Obviously, after last season's debacle, reaching a bowl game constitutes a successful 2025 season for Northwestern. Still, I can't help but feel like the Wildcats could've ended up in a better postseason spot than the GameAbove Sports Bowl in Detroit.

Take a look at these resumés among Big Ten teams:

Northwestern: 6-6 (4-5 B1G)
Beat Penn State and Minnesota, Lost to Nebraska
GameAbove Sports Bowl vs. 7-5 Central Michigan in Detroit, Michigan

Minnesota: 7-5 (5-4 B1G)
Beat Nebraska, Lost to Northwestern
Rate Bowl vs. 9-3 New Mexico in Phoenix, Arizona

Penn State: 6-6 (3-6 B1G)
Beat Nebraska, Lost to Northwestern
Pinstripe Bowl vs. 7-5 Clemson in Bronx, New York

Nebraska: 7-5 (4-5 B1G)
Beat Northwestern, Lost to Minnesota and Penn State
Las Vegas Bowl vs. 10-2 Utah in Las Vegas, Nevada

I'm not saying Northwestern deserved a better bowl game than Nebraska, which it lost to, but the Penn State decision is puzzling. The two teams have the same record, NU has a better conference record and beat the Nittany Lions head-to-head.

I suppose the fact that Northwestern is closer to Detroit and Penn State is closer to New York City likely played a big factor, but let's be real. The year is 2025 — Big Ten teams can fly across the country for a better bowl game if they deserve it.

Do you agree that Northwestern was snubbed? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!