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Transition at various positions, namely quarterback, and a seismic conference shift likely influenced various pundits to downplay Northwestern’s chances in the Big Ten this season.

“That’s right where the ‘Cats want to be,” Wildcats coach David Braun said. “Chip on our shoulder. Little bit of edge to us. Underdog mentality in the way that we move every single day. And also coupling that with an understanding that the worst thing we can do is pay attention to the outside noise.”

Northwestern carries that outlook into Saturday afternoon’s opener in Evanston, Ill., against visiting Miami (Ohio), a nonconference foe with a strong history against the Wildcats.

The RedHawks lead the all-time series 7-3, with each victory coming on the road. Miami prevailed at Northwestern in the most recent meeting in September 2022, winning 17-14 on a field goal with 21 seconds left.

With leading rusher Cam Porter (651 yards, four touchdowns) back and former quarterback Ben Bryant lost to graduation from last season’s 8-5 Las Vegas Bowl champs, Northwestern figures to focus on the ground game.

While Braun wouldn’t name a starter under center this week, the mobility of leading candidates Jack Lausch and Mike Wright, a Mississippi State transfer, fit well into new offensive coordinator Zach Lujan’s system.

“The ability to extend plays, be a threat when scrambling, pick up first downs, keep the chains moving can certainly be utilized in the quarterback run game,” Braun said.

Miami finished 11-3 in 2023 and went to its third straight bowl game. The RedHawks lost to Appalachian State 13-9 in the Cure Bowl.

An attack led by quarterback Brett Gabbert and receivers Cade McDonald and Javon Tracy is eyeing big things. Gabbert passed for 1,634 yards and 14 touchdowns last season before a leg injury sidelined him for the final six games.

“Probably since the start of fall camp was when I started to feel kind of like myself again,” Gabbert said. “There was probably about 9 1/2 months where I didn’t know if I was going to be ready Week 1, didn’t know if I was going to do fall camp. … I’m ready to go.”

–Field Level Media