After being a “soldier” for the past two seasons, junior running back Tyrell Sutton is taking up the reigns of leadership for the Northwestern offense.

“That was my biggest downfall last season,” Sutton said. “I felt I didn’t have to take on that particular role because of (fifth-year senior) Terrell Jordan, who was older than me. That’s what I need to work on to get this team where it needs to go.”

Which is out of the Big Ten’s offensive cellar.

Opponents outscored the Wildcats 314-198. The Cats’ 16.5 points per game ranked last in the conference.

What NU has going for it is two experienced quarterbacks, two running backs and their top three wide receivers minus Shaun Herbert, who graduated after leading the team in receptions last season.

With an experienced core group of players, the team’s confidence is a lot less shaky than it was last season.

“We have guys that have been out there before and it helps a lot,” offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said. “We’ve seen (quarterbacks) Mike (Kafka) and C. J. (Bach