Northwestern sits at 1-2 after its bye week with a matchup against UCLA on the horizon this Saturday. So far, the offense has sputtered as quarterback Preston Stone has struggled with turnovers and accuracy. But, to be fair to Stone, one of the biggest issues has been the lack of wide receiver production.

Griffin Wilde is the clear-cut WR1, and he's played like someone capable of the job. The South Dakota State transfer has 213 yards receiving through three games, and he's been Stone's go-to guy when he needs a completion.

Outside of Wilde, it's been rough. After Calvin Johnson II elected to transfer out of the program this spring, the 'Cats were blind sided by a depth issue at the receiver position. The hope was that Frank Covey IV and Ricky Ahumaraeze would step up.

Both are sophomores, so it was maybe a little unfair to expect a drastic leap in production. But Ahumaraeze has just 73 yards so far while Covey IV has just 22. Neither recorded any catches against the Ducks.

So, while it is certainly fair to criticize Stone for throwing six interceptions in three games -- that kind of number is never on anyone else but the quarterback -- it's also fair to acknowledge what's going on with his weapons.

Head coach David Braun spoke to the media today, and he offered an interesting glimpse into what the coaching staff is thinking about as far as finding solid targets for Stone. Braun shouted out sophomore receiver Drew Wagner, who had a 40-yard reception in NU's last game against Oregon.

"I think Drew Wagner continues to make plays," Braun said. "We have to find ways to get the ball in his hands.

Stressing to the media the importance of getting the ball to a sophomore receiver is telling. Braun clearly believes in Wagner as a potential option for Stone.

The catch against Oregon shows why. It was a contested ball that Stone heaved up in the air, and he trusted his young wide out to come down with it. Wagner did just that, and it was one of the 'Cats' most explosive plays in a game where they were very difficult to come by.

Wagner has just three receptions this season for 48 yards and a touchdown, so it's hard to imagine that a drastic uptick in targets will come immediately. But Braun and the offensive staff are on notice, and it sounds like they'll be working to get him more involved in the game plan moving forward.

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