After a 10-3 (11-1-1 ATS) season in 2012; Northwestern regressed in 2013 with a 5-7 (3-9 ATS) record in 2013. Now in 2014, they will have 17 returning starters ready to make amends from last year's under-achieving season.
The Wildcats will rely on senior quarterback Trevor Siemian who will be coming into the season with momentum after having his best game of 2013 in the season finale as he went 31-44 for 414 yards. Gone is dual threat Kain Colter but Northwestern will bring in rFR Matt Alviti who will pose a similar threat and I look for Northwestern to use a dual quarterback system utilizing Alviti's speed. The running game suffered last year as did the special teams as RB Veneric Mark only played in 3 games because of a lingering injury. This year Mark is 100% and his elusive speed will be a huge benefit for Northwestern's running game and also their kickoff/punt return game. They also have senior Treyvon Green who is more of a power back that will be running behind an offensive line that returns completely intact with 100 career starts under their belt. The offense should have no problem putting up points with a balanced offense. The Wildcats Top 2 wide receivers return (C. and T. Jones), but they also have two transfers that will be ready to go, including 6'5" 225 lb. Kyle Prater who is a USC transfer. The other transfer is a speedster from Rutgers, Miles Shuler. These receivers are versatile and will be able to hurt defenses in the slot and as well on deep routes.
The defense slipped last season, manly behind a weak front 7. This year they will be starting all juniors and seniors on the front 7 and I look for improvement. The secondary this season for Northwestern is looking very strong and they return all 4 starters plus they have a legit reserve cornerback in Daniel Jones who tore his ACL last year. I look for Northwestern to have a great edge in turnover differential this season and to have one of the Big 10's top defenses. ***
Brandon's Power Play:***
October 4th Wisconsin @ Northwestern
***Play on: Northwestern as a Dog or Favorite of 3 or less points***
Northwestern will be coming into this game seeking revenge from last year's 35-6 loss as they only had 242 total yards of offense against the Badgers. The loss was not a big surprise as Northwestern was in a Big 'let-down situation' after losing 40-30 to Ohio State in a game that went back and forth the whole game until the final minutes. Northwestern only had 44 rushing yards in this game. Trumpy was injured and Mark was not 100%, plus Green only got 3 carries. The defense got torched by Wisconsin on the ground as well as The Badgers ran for 286 yards. This was embarrassing for Northwestern and I look for them to be completely focused in this game and will be playing a Wisconsin team that has a very inexperienced. The Badgers defensive line only returns 5 career starts and I like the Wildcats to win the game between-the-hedges early in this game behind their experienced offensive line. This is a huge mismatch and one that we can look to capitalize on. The Home team has won 7 straight in this series and the home team is a PERFECT 5-0 ATS the last 5 as well. This will be Northwestern's 4th home game in 5 weeks and they should be physically energized and mentally prepared for this game. Look for the Wildcats to win this game with a final score in the 31-20 range.
Closing Thoughts: I look for Northwestern to go undefeated at home this season (7-0). They have winnable games @ Minnesota, @ Purdue, and a win @ Notre Dame would not surprise me. Not only do I look for the Wildcats to win 10+ games this season, I also expect Northwestern to be a money-making machine in the 'against-the spread' department and will be a team that I will looking to PLAY ON for much of the season if they indeed stay healthy.
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