With the dumpster fire that was Northwestern’s 2021 season in rear view, we take a look at how each of the position groups performed in the 3-9 season. Next up: the defensive line.

Overall Grade: C-

Like most position groups, this one failed to meet expectations.

Northwestern’s rushing defense was abhorrent from the first snap of the season, when Kenneth Walker III rushed for a 75-yard touchdown. He finished that game with 264 rushing yards and Northwestern’s defensive line’s lack of containment on the edge against MSU turned into a recurring theme throughout the season.