Northwestern Wildcats 2016 Football Team Preview

2016 Northwestern Wildcats Football Preview

Team Strengths

There’s a lot of work to do for the Northwestern Wildcats, who are coming off a solid 10-win campaign in 2015. In particular, the offense still appears unproven right now with quarterback Clayton Thorson just heading into his second year with the team.

But if there’s one thing to feel confident about the Wildcats this season, it’s their defense. They were a very defensive-minded squad last year, leading the nation in fewest passing touchdowns given up (5) and ranking seventh overall in yards per play allowed (4.5). Northwestern should be able to remain as solid as ever on this side of the field with most of its defensive core back.

Northwestern is priced at +50,000 to win it all this upcoming season.

Team Weaknesses

The Wildcats know that their overreliance on defense won’t always be enough to lead them to victories. Hence, this is where Clayton Thorson’s growth comes in to play. It’s extremely crucial for the sophomore to outdo his performance last season, where he threw for a total of 1,522 yards with seven scores and nine interceptions.

Of course, the Wildcats need to provide the still-developing Thorson some reliable targets to throw to, and recently-converted receivers like Marcus McShepard (defensive back) and Solomon Vault (running back) are hoping to fit into their new roles smoothly. And if both manage to do so, the team’s passing game, which ranked 120th nationally last year, should start causing some trouble for opposing clubs this coming season.

2015 Team Stats

Category | Stat (Rank)
Points per game | 17.8 (#116)
Passing yards per game | 137.4 (#120)
Rushing yards per game | 175.6 (#51)
Scoring defense | 20.2 (#14)

Writer’s Prediction

Northwestern notches nine wins overall to finish the season.

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