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Big Ten Week 1 Power Rankings: Illinois Makes Strong Opening Claim

By Noah Strackbein

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Sep 3, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) drops back to pass against the Western Michigan Broncos during the third quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) drops back to pass against the Western Michigan Broncos during the third quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 13 Northwestern

Week 1 result – 22-21 loss to Western Michigan

Northwestern should have started their 2016 campaign on a better note. An early season loss to Western Michigan does not look good for a team that was ranked at one point last year.

Devastating mistakes killed the Wildcat’s chances throughout the game. Turnovers will need to be the biggest concern moving forward if they want to bounce back from this early season loss.

This team had every opportunity to make a splash in the Big Ten this season, and really make a run in the top 25. Once again, they’ve shown that they can’t escape being a middle of the run team, and it will hurt them for the rest of the year.

This doesn’t mean Northwestern will stay at the bottom of the Big Ten all season. But with the talent in the Big Ten, they’re chances are a lot smaller now that they have an L on their resume.

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