The Northwestern Wildcats started 2017 off sluggishly, but turned a corner to finish the season 10-3. With QB Clayton Thorson returning, the Wildcats look to him to be their go to guy, as they hope to repeat last year’s success.

Prestige Ranking: 3*

Northwestern football history is kinda consistent with the pre-Pat Fitzgerald years: very mediocre with a max of what seems like 8 wins. As a program they’ve never won more than 10 games, and it doesn’t seem likely as they will have a challenging schedule this year.

Last Year’s Record: 10-3 (7-2)

Projected Returning Starters:

Offense: 7

QB Clayton Thorson, WR Ben Skowronek, WR Flynn Nagel, LT Blake Hance, LG J.B. Butler, RG Tommy Doles, RT Rashawn Slater

The return of Clayton is huge, but it’s the big guys up on the front line that will have the most impact this year if the Wildcats want to get back to 10 wins.

Defense: 6

DE Samdup Miller, DE Joe Gaziano, DT Jordan Thompson, LB Nate Hall, LB Paddy Fisher, CB Montre Hartage

The front seven for Northwestern returns all but two of their starters from a year ago, but Pat Fitzgerald will have his work cut out when it comes back to his safeties and corners as Montre Hartage will be the only seasoned vet.

Special Teams: 0

The kickers will be a few people to watch this coming season as they both will have their first full seasons of kicking at the collegiate level.

Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Gunnar Vogel

Key losses: Justin Jackson

Justin Jackson is a GINORMOUS loss for this team as he opened up a lot for the offense with his downhill running style and playmaking ability; it will be very tough for this team to replace someone that produced so much for the Cats.

Five Year Recruiting Rank: 53

Though they’re recruiting against the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State, they have somehow been pretty successful in getting good players to come play some foosball. One to keep an eye out for is 5* Hunter Johnson, even though he is a transfer, the dude can sling it.

Alcohol Prediction For Fans: PBR

A cheaper beer that you can buy in 30 packs. Though it doesn’t taste good, it takes away from the disappointment of watching Northwestern lose every other game.

Outlook: Though they have a decent chance at winning 9 games this season, I think Northwestern takes a step backwards and goes 7-5 this season. Trying to replace Justin Jackson will be too difficult a task, and the offense somehow stalls.