Northwestern bowl projection roundup, preseason edition

Last year, Northwestern proved doubters wrong by grinding out 10 wins and earning a trip to the Outback Bowl. Many experts, including Sports Illustrated’s Zach Ellis, had the Wildcats missing the postseason altogether. Pat Fitzgerald’s team has a bit more respect this season, maybe not even as much as they deserve. Here are the possible destinations for the Wildcats in 2016 in the way-too-early predictions.

SB Nation

Jason Kirk: Independence Bowl vs. Mississippi State, Dec. 26

ESPN

Mark Schlabach: Holiday Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 27

Brett McMurphy: QuickLane Bowl vs. NC State, Dec. 26

CBS Sports

Jerry Palm: Foster Farms Bowl vs. USC, Dec. 28

FOX Sports

Stewart Mandel: Foster Farms Bowl vs. Washington State, Dec. 28

(NOTE: Ellis is yet to post his predictions for 2016)