Eric Boggs
The 2023 season marked a pivotal moment for Northwestern football, rejuvenating a program that had been struggling for years. Under the leadership of head coach David Braun, the Wildcats exceeded expectations, bringing a wave of optimism into the 2024 season. While fans are excited about the potential for continued success, there are realistic challenges ahead. As Northwestern prepares for the new season, the team’s performance will hinge on several key factors, including leadership, new faces, and the ability to navigate a tough schedule.
The Braun Effect
David Braun’s arrival at Northwestern has been transformative. Coming from North Dakota State, Braun was initially hired as the defensive coordinator but quickly took over as head coach amid a challenging environment. His impact was immediate, energizing the program and instilling a new sense of adaptability. Braun’s coaching philosophy focuses on flexibility, particularly on defense, where he implemented innovative schemes that played to the strengths of his players. The defensive line, once a weakness, emerged as a strength under his guidance. Braun’s success is a testament to both his coaching skills and the players’ willingness to embrace his vision.
Key Departures and New Faces
Northwestern faces significant changes heading into the 2024 season. The most notable departure is quarterback Ben Bryant, who was instrumental in stabilizing the offense last year. With Bryant gone and backup Brendan Sullivan transferring to Iowa, the Wildcats are essentially starting over at quarterback. The offensive line, which struggled last season, also faces a major overhaul. Despite the challenges, there is hope with the addition of USC transfer Cooper Lovelace and the return of key skill players like wide receiver AJ Henning and running back Cam Porter.
Offensive coordinator Zach Lujan, who joined from South Dakota State, brings a new offensive scheme focused on creative and deceptive running attacks. The competition between new quarterback Mike Wright, a transfer from Vanderbilt via Mississippi State, and sophomore Jack Lausch will be key to the Wildcats’ success. Both quarterbacks are dual-threats, fitting well into Lujan’s system, which emphasizes mobility and versatility.
Defensive Outlook
Defensively, Northwestern’s strength lies in its defensive line, a unit that dominated in their bowl game victory over Utah. Nearly the entire three-deep defensive line returns, bringing experience and depth. This continuity should allow the Wildcats to control the line of scrimmage, especially early in the season. However, the secondary is a concern, particularly at cornerback, where the loss of Garnett Hollis Jr. leaves a green unit with little starting experience. The safety duo of Coco Asma and Devin Turner provides some stability, but the corners will need to step up quickly.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The running back room is undoubtedly the strongest unit on the team, featuring a blend of experience, speed, and versatility. This group will be the cornerstone of Northwestern’s offensive strategy. On the flip side, the offensive line remains the biggest weakness. With minimal continuity and a lack of proven players, this unit will need to gel quickly to keep the offense moving.
Schedule Breakdown
Northwestern’s 2024 schedule presents both opportunities and challenges. The season opener against Miami (OH) is a tricky matchup, followed by a winnable game against a rebuilding Duke team. A road trip to Washington will be tough, but the Wildcats could surprise if they catch Washington during its transition. The Big Ten schedule, as always, is daunting, with games against Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ohio State. The rivalry game against Illinois will be a key test, especially after Northwestern reclaimed bragging rights last year.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 season is a crucial one for Northwestern football. With David Braun at the helm and a roster that believes in his system, the Wildcats have the potential to build on last year’s success. However, the team must overcome significant challenges, including a reworked offensive line and an inexperienced secondary. If the Wildcats can find consistency and avoid the pitfalls of previous seasons, they could be one of the Big Ten’s surprise teams in 2024. While a Big Ten title may be out of reach, a second consecutive successful season and a bowl game appearance are well within their grasp.
