After notching its first win in Madison in 15 years, Northwestern is continuing its upward trend in the bowl projections. With Michigan State upsetting Ohio State, a New Year's Six Bowl appearance is essentially out of the question. But a berth in the Outback Bowl—against an SEC opponent—is becoming more and more likely, as reflected by the near-unanimity below.
Barring a loss to Illinois, you can reasonably expect to see Northwestern playing on January 1st in Tampa—a game that would deliver a solid boost to recruiting by increasing the program's upward-trending national exposure.
Jason Kirk: Outback Bowl vs.