It’s Wildcats and Huskies for the fourth time ever and the first time since 1984.
Big Ten Play is here! And even better it’s an all purple battle in the Pacific Northwest as Northwestern kicks off conference play against Washington. Here’s how our staffers think tonight’s game plays out.
Adam Beck: Washington 28, Northwestern 13
The Wildcats defense has been elite through three weeks, but the Huskies bring a completely different test. Washington QB Will Rogers has been dominant through the early going, passing for 825 yards and six touchdowns, while the rushing attack averages over 170 yards per game. Northwestern’s defensive unit will keep it close in the first half, but the dam will break as the offense struggles to find its consistency against a Big Ten defense in a hostile environment.
Brendan Preisman: Washington 20, Northwestern 13
The key to this game is going to be the red zone battle. Northwestern is 8-of-11 inside the 20-yard line, and has held its opponents to 6-of-9 in the red area. Washington, conversely, is an eye-popping 8-of-9 in the red zone and has held its opponents to just 4-of-7 in the same area (and only two touchdowns). For a Wildcats squad that’s struggled to finish drives all season, that could spell disaster. And even with Jack Lausch’s excellent second half against an FCS squad last week, the Huskies still have the decided edge at quarterback with Will Rogers and his 77.1% completion rate. The edge under center and a few red zone stumbles from Northwestern will seal this one up for the home side, which starts its Big Ten tenure with a narrow victory.
Miguel Muñoz: Washington 24, Northwestern 10
Northwestern is being put in a tough position in this game. Still finding their offensive identity, the Wildcats will have to travel to a raucous Husky Stadium against a Washington team desperately looking for a victory after a tough loss against rival Washington State. Northwestern might be able to keep things close early, but I don’t see the ‘Cats being able to compete for four quarters. Washington will pull away in the second half to earn its first Big Ten win.
Harris Horowitz: Washington 20, Northwestern 7
I think we see a Northwestern offense on Saturday that is much more reminiscent of the first half of the EIU win than the second. I’m optimistic that Lausch can be a long term solution for the ‘Cats at the quarterback position, but I’m expecting some further growing pains against Steve Belichick’s defense. U-Dub did a good job of limiting Washington State quarterback John Mateer last week — especially on the ground in the second half — so Lausch will have to calm his happy feet and make plays from the pocket to move the Wildcat offense.
Charlie Jacobs: Northwestern 27, Washington 20
This is the biggest game of the season for the Wildcats. With a good distance of travel for the ‘Cats, they will need to figure out their offensive struggles in a tough environment. Even though Washington was in the national title game last year, this team is completely different. Washington’s two wins came against inferior opponents, but it struggled against its in-state rivals Washington State. The Huskies were able to move the ball against a weaker FBS defense, but a lot of their scores were field goals. If the ‘Cats defense can hold in the red zone, there is a path to a victory. Teams have been able to run the ball on Washington, and that’s where Northwestern’s offensive focus has mainly been. If Lausch can play like he did in the second half, the ‘Cats could shock the Big Ten. It’s upset time!
Natalie Wells: Washington 27, Northwestern 13
There’s a whole storm of factors that make this matchup a crucial one for the ‘Cats. It’s their first game of conference play and their first contest away from the gusty embrace of Lake Michigan. Most importantly, this will be NU’s first time facing a legitimately competitive FBS offense. The Huskies are unlike anything the ‘Cats have seen this year — not only has QB Will Rogers been slinging it, but bell cow back Jonah Coleman has slashed opponents for 306 rushing yards on just 41 carries. Luckily, Northwestern established a solid offensive rhythm in its win over Eastern Illinois last week. If the ‘Cats can ride Jack Lausch and Cam Porter, they could exploit a Washington defense that relinquishes 122 rushing yards per game. However, the Huskies’ passing prowess will be too much to overcome.
Ascher Levin: Washington 21, Northwestern 14
Northwestern is coming off a comfortable win over Eastern Illinois, but concerns remain. Jack Lausch struggled in the first half, underthrowing and missing receivers, though he improved immensely in the second half. For Northwestern to succeed, Lausch needs to play at a higher level. On the bright side, the Wildcats’ running game has been a strength, led by Cam Porter and a stellar offensive line — four of whom made PFF’s all-Big Ten team for Week 3. Defensively, Northwestern will need a standout performance to slow down Will Rogers, a player Mike Wright knows well from his time as a backup at Mississippi State. The defensive line has been a huge strength for NU, and they’ll have to contain Jonah Coleman to stay in the game. The crowd in Washington will be a significant factor, presenting the ‘Cats with their most challenging environment of the season. While Northwestern’s defense should keep things close, I expect Rogers and the Huskies to do just enough to pull out the win.
Ethan Weinberg: Washington 24, Northwestern 13
Northwestern is traveling a whopping 2,000 miles across the country to play this game. Even with Washington’s significant regression from last season, I think Northwestern will face a lot of trouble playing in one of college football’s toughest environments. Will Rogers has proven to be a steady hand at quarterback for Jedd Fisch’s offense, throwing for over 300 yards and completing nearly 75% of his passes in last week’s loss in the Apple Cup to Washington State. Rogers and his top receiving weapon Giles Jackson might give Northwestern’s secondary a massive headache after what has been a strong start to the season. Combining this offensive explosiveness on Washington’s side with lingering concerns about Jack Lausch and Northwestern’s aerial attack, I think the Huskies get the job done and hand NU its second loss of the season heading into the bye.
Season Standings:
3-0: Adam Beck, Natalie Wells, Ethan Weinberg
2-0: Miguel Muñoz
2-1: Brendan Preisman, Charlie Jacobs, Ascher Levin
1-1: Harris Horowitz