They lose just as regularly
10-6 vs Iowa since 2005.
Their fan base has gone from denial to anger to acceptance.
That being said, they are the favorite in the match-up this season, but wouldn't be surprised if the Cats win.
There seems to be a narrative out there about Northwestern as if they compete for the division championship every year. Fitz is indeed a great coach, but the way they recruit means they have to develop their teams to compete around experienced 3rd, 4th, and even 5th year upperclassmen.
Last season was a prime example as the ESPN SP+ had Northwestern as the most experienced team in the Big Ten and one of top 5 oldest teams in all of college football. 17 of those starters are gone from that team including 6 players on the defensive front 7 who started more than 150 combined games.
REAL history illustrates that Northwestern often has a sub .500 to .500 season anytime they have to rebuild their roster like the present.
See 2019, 2016, 2014, and 2013.
2019 was pretty much due to the mess at the QB position
Hunter Johnson was not ready (confused by the crappy scheme the previous OC ran) and the guy who should have been the starter - TJ Green got hurt in the 1st game and was lost for the season.
The defense was still very good, so with just an average QB, would have finished at least .500.
The 2013 and 2014 teams were riddled by injuries.
That 2014 team still beat Penn State, Wisky and ND, and should've beat Michigan if not for the inept OC.
Would have beaten Illinois (despite a depleted roster) and made it to a bowl game if Siemian hadn't torn his ACL against Purdue (due to a stupid call by said OC).
While the Cats have lost a good amount of experience, it has been said that many of their most physically talented players are the younger ones on the team.
They do get back one of their best edge rushers who had opted out last season (last season, lost 4 of their best players - 3 opted out and 1 transferred).
Biggest ? on D is at LB; have talent, but only 1 returning starter/player with a good bit of experience.
The biggest ? on O that many will point out is at QB, but think between the SC transfer (11 starts as a frosh) and HJ possibly getting it together, the drop off won't be as big.
Bigger ? is the TE position.
Should finally see the young talent at WR and for once in what seems like ages, the Cats are building what should be an above O-line (more 2022 than 2021).
Even if the Cats lose against Wisky and Iowa, should still be a battle.
Should have the pieces in place for 2022.
For the next stretch, may finally see an O that can carry its own weight.