It’s a problem, but not a big one.

Coach Randy Walker admitted Monday that all the bells and whistles dangling from the Wildcats’ playbook kept the team’s head buzzing last Saturday against Ohio State. To improve, Walker said his team would have to get back to the basics, know what’s important and stay focused on the main thing.

Northwestern’s complex spread offense became the scapegoat for the 38-20 debacle at Ohio Stadium. Bells and whistles sum up to nothing if the running back fumbles the ball for an opposing touchdown or the linemen let their quarterback get hit on every play.

“That wasn’t part of our plan,” Walker said on Monday. “It’s a real simple game and you need to keep it simple.”

A simple plan. Well, not too simple.

While Walker was all spit-and-vinegar about his coaching performance on Monday, by Tuesday he’d cooled off a bit.

“The world is full of grand offensive schemes — I’ve coached a million of them,” Walker said. “There’s nothing wrong with any of it.”

Not even the spread. Although the Cats cut some of the fat from their attack during practice this week, Walker and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said they weren’t revamping the NU offense — just re-emphasizing a few things.

“I wouldn’t say we took anything out because I don’t think anything we’re doing is bad,” Wilson said.

Against Ohio State, NU’s offense, designed to shift between the run and pass, only put together 170 yards rushing and 136 passing. The week before, last-minute drama shrouded a somewhat timid offensive performance.

But Walker and Wilson smiled when they talked about changing up the scheme this week. Both men know it can still work.

Wilson insists that the spread isn’t complicated. He just wants his offense to respond to every variable on the field — formations, pass routes, slots and various defensive sets.