Clayton Thorson

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2017, file photo, Wisconsin's Isaiahh Loudermilk (97) and Leon Jacobs celebrate after a sack of Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin traditionally wins games primarily because of its running game and defense. Now that Jonathan Taylor has moved on to the NFL, that would seem to put more pressure on the defense to carry the load as the Badgers’ offense adjusts to life without the two-time Doak Walker Award winner. The defense looks forward to that challenge. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

Northwestern at Wisconsin 9/30/2017

Oct. 19, 2020 05:11 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, Clemson quarterback Hunter Johnson celebrates after throwing a touchdown against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Clemson, S.C. Northwestern must replace four-year starter Clayton Thorson, and Clemson backup Johnson is expected to have the inside track. Coach Pat Fitzgerald also is giving fifth-year senior TJ Green a look. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)

Wake Forest at Clemson 10/7/2017

Apr. 19, 2019 11:02 AM EDT

Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa throws during the first half the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Clemson, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

AP Top 25 Heat Check: Wrapping up 2018 with eye toward 2019

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 08, 2019 12:30 PM EST

Northwestern offensive lineman Trey Klock (39) dives past Utah defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) for a touchdown during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah, Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Northwestern defense stuns No. 20 Utah 31-20 in Holiday Bowl

By Bernie Wilson Dec. 31, 2018 10:56 PM EST

Oklahoma State quarterback Taylor Cornelius tries to stiff-arm Missouri linebacker Terez Hall during the first half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game in Memphis, Tenn., Monday, Dec. 31, 2018. (Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal via AP)

Oklahoma State tops No. 24 Missouri 38-33 in Liberty Bowl

By The Associated Press Dec. 31, 2018 08:07 PM EST

Banged-up No. 20 Utah faces Northwestern in Holiday Bowl

By Bernie Wilson Dec. 30, 2018 05:38 PM EST
SAN DIEGO (AP) — It will be hard for Kyle Whittingham to ever top his experience in the Holiday Bowl. Now the coach of No. 20 Utah, Whittingham played...

Beat-up No. 20 Utes face Northwestern in Holiday Bowl

By The Associated Press Dec. 30, 2018 04:43 PM EST
Holiday Bowl: Northwestern (8-5) vs. No. 20 Utah (9-4, No. 17, CFP), at San Diego, Monday, 7 p.m. EST (FS1). Line: Utah by 7. Series...

Holiday Bowl Matchup

By The Associated Press Dec. 02, 2018 05:33 PM EST
No. 20 Utah (9-4, Pac-12) vs Northwestern (8-5, Big Ten), Dec. 31, 7 p.m. EST LOCATION: San Diego TOP PLAYERS Utah: LB...

Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) is tackled by Northwestern linebacker Blake Gallagher during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Ohio St beats Wildcats for Big Ten crown, hopes it's enough

By Michael Marot Dec. 02, 2018 12:03 AM EST

Fresno State wide receiver Derrion Grim (7) is tripped up by Boise State linebacker Tyson Maeva (58) after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

No. 1 Alabama rallies behind Hurts, tops No. 4 Georgia 35-28

By The Associated Press Dec. 01, 2018 05:25 PM EST

Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. (82) hits Georgia defensive back Tyson Campbell (3) in the helmet during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

The Latest: Playoff hopefuls make case, selections are next

By The Associated Press Dec. 01, 2018 12:24 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2018, file photo, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald, left, watches his team during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill. The program’s winningest coach by a wide margin, Fitzgerald has No. 21 Northwestern playing in the Big Ten championship game for the first time. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Fitzgerald, Northwestern eye Big Ten title upset, Rose Bowl

By Andrew Seligman Nov. 29, 2018 06:23 PM EST

Illinois kicker Chase McLaughlin (43) is congratulated by teammates after kicking a field goal against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Thorson helps No. 20 Northwestern beats Illinois 24-16

By John Jackson Nov. 24, 2018 06:53 PM EST

Texas A&M wide receiver Quartney Davis (1) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the seventh overtime of an NCAA college football game against LSU Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M won 74-72. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

No. 10 Ohio State routs No. 4 Michigan 62-39

By The Associated Press Nov. 24, 2018 05:01 PM EST

Northwestern looks to maintain edge over rival Illinois

By John Jackson Nov. 23, 2018 12:39 PM EST
EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — No. 20 Northwestern wants to keep the Land of Lincoln Trophy, so it's taking nothing for granted heading into its annual showdown with Illinois...

No. 20 Northwestern looks to avoid letdown against Illinois

By The Associated Press Nov. 21, 2018 08:19 AM EST
Illinois (4-7, 2-6 Big Ten) at No. 20 Northwestern (7-4, 7-1, No. 19 CFP), 3:30 EST (Big Ten Network). Line: Northwestern by 18. Series...