Northwestern is eagerly looking forward to 2016.
That's because the Wildcats are aiming to start next year by playing in a high-profile bowl game. To get there, though, they must put themselves in position to do so starting with Saturday's home game against lowly Purdue.
Third in the Big Ten's West Division, No. 24 Northwestern (7-2, 3-2) would have to win out and get help to reach the conference title game, but a strong finish would let the Wildcats gain ground in the College Football Playoff rankings and possibly realize their goal of a January finale.