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Prediction Roundtable: Big Ten Bowl Games

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of Big Ten logo on field prior to a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of Big Ten logo on field prior to a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 29-12. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 29-12. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Pinstripe Bowl

Northwestern vs. Pittsburgh

December 28, 2016 2:00 p.m.

New York, NY

Northwestern had to pull out a victory over rival Illinois in the last week of the regular season to become bowl eligible. It was a down year in Evanston for Pat Fitzgerald and company. Two losses to start the season made things tough on the Wildcats.

The Wildcats struggled to run the ball, but have a potent passing attack led by quarterback Clayton Thorson, who threw for 2,968 yards and 21 touchdowns. Catching most of his passes was Austin Carr, who led the Big Ten with 84 receptions.

Pittsburgh claimed one of the biggest upsets this season by defeating Clemson. The Panthers also picked up a win over Penn State and finished the regular season with eight victories.

Quarterback Nathan Peterman threw for 2,602 yards and 26 touchdowns. Talented running back James Conner was fantastic this season after returning from a battle with Hodgkin’s and rushed for 1,060 yards with 16 touchdowns.

Check out VBR’s predictions for the Pinstripe Bowl.

Site Expert Barry Leonard Jr: Northwestern 17   Pittsburgh 24

Contributor Marty Leap: Northwestern 40   Pittsburgh 42

Contributor Shane Lunnen: Northwestern 20   Pittsburgh 31

Contributor Corey Hunter: Northwestern 27   Pittsburgh 33

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