What is Northwestern's Best Path to a Bowl Game After Loss to Nebraska?

Ryan Cole

Oct 27, 2025, 21:45

Ryan Cole

Oct 27, 2025, 21:45

Updated at: Oct 27, 2025, 21:45

After losing to Nebraska, Northwestern still needs one more victory to play in a bowl game. What is their best path?

Northwestern had a golden opportunity on Saturday to lock up a bowl game appearance on the road against a stumbling Nebraska team. It didn't take advantage.

While the 'Cats played competitive football and only lost 28-21, the defense wasn't nearly as good as it's been in recent weeks, and Preston Stone didn't play well enough to mount a comeback.

The defense, which pitched a shut out two weeks ago against Purdue, allowed 155 yards on the ground and 141 through the air. It wasn't a disastrous performance, but it's becoming clear that Northwestern needs to play strong defense to beat good teams.

The other key for the 'Cats has been controlling possession and pounding the rock. Caleb Komolafe finished with 125 yards rushing on the day, and the offensive line continued to look like a strength. But Stone's two interceptions gave the 'Huskers too many opportunities.

Everything added up to a competitive loss that, while not disastrous by any stretch of the margin, would have been nice to win.

Northwestern is now 5-3 with four games remaining on the regular season schedule. It needs just one more victory to guarantee a spot in a bowl game. Nebraska was likely one of its best chances, but there are other opportunities.

Next week, NU travels west to play No. 23 USC. It's arguably the least likely win remaining, but there's always a chance. This isn't a perfect USC team, but quarterback Jayden Maiava and his 15-4 TD-INT ratio are a big problem. It's probably going to take winning the turnover battle to pull off the upset.

After USC, Northwestern comes "home" to play No. 21 Michigan at Wrigley Field. This isn't the same Michigan team that won the National Championship two years ago, but the lack of a true home field advantage looms large. Wrigley will be 80% Wolverine fans, many of them Chicago residents, and that's the unfortunate reality for a private school without a permanent stadium.

Then comes by far the 'Cats' best chance against Minnesota at Wrigley. The Golden Gophers won't have the same level of crowd support (though it will still be significant), and they're probably the worst team remaining on the schedule.

Barring an upset, Northwestern has to have that game. Otherwise, it will be staring down the barrel of an ugly collapse after midseason highs.

Then again, I think its second best shot comes at Illinois in the final game of the season. The Illini have been ranked at different points throughout the year, but rivalry games are weird. Potentially with a bowl game on the line, I think David Braun will get his players up for this one in pursuit of "the hat" trophy.

What is Northwestern's Best Path to a Bowl Game After Loss to Nebraska?