Jared McGee listed as starting linebacker in Northwestern two-deep

Northwestern listed Jared McGee, typically a safety, as the starting Sam linebacker in the two-deep for the Holiday Bowl.

With Nate Hall out, many expected Chris Bergin — who filled in well at linebacker in the Michigan State game and for parts of other games — to take Hall’s place, but it looks as if McGee will initially be tasked with filling that void.

Travis Whillock has come on down the stretch for the Wildcats’ defense, and head coach Pat Fitzgerald frequently says he “reserves the right to play the best 11 players at any given time.” Playing McGee at linebacker, and not Bergin, likely says more about Whillock’s play than Bergin’s; Bergin should still see snaps at linebacker in certain situations, though.

In other news on the two-deep, Montre Hartage is still listed as a starting cornerback, and the “OR” is back: Trae Williams OR Alonzo Mayo are listed as the other starting cornerback opposite Hartage.

Alex Miller is listed as a starting defensive tackle in the place of Jordon Thompson, who will miss the Holiday Bowl.

At kicker, Charlie Kuhbander is listed as the starter, and Drew Luckenbaugh is listed as the backup.