Welcome back to The NorthwesternRoundtable Podcast! In the second installment of the weekly show, host Gavin Dorsey is joined by NorthwesternRoundtable writer Ryan Cole, WNUR Sports Director Ethan Segall and Inside NU Editor in Chief Miguel Muñoz to discuss the first three weeks of Northwestern's 2025 football season.
The Wildcats are 1-2 at the bye week after getting blown out by Tulane, taking care of business against Western Illinois and falling to No. 4 Oregon in their Big Ten opener. While NU's record accurately reflects what oddsmakers and analysts expected at this point of the season, the discouraging way the 'Cats have reached 1-2 has left Northwestern fans disappointed, especially in the offense.
Gavin, Ryan, Ethan and Miguel went in depth about how Northwestern's play on the field has differed from preseason expectations, starting with the underwhelming offense. Among Big Ten teams, the Wildcats rank 17th in scoring, 15th in total offense, 17th in passing offense and 11th in rushing offense. Transfer quarterback Preston Stone has struggled mightily to start his Northwestern career, throwing for 180.3 yards per game, three touchdowns and a conference-leading six interceptions.
The group then talks about players that have surprised them so far this season, both for better and for worse, and explains how the 'Cats can bounce back and find their identity over the final nine games.
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Northwestern Quarter-Season Review: Too Early to Panic?
The NorthwesternRoundtable Podcast · Episode
Northwestern has its next opportunity to rebound and return to the win column on Saturday, September 27. The 'Cats are set to host 0-3 UCLA, which recently fired head coach DeShaun Foster and mutually parted ways with defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. NU's contest against the Bruins is slated for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
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