2015 record: 10-3
Head coach: Pat Fitzgerald (11th season)
Northwestern exceeded expectations in 2015 by winning 10 games and finishing second in the Big Ten’s West Division. But with a tougher schedule this season, the Wildcats will have to improve offensively to continue their recent success.
In 2015, Northwestern ranked last in the Big Ten in several offensive categories, averaging just 19.5 points and 327.1 yards per game. Although running back Justin Jackson rushed for 1,418 yards last season and the Wildcats ranked fourth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game, Northwestern lacked a consistent passing attack that could keep opposing defenses guessing. Starting quarterback Clayton Thorson and company ranked 119th in the nation in passing yards per game and notched just eight touchdowns through the air all year.
On the other side of the ball, Northwestern, which finished 13th nationally in total defense last season, has the potential make up for the loss of defensive linemen Deonte Gibson and Dean Lowry. The Wildcats bring back first-team All-Big Ten linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo—who has 14.5 career sacks—and can go five deep at defensive tackle. The secondary will be one of the Northwestern's strongest units with All-Big Ten cornerback Matthew Harris manning the sidelines and Godwin Igwebuike—the Wildcats' second leading-tackler in 2015—moving forward to defend the run.
Northwestern opens its campaign against Western Michigan and Illinois State, but will face stiffer competition as the season continues. After the Wildcats play Duke Sept. 17, they will travel to Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State in October.
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