Northwestern Wildcats
Big Ten program. Pat Fitzgerald was the head coach for ~17 years before being fired in the wake of the hazing scandal (with later legal vindication). Went 4-20 in his final two seasons. Fitzgerald is the recurring reference point for the "safe hire" critique. New stadium (new Ryan Field) is the program's notable 2026 storyline.
Current Show Posture
As of 2026-10-04:
Northwestern moved from a possible Big Ten nuisance to a team the hosts had to recalibrate after its 34–13 win over Penn State at the new stadium. The show credits real improvement under David Braun, especially on offense, and says Penn State was beaten by the better team that night. The next test is whether those advantages repeat away from the emotional home opener.
Episode Appearances
- 2026-10-04 Week 5 Recap - Missouri’s Statement and Northwestern’s Rise — The Week 5 recap cautions against drawing sweeping conclusions while beginning with Missouri’s statement result and the challenge of evaluating Northwestern as it improves.
- 2026-04-09 CFB Masters - Elite Coaches, QBs, Losers, and Schedule Gauntlets — Elite Loser of the Year (2025) reference
- 2026-04-16 Typotheticals - Season Scenario Vibe Checks
- 2026-05-07 May Q&A Part 2 — Pat Fitzgerald's prior program
- 2026-09-30 Week 5 Picks - Alabama-Mississippi State and the SEC Slate — The hosts agree Northwestern has become a difficult out, but the Penn State pick is debated because on-field development and roster talent point in different directions.
Running Takes
- 2026-10-04: 2026-10-04 Northwestern has become a team the show needs to recalibrate around — Northwestern has become a team the show needs to recalibrate around.
- 2026-05-07: 2026-05-07 Pat Fitzgerald to Michigan State Is a Stupid Hire
- 2026-04-09: 2026-04-09 Biggest Losers of the 2025 Cycle Include Florida State — adjacent: Northwestern in the Elite Losers Club discussion
- 2026-09-30: 2026-09-30 Northwestern can be a Big Ten nuisance and still face a Penn State talent gap — The hosts agree Northwestern has become a difficult out, but the Penn State pick is debated because on-field development and roster talent point in different directions.
- 2026-10-04: 2026-10-04 Northwestern’s Penn State win demands a full recalibration — At the new stadium, Northwestern beat Penn State and made the hosts revisit their preseason hierarchy rather than dismiss the result as an isolated surprise.
2026 Big Ten Preview Cycle
- 2026-08-06: 2026-08-06 Northwestern and Michigan State Need Coherent New Offenses — Chip Kelly needs to stabilize a difficult schedule around Aidan Chiles and line uncertainty.
- 2026-08-02 Big Ten Preview Part 1 - Contender Tiers, The Big Three, Sweet Lady Schedule
- 2026-08-06 Big Ten Preview Part 3 - USC, Michigan, Penn State and Dubious Beef