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Adam Rittenberg of ESPN has posted a first look at the Northwestern Wildcats’ football schedule for next year, a slate of games that should have Northwestern looking at another bowl appearance.
That’s the good news.
The bad news is that a 9-4 record may not be within reach according to Rittenberg.
Non-conference: Miami (Ohio), Towson, Syracuse, Eastern Michigan
“All four teams had losing records in 2008, and all four welcome new coaches for this fall. Northwestern will be favored in every game and has a good chance of running the table for the second straight season after failing to do so from 1964-2007.”
I would agree with Rittenberg on his analysis, but with new coaches are taking the helm at these schools, sometimes that has the effect of gelling a team that was just a little bit away from getting it together.
Now, none of these teams were that close.
Plus Syracuse, the only team on here that might give you a little scare, is going to have a new backfield, which should turn out well for the ‘Cats.
Conference slate:
Ohio State and Michigan are off the schedule for the next two years, which is a relief in Evanston. Back are Penn State and Wisconsin, so don’t relax for too long. But both home games for the 2009 slate.
“The road schedule isn't easy, but Northwestern has won consecutive games at both Michigan State and Iowa. A strong start to league play will be critical, and the opener against Minnesota likely will go a long way toward determining Northwestern's fate.“
At first blush though, that Minnesota game looks like a losing effort for the Wildcats. And Penn State, Iowa and Illinois could all push Northwestern into the loss column.
The best news for the ‘Cats is that the defense is mostly intact from last season and that should be helpful against a conference that has a change at the quarterback position by almost every school in the league. Most also will lose their lead back from 2008.
Best record: 9-3 with road victories over Purdue, Michigan State and Iowa, and home wins against Indiana and Wisconsin.
Most likely scenario: 8-4 and a 4-4 conference record (Iowa games a loss)
Worst case: 7-5 with a 3-5 conference record. (Add a loss at Purdue)
Not a bad worst case to have, but still a lot of pressure to complete the non-conference sweep and be in position to do this poorly and still make a bowl game.
For more info: Adam Rittenberg's Big Ten blog
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