Could Northwestern's road slate keep them from returning to a bowl?

By foxsports
Published

The Northwestern Wildcats are trying to return to a bowl game in 2015 after missing post-season play each of the last two seasons. Pat Fitzgerald has stated that they want to get back to playing "Wildcats football" which is tough, physical, and in your face.

That may prove to be a difficult task though with the difficult road slate they will play this season. Athlon Sports has Northwestern rated as having the third hardest road schedule in the conference:

"They'll first travel to Durham, N.C., to play what has become a very respectable Duke program. In conference, they'll play at Michigan, at Wisconsin and at Nebraska in what is quickly becoming a heated rivalry. They'll wrap up the season at Soldier Field against Illinois. Northwestern will have less distance to travel in that one, but it'll be anything but a home game." 

Making this tougher on the 'Cats will be that the team is breaking in a new starting quarterback this season. If Fitzgerald can navigate these games on the road, he just may deserve a raise.

(h/t Athlon Sports)

Photo Credit: Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports