#8-NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS

2013 was set to be a monster year for Pat Fitzgerald and the Wildcats, then came a collapse against Ohio State, injuries and before you knew it, the wheels were off the season. 2014 isn’t off to much better of a start with the camp losses of starting WR Christian Jones and star RB Venric Mark.

Any good Northwestern offense of the past decade has had one thing in common: a dual threat QB. While Trevor Siemian may be a better passer than Wildcat QBs of the past, he doesn’t offer that dual threat option that Fitzgerald has exploited in the Big Ten. This, combined with the two losses mentioned above turn what looked to be a very good Northwestern offense to one that will have to try new things to succeed in 2014. In Mark’s absence, senior Treyvon Green and sophomore Stephen Buckley will split carries in the backfield. Former USC Trojan Kyle Prater looks to finally emerge from a deep group of wide receivers. On the defensive side of the ball, Northwestern has depth but a serious lack of play makers. Colin Ellis will lead highlight the linebackers who will be asked to carry a heavy load in Northwestern’s defensive schemes.

Northwestern’s non-conference schedule has some interesting matchups as the season begins with Cal and always pesky Northern Illinois visiting Ryan Field in Evanston. Northwestern also travels to South Bend to take on Notre Dame in mid-November. 3 non-conference wins will be considered a success for the Wildcats. In addition to their West division rivals, Northwestern faces Penn State, Purdue and Michigan from the East. The home schedule looks particularly interesting with Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin all visiting during Big Ten play.

PREDICTION: 4-4 IN BIG TEN PLAY, 7-5 OVERALL.