Northwestern listed Jared McGee, typically a safety, as the starting Sam linebacker in the two-deep for the Holiday Bowl.
With Nate Hall out, many expected Chris Bergin — who filled in well at linebacker in the Michigan State game and for parts of other games — to take Hall’s place, but it looks as if McGee will initially be tasked with filling that void.
Travis Whillock has come on down the stretch for the Wildcats’ defense, and head coach Pat Fitzgerald frequently says he “reserves the right to play the best 11 players at any given time.