You Read It Here First....

[NJCat]

Under the radar teams to make the CFP:

Northwestern

1. 
   
   
   
   Reasons for hope: Justin Jackson is a dependable running back, and Clayton Thorson put together an encouraging sophomore year following a slow September. The defense—despite losing Ifeadi Odenigbo and Anthony Walker Jr.—should also improve thanks to a collection of returning starters and experienced reserves.
   
   Biggest obstacles: What is the offense's upside? Northwestern was no better than average at creating 10-, 20- or 30-yard gains and well below average at anything beyond that. The 'Cats averaged 36.9 points in seven wins and 13.3 over six losses. Dropping five games when allowing 24 points or less must have been extremely frustrating, and there's no guarantee that trend changes in 2017.
   
   CFP chances: For a program that's never won more than 10 regular-season games, the CFP is a super-extra lofty goal. But if Northwestern navigates a soft nonconference slate, clips Wisconsin on the road and stuns Penn State on homecoming, the schedule eases up significantly. This is a "keep them in the back of your mind" team.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...dium=newsletter&utm_campaign=college-football

1. 
   

 

[Hungry Jack]

If they somehow with the B1G, it's a real possibility. And if they do win the B1G, it likely means they beat Wisc, PSU and OSU or Michigan. That's a good resume, assuming they did not flop on the OOC games.

If it gets to that point, its NU vs. some other conference champ to get that last spot. Seems a fair bet to say that the SEC champ will get a bid.Is USC is the clear favorite in the PAC12 and they stumble, it opens the door more for NU.

 

[Deeringfish]

If they somehow with the B1G, it's a real possibility. And if they do win the B1G, it likely means they beat Wisc, PSU and OSU or Michigan. That's a good resume, assuming they did not flop on the OOC games.

If it gets to that point, its NU vs. some other conference champ to get that last spot. Seems a fair bet to say that the SEC champ will get a bid.Is USC is the clear favorite in the PAC12 and they stumble, it opens the door more for NU.

If they flop in the OCC games it is unlikely they will beat the high profile B1G Teams you mentioned.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

CFP chances: For a program that's never won more than 10 regular-season games, the CFP is a super-extra lofty goal. But if Northwestern navigates a soft nonconference slate, clips Wisconsin on the road and stuns Penn State on homecoming, the schedule eases up significantly. This is a "keep them in the back of your mind" team.

Now that today's arthroscopic surgery went well, maybe I ought to get serious about booking a ticket for homecoming weekend to add some Alaska Karma. I didn't realize that a win against Penn State would be an upset.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Wow, chalk this one up as optimistic post of the decade.

 

[GlideCat]

Under the radar teams to make the CFP:

Northwestern

I remember that we were on one of these dark-horse-for-the-playoffs lists last year. Of course, we were coming off a 10 win season. If we are undefeated after PSU, there will be a lot more talk like this. But right now, I am more worried about being undefeated after Nevada.

 

[Deeringfish]

I remember that we were on one of these dark-horse-for-the-playoffs lists last year. Of course, we were coming off a 10 win season. If we are undefeated after PSU, there will be a lot more talk like this. But right now, I am more worried about being undefeated after Nevada.

No Kidding

 

[NJCat]

No Kidding

"Expect Victory!!"

 

[Katatonic]

Only hope of that happening is if the O-line suddenly becomes one of the better units in the B1G, but can't see that happening.


From the Trib's B1G W preview -

Northwestern
2016: 7-6, 5-4 Big Ten, tied for fourth in West.

Reason to believe: A strong nucleus returns, led by All-Big Ten tailback Justin Jackson and safety Godwin Igwebuike. Quarterback Clayton Thorson got offseason tips from the Manning brothers. And the Wildcats are still salty about their brutal start in 2016 — home losses to Western Michigan and Illinois State.

Reason for doubt: The offensive line remains a work in progress, seemingly forever. Last season the group gave up 39 sacks, second-most in the conference.

Big hole to fill: Linebacker Anthony Walker figures to be the better pro, but NU's biggest loss was receiver Austin Carr. He posted triple crown numbers, leading the Big Ten in catches, receiving yards and TD catches.

Breakout player: At least one receiver will emerge. Will it be Libertyville alumnus Riley Lees? The 6-foot-4 Charlie Fessler? We'll go with graduate transfer Jalen Brown, who got on the field for 13 games as a redshirt freshman at Oregon in 2015.

Season is a success if … The Wildcats win the Big Ten West. The problem: They probably have to beat Wisconsin on Sept. 30 at Camp Randall Stadium.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...st-team-previews-spt-0821-20170820-story.html