BIG TEN FOOTBALL: Northwestern Wildcats 2008 Season Predictions

The Northwestern Wildcats have given Coach Pat Fitzgerald fits over the last two seasons with their up and down play.  Will this be the year they finally put it all together?  They return C.J. Bacher at Quarterback and Tyrell Sutton at Running Back, but is that enough?

Here are my season predictions for the 2008 Northwestern Wildcats.

8/30     SYRACUSE

The Orange have too many problems on the defensive side of the ball.

Prediction:  Win (31-17)

9/06     at DUKE

The Wildcats look to avenge last season's surprise loss.  David Cutliffe's Blue Devil's will give them everything they have.

Prediction:  Win (27-20)

9/13     SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Tyrell Sutton has his biggest day as a Wildcat.

Prediction:  Win (42-14)

9/20    OHIO

Frank Solich's Bobcats are not ready for C.J. Bacher.

Prediction:  Win (31-20)

9/27    at IOWA

Pat Fitzgerald's team is on a roll.

Prediction:  Win (31-21)

10/11  MICHIGAN STATE

Sparty has revenge in mind after last season's overtime loss.

Prediction:  Loss (31-20)

10/18  PURDUE

Joe Tiller's last go round against the Wildcats.  Curtis Painter can't win it for his coach.

Prediction:  Win (31-28)

10/25  at INDIANA

Another close one for the Wildcats.

Prediction:  Loss (28-27)

11/01  at MINNESOTA

The Gophers give it their best shot.

Prediction:  Win (46-45 OT)

11/08  OHIO STATE

The Buckeyes come to town and give the Wildcat's their worst loss of the season.

Prediction:  Loss (48-10)

11/15  at MICHIGAN

The Wildcats get into a shoot out at the Big House.

Prediction:  Loss (38-28)

11/22  ILLINOIS

The Illini are too much for the Wildcats.

Prediction:  Loss (31-10)

Final Record: 7-5.  Although they only improve on last season's record by one game, it is a successful season for the Wildcats.  They go to a bowl game for the first time under Pat Fitzgerald.