The Michigan State Spartans open the 2021 season in Evanston against the Northwestern Wildcats on Friday. As such, our opponent preview series now takes a look at Northwestern — the reigning Big Ten West champions. The Spartans stunned the Wildcats last season. Can it happen again?
To help us learn more about Northwestern is Ben Chasen, co-managing editor of Inside NU — SB Nation’s quintessential website for all things Northwestern. Ben has provided his thoughts, analysis and opinions about what the Wildcats bring to the table in 2021.
Here is what to know about Northwestern, according to Ben:
List your team’s key departures:
- Eku Leota, defensive end, main disrupter on the defensive line in 2020 (transferred to Auburn)
- Greg Newsome II, cornerback, was an All-American in 2020, drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Browns
- Paddy Fisher, linebacker, three-year captain and major defensive contributor
- Blake Gallagher, linebacker, Fisher’s right-hand man and multi-year starter
- Peyton Ramsey, quarterback, former grad-transfer from Indiana who rejuvenated offense and led team to Big Ten West and Citrus Bowl titles
- Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, wide receiver, 2020 receiving leader
- Riley Lees, wide receiver, 2019 receiving leader and kick returner
- JR Pace, safety, multi-year starter and leader of the defensive backfield
- Gunnar Vogel, offensive lineman, multi-year starter at various positions on the line
- Earnest Brown IV, defensive end, multi-year starter on defensive line, drafted in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Rams
List your team’s key returnees:
- Brandon Joseph, safety, FBS co-leader in INTs in 2020 and first-team All-American
- Chris Bergin, linebacker, last remaining piece of “Irish Law Firm” linebacking corps that has been the heart and soul of NU’s defense in recent years
- Hunter Johnson, quarterback, former five-star recruit who, after transferring from Clemson, started in 2019 to disastrous results before injury, served as backup in 2020, was named starter for season opener
- Peter Skoronski, offensive tackle, former five-star recruit who filled Rashawn Slater’s shoes admirably and anchored the line in 2020, big expectations for the remainder of his NU career
- Adetomiwa Adebawore, defensive end, showed flashes of greatness in 2020 and has apparently performed very well in camp
- Evan Hull, running back, has contributed significantly on occasion during his first two years in Evanston, but never has been a major piece of the offense, forced into prominent role due to the season-ending injury Cam Porter suffered in camp
- AJ Hampton, cornerback, most experienced cornerback who will bear the weight of replacing Newsome
- Samdup Miller, defensive end, multi-year starter who opted out of the 2020 season but is returning for one last year with the Wildcats
List a few true freshmen or transfers that will make an instant impact:
- Andrew Clair, running back, transfer from Bowling Green, speediest guy in a backfield that will likely operate by committee
- Anthony Tyus, running back, true freshman who is more of a power back than anyone in the aforementioned backfield
- Stephon Robinson Jr.