Back to the Big Ten Newsfeed

How Northwestern -- yes, Northwestern -- became one of Big Ten's best passing teams

When Clayton Thorson earned Northwestern's starting quarterback job as a redshirt freshman before the 2015 season, teammates and coaches understood his maturation would require time. Becoming a vocal leader, better comprehending the offense, learning to handle in-game setbacks and even aligning his feet properly under duress were all tasks that couldn't simply be gleaned overnight through the rigors of the Big Ten grind.

So while Northwestern won 10 games that season, it was based largely on the strength of tailback Justin Jackson and the Wildcats' running game. Thorson threw more interceptions (nine) than touchdown passes (seven) and didn't find much consistent help from his receivers.