Northwestern, following the completion of its 10-3 season, fell sharply in both major polls but remained in the Top 25 when the final AP and Coaches Polls were released Tuesday.
After suffering a 45-6 defeat at the hands of Tennessee in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1, the Wildcats fell 10 spots (from No. 12 to No. 22) in the Coaches Poll and 11 spots (from No. 12 to No. 23) in the AP Poll. Despite their big win, the Volunteers did not move from their spot in either poll and stayed at No. 23 in the Coaches Poll and No.