Big Ten Conference Bowl Games: Prediction roundtable

Music City Bowl

No. 21 Northwestern vs Kentucky

December 29, 2017 4:30 p.m. ET

Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tennessee

Northwestern quietly put together a solid season with a 9-3 record. After losing three of the first five games to start the year, the Wildcats reeled off seven straight wins to end the regular season. Junior quarterback Clayton Thorson threw for 2,800 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also proved to be a threat with his legs, rushing for eight touchdowns.

The Wildcat offense runs through Thorson, who has developed into one of the better quarterbacks in the Big Ten Conference. Running back Justin Jackson rushed for over 1,100 yards with nine touchdowns and was once again one of the top running backs in the Big Ten.

Kentucky started the year well, but lost three of the last four games to end the regular season with a 7-5 record. Wins over Tennessee and South Carolina could be considered the signature wins on the year for the Wildcats.

Ranking near the bottom of FBS in both points scored and points allowed, Kentucky could have a tough time with the pesky Wildcats from Northwestern.

Check out the VBR staff predictions for the Music City Bowl.

Co-Site Expert Barry Leonard Jr:  Northwestern 28  Kentucky 10

Co-Site Expert Collin Wieder: Northwestern 31 Kentucky 20

Contributor Corey Hunter: Northwestern 27  Kentucky 23

Contributor Marty Leap: Northwestern 28  Kentucky 13

Contributor Joe Ciminera: Northwestern 35  Kentucky 10

Contributor Dylan Burd: Northwestern 27  Kentucky 17

Contributor Shane Lunnen: Northwestern 34  Kentucky 17