The Northwestern Wildcats don’t own a lot of bowl victories, so even though the Pinstripe Bowl is no one’s idea of an elite and prestigious bowl game, finding a way to win that game against the Pittsburgh Panthers gave NU and head coach Pat Fitzgerald a very sweet and tasty prize. Northwestern, in the past 23 years, has accomplished a lot more than the program did in the previous 90 years. This program has known so much struggle and disappointment that the present day feels like a dynasty… it’s not, but it seems that way at times. Now, can Northwestern build on its momentum and win the Big Ten West Division for the first time in program history?
How Did They End 2016
The Northwestern Wildcats lost to Minnesota, possibly looking ahead to their rivalry game against Illinois. The Wildcats made sure they took care of the Fighting Illini to notch one of their bigger goals of the season. Northwestern started the season on shaky ground, losing at home to Western Michigan and then to Illinois State of the Football Championship (lower) Subdivision. Bouncing back to make and then win a bowl game showed how resilient this team truly was. Now, the challenge in 2017 is based on being able to start the season strongly so that the Pinstripe Bowl doesn’t become the foremost goal of the second half of the season.
Offseason Changes
Ifeadi Odenigbo and Anthony Walker are gone from the front seven, and receiver Austin Carr has also moved on. Those are all highly important pieces not just because they were very skilled, but because they were dependable players who made their biggest plays in important moments. Finding other talented players will not be too hard given how well Fitzgerald has recruited, but getting those players to respond well in tight, late-game situations is the deeper and more specific key for Northwestern this season.
Team X-Factor
The defensive front, one of the few parts of the roster where Northwestern must replace multiple starters. The veterans come back in many other areas, especially at quarterback and running back. The offense should be fine. The defense will be the bigger concern on this roster. Pass rush is a huge point of uncertainty. Northwestern can’t play track meets – that is not how this program is built or how each Fitzgerald roster is designed. Northwestern has to be able to manage the tempo and score of a game; otherwise, too many contests will get away from this team in 2017.
What To Expect From The Northwestern Wildcats This Year
A lot of people are very high on Northwestern’s talent, but the Big Ten is strong and deep. The defensive weaknesses might be patched up often enough to create a bowl game, but this team will have to exceed expectations if it is going to win 10 games or win a division title.
Record Last 5 Seasons
2016: 7-6
2015: 10-3
2014: 5-7
2013: 5-7
2012: 10-3
Schedule and Outlook
Northwestern’s start to the season isn’t overly difficult, but it will challenge them enough. They’ll start the season by hosting Nevada. That’s definitely a winnable game and a game in which they’ll be significantly favored, but it’s also not Cupcake State. Then they’ll go to Duke and come back and host Bowling Green. Again, both games are contests where they should be favored but aren’t the easiest of non-conference affairs. If the Wildcats are anything but 3-0, though, they will have a tough time competing for a division crown. However, an undefeated start through that slate is possible.
The other good news for Northwestern is that they avoid both Michigan and Ohio State on the schedule. They do have to face the Penn State Nittany Lions, but they get to host that contest on October 7th.
With Nebraska, Penn State and Wisconsin on the schedule, Northwestern has a tough road to a division title. However, beyond that, the schedule isn’t overwhelming. Eight wins feels like the right number, but if it’s going to move in one direction or another, over is the slightly better inclination.
Regular Season Win Total Prediction: Over 8
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