College Football Playoff Rankings Projections 2017: Top 25 for Week 13
By Zach Bigalke
Northwestern pitched its first shutout in over two seasons in a dominant 39-0 victory over Minnesota on Saturday. The No. 23 Wildcats overpowered the visiting Golden Gophers on a Midwestern day marked by cold, rain, and wind in Evanston. With the victory, Pat Fitzgerald’s squad consolidated its spot in the College Football Playoff Top 25.
The win was fueled by 166 rushing yards from Wildcats running back Justin Jackson. Clayton Thorsen had an efficient day passing the ball despite the weather, completing nine of his 13 attempts for only 86 yards but three touchdowns. The Northwestern defense was instrumental as well, holding Minnesota under 200 total yards of offense in the shutout.
Northwestern gets one more chance to bolster its bowl position with a road trip to Illinois next weekend. No matter what, they will be headed to a second straight postseason appearance this year. The Wildcats could ostensibly still reach 10 wins this season if they take down the Illini and win their bowl game.