21 For 2021 College Football Topics, No. 18: Teams That Will Take A Wee Step Back

21 for 2021 College Football Topics, No. 18: Five teams that should have worse seasons in 2021 after a fantastic 2020.

2. Northwestern Wildcats

2020 FInal RankingS
AP 10, Coaches 10
Final Record: 7-2

What Made 2020 Special? 

The team really was that good.

The defense really was that good. The style of play really was that good. QB Peyton Ramsey was good enough, the lines were terrific, and the team had a way of controlling just about every game.

The offense that did a whole lot of nothing in 2019 came out roaring in a 43-3 win over Maryland, the team pulled out a late win over Iowa, and it just kept on winning, including a five-takeaway win over a Wisconsin team that couldn’t get out of its own way.

It’s Northwestern, and it got to the Big Ten Championship for the second time in three seasons, and it finished up with a Citrus Bowl win over Auburn.

Yeah, Northwestern really was that good.

Why 2021 Will Be A Bit Worse: Returning Talent

Ramsey isn’t around, but South Carolina transfer Ryan Hilinski might be an upgrade at quarterback.

Cam Porter looks like a potentially special running back, but the team lost some parts to the transfer portal. Most of the top receivers are gone along with a few offensive linemen, and while Chris Bergin is back in the linebacking corps, Paddy Fisher and Blake Gallagher will be sorely missed.

Toughest of all might be the loss of retired defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz. Of course, Pat Fitzgerald isn’t about to let his defense slip, but …

Why 2021 Will Be A Bit Worse: Schedule 
2021 Northwestern Football Schedule Analysis

The schedule should be more challenging.

There’s still no Ohio State on the regular season slate, but the Wildcats have to go play an improved Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Wisconsin game is in Camp Randall, and going to Nebraska won’t be a breeze.

Overall, the team will be just fine. It’ll go bowling, and it’ll have a few moments when it does that voodoo that it does so well to pull off a big win or three, but – like in the loss to Michigan State last year – there will be just enough losses to not take the West.

At this point, not going to the Big Ten Championship is a step back.

NEXT: Notre Dame Fighting Irish