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 specialists.

Overall Grade: C

One of the catalysts for Northwestern’s unparalleled success in 2020 was the play of its special teams unit, a bunch that fared consistently well and was buoyed by Charlie Kuhbander and Derek Adams. Although Kuhbander and Adams both manned their kicking and punting positions, respectively, 2021 took a significant detour.

Kuhbander did little to lift a flailing football team, as his multiplicity of missed kicks killed off promising drives and exacerbated low point totals.