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The Bowl
Page
Created
10/11/00;
Updated 12/27/20
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Depleted 'Cats
Prep for Auburn

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Played January 1, 2021
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Attendance: TBA
Northwestern's 2020 regular season record: 6-1, B1G West Champion. 2020 season record after B1G title game: 6-2.
Coach: Pat Fitzgerald
Captains: 2020 had no season captains; captains were chosen by week. Captains for the Auburn game TBA.
Opponent: Auburn
NU/Auburn series record (prior to bowl): Auburn led, 1-0.
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
F |
NU |
- |
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Auburn |
- |
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2020 Results (6-2; 6-2 B1G)
W |
Maryland |
43-3 |
W |
Iowa* |
21-20
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W
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Nebraska*
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21-13
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W |
Purdue* |
27-20
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W |
Wisconsin* |
17-7
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L |
Michigan State
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20-29
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- |
Minny* (Canceled)
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Dec 5
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W |
Illinois*
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28-10
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L |
OSU - B1G Title
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10-22
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Auburn - Citrus
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Jan 1
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2020 Results (6-4; 6-4 SEC)
W
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Kentucky
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29-13 |
L
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Georgia
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6-27
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W
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Arkansas
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30-28
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L
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S Carolina
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22-30
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W |
Ole Miss
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35-28
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W
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LSU
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48-11 |
W
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Tennessee
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30-17
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L
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Alabama
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13-42
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L
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Texas A&M
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20-31
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W
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Miss. St.
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24-10
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-
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NU - Citrus
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Jan 1
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NU vs. Auburn
The
Wildcats have won three straight bowl games, and they're gunning for
bowl win #4 in a row this Friday, when they take on Auburn, a rematch
of the classic 2010 Outback Bowl. The Outback was the only previous
time that Auburn and Northwestern faced each other in football, and a
win against the Tigers in the Citrus would give NU an even record
against Auburn and move NU's record against the SEC to an impressive
5-2 since that Outback loss.
NU is coming off a valiant 22-10 loss vs. Ohio State in the conference
title game. The 'Cats are saying goodbye to defensive coordinator Mike
Hankwitz, AD Jim Phillips, and a slew of players who are entering the
transfer portal or leaving for the NFL draft. The exodus of key players
on both sides of the ball threatens to be a significant distraction as
the 'Cats prepare for their first Citrus appearance since 1997, but NU
remains a 3.5-point favorite.
In what will be his first (and, possibly, his last) bowl appearance as
a Wildcat, quarterback Peyton Ramsey will lead the NU offense against
an Auburn defense that has been sporadic. At times the Tigers' defense
has clicked, holding LSU to eleven points and tightening up against
Mississippi State; against superior teams like Texas A&M and
Alabama it has been gashed for yards and scores. The Tiger D has
allowed over 25 points a game on average and nearly six yards per play;
opponents are converting 55% of third downs. If the NU offense can get
into a groove, and if Porter can move against the on-again-off-again
Auburn run defense, NU should be able to get a score over 30 points for
the first time since the season opener against Maryland.
On defense, NU will get its biggest challenge of the year, excepting
the loss to the Buckeyes. Still, the Tiger offense has also been
hit-or-miss this season. Auburn's offense resembles the Wildcat teams
of the early 2000s under Coach Walker, a sprinting, hurry-up, no-huddle
system designed to keep opposing defenses winded and on their heels.
What might determine this game, however, is how each team is responding
to the tumult that surrounds both programs right now. For Auburn, the
team is dealing with the firing of head coach Gus Malzahn, who was
given nearly $22 million to take a walk. For Northwestern, the changes
to a normally rock-stable program are legion this month:
- AD Jim Phillips is leaving to take over the ACC
- Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz is retiring
- Greg Newsome II, arguably NU's most ferocious cornerback, has declared for the NFL draft
- Star wide receiver Kyric McGowan has left the team, entering the transfer portal, as have. . .
- . . . fellow wideout Malik Washington,
- . . . standout runningback Isiah Bowser,
- . . . defensive end Eku Leota,
- . . . linebacker Gunner Maldonado,
- . . . defensive back Jeremiah McDonald,
- . . . and legacy runningback Drake Anderson
None
of these players-- many of whom were playmakers for the 'Cats during
the past three seasons-- will suit up in Orlando. And, last but
definitely not least, there is the speculation around Pat Fitzgerald
himself, with rumors swirling that several NFL teams will interview
Fitz after the season. The Wildcats have not had the best luck during
bowl games when their head coach is being interviewed or under
consideration-- see the 1996 Rose Bowl and the last time NU was in the
Citrus Bowl for examples. Unfortunately, the loss of key players and
the uncertainty surrounding the team right now will possibly be too
great a challenge to overcome for NU this year. The team's bowl streak could end this week.
Northwestern Bowl History
Select a link to view details about NU's 15 bowl appearances, bowl records, and other special games.
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