Sadly, it's the offseason, and we're examining three items each Big Ten team must address before the 2015 season kicks off in September. Up next is Northwestern, which enters a critical offsason after two years without making a bowl game.

1. Develop a difference-making quarterback: Northwestern had a really nice run of quarterbacks under offensive coordinator Mick McCall, from C.J. Bacher to Mike Kafka to Dan Persa to Kain Colter. But after a platoon system worked in 2012, Northwestern's quarterback production and consistency has backslid the past two years. McCall's offense requires an accurate passer on the short to intermediate routes who can convert third downs and get out of trouble with his feet. Many fans wanted McCall fired after last season, but he has a track record of developing quarterbacks. He must turn senior Zack Oliver, sophomore Matt Alviti or intriguing redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson into a difference-maker. Or else.

2. Get more out of the receivers and offensive linemen: Both groups have underwhelmed the past two seasons, doing little to help the quarterback. Northwestern has recruited well along the offensive line, but struggled to develop the necessary toughness and consistency. The Wildcats must do so while replacing veteran center and line leader Brandon Vitabile. The receiving corps regains a big piece in Christian Jones, whose preseason knee injury proved more costly than Northwestern's coaches envisioned. Northwestern looks for more out of Cameron Dickerson and Miles Shuler, and must eliminate the drops that plagued the entire group throughout last season.

3. Be better prepared for adversity: Northwestern thought it had turned the corner after a 10-win season capped by a bowl victory in 2012. But the past two seasons have shown that the Wildcats still lack the depth to overcome key injuries, of which there have been plenty. Coach Pat Fitzgerald talked a lot last fall about his team's lack of maturity. Northwestern went through a lot last offseason, from the union talk in the spring -- a major, major distraction, even if coaches and players say otherwise -- to injuries and other personnel issues in the summer. Football is about bouncing back, and resiliency used to be Northwestern's calling card. It must regain that ability to better handle the inevitable bumps along the way.