The Northwestern Wildcats were 3-9 last season overall, were 1-8 in Big Ten play and lost each of their final six games after starting the season 3-3. Northwestern has been given a projected wins total of just 4.5 this season. Last season Northwestern was last in points scored in the Big Ten and 12th out of 14 in points allowed.
Northwestern's offense last season was characterized by a lack of punch and too many mistakes. Ryan Hilinski, who transferred from South Carolina, will start under center for the second consecutive season, and was able to have his first offseason program during the winter at Northwestern. However, Brendan Sullivan and Carl Richardson will both fight for playing time. Northwestern's offensive line will have All-American candidate Peter Skoronski at tackle along with Charlie Schmidt and Ethan Wiederkehr.
The running game will be one of Northwestern's strengths on offense as Cam Porter will return 100% after recovering from an ACL injury. Evan Hull had 1,009 rushing last season in place of Porter and the two will provide the Wildcats with a very strong backfield. Northwestern needs to remain healthy at wide receiver. Receivers Malik Washington and Bryce Kirtz are back, while Jacob Gill played well last season as a true freshman. Donny Navarro III transferred from Illinois and will give the Wildcats additional depth at wide out. Marshall Long and Charlie Mangieri will be the top two tight ends.
Northwestern's defense finished last season 89th in points allowed after ending the 2020 regular season fifth in the nation in points allowed. Northwestern used the transfer portal to beef up its defensive line, adding Ryan Johnson, Herik Barndt and Taishan Holmes. In addition, Adetomiway Adebawore, Jason Gold Jr and Jordan Bulter return from last season, which should give Northwestern plenty of strength on pass rushing but the Wildcats must improve against the run.
Bryce Gallagher will be Northwestern's top linebacker while Mac Uihlein and Xander Mueller will round out a strong linebackers' corps. Wendell Davis was acquired via the transfer portal from Pittsburgh. At times expect Northwestern to use just two linebackers in its defensive schemes. Northwestern will have a strong secondary with cornerbacks A.J. Hampton Jr and Cameron Mitchell back along with safety Coco Azema. Rod Heard II is expected to see plenty of action in nickel packages for the Wildcats.
Free NCAAF Pick:
Under 4.5