The smell of freshly cut grass. The crowd filing into the stadium. The school band playing the fight song. What a way to start off a season.

Especially with a victory.

The 2008 Northwestern Wildcats made a statement with their opening day victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide, invading Bryant-Denny Stadium and handily beating Alabama 24-10. CJ Bacher, who finished last season on the bench behind Andrew Brewer, had a fantastic day throwing for 11-of-18 for 193 yards and 1 TD (along with 1 INT).

"This is how we want our QB to play every weekend. If we get decent play, our rushing attack and defense should do the rest. And if they stack the box, like 'Bama did in some situations, then we'll throw over the top," said an ecstatic Coach Andrew Taylor, who improved his career record to 6-7, after the game.

But the real spark for the Wildcats was the return of Tyrell Sutton, whose 2007 season was ended short when he went down with a broken collarbone mid-way through the season. Sutton had a effective game, rushing 19 times for 87 yards to go along with 3 receptions.

"It's so great to have Tyrell back. Not only was he a leader on the field with his talent, but he was a great vocal leader in the locker room, even with his injury last year."

The defense even played well, despite heavy losses of Adam Kadela and Reggie McPhereson at Outside Linebacker and Free Safety respectably. Brendan Smith returned a interception 101 yards, the second longest defensive play, longest interception return, ever in Northwestern History.

"Our defense really stepped it up today. Smith, Dinard, and Kwateng really played absolutely fantastic. If we can keep this up, were in for a fantastic season."

The Wildcats visit Tallahassee and the Florida State Seminoles next Saturday.