Northwestern Wildcats:
David Braun was a Cinderella coaching story a year ago, taking over a team that went 1-11 in 2022 and turning it into an eight-win surprise party. The Wildcats seemed to be freefalling while dealing with a crisis after popular coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired, so what they accomplished following an unimpressive season-opening 24-7 loss at Rutgers was the nation’s most impressive comeback tale. Is Braun for real or will the Wildcats crash back to reality? Hint: The quarterback situation is a mess and the schedule is more difficult.
Offense
Heisman Trophy odds are not posted on Mike Wright or Jack Lausch, and no matter who wins the job, Northwestern will have the worst starting quarterback in the Big Ten. Wright is a transfer who started a total of 14 games at Vanderbilt and Mississippi State. Lausch, a redshirt sophomore, has 78 career passing yards. There is some offensive optimism. Zach Lujan, the new coordinator, was highly successful at South Dakota State. The top three receivers — A.J. Henning, Bryce Kirtz and Calvin Johnson — can make plays if the QB can deliver the ball. Cam Porter is a 220-pound power runner who will find some holes behind an experienced line.
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Defense
With a run-based offense and sturdy defense, the Wildcats will be in several low-scoring games. Senior linebacker Xander Mueller returns after totaling 110 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions. Mueller is a first-team all-conference candidate on a defense that boasts veterans all over the field. Northwestern’s defense was the main reason it closed the season with four consecutive wins, including a 14-7 upset of Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Outlook
The Wildcats cashed in on a lot of close-game luck, winning three games by three points or fewer, and lost only one fumble all season. Braun went 8-5 when the betting market projected he would win three games. Ohio State and Michigan are back on the schedule, and the Wildcats will be underdogs in all five league road games. It’s worth noting that with Ryan Field being renovated, Northwestern will play five home games at an Evanston facility near Lake Michigan and two at Wrigley Field. This team is not bad, but the quarterback picture is problematic. Don’t forget the Wildcats went 1-11 and 3-9 prior to last year’s miraculous turnaround.
Pick: Under 4.5 Wins
