Selection Snapshot: Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern’s had a dream season by many accounts, finishing with their second nine-win season since 2008. Perhaps even more impressive is that the Wildcats led in the fourth quarter of all three losses. A bowl victory would give Northwestern a 10-win season for the first time since appearing in the 1996 Rose Bowl.

Record: 9-3

Record vs. Bowl-Eligible Teams (6-6 or better): 4-3

Key Wins: vs. Vanderbilt (23-13), @ Michigan State (23-20)

Key Losses: vs. Nebraska (29-28), @ Michigan (38-31 OT)

Last Bowl Appearance: 2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas vs. Texas A&M

Last Orlando Bowl Appearance: 1997 Florida Citrus Bowl vs.Tennessee

Top Players:

• Venric Mark, RB: 2,048 all-purpose yards (#1 in Big Ten)1,310 yards rushing (#3 in Big Ten), top punt returner in Big Ten (20.14 yards per return, two touchdowns)
• Kain Colter, QB: 1,785 total yards (passing, rushing,receiving); 20 total touchdowns (passing and rushing)
• Tyler Scott, DL: 7 sacks (#4 in Big Ten), 3 forced fumbles(#3 in Big Ten)
• Jeff Budzien, K: 17/18 FG made (#1 in Big Ten), 46/46 PAT made (#1 in Big Ten)

Series Records vs. Possible Opponents:

vs. Alabama: No previous meetings

vs. Georgia: No previous meetings

vs. LSU: No previous meetings

vs. South Carolina: 1-0, last meeting 9/22/1962 — win 37-20
vs. Texas A&M: 0-1, last meeting 12/31/2011 — lost 33-22 (Meineke CarCare Bowl of Texas)