The Northwestern Wildcats had a rough 5-7 last year and missed the post season for the first time since 2007. This year they have 55 lettermen back, including 17 starters and look to make it back to the post season, while also being a player in the newly formed Big 10 West. Preview & schedule are below.
The Wildcats have been in a 2 QB system the last few years, but they feel that they are now able to settle in to having just one main QB. Now that Kain Colter is gone, Trevor Sieman steps in as the full time starter, after throwing for 2149 yards with 11 TDs and 9 INTs last year and having an impressive spring. Trevor has some nice weapons to work with in Tony Jones and Christian Jones after the pair combined for 109 receptions for 1298 yards and 8 TDs last year. The Cats also will have a solid running game that is led by Treyvon Green (736 yards, 8 TDs) and Venric Mark, plus they add in a #16 recruit in Justin Jackson. The OL was a big problem for the Cats last year but they should be a much improved group with all 5 starters back from last year. The Cats struggled on defense last year as they allowed 27.1 ppg, but with 8 starters back on this side of the ball and a nice defensive recruiting class they should be an improved group. They do have some holes in the DL after suffering some injuries in the spring and that will be their weakness this year. The LB corps is very solid with Chi Chi Ariguzo and Collin Ellis back after combining for 11.5 TFL and 7 INTs last year. The secondary should be the strength of this defense with all 4 starters back and some very good depth as well.
Northwestern looks like they will get back to the plus side of .500 this year. The offense should be improves with a solid set of skill players, just 1 QB and 31 of 35 lettermen back on this side of the ball. Then defense has some holes up front, but the back 7 looks very good and overall this defense should be improved. The schedule is not terribly tough but they do have to play Iowa, Norte Dame and Minnesota, while getting Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin at home. Pat Fitzgerald has done a fine job here and with one of the most experience teams in the Big 10 he should have them back in the post season after missing last year. KEY TREND: 17-2 ATS before playing Michigan.
2014 Northwestern Football Schedule
Aug. 30 California
Sep. 6 Northern Illinois
Sep. 13 OPEN DATE
Sep. 20 Western Illinois
Sep. 27 at Penn State
Oct. 4 Wisconsin
Oct. 11 at Minnesota
Oct. 18 Nebraska
Oct. 25 OPEN DATE
Nov. 1 at Iowa
Nov. 8 Michigan
Nov. 15 at Notre Dame
Nov. 22 at Purdue
Nov. 29 Illinois
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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