GAME PREVIEW: NORTHWESTERN
BY ANDREW OWENS
I
t's fitting that Northwestern plays
in the Windy City, considering
its season has blown all over the
place with no rhyme or reason.
The Wildcats' inconsistent 2014
campaign began with consecutive
non-conference losses to Califor-
nia and Northern Illinois before a
three-game winning streak — which
included victories against Wiscon-
sin and at Penn State — provided
hope for head coach Pat Fitzgerald's
squad.
After moving to 3-2 on the season,
however, Northwestern lost its next
four games and finds itself fighting
for bowl eligibility.
In 2013, Northwestern began 4-0
and welcomed College GameDay to
campus for a home tilt with Ohio
State. The Wildcats led the Buckeyes
in the second half, but lost a heart-
breaker and began an excruciating
seven-game losing streak with close
loss after close loss. Chicago Tribune
beat writer Teddy Greenstein thinks
the slide has continued in 2014.
"It's been bizarre," he said. "It
UP AND DOWN
During a difficult 3-6 start to the
season, the Wildcats' lows have
outnumbered their highs
True freshman running back Justin Jackson was the
Wildcats' leading rusher through eight games, com-
piling 158 carries for 726 yards (4.6 yards per rush)
and five touchdowns.
PHOTO BY STEPHEN CARRERA/NORTHWESTERN ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
