Did a quick run through of the rest of Northwestern's schedule, and I think I found an optimistic but realistic route where the Wildcats can end up 19-12 with a 10-10 Big Ten record. A solid Big Ten tournament performance that puts them at 20-13 or 21-13 should have them firmly on the bubble. Northwestern doesn't have the same brand equity, but Michigan got in at 17-14, 11-9 Big Ten last season, I think the Wildcats could put themselves in a similar position with a slightly stronger non-con resume and a slightly weaker Big Ten resume.
Wins: Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, @ Maryland, Penn State, @ Rutgers
Losses: @ Iowa, Wisconsin, @ Wisconsin, @ OSU, Purdue, Indiana, @ Illinois
I think it's going to come down to if the Wildcats can keep the long view, or if they let some of their tougher conference stretches wear them down and drop winnable games. I think they're going to struggle with two four-game losing streaks, but there is light at the end of the tunnel of each.
Especially right now, this team has to keep its head up even if it loses to Iowa and Wisconsin the next two games and take care of business against Nebraska and Minnesota to set up revenge against Michigan. Same goes for the four game stretch after that. I don't think I see a win in the stretch of at Wisconsin, at Ohio State, Purdue and Indiana, but they have to stay motivated because I think they can win four of their last five or even win out.
Wins: Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, @ Maryland, Penn State, @ Rutgers
Losses: @ Iowa, Wisconsin, @ Wisconsin, @ OSU, Purdue, Indiana, @ Illinois
I think it's going to come down to if the Wildcats can keep the long view, or if they let some of their tougher conference stretches wear them down and drop winnable games. I think they're going to struggle with two four-game losing streaks, but there is light at the end of the tunnel of each.
Especially right now, this team has to keep its head up even if it loses to Iowa and Wisconsin the next two games and take care of business against Nebraska and Minnesota to set up revenge against Michigan. Same goes for the four game stretch after that. I don't think I see a win in the stretch of at Wisconsin, at Ohio State, Purdue and Indiana, but they have to stay motivated because I think they can win four of their last five or even win out.