[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ere we are, just a few weeks away from the start of the 2015 college football season and the Northwestern Wildcats are looking to bounce back from an underwhelming record of 5-7 during the 2014 campaign.
I’m going to break down a few of the stories heading into 2015.
The quarterback situation
Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald has three viable candidates at quarterback who could lead the Wildcats this season. There is a veteran option in senior Zack Oliver, sophomore Matt Alviti can be a versatile option and highly touted freshman Clayton Thorson could be handed the reigns at any time. Any one of those guys will need to show something during training camp to get the starting nod against a strong opening opponent against Stanford.
Players to watch- OFFENSE:
- Running Back Justin Jackson had a breakout 2014 season with 1187 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns, 10 rushing and 1 receiving TD’s.
- Wide Receiver Christian Jones is entering his senior season coming off a 54 reception, 668 receiving yards and 4 TD catches.
- Dan Vitale is a versatile TE/FB/WR who is entering his senior season coming off a 40 receptions, 402 receiving yards and 2 TDs.
- Freshman Wide Receiver Flynn Nagle is a sure-handed guy whose hard nosed mentality and talent level should fit in perfectly with Fitzgeralds offense.
Players to watch- DEFENSE:
- Corner Back Nick VanHoose is coming into his senior season and will anchor the secondary.
- Sophomore Linebacker Anthony Walker is a solid 6 foot 1 inch, 225lbs and will look to solidify the defense after a 50+ tackle freshman campaign.
- Safety Godwin Igwebuike enters his sophomore season coming off a 3 interception game during the season against Big Ten stalwarts Wisconsin Badgers.
Games to watch:
- September 5 vs. Stanford
- October 10 @ Michigan
- November 7 vs. Penn State
- November 21 @ Wisconsin
Potential Upsets
I can see a few potential upsets on the Wildcats schedule. The opening game vs. Stanford at home if they catch the Cardinal at the right time of the year, the game at Nebraska and at home against Penn State could be a season changer if the Cats pull those off. Lucky for the Cats they don’t have Ohio State or Michigan State on the schedule.
Prediction
5-7, the Cats would need a better showing on the defensive side of the ball in the pass rush and if they can pull off an upset or two then they could make the post season. This may be a tough year again for Fitzgerald and company but that is why they play the games.
