2021 season: 3-9, 1-8 in the Big Ten (7th in the West Division)
Head coach: Pat Fitzgerald (17th season)
Relatively speaking, it’s fair to say that Northwestern is on an upward trajectory. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s program was rather idle in the early to mid-2010s, but the Wildcats were the Big Ten West division champions in 2018 and 2020. However, Northwestern had an appalling 2021 season where they had a 3-9 record with just one conference win. Fitzgerald and offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian simply could not figure out their offense as the Wildcats averaged an underwhelming 321.5 yards per game, ranking near the bottom of the rankings nationally.
Luckily, though, a leader has emerged for the Wildcats: Junior quarterback Ryan Hilinski was stellar in their first 2022 win against Nebraska. One worry for Northwestern this season has been its receiving talent as the Wildcats lost Stephon Robinson Jr., to the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Many have raised their eyebrows about whether or not Hilinski would have any weapons to target this season. It looks like they are now directing their attention to junior Malik Washington who finished second on the team last year in receiving yards (587) and receptions (44).
Junior running back Evan Hull is also expected to be an offensive force this year as he is coming off a much-improved season in which he led the team in rushing with just over 1,000 yards. The Wildcats will be dangerous from the backfield in 2022 as Hull has some quick, stocky backups like junior Cam Porter and sophomore Anthony Tyus III. Another reason that Northwestern will be tough on the ground is the offensive line that the program put together. Yes, Fitzgerald’s reliable center Sam Gerak graduated last year, but the Wildcats have many veteran players returning like projected first-round draft pick Peter Skoronski and senior Charlie Schmidt who will replace Gerak in the middle.
Although Northwestern’s offense seems to be heading in the right direction, its defense does not appear to be following suit. Last year, Northwestern gave up about 430 yards per game, which was worse than 88 teams in the FBS, and the Wildcats only averaged a measly 1.6 sacks per game.
Overall, taking down Northwestern will not be an easy feat. Yes, the Wildcats are still figuring things out on defense, but there is no doubt that their offense can make opposing defensive coordinators scratch their heads. The Big Ten West team has a disciplined, yet aggressive squad that may wreak havoc with Hilinski in the driver's seat for this 2022 season.
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