With a tough non-conference schedule and road games at Nebraska, No. 20 Wisconsin and Michigan, 10th-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald will face an uphill battle this season.
Northwestern must replace graduated quarterback Trevor Siemian, who threw for more than 2,000 yards in 2014 but also tossed a costly 11 interceptions compared to seven touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson is slated to start, but senior Zack Oliver could step in if Thorson struggles.
Dynamic running back Justin Jackson returns after rushing for 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman. Jackson will be the squad’s most potent offensive weapon this fall and should relieve some of the pressure on the passing game.
Defensively, a strong secondary must make up for inexperience up front. The Wildcats return All-Big Ten cornerback Nick VanHoose who ranks in the top five in tackles and passes defended. He’ll need help stopping the run and a pass rush from a defensive line that struggled last season if Northwestern wants to return to the postseason.
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