Can Northwestern football be respectable in 2023?
By Dante Pryor
How will Northwestern score points this fall?
Northwestern’s offensive success always relied on a tight margin for error. Their goal was simple, do the little things right by playing disciplined, fundamental football. They played field position, committed few penalties, did not turn the ball over, and won time of possession.
However, in the last few years, they’ve turned the ball over more, committed more penalties, and have not had a long-term, productive quarterback since Clayton Thorson. Last season’s quarterback, Ryan Hilinski, completed 55 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Cincinnati transfer Ben Bryant is likely to take the helm at quarterback this year, with Brendan Sullivan as the quarterback of the future. With last season’s three leading receivers gone, Michigan transfer AJ Henning and Arizona State transfer Cam Johnson lead a revamped receiver room.
Even with the new additions, Northwestern needs to find some semblance of a vertical passing game after finishing 118th in yards per completion.
If the Wildcats hope to make any noise in the Big Ten this fall, running back Cam Porter needs to have a Kenneth Walker-like season at running back. Porter is the best offensive option the Wildcats have.
He’ll be running behind a solid offensive line, despite losing Peter Skoronski and other key pieces.