Northwestern vs. Auburn, 2009 Outback Bowl, Prediction Pick

This was supposed to be a game where my hometown Wisconsin Badgers were supposed to be the Big 10 representatives. And I know what the average War Eagle fan is thinking. Hey! We got Northwestern! This will be easy, am I right? WAR EAGLE!

Well, it is and it isn’t. See, scheme-wise? Northwestern will be ready for this. They run a very similar offense to what Gus Malzahn runs. And it’s not as if the Wildcats will get run over either. They went toe to toe with the Badgers and found them wanting. And to explain. The Badgers were 15th best against the run. Auburn is 13th. Tate and McCalebb aren’t going to have as easy of a game as you think.

But that being said? This is not your late-90′s Spread and Shred Wildcats. Their main way to move the ball down the field is via the pass. Andrew Brewer is a home run threat, and Zeke Marshausen is the posession guy. This bodes well for Auburn. Their defensive mishagoes were via the run. And Northwestern? Like I said previously, Damian Anderson isn’t going to be walking through that door.

The Outback Bowl missed an opportunity for a highly entertaining game by passing on Wisconsin. That would have been a battle to see. I’m not saying Northwestern is going to get launched. After all, they can stop the run and Auburn has inconsistency problems. But? Auburn has the sort of balance that I just don’t see Northwestern stopping twice.

I’m calling for a cover. And the under. Auburn 27 Northwestern 21.