Aug 303 min read

Northwestern Wildcats Look to Pounce on Surprising RedHawks

Big Ten Member Northwestern — © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Northwestern University Wildcats of the Big Ten Conference begin their 2024 campaign against the defending Mid-Atlantic Conference champion Miami of Ohio RedHawks. The teams meet at 3:30 p.m. EST on Aug. 31 in Evanston, Ill.

The Stakes

The Wildcats finished last season 8-5, capping off a solid year with a win over the Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl. Northwestern will enter the 2024 season under second-year head coach David Braun who took over the program with an interim tag last July. However, following the 2023 season, Braun was named the consensus Big Ten Head Coach of the Year and rhe inaugural Paul “Bear” Bryant Newcomer Coach of The Year. He led the Wildcats to a win total seven games greater than that attained in the 2022 season. Momentum is building for this program coming into the 2024 season but opening week poses a tough challenge against MAC champions Miami of Ohio coming off an 11-1 season.

The RedHawks come into the year fresh off an 11-3 season that saw them lift some hardware with the MAC championship, defeating Toledo 23-14 at Ford Field. Chuck Martin enters his 11th season leading the program and has built it up from the bottom of the MAC to conference champions.

Key Players: Northwestern Wildcats

Mike Wright, Quarterback: Mississippi State transfer QB Mike Wright will be leading the Wildcats offense. The veteran QB has over 400 pass attempts in the SEC, the majority of which were thrown for the Commodores of Vanderbilt. Wright brings a dual-threat presence to Northwestern, with 1,200 rushing yards and 10 career rushing touchdowns under his belt.

Cam Porter, Running Back: The senior back returns to lead the charge in the run game for the Wildcats. In 2023, Porter led the team with 651 rushing yards and added 121 receiving yards. Northwestern will look to Porter plenty this year, and given Wright's mobility, expectations of this duo are high.

This offensive unit for the Wildcats needs to lead the way to victory. In addition to the prolific pair of Wright and Porter, Northwestern has a solid wide receiver room.

Key Players: Miami Ohio RedHawks

Brett Gabbert, Quarterback: Gabbert started as a true freshman at Miami of Ohio back in 2019. The younger brother of NFL QB and top 10 pick Blaine Gabbert, he has 952 career attempts and 59 touchdowns coming into his final season leading the RedHawks. The veteran QB will look to take his team to another championship in his final season and he brings plenty of experience to get the job after missing most of last year with an injury.

Matt Salopek, Linebacker: Returning for his sixth year at Miami of Ohio, Salopek is the unquestioned leader of the RedHawks defense that ranked eighth in the FBS in points allowed per game a season ago. Just 8 tackles shy of 400, Salopek is a three-time All-MAC member and the 2023 MAC Defensive Player of The Year.

Miami needs to come into this one with efficient play. Given the RedHawks' experience at the quarterback position, combined with Northwestern losing many key parts from that defensive backfield, Miami should be able to move the ball. Ball control will be key for Miami of Ohio.