Northwestern's 2015 home football schedule wrapped up last Saturday, and the final 2015 home attendance numbers are in. They aren't the best news for NU.

The Wildcats' home average attendance fell 14% from last year, from 38,613 to 33,366. 2014's average, despite being a decline from the previous year as well, was still ranked 59th in the nation, NU's highest ranking since the 1990s. The 2015 average attendance will likely put NU around 65th in the FBS at year's end. More of a direct concern, however, is Ryan Field's attendance as a percent of stadium capacity. In 2015, the stadium averaged 71% capacity, which puts NU 88th in the FBS.

There are likely several reasons for the drop in 2015. While NU's non-conference schedule did feature Stanford, it was the only "Power 5" opponent, and NU's slate still included an FCS opponent. The Big Ten home slate did not include Ohio State or Michigan, nor-- perhaps most critically-- did it include Nebraska. There is speculation that local Nebraska fans purchase NU season tickets during the years that Nebraska is playing at Ryan Field, in order to obtain the seats for the 'Husker game.

Without those programs visiting Ryan Field, Northwestern was left without a sold out game this year, for the first time since 2009. The headline game for 2015, the homecoming game vs. Iowa, had an announced attendance of 44,135. At no time did all of the tarps come off of the northeast stands.

Part of the issue, of course, is Northwestern's on-field performance in the second half of 2013 and during 2014. Without a bowl season since 2012, local interest waned. While the 'Cats are 8-2 so far this year and have enjoyed a much-improved season, it usually takes a season to have performance affect attendance. NU will have to wait until at least next year to see this renewed success translate into bottoms in seats. A strong finish to 2015, including a bowl win, will likely combine with the return of the Nebraska game to boost NU's home attendance in 2016.

For NU's updated annual attendance numbers, click here...