Northwestern is starting unranked this season with Hunter Johnson at QB. Former starting QBs for CFB teams Peyton Ramsey, TJ Green, and Ryan Hilinski all lost the job to the junior. The transfer from Clemson last started an opener against Stanford in 2019. He threw 2 interceptions and was 6 for 17. He was pulled for TJ Green and Northwestern lost 17-7. Northwestern was 7-2 last year and won the Big Ten West and Citrus Bowl. Coach Pat Fitzgerald recieved an extension through 2030.
Predictions:
Matchup Score Record Ranking
v. Michigan State 3-24 0-1 UR
Switch to Peyton Ramsey at QB
v. Indiana State 52-9 1-1 UR
@ Duke 35-19 2-1 UR
v. Ohio 42-20 3-1 UR
@ Nebraska 27-24 4-1 UR
v. Rutgers 34-13 5-1 UR
@ Michigan 38-33 6-1 22
v. Minnesota 28-14 7-1 18
v. Iowa 31-21 8-1 16
@ Wisconsin 31-38 8-2 18
v. Purdue 35-20 9-2 16
@ Illinois 38-10 10-2 14
Final Record: 10-2 Ranking: 13
Spot: 2nd in Big Ten West (#3 Wisconsin 1st (12-0))
Big Ten East Winner: #8 Ohio State (11-1)
Big Ten Championship: Wisconsin 35, Ohio State 21
Wisconsin goes to Cotton Bowl (CFP) and Ohio State goes to Rose Bowl
Bowl: Citrus Bowl v. #17 LSU (9-3)
Prediction: Northwestern 35, LSU 31
Northwestern (11-2) finishes 11th
LSU (9-4) finishes 21st