries to the offensive line have taken a toll on its depth, giving a number of individuals the opportunity to step forward.

"We've had to make some adjustments, but the guys that are going are doing a great job and the young guys are getting a lot of reps and learning," commented Dunbar. "I think we're making progress there. That experience in the next couple of weeks will be real important in regards to getting them the quality reps they need to continue to improve and get ready for this competitive league."

CAMP NOTES: Referees were in attendance at Thursday's practice. The officials worked their positions while the team practiced and called penalties when needed. Following practice, the officials met with the team to discuss a number of issues, including rule changes and points of emphasis for the upcoming season ... The offense's one main highlight of the day came when Basanez hooked up with receiver Ronnie Foster (Peoria Heights, Ill./Peoria Heights) for a 65-yard gain ... Linebacker Doug Szymul (Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West) recorded an interception to halt a drive by the offense.

UP NEXT: The Wildcats hold their next practice at 8:40 a.m. Friday at UW-Parkside.