#2-NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS

Pat Fitzgerald has the Wildcat fan base in a frenzy as Northwestern will field their most talented roster since the Darnell Autry days. The Wildcats won their first bowl game in school history last year and will set their sights even higher in 2013.

The offense should be dynamic once again with Kane Colter back behind center and running back Venric Mark poised for a monster senior season. Mike Trumpy also returns to give Mark the occasional breather. Christian Jones, Tony Jones and Rashad Lawrence will be Colter’s primary weapons out wide while Dan Vitale will chip in at both WR and RB. The offensive line for Northwestern is young and lack experienced so their growth will likely dictate how far the Wildcats go on offense.

Northwestern returns seven starters on defense which was noticeably better last fall. Tyler Scott ancors the defensive line and will get help from sophomore Dean Lowry and freshman Ifeadi Odenigbo. Returning 112 tackler Damien Proby will be the focal point of the linebacker group and Ibraheim Campbell returns in the secondary.

Northwestern travels to Cal to open the season in what should be a good early season test. In week two, Syracuse visits Evanston. In conference play, the Wildcats miss Indiana, Penn State and Purdue. An October 5th trip to the Horseshoe will be a key game in the conference race.

PREDICTION: 4-0 non-conference, 7-1 conference, 11-1 overall.